How to choose your MTB brake discs?

How to choose your MTB brake discs?

MTB disc brakes play a major role in your bike's safety. It is therefore essential not to make the wrong choice when selecting your discs. Here is some information to guide you.

Standards

  • Mounting standard: 6-bolt or Center-Lock
  • Disc diameter: 140 mm, 160 mm, 180 mm, 183 mm, 200 mm and 203 mm
  • Disc type: standard or floating
  • Thickness of the MTB disc

Types of brake discs

There are two mounting standards for fitting the disc to the wheel. The 6-bolt type, which gets its name from the assembly of the disc with 6 bolts, or the Center-Lock, which attaches the disc to the wheel with a single central lockring.

Regarding diameter, apart from a few rare frames that accept 140 mm, you will have the choice of fitting a 160, 180 or 200 mm disc by pairing it with the appropriate caliper adapter. The smaller the disc, the lighter it is; the larger the disc, the more powerful and effective the braking.

You will also find discs in 183 and 203 mm which also require caliper adapters to the same standard. These two sizes came about as a result of the import and export of products between European and American markets. The United States uses inches rather than mm. So, a 200 mm disc converted to inches gives 7.99". If you round up to simplify to 8" you get 203 mm.

Regarding the disc type, almost all brands now offer either standard discs or floating discs. A floating disc is a two-part disc: a braking track linked to a carrier ring via bushings. This system allows for a carrier ring that is more resistant to deformation and more easily tolerates the expansion of the braking track during intense braking.

Even if it may look identical to the naked eye, the thickness of discs is not standardised. It varies from 1.7 to 2 mm depending on the brand. This is one reason why it is not recommended to combine brakes with discs from different brands.

Which brake disc should you choose?

As for the mounting standard, you will need to check your hubs, which are either 6-bolt or Center-Lock.

Regarding thickness, it is preferable to use discs from the same brand as your brakes for optimal performance.

  • Touring
    For a leisure MTB ride, standard 160 mm discs will be sufficient in terms of braking power.
  • All-Mountain Enduro
    For All-Mountain or Enduro riding on a full-suspension MTB, you will definitely need 180 mm for adequate braking power. Some riders will also opt for floating discs to optimise the performance and reliability of their brakes.
  • Cross-Country
    For Cross-Country rides on a hardtail MTB, standard 160 mm discs can be sufficient for maximum weight savings. If you ride 29" wheels or enjoy long technical descents, it will likely be necessary to fit a 180 mm disc at the front.
  • DH / Freeride
    For DH / Freeride, you will need floating 200 mm (or 203 mm) discs capable of handling the most powerful braking forces.

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