Mountain Biking - 8" Rotor Question

This is a question that I'm sure most of you know.........

What is the advantage of an 8" rotor over a 6" rotor? Obviously they dissipate heat better due to a greater surface area, but is the real advantage that you will have greater stopping power before you lock up the wheel?

I'm at the point where I'm starting to lock things up a bit too much when coming down steep singletrack and was wondering if an 8" front might help.

Thanks in Advance.....

The 8" will work noticably better, but if you are locking up too easy now you will definately lock uo too easy with an 8" Try not to use such a heavy hand. What I do is put 2 fingers on my right lever (rear) and one finger on my left (front). That way if I panic I'm more likely to lock up the rear brake first and probably won't be in such a bind...

I'll try only using one finger on the front brake. That's an easy fix and it's free!

If I do decide to give the 8" front rotor a shot, is there way to use my existing caliper? Seems Like there should just be a "spacer" that moves it out a little further from the fork to accomodate the larger rotor. Does anyone make such an animal?

Depends on the brand, but with Hayes all you do is change the adapter. About $15 per wheel plus the cost of the rotor. I'm not sure about other brands.

I really liked the modulation of the 8" but since the tolerances are already very close, any lateral movement is magnified by the greater diameter. I could never keep them from rubbing...

I agree with MikeOK. I was going to switch to an 8" rotor, but for 95% of my riding my 6" was more than enough. I figure why fix it if it aint broken.

Many people running 8" rotors have a slight rubbing. (moreso than with a 6"). It's minimal, but it is there!

You will get a lot more braking power out of an 8". So, it really depends on if you NEED an 8". Or, you've got $$$$ to spend and WANT an 8".

Me? I'll spend my $ on something else! Then again, I live in FL, where our biggest descent takes .15 secs!

L8R