How & Why To Change Your Disc Brake Rotors | Maintenance Monday

You may wish to change the size of your brake rotors for a number of reasons. Maybe you're only riding on flat roads so don't need 160mm brakes on the front, or maybe you're planning to descend some alpine climbs so need the extra stopping power! Either way, you'll need to learn how to change the rotor size, and Alex can show you how!

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What other maintenance tips do you want Alex to give you? Let us know in the comments below!👇

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[gcntech]

Have you ever changed your disc rotors?

[tonyBobb]

Several months back I opted to change my rotors and wheels for larger sets. The ones that was on my MTB had road/slick tyres on. This was to reduce the rolling resistance, when cycling from Lands End to John O' Groats. The reason for the change was to use my MTB with the new 160s rotors and off road tyres for more country cycle paths, when the resent transmission I made to purchase my first Road Bike, using the MyO service. Yet to receive my Orbea in the next few weeks. Credit to the GCN team who made it possible when researching the content available. Keep up the great work Team GCN 👏🏼

[ikigai]

That thumbnail though. Made me insecure for a moment.

[asams]

160 at the front and 140 rear for me. Good stopping power and keeps a balance when braking hard so doesn't lock up

[ChlorophyllCrusher]

#askgcn it would be nice to see a video covering how to bump up from 160mm to 180mm on dropbar bikes. For those riding lots of descents with heavy braking, this will reduce pad and rotor wear, which is a big plus. Few adapters seem to be available, which seems odd.

[hansbeumer]

On my roadbike, I'm riding 140mm front and rear. I was riding in France, Drôme and Isere, a few weeks ago. Lots of climbing and decending. (Including 20km+ col de rousset). Brakes were strong and totally adequate. By the way, my weight = 90kg.

[JayLato]

Tighten the thru axle with the bike on the ground for consistent brake alignment after wheel removal. I’ve been doing this lately and my ting ting ting ting ting ting ting ting has gone away.

[OfficialWilly]

I prefer a 700c rotor, with spokes and its own hub in the centre. Coming to think of it, I'm not sure i can change my brakes without changing my entire wheel!

[AW.SO.M]

I’m a 68kg rider and find the pair of 160mm on my Domane more than adequate, even with all the big descends. On our tandem bike though, a pair of 203mm sometimes feel just perfect.

[thedogmybiscuits]

160 back and front. Better modulation and only need one finger. I also run shimano servo wave levers on a flat bar. Because I don’t like riding cackhanded on drops. May not be aero but in a corner it rails. Ps for Mtb 203/180 with 4 pot callipers is the way.

[gangstaliving]

Great video! Thank you! If i wanted to upgrade to a better disc how can I check which is better or which will fit? Thank you?

[larrylem]

I've never seen a 5-bolt bicycle brake rotor. Just 6 and a very rare, early 4.

[theoy]

Alex, I tried this on my rear rotors from 160 down to 140. However, the brake was too tight and I couldn’t secure my wheel with the thru axle

[dan_lazaro]

The best and largest braking surface is around 680mm and the brake caliper mounts on the fork above the wheel.

[mgrant]

I came to bicycle from motorcycles, so every bike has larger front rotors, from 203/180 for enduro to 180/160 for XC, to 160/140 for road/gravel.

[tintansigloXXI]

Hello, I have a low-end bicycle. I see that the teeth on my largest chainring are wearing out. You can change just one or you have to change all three. Thank you and regards.

[Illyasviel_von-einzbern]

Front 160mm rear 140mm is enough for road bike

[Asronaut]

I have 180 rotors front and rear on my road plus bike, they work great with my light weight of 70 kilos, it didn't take long to get used to. This gives slightly sharper and more powerful braking, but rubs the disc in corners compared to 160 rotors.

[chriscole]

I have an e-bike that is 62 pounds, so it has 180 mm rotors. It's a tank on the road with that weight.

[larsholst]

#askgcn hey team, question regarding several bike cleaning vids. appreciate all the tips, but no one (incl. other sources as well) ever states where you dispose the mixture of degreaser, chainlube and gunk afterwards.