Upgrading brake discs

JonnyB_UK
JonnyB_UK Posts: 13
edited November 2011 in MTB beginners
Being a bit of a fat lad (on the naughty side of 100kg) I've found my brakes (hayes strikers ryde) don't have enough stopping power for my liking so I'm looking at larger discs. Does this sound like a suitable solution? And how do I move the caliper outwards so it sits correctly on the larger discs, is there some sort of adaptor?
Thanks!

Comments

  • 1mancity2
    1mancity2 Posts: 2,355
    Increasing rotors will increase power, what size do you have atm? what forks?
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  • JonnyB_UK
    JonnyB_UK Posts: 13
    At the mo its 160/160 with rock shox dart 3's
  • benpinnick
    benpinnick Posts: 4,148
    The darts will struggle with anything over 180 I expect, as the forks aren't stiff enough. I would consider a 180 on the front (£15 from superstar for disc and adaptor) and see how that feels. You could also consider moving to organic pads too - more power but they'll wear out quicker. On the back, if you cant lock the rear wheel even on a 160 then you have something wrong.
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  • JonnyB_UK
    JonnyB_UK Posts: 13
    I was looking at 203mm but I guess that may be overkill! I can lock the back wheel but not if my weight is over the back if that makes sense.
  • 1mancity2
    1mancity2 Posts: 2,355
    The darts won't cope with a 203 rotor, try a 180/ 183 that should help also how old are the brakes? what pads do you use? as ben says changing pads could be all you need to do, check out www.superstarcomponents.co.uk good pads, rotors etc
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  • JonnyB_UK
    JonnyB_UK Posts: 13
    The brakes are only about 800 miles old and most of that is commuting, they still have plenty of compound left on them. I think I'll get a 180 ordered and see how it works out.
    Thanks guys
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    You'll need an adapter as well.
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  • thegiantbiker
    thegiantbiker Posts: 212
    Back when I had Darts, I checked on the rockshox website and it said 160mm was the largest rotor they'd take. Maybe you should check their site before you buy anything.
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  • benpinnick
    benpinnick Posts: 4,148
    What they say and what you can get away with are not usually the same!
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  • JonnyB_UK
    JonnyB_UK Posts: 13
    Why does the fork dictate the size of the discs, it looks like there's plenty of space?
  • angry_bird
    angry_bird Posts: 3,787
    JonnyB_UK wrote:
    Why does the fork dictate the size of the discs, it looks like there's plenty of space?

    Because as everyone knows a larger disc will give you more stopping power. Darts aren't strong enough or stiff enough to safely cope with increased forces this generates.
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  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    They will snap in half and you will die.
    Or maybe not.
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  • JonnyB_UK
    JonnyB_UK Posts: 13
    Aha! That makes sense...
  • Ghostt
    Ghostt Posts: 192
    My (beloved) old carrera had a set of dart 2's with a 180mm front rotor fitted as standard, so some darts must be able to take them!
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  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Darts can take 180/3 just don't go any bigger.

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