How do I know what brake rotors to get for my bike?
5 min read
Asked by: Danielle Caceres
How do I know which rotors I need?
Call your local OEM dealer and ask for the original rotor sizes or OEM rotor/pads part numbers based on your vehicle’s VIN number (VIN# is referenced in your ownership papers). The dealership may not tell you the rotor size, but they will give you the genuine part numbers for your vehicle.
Do bike brake rotors matter?
The bigger the rotor, the more braking power you get and better heat distribution, but also the greater the weight. Usually downhillers go for 205mm rotors on the front and 180 on the rear. For more calm disciplines like XC 160mm rotors are more common.
How do I know what size brake discs I need?
HOW TO MEASURE A BRAKE DISC
- ID = Inside Diameter: Measure from inside edge to inside edge.
- OD = Outside Diameter: Measure from outside edge to outside edge.
- Measurement from inside edge of mounting hole to inside edge of bolt hole.
- Bolt hole diameter: measure from inside edge of bolt hole to opposite inside edge.
What kind of brakes does my bike need?
There are four major types of bike brakes: disc, rim, coaster, and drum brakes. In general, disc brakes and rim brakes are considered the most popular and commonly used. Still, each of these brakes offers a unique set of benefits, features, and compatibility with specific cycling disciplines.
Does the size of the rotor matter?
The simplest brake upgrade, to gain sheer stopping power, is upsizing rotor size. You can exchange brake pads, experimenting with different material compounds for feel and durability, but rotor size has a much more significant influence on absolute brake performance.
Are all brake rotors the same?
When it comes time to replace your rotors, keep in mind that not all rotors are made the same. In fact, there are four different types to choose from, so before replacing your vehicle’s rotors, make sure you’re choosing the right one for your needs.
How long do bike rotors last?
The life of a bicycle rotor is typically around 2-5 years. One reason for this is that it can be difficult to tell if your rotor needs replacement or not because there are no warning signs. This makes it easy for owners to overpay on replacements by waiting too long.
Can I use any rotor with disc brakes?
Generally, disk brake rotors of same diameter are thought of as cross-compatible, but there are some edge cases when this might not be true: Rotor thickness might not be the same across manufacturers and disk brake calipers might be designed with thicker/thinner rotor in mind.
Can I put bigger rotors on my bike?
Yes, but there isn’t much in it at all. SRAM and Shimano both claim a weight gain of just 20g per rotor when switching from a 140 to a 160mm size, and if your frame is designed to take 160mm rotors natively, you can throw away the adaptor that many setups use.
How do I choose brake discs?
The best way to ensure you get the correct brake discs is to check the diameter of the brake discs already fitted. The diameter and thickness of the disc is illustrated below. To measure the diameter you may not have to remove the wheel, however it would make the measuring process easier.
How do you measure disc rotors?
Quote from video: But if you had a big set of calipers you'd be able to do it. But one simple way that we found is you take a big piece of paper. And rip a little hole in it just like that and now it's over the rotor.
Are front and rear rotors the same size?
The front and rear brake rotors are not the same. The front rotors are bigger than the rear rotors. So, technically, they do not perform the same job. The front rotors handle most of the braking power, and that’s why the front pads wear faster than the rear pads.
Do bigger rotors stop better?
Having bigger rotors means better heat transfer and better performance stopping.
When should I replace my bike rotor?
Rotors also need to be replaced when the total thickness of the braking surface is less than 1.5mm. If you’ve had your rotor for a while or suspect it’s getting thin, use a set of Vernier calipers to measure, or have your shop do it.
Are heavier brake rotors better?
Quote from video: Похожие запросы
Are rotors universal?
Brake rotors and pads are not universal to all cars but can be interchangeable between certain vehicles. The sizing of the pads and rotors, hub bore/pattern, and wheel size are just a few factors that have to be checked before even attempting a swap.
How do I choose brake discs?
The best way to ensure you get the correct brake discs is to check the diameter of the brake discs already fitted. The diameter and thickness of the disc is illustrated below. To measure the diameter you may not have to remove the wheel, however it would make the measuring process easier.
Are front and rear rotors the same size?
The front and rear brake rotors are not the same. The front rotors are bigger than the rear rotors. So, technically, they do not perform the same job. The front rotors handle most of the braking power, and that’s why the front pads wear faster than the rear pads.
How do you measure rotor thickness?
To measure your rotor’s minimum operational thickness, place a micrometer at the thinnest point on the rotor’s surface where it meets the brake pads. If your rotor has worn past this thickness or needs to be cut, you need new rotors.
How thick should my rotors be?
Quote from video: You can find the minimum operational thickness engraved on the side of the rotor. Within the veins of the rotor. Or on the head of the rotor.
Are thicker rotors better?
The biggest benefit of increasing the size of your rotors is improved heat dissipation. When you use your brake rotors and pads hard (for example, at the track), they heat up faster. As a result, these parts will have a hard time cooling down.