Choosing a Rotor Size
02-12-07 | 03:31 PM
#1
Thread Starter
MINIdude
Joined: Oct 2004
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Bikes: Nirve Beach Cruiser, Felt Road Cycle
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...
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...
02-12-07 | 03:36 PM
#2
Thread Starter
MINIdude
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 99
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Bikes: Nirve Beach Cruiser, Felt Road Cycle
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.
02-12-07 | 04:43 PM
#4
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MINIdude
Joined: Oct 2004
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Bikes: Nirve Beach Cruiser, Felt Road Cycle
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!
02-12-07 | 04:59 PM
#7
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MINIdude
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Bikes: Nirve Beach Cruiser, Felt Road Cycle
Haha... Nice...
So, Performance Bike Shop's website actually has some pretty good info. They agreed with what's been said above...
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.
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.
02-12-07 | 04:59 PM
#8
Originally Posted by Madoner
I like 10 inches in the rear
i'll keep it clean, no comment.
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Tomac Mountain Bikes | Light-Bikes l Magura USA | Industry Nine | Schwalbe Tires | Caffélatex
Tomac Mountain Bikes | Light-Bikes l Magura USA | Industry Nine | Schwalbe Tires | Caffélatex
02-12-07 | 08:28 PM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Boulderado
Bikes: Intense SS, Old spesh P series, ski/snow bike, fixie conversion
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.
02-13-07 | 11:47 AM
#13
Thread Starter
MINIdude
Joined: Oct 2004
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Bikes: Nirve Beach Cruiser, Felt Road Cycle
Originally Posted by mikejo
Only Juicy Fives? Check out eBay.
I recently got a new pair of 2007 juicy carbons for $260.
I recently got a new pair of 2007 juicy carbons for $260.
Last edited by KiLO; 02-13-07 at 12:02 PM.
02-13-07 | 12:15 PM
#14
OTB
Joined: Aug 2005
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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.
02-13-07 | 12:48 PM
#16
OTB
Joined: Aug 2005
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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!
bikes4less2005
02-13-07 | 06:22 PM
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 192
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From: ELDO, California ( El Dorado Hills, near sacto)
Bikes: Devinci Ollie
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".
02-14-07 | 01:58 PM
#20
B*ck From Th* D**d
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,527
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From: Lower Mainland, BC
Bikes: 2015 Kona Process 153
Bigger the better.
02-20-07 | 02:55 PM
#21
Thread Starter
MINIdude
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 99
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Bikes: Nirve Beach Cruiser, Felt Road Cycle
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!
