The brake rotors keep getting bigger!!

[Timpo]

As you know.. the 203mm rotors have been the standard size for MTBs, particularly downhills and trail bikes.

But apparently 203mm wasn't big enough, so Magura, Sram, Galfer, Hope and other brake manufactures made 220mm.

So 220mm became the standard. Everyone is selling 220mm.

And now, they're testing the 248mm prototype.

The rotors keep getting bigger.

 

[Sierratim]

Pretty soon they'll be as big as the rims. Oh, they could then use hydraulic rim brakes! Wait, that's been done...

 

[Deacon Blues]

Maybe it's time for bike brake pad manufacturers to start producing high performance brake pads. I know this sounds kinda crazy to most cyclists, but when I think of the power my recently ordered Watt Wagons Super bike is going to produce, only the best pads will do....right @pushkar.
I tracked a Mazda Miata for a decade and I found that the biggest braking improvement came from switching brake pads. That being said, I like the idea of bigger brake rotors too, but only if the additional unsprung weight is kept to a minimum.

 

[pushkar]

What in the world! I’m curious- Isn’t there more chance of damaging them ( more exposed rotors)?

 

[Sierratim]

Maybe they might do something similar to Buell motorcycles.
EBR (as in, Erik Buell Racing) has it too.
The perimeter brake system.

Looks like someone has done it on bicycle as well.

WOW! You could do an endo on a dime with these babies...

 

[pushkar]

May be someone needs to draw a line here - just because it can be done doesn't mean it should be done

 

[Sierratim]

Some MTBs have dual disc.

Downhill?

 

[FlatSix911]

An old track adage... there is no such thing as too much braking power. Go wide-open until you see God, then brake!

"Oh yes. It's not when you brake but when you take them off that counts. Most people don't understand that." - Jackie Stewart

 

[Nova Haibike]

Manufacturers trying different stuff to get people to part with their money.

 

[E-Wheels]

What in the world! I’m curious- Isn’t there more chance of damaging them ( more exposed rotors)?

Yep...and because the rotor is no longer mounted to the hub, if/when the wheel goes out of true then the rotor will rub on the pads all the time.....