Standard Disc Brake Rotors Vs “Floating” - What’s The Difference? - Cycling Equipment

When it comes to disc brakes, there are fixed rotors, and what is known as floating rotors. One design has an Achilles heel, while the other is superior in every way. What’s the difference, and why does it matter? Well, stick around, and I’ll explain

Fixed rotors are pretty straightforward, they’re either solid one-piece steel, or with a static carrier. These rotors are found on the vast majority of modern road and gravel bikes.

Meanwhile, floating discs have a steel rotor blade, and a separate carrier, usually made from an alloy. The two sections are fixed together with floating rivets, also known as bobbins, and the rivets maintain an air gap between the rotor blade and the carrier. So, the rotor can evenly expand and contract independently around the carrier, without restriction.

If you’re from the muddy world of mountain bikes, then you probably know all of this, but if like me, you’re road or gravel, then this may be a revelation.
The main difference between the two designs is in heat tolerance. When you brake hard, either at speed, or on a descent, the braking friction generates heat, and the rotor begins to expand. The rotor will grow in thickness, but even more so in diameter. In the case of one-piece or fixed rotors, the hot braking surface will expand, while the centre stays cold. The rotor will expand, but not uniformly, and this forces the rotor to warp. Have you ever got to the bottom of a descent, only to find your brakes are rubbing?

And this is where the floating rotor has the edge. The hot part of the rotor is isolated from the carrier by the rivets and the air gap. And that allows the rotor to both expand and contract freely, without warping.

=============================
*Website Links, Affiliate links, and or products/tools in this video*
Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, I’ll receive a small commission.
=============================

*Hope Centrelock Disc Rotor (Designed for Road or Gravel use):*
➡️ www.hopetech.com/products/brakes/discs/road-centrelock-rotor/

*6 Bolt to Centerlock Adapter*
➡️ https://amzn.to/4kdErJD
=============================
*Other Videos And Products Discussed In This Video*
=============================

*Up & Coming Gravel Build:*
🎦 https://youtu.be/YcHC5OTn3ME
*About Ribble Valley Cyclist:*
I am a regular road cyclist based in the North West of England. I have been a cyclist my whole life, and try to get out every day. The purpose of my YouTube channel is to share the knowledge I’ve built up in my 40 years as a cyclist.

Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ribblevalley_cyclist/

Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ribblevalleycyclist

See my routes on Komoot:
https://www.komoot.com/user/1849909422730

Follow me on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@ribblevalleycyclist

Email me:
ribblevalleycyclist@gmail.com

*⏰ Timecodes ⏰*
00:00 - Intro
00:17 - What Is A Fixed Rotor?
00:34 - What Is A Floating Rotor?
01:24 - What Is The Difference?
01:43 - How Does The Fixed Rotor React To Heat?
02:22 - How Does The Floating Rotor React To Heat?
02:55 - What About Brake Fade
03:33 - What Does It Cost
04:57 - What Else Do You Need To Know?
06:01 - Final Thought

Видео Standard Disc Brake Rotors Vs “Floating” - What’s The Difference? - Cycling Equipment канала Ribble Valley Cyclist