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Upper quality rotors?

Old 09-26-23, 11:42 AM
  #1  
Tomm Willians
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Upper quality rotors?

Is there such a thing as “top quality” rotors or do they all function more or less the same? I had a set of Hope RX4 brakes installed on my Pivot in place of the SRAM Rival and must say I like them very much. Now wondering if rotor selection could make a further impact?
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Old 09-26-23, 12:15 PM
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I do not see why there should be difference in stopping power if the pads are correctly bedded in.
There are other parameters like heat dissipation (some rotors have aluminum fins for this), mechanical strength/heat resistance (some rotors are rated for organic pads only and can allegedly get warped if used with metallic pads), cut out holes for water displacement etc.
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Old 09-26-23, 01:13 PM
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Short answer is no.

Longer answer.

What matters most is that the pads fit properly and don't overhang the rotor's edge. If your brakes and frame can accommodate it, a larger rotor helps, especially in front. Drilled holes help slightly improving cooling which might help if you have multiple slowing in close order, more for mtb vs. road. Likewise, a thicker rotor will be able to take up more heat, which might help a heavier rider or in hiller terrain.

Other than the larger diameter rotor, all the above are marginal improvements only worth worrying about if you truly need to squeeze more out b what you have now.

Overall, proper instalationand btaek in counts the most.
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Old 09-26-23, 01:52 PM
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In addition to being rated for semi metallic and using the largest diameter rotors recommended by the manufacture of your bicycle. You can also find ebike specific rotors that are thicker. Quality wise TricStuff rotors are about the best when you can find them.
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Old 09-26-23, 02:01 PM
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In my experience, Shimano center-lock with heat-dissipating fins are the best. (Ultegra, Dura Ace, XT(R)).
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Old 09-26-23, 02:32 PM
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I've seen some rotors that claim they are better for resin pads and some say they are good for either. As for a premium rotor, other than a brand name you trust, what would the criteria be for a premium rotor?
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Old 09-26-23, 08:10 PM
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Hi Folks,

I had a budget rotor that was 'pulsing' when braking.
Thickness varied from 1.81mm to 1.89mm.
Grinding it all to 1.81 solved the pulsing.
Am guessing better grade rotors have more consistent thickness?

Thanks and good health, Weogo
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Old 09-26-23, 10:32 PM
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We run magura floating rotor spec ed for ebikes on our tandem, it is a step up from the ice tech Shimano equivalent when it comes to heat management and noise when wet, 203mm diameter 6bolt only. I guess it depends on what sort of riding you do and your braking technique
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Old 09-27-23, 12:11 AM
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Trickstuff HD rotors are 25 percent stronger than many of the other rotors and over 2mm thick. They are chamfered at the outer edge so they slide between the brake pads easier.
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