Bicycle Brake Rotors

Breaking made easy with bicycle brake rotors

You might not have heard of a disc brake or rotor unless you're involved in professional cycling or you use your mountain bike on a regular basis. These bicycle components will help you on your next ride, with many benefits for the avid bike rider.

The Difference Between rim and disc brakes

Most of us who have ever ridden a bike will be familiar with the good old reliable rim brake, you squeeze the lever on your handles and the blocks make contact with the rim and slow you down to a stop. The disc brake rotor attaches to the hub of your wheel and gives you many benefits.

The Shimano SM-RT81 Deore prides itself on its heat dissipation, other disc brakes can heat up quite badly on your descent, but the Shimano use friction steel pieces, technology and innovative design to prevent this from happening.

The benefits of disc vs. rim brakes

As the disc brakes no longer need to rely on the rim for stopping power you won't be affected by weather conditions that make your wheel rim wet, therefore disturbing the braking efficiency. If your rim becomes bent during your cycle this won't affect your braking either as it is no longer connected to your brake pad.

Speed

You can buy discs in a variety of sizes and weights, and the SRAM centreline avid bolt style disc keeps the friction consistent, minimising vibration and offers a nice quiet ride. If you're looking for speed then you don't want a heavy disc weighing your bike down, they have the better stopping power but will slow you down. These are better suited to street cycling.

Tyres

With a disc brake compared to a rim braking system you will no longer be restricted to standard bicycle tyre widths. Wider tyres contribute to a more comfortable ride and improved grip. No longer restricted to a width of 25mm brands are now edging towards 28 to 30mm.

Whether you are looking for a lightweight disc for increased speed, or a heavier disc for confidence in stopping power, you will find everything you need.

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