different size brake rotors

[Ken Robb]

Help me understand how we can change the size rotors that we use on the same bike. Doesn't a different size rotor require moving the caliper? Are there mounting adapters for calipers to accommodate a change of rotor size?

[eddief]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpe6YcY94rw

[jtakeda]

Help me understand how we can change the size rotors that we use on the same bike. Doesn't a different size rotor require moving the caliper? Are there mounting adapters for calipers to accommodate a change of rotor size?

Definite yes. Different size adapter

[Ken Robb]

So showing even more of my ignorance wouldn't changing the size of the rotors change the leverage/sensitivity of braking i.e. bigger rotor= more leverage/braking force for a given pressure on the brake lever?

[witcombusa]

So showing even more of my ignorance wouldn't changing the size of the rotors change the leverage/sensitivity of braking i.e. bigger rotor= more leverage/braking force for a given pressure on the brake lever?

Yes. If you're bigger than the average cyclist or like one finger braking, larger rotors are your friend.
On a recent road bike went up one size on the front (from 160 to 180). For MTB use I went up one size on both front and rear discs. (from 160 to 180 rear, and from 180 to 203 front)

[dem]

Samesy.. I went to a 180 front on my gravel bike, I really punish brakes. Pads I get 500 to 1000 miles out of, rotors 1500-2500.

With 500 miles the 180 seems much better, but time will tell.

[pbarry]

Ken, are your brakes properly setup? Air in the system, improperly bedded pads and a few other things can cause less than optimal braking. If everything is good and you still want more braking power, then bigger rotors will make a difference.

[FriarQuade]

It's kind of funny seeing these questions pop up all over again.

As you brake your weight shifts forward and the front wheel has more traction, thus can do significantly more of the work. Seeing how slowing down is always limited by traction in a wheeled vehicle. So it's pretty much standard to have bigger brakes in the front. You'll find this setup in pretty much every wheeled vehicle with brakes. Running the same sized rotors is the odd way to do it, but does have it's merits in some applications.

[PeregrineA1]

I run 180’s on my MTB’s and 160’s on my gravel bike. 200#’s of rider. I eat pads at a very close to equal rate and rotors equally close to equal every 1700-1900 miles. YMMV.


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[wallymann]

...So it's pretty much standard to have bigger brakes in the front. You'll find this setup in pretty much every wheeled vehicle with brakes.

you'll find similar sized brakes F/R in harley-davidsons...not exactly a paragon of braking performance, but there it is. :-P

[witcombusa]

you'll find similar sized brakes F/R in harley-davidsons...not exactly a paragon of braking performance, but there it is. :-P

You can count on the boys from Milwaukee to show you what best to avoid...

[Bentley]

I don’t recall going thru a set of rim brake pads in 2000mi, but I live in Flat Florida so that might explain it.

[Ken Robb]

Ken, are your brakes properly setup? Air in the system, improperly bedded pads and a few other things can cause less than optimal braking. If everything is good and you still want more braking power, then bigger rotors will make a difference.

I just wanted to learn about disc brakes for bicycles. All my bikes have rim brakes which work fine for my riding.

[SoCalSteve]

I just wanted to learn about disc brakes for bicycles. All my bikes have rim brakes which work fine for my riding.

I went through the same learning curve recently. It’s actually not all that complicated as flat mount frames-calipers have become the road bike standard and 140-160 rotors work seamlessly ( with an adaptor for 160 ).

I’ve been swapping out pads and rotors trying to find the perfect combination for ( close to ) silent braking. Been a fun adventure!

If anyone cares, the best combo I found is : Swisstop organic yellow pads and SRAM Centerline XR rotors. Not a cheap combination, but works very well.

Oh yeah, there are two styles of disc mounts. 6 bolt and centerlock. You can get adaptors to turn 6 bolt into centerlock. Centerlock is really easy to install-remove.

Good luck!