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180 vs 203mm Rotors

180 vs 203mm Rotors

Power, Modulation, Heat Capacity and Personality. Let’s look at some differences between 180 vs 203mm rotors (7″ and 8″).


Power

Increasing the radius of the rotor increases the brake’s leverage ratio.

Using Magura HC rotos as an example we measure about 12.7mm of “usable” rotor / pad interface. Picking a point of reference halfway in the usable interface the we come up with a 180mm (7″) rotor at 83.65mm versus the 203mm (8″) at 95.15mm. The change in available leverage around 12%.

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Maxxis Aggressor 2.3″ vs. 2.5″ Review

Maxxis Aggressor 2.3" vs 2.5" Review

Maxxis Aggressor 2.3″ vs. 2.5″ Review

The Maxxis Aggressor has quickly become one of the favorite rear trail and enduro tires in MTB. Designed as a fast rolling option with good cornering knobs what’s not to love? I’ve spent quality time on Yeti SB130’s with both the 2.3 and 2.5″ Aggressor options (First Impressions on the Aggressor Here). So does .1″ (2.54mm) per side really change performance? Yup. Let’s go through the details that create personality differences in a Maxxis Aggressor 2.3″ vs. 2.5″ Review.

The test bike is a Yeti SB130 spec’d with 30mm internal width rims. 2.3 and 2.5″ tires are an appropriate spec for 30mm rims, but have quite different trail personalities. Continue reading Maxxis Aggressor 2.3″ vs. 2.5″ Review

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150 vs. 160 Fork Headtube, Trail & Flop

150 vs 160 fork headtube trail flop comparison

150 vs. 160 Fork Headtube, Trail & Flop

The Story Behind the Images. Looking at 150 vs. 160 Fork Headtube, Trail & Flop

I wrapped up the 150 vs 160 comparison and needed an image. I grabbed BikeCo’s demo SB130 (with a stock setup) and mine with the 160 fork and headed out. And struggled. I couldn’t get an image to show with any level of credibility the difference in crown race height. With a 10mm steer spacer in hand I tried to figure out how to photograph such a small difference.

Some quick math said the axle to crown height difference when the forks were standing straight up would be only 1.76%. Less when you factor in the headtube angle when viewed straight on.

Intrigued I downloaded a trial of AutoCad recalling my old design days. Continue reading 150 vs. 160 Fork Headtube, Trail & Flop