Disc brake - replacing 6 bolt w/ centerlock
 

Can a wheel w/ 160mm centerlock disc rotors be substituted for one w/ 6" 6 bolt rotors?

I've got a 6 bolt disc shimano non-series freehub (FH-M475 I believe). The dust cap is dented and torn, the cone is scratched on seal rings torn. I've cleaned it up (new bearings and phil wood grease) so it's tolerable for my daily commute, but I realize the best option is to replace the hub - it'll be cheaper and a better fix in the end.

I've built a couple wheels, so am comfortable there.

Lots of places sell shimano disc freehubs in the $20-50 range. I'm leaning towards a Deore LX, but depending where I shop either the centerlock or 6 bolt flavor is cheaper. The upside of sticking w/ 6 bolt is I can re-use my rotor, but if centerlock is mechanically superior, and would work w/ my stock shimano deore calipers, now seems like a good opportunity.

Thoughts?

Thanks
-S

Hey, Smurf-

I can give you my own experience only. I have XTR centerlock hubs fr. and rr. with Hayes HFX9's, Hayes 6" v rotors, DT Suisse centerlock adapters, work/align perfectly. But that may not help you much. I tried.

Thanks I guess.

The more pressing question, are 6 inch rotors the same actual size as 160mm rotors?

The math isn't exact:
160mm == 6.29 inches

Or the other way:
6 inches == 152.4mm

Yes. The 6" moniker is only for identifying a 160mm rotor.