How to upgrade MTB rotors for better braking - Installing 180mm rotors to GT Aggressor Pro.

How to Upgrade Your Bike's Rotors for Better Braking Performance

In today's video, we're diving into the world of bike upgrades as we install new and larger rotors on my GT Aggressor Pro. The exciting part? You can follow this same process to enhance the braking power on any bike!

Here's a step-by-step guide to the rotor upgrade process:

1. Start by removing the rear wheel to access the rotor.

2. Use a drive star bit to carefully remove the six bolts holding the old rotor. Take your time, and you'll end up with six bolts.

3. Prepare the new rotor by removing any stickers or labels. Then, grab some brake cleaner to eliminate any grease or dirt. Apply the brake cleaner to both sides and wipe it off with a clean paper towel. Ensure the rotor is dry, and avoid touching the edges to prevent contamination.

4. Most rotors will have markings indicating the correct rotation direction. Generally, position the rotor with the words facing outward.

5. Install the new rotor. The new bolts typically come with Loctite, so no extra adhesive is necessary. Hand-screw every bolt first, then use a wrench to tighten them in a star pattern. Remember, don't use excessive force; let the wrench do the work. Finally, give each bolt a little extra torque without overdoing it.

6. Reattach the wheel to the bike and unscrew the caliper.

7. To accommodate a larger rotor, you'll need an adapter. We're using a Shimano adapter to raise the caliper slightly. Attach the bolts to the caliper, and experiment with spacers to achieve the right fit. Usually, starting with two spacers and adjusting as needed works well.

8. Align the caliper with the rotor by ensuring there's an even gap on both sides. This may take some patience, but you'll get it right.

9. With your new rotor in place, take your bike for a test ride, and listen for any unusual braking noises.

Congratulations! You've successfully upgraded your mountain bike's rotors for improved braking performance. Remember, regular bike maintenance is key to a safe and enjoyable ride. Stay tuned for more biking tips and upgrades on our channel!

[canegrimey]

You installed the adapter backwards. Those aren't spacers they are cup and cone washers. When installing the adapter on the rear the Up arrow on the adapter is supposed to be pointing towards the front of the bike. Nothing is suppose to be between the adapter and caliper.