Braking power: Rotor size, front vs. back

[Headshot]

Hi guys

 

So I have notices there seems to be a trend to have a smaller rotor on the back wheel than the front I.e. 160mm back; 180mm front.

 

This seems a bit back to front to me. Larger rotor have better heat dispersion and braking power. So why have them on the front...

 

Having larger rotors on the back wheel makes more sense.

 

I use my back brake far more frequently than the front. So my thinking is that I would better benefit from have a larger rotor on the back.

 

Maybe I ride differently to most?

 

I'd like hear your thoughts on this.

 

Thanks

Oh dear, where do these misconceptions come from? This almost looks like you are trying to take the mickey out of the hub cognoscenti. Bigger back brakes - more braking at the rear? No man.

[Halfdoesyn]

The rotor speed at the pad is also slower because of the bigger diameter - this has a beneficial effect on heat production as well, and thus pad life is extended. Modulation is also improved with the bigger diameter.

I disagree. The bigger the rotor, the faster the tangential speed.

[V12man]

I dont have the right type of bike for that place, thats like going to a pub with R10 in your pocket.

Both of those sound like excuses to me....

[Dexter-morgan]

My new bike has 180 front and back, so far I like it.

[V12man]

I disagree. The bigger the rotor, the faster the tangential speed.

True - fuzzy logic on my part trying to translate to words - you are correct - thus the lower pad pressure needed to generate the same brake force.

[Headshot]

You guys also forgot the all important "how cool does your bike look" factor. A 29er is so huge 203mm rotors should be compulsory on the front just for appearance sake.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

You guys also forgot the all important "how cool does your bike look" factor. A 29er is so huge 203mm rotors should be compulsory on the front just for appearance sake.

With the Flight of the Eagle, you'll have to size up to 203 just to retain some symmetry on the back wheel

[428 others]

Hi guys

 

So I have notices there seems to be a trend to have a smaller rotor on the back wheel than the front I.e. 160mm back; 180mm front.

 

This seems a bit back to front to me. Larger rotor have better heat dispersion and braking power. So why have them on the front...

 

Having larger rotors on the back wheel makes more sense.

 

I use my back brake far more frequently than the front. So my thinking is that I would better benefit from have a larger rotor on the back.

 

Maybe I ride differently to most?

 

I'd like hear your thoughts on this.

 

Thanks

 

Why do motorcycles have two large discs on the front?

[Eddy Gordo]

there is more weight to stop with a motor cycle.

[dirtrider]

Why do motorcycles have two large discs on the front?

 Cause you go at 200kmph and sometimes need to stop quickly . Have you seen any 125cc with twin discs recently ?

[Eldron]

Why do motorcycles have two large discs on the front?

Game, set and match. Or end van prent as a he rouxster says.

[Hairy]

Game, set and match. Or end van prent as a he rouxster says.

this prent has hardly even started yet

[Halfdoesyn]

this prent has hardly even started yet

Friday is looming...

[Headshot]

 Cause you go at 200kmph and sometimes need to stop quickly . Have you seen any 125cc with twin discs recently ?

No man think.... it still has a bigger rotor at the front. Oi yoi yoi man. 

[Headshot]

With the Flight of the Eagle, you'll have to size up to 203 just to retain some symmetry on the back wheel

I meant to add, even with a 203 mm rotor a 29er still doesnt look as cool as a 26er kitted with a big disk!

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

No man think.... it still has a bigger rotor at the front. Oi yoi yoi man. 

or 2 bigger rotors.