Rotor size

mr_eddy

So my Scott Spark that I picked up from fleabay is steadily coming together, I have had a few unforseen issues along the way including the Tektro Auriga brakes that it came with being totally screwed. I thought a break bleed with new pads would fix but the whole system is just knackered (corroded hose / rounded off bleed screw)

Anyway to get me up and running again I got a cheap set of Clarks Skeletal discs (160/160) - Seems a bit criminal to put a low cost heavy brakeset on a light FS but I just wanted to get out and ride and funds are tight at the mo - If a deal comes up for some decent XT or Formula brakes after next pay day I may give them a go.

I have had the new brakes on for a few days and to bed them in I thought I would do my commute on the bike for a few days as its relatively low speed, flat-ish and is cycle path the whole way. I have racked up 16 miles on the new brakes and have done lots of slowing / speeding up etc to bed in the brakes but they just don't seem to have the power I have had on other hydro brakes even from 5 years ago.

I still have the Tektro 180mm rotors and brackets to allow 180mm rotors etc so my question is would changing to 180/180 make a big difference in brake performance ? I am a fairly heavy bloke and with my rucksack on I probably come in around 88kg.

If its much of a muchness then I won't bother (wheels are already pretty heavy as it is !).

jimothy78

Those Skeletal brakes aren't the best anyway, but the rotor size probably isn't helping. 180mm on at least the front is fairly ubiquitous for any proper off-road riding (that would necessitate a full-susser, anyway). Bigger guys often go for 180 front and rear, or even 180mm rear, 203mm front.

In terms of how much difference it actually makes; all other things being equal, a change from 160 to 180 gives a 12.5% increase in stopping power (before you factor in any extra difference that the increased volume of material makes in reducing heat-fade).

Herdwick

If the brakes are weak/farked the bigger discs will not solve it, buy a descend pair of shimanos deore and be done with it, don't bother with formulas, not so trust worthy

mr_eddy

I will look at a higher up brakeset at somepoint like Deore / XT but as mentioned funds are a bit tight at the mo so even a cheap pair of deore's are not an option. I just need to be able to manage for 3 weeks until payday and I have a ride planned that I can't cancel on so just wanted to know if the 180mm front rotor would at least give me a bit of extra power. the 12.5% increase sounds promising. I will probably give it a go then get a decent set when funds allow.

Thanks

step83

Id assume it will but worth checking the fork can deal with a larger rotor. Also factor in the new mounts on the cost. I cant imagine it wont but just to be safe.