MTB Disc Brake Rotors, stop in time!
On your Mountain Bike, your braking system is one of the most important part to keep in perfect working condition.
Hydraulic or mechanic
disc brakes are using a Rotor as braking surface. When the rider touch the brake lever, rotor and pads come into contact. The friction created slow down the Bike.
If your rotors are not going to wear as fast as your
brake pads, you still need to check them on a regular basis to see any signs of wear.
Which MTB Disc Brake Rotors do I need
First of all, you will need to check the compatibility with your
wheels: The hubs need to have mounts to attach a rotor.
Low end mountain bikes are equipped with V-Brakes. This system is using the rims as braking surface which means these bikes don't have a rotor mount.
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Rotor Mounting: two main standards are available on the market: Six Bolt and Centrelock (or centerlock).
Six Bolt systems have hubs with 6 holes to secure the rotor wtih Torx Heads bolts.
Centrelock (or centerlock) systems are used by Shimano. Rotors are secured with a lockring. Please note, a specific tool is needed.
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Rotor Width: calipers are designed for a specific rotor thickness. Whereas you can change the rotot diameter with adapters, you will need to follow manufacturer's recommendation concerning the rotor width: thick or thin rotors.
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Rotor Diameter: the rotor diameter is very important. A bigger rotor will offer more braking power. Common sizes are 160mm, 180mm and 203mm.
160mm rotors are generally designed for XC bikes as they are light and provide enough stopping power.
Gravity riders (Enduro and All mountain) will choose 180mm rotors. They are the perfect balance between weight and stopping power.
203mm rotors are designed for Downhill bikes as braking power is more important than weight saving.
Some Riders are sometimes using a combination (for example 203mm up front and 180mm rear) as 70% of the total braking is generally done with the front brake and 30% with the rear brake.
At Alltricks.com, find a large range of MTB Brake Rotors from the best brands in the world: Shiman, Hope, Avid, Magura...