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Choosing a Rotor Size

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Old 02-12-07, 03:31 PM
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Choosing a Rotor Size

Did a search, but nothing too substantial really turned up...

I'm in the market for some Avid Juicy Fives (open to suggestions though @ approximately $250). This will be my first set of disc brakes...

I've been using V-Brakes but they just aren't cutting it anymore for the type of riding I'm doing. I'm not a downhill rider, but more of an XC/Freeride kinda guy. Even the riding that I'm doing now is pushing the limits of the V-Brakes I have, and I'm also planning to hit the local mountains in the spring (so I guess I will be doing a small bit of downhill). Also, I ride a Gary Fisher Cake 3, incase that matters to anyone

That said, I noticed that there are a few different sizes of rotors that you can get with the Juicy Fives - 160mm, 185mm, 203mm. I was originally just going to go with the smaller rotors. What are your thoughts on this? Does the larger rotor give you much more stopping power? I also weigh about 205 lbs., so I'm wondering if that would possibly factor in.

Thanks in advance for your advice and input...
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Old 02-12-07, 03:36 PM
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Found this in Mr. Smashy's FAQ (which is very thourough BTW)...

-8" Rotors are not necessary for XC use unless you are sporting a 29er, since 29ers produce more rotational force you're going to need a more powerful setup for the incresed rotational force.
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Old 02-12-07, 03:46 PM
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I'd go 160 on rear 185 on front.

Juicie5s have a lot of grab.
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Old 02-12-07, 04:43 PM
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You know, I never thought about it until now, but the theory is similar to that behind car brakes. Usually rotors are larger in the front than the rear. Thanks for the advice!
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Old 02-12-07, 04:46 PM
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I would go 7" in front, 6" in back too.
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Old 02-12-07, 04:55 PM
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I like 10 inches in the rear
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Old 02-12-07, 04:59 PM
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Haha... Nice...

So, Performance Bike Shop's website actually has some pretty good info. They agreed with what's been said above...

Disc Rotor Size - How big the disc is.

Max Rotor Size is determined by the frame/fork manufacturer. Frames and forks must have extra clearance designed into them to take oversized rotors. If you are interested in oversized rotors and unsure of the maximum rotor size for your equipment, contact your bike or fork manufacturer.

:: 160mm (or 165mm) 6 inch standard for Cross-Country and most riding.

:: 180mm (or 185mm) ideal for larger riders, riders who see a lot of tough conditions or steep down hill sections and Freeride. This size is very popular for the front disc paired with a 160mm rear.

:: 203mm Suited for Downhill use and large riders who see tough conditions. Usually requires a frame or fork designed for oversized rotors.

It is not uncommon to spec a larger diameter disc rotor for the front and a standard 6 inch rotor for the back. Most braking power is supplied by the front brake, so you can maximize performance and reduce expense/weight by running a more standard 6 inch rotor in the rear.
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Old 02-12-07, 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Madoner
I like 10 inches in the rear


i'll keep it clean, no comment.
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Old 02-12-07, 05:31 PM
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160 in rear and 170 in front
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Old 02-12-07, 08:07 PM
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Hell, you could even get away with V's in the back and 170's in front if you're not worried about mud or water.
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Old 02-12-07, 08:28 PM
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Originally Posted by DevilsGT2
Hell, you could even get away with V's in the back and 170's in front if you're not worried about mud or water.
But there is much more mud and water now.
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Old 02-12-07, 09:04 PM
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Only Juicy Fives? Check out eBay.
I recently got a new pair of 2007 juicy carbons for $260.
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Old 02-13-07, 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by mikejo
Only Juicy Fives? Check out eBay.
I recently got a new pair of 2007 juicy carbons for $260.
Dang! That's a good price. I can't find any Juicy Carbons on ebaY for less than $350. I found a set for around $250, but that was without rotors and some other hardware.

Last edited by KiLO; 02-13-07 at 12:02 PM.
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Old 02-13-07, 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by KiLO
Dang! That's a good price. I can't find any Juicy Carbons on ebaY for less than $350. I found a set for around $250, but that was without rotors and some other hardware.
When you do your searches just type in Avid Juicy. Most people are looking for Sevens and therefore miss the carbons and they get much less attention on eBay.
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Old 02-13-07, 12:22 PM
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Yeah, that's what I did - Avid Juicy. Didn't find anything that cheap... I will have to keep looking... That's a great deal!
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Old 02-13-07, 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by KiLO
Yeah, that's what I did - Avid Juicy. Didn't find anything that cheap... I will have to keep looking... That's a great deal!
That is lowest I ever have seen them so I consider myself lucky. Here is the guy selling them occasionally.
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Old 02-13-07, 01:26 PM
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Thanks for the tip Mike... I added him to my fav sellers list.
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Old 02-13-07, 06:22 PM
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So i know this has been posted many times throughout the forum, but check out Unrealcycles.com. I think they are selling the fives for 84 a piece for 7".
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Old 02-14-07, 01:02 PM
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Oooh, nice... I checked it out, that's a good deal! I may end up doing that.
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Old 02-14-07, 01:58 PM
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Bigger the better.
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Old 02-20-07, 02:55 PM
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Just ordered some Juicy 7's, 185mm F/R. The guys over at unrealcycles.com are awesome, and they have some amazing prices goin' right now. Since I weigh 207 lbs., I think the 185mm F/R was a good decision. Can't wait to get 'em on!
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