Difference in brake rotors?

I would be scared to ride on a bike with aluminum rotors...

Edit: You couldn't pay me to ride on a bike with aluminum rotors.

CupOfJava said:

I would be scared to ride on a bike with aluminum rotors...

Edit: You couldn't pay me to ride on a bike with aluminum rotors.

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You could pay me to ride a bike with Al rotors, but I would only take it on flat street with no cars.

Most are stainless steel and not aluminum. There are light stainless rotors, as well as metal matrix, titanium, and aluminum. And there are a variety of surface treatments/coatings. Then throw in the varying shapes which are more of a cosmetic thing. Everyone has their own likes.

ziscwg said:

You could pay me to ride a bike with Al rotors, but I would only take it on flat street with no cars.

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i want in!! Is there a career in this? what are the advancement opportunities? if i ride, say a copper rotor, can i get a bonus?
i need $$

highdelll said:

i want in!! Is there a career in this? what are the advancement opportunities? if i ride, say a copper rotor, can i get a bonus?
i need $$

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dude copper is way stronger than aluminum. You don't get paid for that. There's more money in riding zinc rotors.

Haha, my bad, guess for some reason I just assumed aluminum. Thanks for the clarification on the shapes and material

David9999999 said:

Haha, my bad, guess for some reason I just assumed aluminum. Thanks for the clarification on the shapes and material

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awww,man. we were havin' fun
yeah, tho, i think there can be some deserved discussion on shapes & holes ...
continue...

highdelll said:

...
continue...

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...one word: plastics...

All the holes save weight and help the rotor cool down.

Pfft, Aluminum is oldnews, magnesium is the future...perfect for 24hr rides

Magnesium rotor= night ride with no lights=saved weight :thumbsup:


Shape has to do with cooling and you can benefit with some weight savings too. If all the heat dissipated instantly a solid rotor would provide the most friction. But since heat effects friction they need to vent it.

Cobretti said:

...one word: plastics...

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Ahhh, fond of "The Graduate" reference... and he was right. :thumbsup:

The coefficient of friction is not dependent on surface area.

The holes are to save weight. Some designs MAY aid in heat dissipation, though cutouts result in reduced surface area. Certain cutouts can help clear debris off the pads. Though it may also result in accelerated pad wear.