[elgordo]

i understand that a large rotor will provide more braking "power" for a given amount of cable tension or hydraulic pressure but why mixed sizes?

The Cdale Prophet MX uses what looks like 185 F and 160 R and I was wondering why not just go 185 F & R. the only explanation I can see from an upgrade prospective is cost but is there any reason regarding performance?

I have a Prophet 600 with Avid BB7 and I am considering upgrading to 185. from a cost stand point front only would be nice because its about $60 instead of $120 for F & B. Any input would be appreciated.

thx

 

[Guest]

i understand that a large rotor will provide more braking "power" for a given amount of cable tension or hydraulic pressure but why mixed sizes?

The Cdale Prophet MX uses what looks like 185 F and 160 R and I was wondering why not just go 185 F & R. the only explanation I can see from an upgrade prospective is cost but is there any reason regarding performance?

I have a Prophet 600 with Avid BB7 and I am considering upgrading to 185. from a cost stand point front only would be nice because its about $60 instead of $120 for F & B. Any input would be appreciated.

thx

Your front brake does the majority of the work when you stop. As your weight transfers to the front wheel, the amount of work that the rear brake can do decreases dramatically, and could theoretically reach zero (as the rear wheel lifts off the ground!)

Also, many brakes work better when they have a little heat in them. If you put a big honking rotor in the rear, there is less chance for the rear rotor to heat up to a good operating temperature.

We have been recommending that people run a larger rotor in the front based on weight and application, and a 160 in the rear. I'm running a 180/160 setup on our shop Heckler (I weigh 185#), and I've only ever experienced fade once in the front, and never in the rear. The only reason I can think of to run the same front and rear is looks, and I kinda like the way a bigger rotor looks on the front.

Best regards,
Greg

 

[elgordo]

thanks

Your front brake does the majority of the work when you stop. As your weight transfers to the front wheel, the amount of work that the rear brake can do decreases dramatically, and could theoretically reach zero (as the rear wheel lifts off the ground!)

Also, many brakes work better when they have a little heat in them. If you put a big honking rotor in the rear, there is less chance for the rear rotor to heat up to a good operating temperature.

We have been recommending that people run a larger rotor in the front based on weight and application, and a 160 in the rear. I'm running a 180/160 setup on our shop Heckler (I weigh 185#), and I've only ever experienced fade once in the front, and never in the rear. The only reason I can think of to run the same front and rear is looks, and I kinda like the way a bigger rotor looks on the front.

Best regards,
Greg

greg thanks appreciate the input. seems like 185F & 160R is good for performance and the wallet : )

 

[shiggy]

Also a larger rotor on the rear can be a bit grabby. It is easier to modulate the smaller rotor.

I have seen some riders that do not know how/are afraid to use the front brake overheat and warp rear 160 mm rotors.

 

[XSL_WiLL]

i understand that a large rotor will provide more braking "power" for a given amount of cable tension or hydraulic pressure but why mixed sizes?

The Cdale Prophet MX uses what looks like 185 F and 160 R and I was wondering why not just go 185 F & R. the only explanation I can see from an upgrade prospective is cost but is there any reason regarding performance?

I have a Prophet 600 with Avid BB7 and I am considering upgrading to 185. from a cost stand point front only would be nice because its about $60 instead of $120 for F & B. Any input would be appreciated.

thx

Most of your stopping power and control is supposed to come from the front. The larger rotor gives you more power and is able to dissipate heat faster.

 

[adamantane]

yeah...i was gonna do this to my weyless xp, it has 185's F & R...i was gonna put a 210 or whatever the next larger size was up front...never got around to it....you will definitely notice a difference with the larger rotor....'specially on the DH

 

[Jdub]

We have been recommending that people run a larger rotor in the front based on weight and application, and a 160 in the rear. I'm running a 180/160 setup on our shop Heckler (I weigh 185#), and I've only ever experienced fade once in the front, and never in the rear. The only reason I can think of to run the same front and rear is looks, and I kinda like the way a bigger rotor looks on the front.

Total agreement.
I weigh 195lbs and found the 185/160 combo works great for me, even at the ski resorts in the summer. And I dig the big rotor look, but my inner weight weenie won't let me have a larger than necessary rear rotor.

 

[Festusjrf]

agreed

I run 185 fr 160 rear the front is a lot grabier like mentioned earlier, 80% if not more braking power is in the front, all the weight shifts to the front, most of the time you are going downhill this puts even more weight on the front. The smaller rear rotor also has a tiny advantage accelerating i dont thing you would ever feel it, but it sounds cool. What I do feel is that its easier to keep the 160mm on the rear from locking up.

i understand that a large rotor will provide more braking "power" for a given amount of cable tension or hydraulic pressure but why mixed sizes?

The Cdale Prophet MX uses what looks like 185 F and 160 R and I was wondering why not just go 185 F & R. the only explanation I can see from an upgrade prospective is cost but is there any reason regarding performance?

I have a Prophet 600 with Avid BB7 and I am considering upgrading to 185. from a cost stand point front only would be nice because its about $60 instead of $120 for F & B. Any input would be appreciated.

thx

 

[ahimanic]

Greg, is there a reason not to run 185mm in both front and back other than the fact that it's a bit heavier rotor and little grabbier?
'

 

[ahimanic]

I have a Prophet 600 with Avid BB7 and I am considering upgrading to 185. from a cost stand point front only would be nice because its about $60 instead of $120 for F & B. Any input would be appreciated.thx

You have Avid BB7's? Keep in mind you should be able to upgrade your front to 185mm simply by getting a 185mm rotor ($30) and a bigger mount adaptor ($10) designed for 185mm rotor. I believe Avid uses the same caliper for all rotor sizes, just the mounting adaptor are different sizes.

 

[shiggy]

You have Avid BB7's? Keep in mind you should be able to upgrade your front to 185mm simply by getting a 185mm rotor ($30) and a bigger mount adaptor ($10) designed for 185mm rotor. I believe Avid uses the same caliper for all rotor sizes, just the mounting adaptor are different sizes.

You are correct. All of the Avid calipers can be used front or rear with 160, 185 or 203 mm rotors simply by changing the mounting bracket.

 

[damion]

225lb here.

Running 200/160 Hayes Mag setup.

The added stopping power up front is a plus, and the rear is EASILY controlled.

 

[elgordo]

thanks to all

thanks to everyone for their input. i called my LBS dude who is now ordering me a 203 mm rotor ($35) and an adaptor bracket ($10) so a whapping total of $45 : )

I ride all mountain/cross country but at 180 lbs i think the extra braking power up front will be nice for the long technical descents. thanks again. elgordo

 

[The Squeaky Wheel]

big rear rotor = skidiot

 

[damion]

Well worth it.

thanks to everyone for their input. i called my LBS dude who is now ordering me a 203 mm rotor ($35) and an adaptor bracket ($10) so a whapping total of $45 : )

I ride all mountain/cross country but at 180 lbs i think the extra braking power up front will be nice for the long technical descents. thanks again. elgordo

THe difference will show right away. You will not regret it.