Rotos usually allows various adjustments according to your personal needs and tastes. Just like other components of the bike, there are many types. In this guide, we will analyze the top 6 best MTB rotors in every single aspect from their principal components to maintenance.
Today, Disc brake rotors are famous as the best choice for mountain bikes because they allow you to better manage to brake and are effective even in the wet. Lately, they are popular in the d of road cycling, after being approved by the international cycling federation.
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Top 6 Best MTB Rotors For Your Choice
Top 1: RUJOI Disc Brake Rotor
RUJOI presents an interesting kit of hydraulic disc brakes with a value for money much appreciated by other buyers. It is a complete kit of aluminum alloy levers and calipers that come with a 75 cm front brake cable and a 135 cm rear brake cable. Overall, the total weight is 620 grams.
It is not included in the rotors delivery. It might look like a somewhat nondescript hydraulic disc brake kit. However, it is well-rated and with good compatibility with the major models of MTB, racing bikes, and electric-powered cycles. You can choose the color during the purchase from several options.
Like any other model, the RUJOI level is sleek, easy to install, and service. If you do not fish a lot, you could probably opt for a short-stroke bike. But if you ride more aggressively, we recommend the Guide instead, as it is more capable.
Pros
- Premium materials
- Well-rated
- Excellent compatibility
Cons
- Expensive
Top 2: SRAM Centerline Rounded Rotor
The SRAM rounded rotor comes complete with front and exterior brakes, levers, cables, and discs. This unit is well rated by other buyers. It is also compatible with most racing bikes, MTBs, touring bikes, and electric cycles.
The materials used are standard: ABS plastic ribs, 160 mm HS1 aluminum, wood disc, and double ceramic pad brake adjusters with floating patina engagement. Naturally, the kit includes the supply of the connection cables between the slats and the brake mechanics. It is not a hydraulic disc brake, and it guarantees the operation with the classic tie rod.
With the lever pin close to the bar, you will get better control as one-finger braking is all you need. We also like the separation clamp and its compatibility. And with Matchmaker mounts, it allows you to clean up the cockpit. But the exceptional feel and power that makes the Centerline from SRAM is a ready-to-use kit. It is ideal to be mounted on a bike for amateur use. Then, you can enjoy an excellent review from other users who have already bought it and mounted it on their bikes.
Pros
- Premium materials
- High compatibility
- Amazing accessories
Cons
- Expensive
Top 3: Bynccea Floating Disc Brake Rotor
Bynccea offers complete front and rear disc brake kits ready for installation. It comes with a value for money well-valued by other buyers who have already installed it in their bikes. These are not hydraulic disc brakes, but they work with classic pull action through cable.
The rotors have a diameter of 160 mm and are made of aluminum alloy, while it produces the slats in a hybrid way with ABS plastic and aluminum. Standard hardware, two cables, two NUP 06 brake levers, and BB5 resin and metal pads are available.
With its oversized pistons and Kevlar tube, the Bynccea rotor is the most powerful brake here. It is also the lightest, but the shock-shaped lever is a bit of an inconvenience when braking hard.
It delivers these bicycle disc brake rotors with an ideal setting for road bikes. They are also compatible with MTB and classic models of touring bikes and electric cycle models. It is an excellent product that is ideal for bike lovers. They are not professional disc brakes, but they guarantee excellent performance.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Premium and durable materials
- Sufficient accessories
- High compatibility
Cons
- No defect available
Top 4: SHIMANO XT SM-RT86 Rotor
Shimano needs no introduction. It is the best brand for the production of mechanical components for bikes and cyclists. A hydraulic disc brake from Shimano could not be missing in this ranking.
Inside the package, there are also screws for practical assembly. It well suits the model to the riding style of beginner cyclists and those who do not travel long distances.
The rotor is not included in the supply but must be purchased separately. This Shimano hydraulic disc brake is a professional product, but accessible in terms of price even to a bike lover.
Pros
- Excellent overall performance
- The high quality of the materials.
- Professional construction
Cons
- Hard to install
Top 5: SHIMANO Dura-Ace SM-RT900 Rotor
Shimano offers two XTR rotors of Trail and Race. The latter lacks ServoWave and brake pads but is lighter. The Shimano XTR Race offers unbeatable value and performance and is easy to install and bleed.
Like an XC brake, the TLM level is sleek, easy to install, and service. If you do not fish a lot, you could probably opt for a short-stroke bike. But if you ride more aggressively, we recommend the Guide instead, as it is more capable.
Pros
- Advanced functions
- Amazing functions
- Easy to install
Cons
- Low durability
Top 6: SHIMANO SM-RT56 Rotor
With the lever pin close to the bar, you get better control. So, one-finger braking is all you need. We also like the separation clamp, and its compatibility with Matchmaker mounts allows you to clean up the cockpit. But it has an outstanding feel and power.
With its oversized pistons and Kevlar tube, Formula R1 Racing is the most powerful brake here. It is also the lightest, but the shock-shaped lever is a bit of an inconvenience when braking hard.
They are available in kits that include the front and rear brakes, two resin pads, and two tubes at 1250 mm and 725 mm. The latter is already purged. SHIMANO SM-RT56 brakes are fitted with two pistons, offer outstanding performance, and allow for adjustable braking.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Premium package
- High efficiency
Cons
- Inconvenient shock lever
Why Should Buy MTB Rotors
Disc brakes are the best in the presence of water, mud, and debris. On dirt roads or asphalt, skid brakes can be fine. So, if you plan to use your mountain bike on routes crossing waterways or in any weather condition, hydraulic disc brakes are the best choice.
Disc brakes allow better heat dissipation, they are more powerful and modular, because they allow the cyclist to adapt the braking to their riding style. Compared to rim brakes, they offer undoubtedly higher stopping power.
Who Should Buy MTB Rotors
This system allows a higher quality of braking and more stability of the bike. There are two types of disc brakes: MTB hydraulic disc brakes and traction disc brakes.
- MTB hydraulic brakes: work thanks to the pressure exerted by the levers on the handlebar and impressed by the oil present inside the tubes. They connect the levers to the calipers. This system is the most reliable and allows total braking control. We can adjust the oil pressure within certain parameters to get different settings according to needs.
- Traction disc brakes: This system exploits traction. The opposite force compared to hydraulic brakes that apply pressure on the mechanics of the calipers that grip the disc, allowing you to brake.
Traction is guaranteed by a cable sliding inside a sheath that can connect the levers with the pliers. An important feature to consider during the purchase evaluation phase concerns the manufacturing materials of the hydraulic and traction disc brake component.
Best MTB Rotors FAQs
How to maintain MTB disc brakes?
After seeing how disc brakes and their various components work, let’s see how the system is maintained. Some operations, such as replacing the pads, cleaning the brake body and disc, and resetting the stroke of the pistons can be carried out without major problems, while others more sophisticated, such as bleeding, require some specific tools and little manual skills.
What are the tasks of a rotor?
The levers, together with the knobs, are the points of contact between the cyclist and the bike that allow you to operate the brakes. The levers are to manage the braking system simply and efficiently.
We can customize the levers both in distance and in terms of the stroke to bite the disc. The high-end models allow more adjustments and are lighter.
What is the drawback of a rotor?
The downside is that disc brakes are more expensive. The hydraulic system requires a lot of maintenance. As a result, they will be more complicated to manage in case you have to puncture the wheel, or even just transport the bike.
Final Words
In conclusion, we cannot deny that disc brake rotors are better than rim brakes, although the question of changing wheels remains. Rotors offer better brake distribution, greater modularity, and remain reliable. All factors make disc brakes more efficient than rim brakes.
