disc brakes: 180 front, 140 rear?
06-23-16, 08:52 PM
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disc brakes: 180 front, 140 rear?
I rarely see any configs where the front is more than 1 size bigger than the rear (e.g. 180/160, or 160/140), and just as - if not more common - they're the same (e.g. 160/160). Why not go 180 front and 140 rear? This config came to me for 2 reasons: 1. Want more stopping power from mechanical disc road brakes 2. Currently have 160/160, and noticed quite a bit of dings/scratches on the rear drop out, right around where the rotor comes closest to it. a 140 disc would have a good bit more clearance. (I can't believe it'd been able to torque over that far, but the scratches didn't make themselves.)
06-23-16, 09:32 PM
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Non omnino gravis
I would definitely check to see if your frame can accommodate a rear rotor smaller than 160. Mine is 160 and post-mount, and won't fit anything smaller. I am running 180 in the front (stock was 160) and immediately noticed better braking balance.
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06-24-16, 11:03 AM
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+1 check that the mounting brackets/hardware can put the caliper in a position to accommodate the rotors you want, if that's ok, then more (braking) power to you!
06-25-16, 10:55 PM
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appreciate the feedback on sizing up, also; sounds like a good plan.
06-27-16, 10:04 AM
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My Soma Saga's fork can't take a 180mm disc. It doesn't really matter, when I'm heating up my brakes it's from dragging them. If I have to drag a brake, I drag the rear brake, much safer if I have to turn (esp when it's wet or icy). If you look at some downhiller's bikes, the rear disc is bigger than the front because they almost never use the front brake.
Last edited by Mr IGH; 06-27-16 at 10:09 AM.
06-29-16, 10:02 AM
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On a related subject, I have 160 mm front/140 mm rear, and the rear brakes seem to give me more stopping power than the front. Does this sound right? I've never ridden another bike with disc brakes and have nothing to compare it to.
06-29-16, 10:46 AM
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does not sound right to me. Front brakes generally provide more stopping power because of weight distribution especially as you are thrown forward while stopping, and a larger rotor should make that difference even bigger
06-29-16, 10:53 AM
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Fronts do more of the work because of weight transfer and a larger rotor will accommodate that better.
That's why virtually all cars have larger front brakes...
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06-29-16, 10:58 AM
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Not that we are talking about the same kind of bikes... the Surly Pugsley comes with 180/160 stock.
