Caliper Fixed to a certain Rotor Size?

[Skylark]

Are Disc Brake Calipers fixed to a particular size of rotors - ie 160mm calipers will only work with 160mm Rotors?

I'm on MTB disc brakes and was wondering if I want to change from 160mm to 180mm rotors do I need new calipers?

Or can I just use some kind of mount adapter or s there an even simpler solution?

 

Oh and whats the difference between post & is mount - how do I tell what I have/need for my frame/shock (2005 morewood shova)

 

Thanks Guys!!

Edited March 31, 2011 by SkyLark

[patches]

nope you won't need new calipers, just adapters.

 

As for Post Mount and IS mount...

 

http://www.pricepoint.com/images/TECH_pages/TECH_Disk_tab_type.jpg

[AndreZA]

What Patches said. But also, a front 180mm spacer does not work on rear 180mm even if the mounts are the same.

[patches]

What Patches said. But also, a front 180mm spacer does not work on rear 180mm even if the mounts are the same.

 

oh yeah! forgot about that!

 

if the mounts are the same, the general rule is that your rear spacer will be "one size bigger" in order to get the same as your front.

 

ie. a 203mm 'front' adapter, when mounted to the rear, will accomodate a 180mm rotor.

 

that's if I remember correctly...

 

otherwise just buy a rear adapter, haha!

Edited March 31, 2011 by patches

[Skylark]

Ok so to go bigger rotors you just need slightly adjusted mounting adapters for my calipers?

 

And if you buy the wrong mount calipers , ie IS when you actually need Post can you buy adapters for that?

Edited March 31, 2011 by SkyLark

[patches]

Ok so to go bigger rotors you just need slightly adjusted mounting adapters for my calipers?

 

And if you buy the wrong mount calipers , ie IS when you actually need Post can you buy adapters for that?

 

Most brake calipers these days are post mount. So if your frame/fork is IS mount you can get an adapter to fit them. Same goes for the alternative (if your brakes are IS mount)

[AndreZA]

Ok so to go bigger rotors you just need slightly adjusted mounting adapters for my calipers?

 

And if you buy the wrong mount calipers , ie IS when you actually need Post can you buy adapters for that?

 

If your calipers are IS and your fork is POST, then you will struggle to find an adapter. You will also not be able to use a 160mm on the front as those kinda adapter requires you to go one size bigger to 180mm. Really try and stay away from IS calipers. They are not supported anymore and you are very limited in their mounting adjustment. They are cheaper but they will be old stock.