Mountain Biking - Disk replacement time

I need to replace my XT brake disks as they are at minimum thickness. Currently I'm running the "resin only" disks with resin pads but I'm thinking about changing to something else.

Any recommendations? Mostly I'm only climbing with descending the same hill/trail on the return at moderate speeds.

1. What's "minimum thickness"?
2. What don't you like about them that you want to change them...change for the sake of change?
3. What size? How bout trying the next size up so you don't grind them to "minimum thickness" so quickly?


I don't think there's anything wrong with what ya got...my size suggestion sounds good, if I say so myself.

3. What size? How bout trying the next size up


Do you really think SIZE matters?

1. What's "minimum thickness"?
2. What don't you like about them that you want to change them...change for the sake of change?
3. What size? How bout trying the next size up so you don't grind them to "minimum thickness" so quickly?


I don't think there's anything wrong with what ya got...my size suggestion sounds good, if I say so myself.

There is no "next size up" in this context. That would relate to rotor diameter (ie: going from 160 to 180) and not thickness of the braking surface.

As to that, the minimum cross-sectional thickness of the rotor brake swept area is .15" If the rotor is thinner than that it should be replaced (just like on your car. Too thin = worn out). At this point I'm just wondering if there is a benefit to be had from going to metal pads and a different rotor. Shimano has several different types. Perhaps an aftermarket rotor/pad setup would give better erformance on those long downhills where the brake heats up a bit after a few miles.

Plus, I have a slightly warped rear rotor which should be replaced anyway. And, it's time to change the pads.

So, are there other options I should be thinking about other than just staying with the resin pads?

Well no shizzle, numbnutz.

The larger diameter will help you stop equally well (better actually) with less rotor wear because the friction is spread over a longer brake path before it overlaps itself. If you're wearing out 160's with normal trail riding...buy some 185's and they'll last you longer.


Good lord.



I like EBC green pads with normal old steel rotors.

OK, fine. You win whatever internet macho contest you're playing here. All I wanted were ideas on what might be better than what I have now.

Thanks for the steel rotor / organic pad recommendation.

If you don't want me to throw obvious in your face...don't do the same to me.

What I really want to know is: Why do people list their bikes as a sig, as if it is some sort of resume? Is that a road thing? Does a windy description after the year, make and model add points? Are others impressed/rebuffed/intimidated/nonplussed when they read them? Should we list our cars, trucks, houses, marital status, no. of kids too? Or should we just do it with stick-figure decals like soccer moms do on the back windows of their SUVs?

Na - stick with sponsors

What I really want to know is: Why do people list their bikes as a sig, as if it is some sort of resume? Is that a road thing? Does a windy description after the year, make and model add points? Are others impressed/rebuffed/intimidated/nonplussed when they read them? Should we list our cars, trucks, houses, marital status, no. of kids too? Or should we just do it with stick-figure decals like soccer moms do on the back windows of their SUVs?

LOL I often wonder about that to, seems a trend in all kinds of forums. cars, firearms, cameras, I bet if you went to a forum of Pez dispensers you would find it there. I was thinking something simple and to the point like "More S#$! than I know what to do with"

Do you really think SIZE matters?

To tell ya honestly sscyco...it think it would be minimal at best, but worth a try. I have a 140 on the rear of my Komodo and it's def. wearing faster than my old 7" rotors. It's a little more drastic though.

^^ I run 8" on the front of all my bikes - no reason not to - pads wear better and more control.

^^ I run 8" on the front of all my bikes - no reason not to - pads wear better and more control.Liar!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_haCltcUpKTI/TS_CQgRphWI/AAAAAAAAAbU/3kVtw20SYi8/s512/DSC_0001.JPG

^^Ok, Ok - just the ones that need to slow down.....