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Do Disc brake rotors work for almost any wheel size?

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Do Disc brake rotors work for almost any wheel size?

Old 03-28-21, 07:47 PM
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Mr.Dangerous
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Do Disc brake rotors work for almost any wheel size?

I am building a bike and the back wheel is 26'', getting a 160mm rotor for it. But the front wheel will be 24'' or 20'' (building a cruiser)... Can I still use a 160mm rotor for 24 and 20 inch wheel?

Thanks!
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Old 03-28-21, 08:18 PM
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Bigger the rotor smaller the wheel more stopping power so you should consider that. You may not want a 160 rotor on such a small wheel you might get too much woah. But yes theoretically you can use any rotor so long as it will fit in the frame with the brake on the hub.
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Old 03-28-21, 08:37 PM
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+1. It's about the leverages involved. The same size rotor had greater leverage over a smaller wheel the a larger wheel. Andy
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Old 03-28-21, 08:44 PM
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Some sort of elongated fork if you're shrinking the wheel? As others mentioned smaller wheels stop easier but the further back from the front you are the less of a concern it becomes. So a 20" wheel on a chopper style cruiser might skid or it just might have enough weight at an angle that makes the brakes more effective.
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Old 03-29-21, 12:50 AM
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It will have more "leverage" on a smaller diameter wheel.
In the end, heat dissipation will be the same issue (or not) if you are making high speed mountain descents.
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Old 03-29-21, 01:06 AM
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