Cheap Disc Rotors: Upgrade or Downgrade? Featuring a Poseidon Redwood Drop Bar Gravel Bicycle 4K

Are your rotors worn out, and have you been eyeing the more affordable options on Amazon? I find myself changing my brakes frequently due to the demanding terrain and the intensity with which I push my bike. With the cheaper rotors priced at just a third of the cost of the name-brand offerings (like Tektro, in my case), I couldn't resist giving them a shot.

In this video, I delve into my firsthand experience with these rotors and walk you through the meticulous process I undertook to choose them.

The purpose of this series is to share my journey with my Poseidon Redwood bike, which I acquired just last year. I've meticulously tailored this bike for the rugged, hilly terrain that defines my local area. Over time, I've received numerous inquiries about my setup, prompting me to document my experiences for future reference. Thus, I've embarked on creating a series of videos to share insights and lessons learned. I hope you find them not only informative but also inspiring. If you do, don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure,
Ted

Useful links:

Audio recorded using Sonic Nuance Electronics equipment:

[Paulklampeeps]

The most important thing is proper bedding-in of the rotors

[mohongzhi]

Heavy is actually a good thing, heavy rotors are so robust. I've been seen so many friends use ultra light rotors and it just twist while heavy break. Glad they were not in a really killing descend.

[zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat]

6:20 How does your "quick check with an alignment tool" work? That wouldn't tell you anything about the rotor's flatness. Use a straight edge across several diameters, on both sides. .

[pierrex]

If you're an average man who goes un and down on a bike, saving weight on rotors in insane.
Try jagwire keb-sl brake housing. It does work noticeably better.
Especially on harder brakings, heavier rotors will perform better. More mass means it takes longer to go up to ridiculously high temperatures where the discs start howling and become useless.
You can now find cheap (c 10usd) adaptors for the rear to go to 180mm rotors on flat mount bikes. So if you have a gravel bike with mechanical brakes, give that a go. Mechanically, 180mm has 10-15pc more stopping power than 160, and ditto on mass: you can brake harder and longer before the rotor bails on you. I haven't yet found cheap front adaptors. Peak torque sells expensive ones.

[tedlovesbikes]

Addendum: I can actually lock up the rear wheel for the first time ever with this setup.