Improving brake performance - Rotor size?

[Jesterarts]

I recently picked up an entry-level Norco Fluid HT.

Overall, I can't really fault it as for what I need currently, it ticks all the boxes.

However, the most apparent shortcoming of the bike is the brakes.

From the factory, this trusty steed arrives with Tektro HD-M275 brakes, 180 rotor on the front and 160 on the back.

Initially, these were basically decorative and performance was appalling. After some effort getting them bedded, they are better, but still do not inspire confidence.

Aside from switching out the brakes themselves, which I want to try an avoid in the near future, I was thinking about upgrading the rotors to 203 front and 180 rear.

But I've never personally experienced the difference upgrading the size of the rotor would make on performance.

Let me know your thoughts.

PS, the current use of the bike is to tow my daughter in her little trailer to various local playgrounds. However, I would want something that when the planets align and I have a moment to myself, I can pop out to Lysterfield.

At the moment, the brakes are prohibitive of this as I feel putting out my arms as using them as air-brakes could be more effective when riding in anger.

 

[DMan]

If you have a set lying around then try it. You have nothing to lose. Otherwise I'd upgrade the brakeset. For the price of 2 new rotors you'd get damn near a better brakeset off CRC or wiggle. Look out for sales. Brakesets are constantly on specials.

 

[Zaf]

Removed by user

 

[Oddjob]

Stock Tektro brake pads are awful. See if you can get a decent set of sintered pads first. If that doesn't help, toss the brakes and get a set of these https://www.cyclingdeal.com.au/buy/shimano-deore-bl-mt500-br-mt500-bicycle-hydraulic/BR-MT500

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

 

[Daniel Hale]

Stock Tektro brake pads are awful. See if you can get a decent set of sintered pads first.
k

aggree'd , i got tektro pads on my torrent HT, swapped to nukeproof- 3 times better, i find the brakes now actually pretty good, stop me fine on steep desc or easy blk trail

 

[The Duckmeister]

I don't know of any compatible metal pads, but Shimano B01S resin fit and are a better compound.

 

[moorey]

Plus GST, @Zaf

 

[Labcanary]

Chuck the Tektro brakes. Even after a bleed and pad change mine were substandard.
I just have Shimano Deore hydros now and they are waaaay better than the Tektro brakes that came on my Norco.

 

[moorey]

$215 for XT m8000 on T7

 

[Jesterarts]

$215 for XT m8000 on T7

Great. Thanks.
Now I have to explain to the wife what that $215 on the credit card is.
Opted to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.

 

[moorey]

Great. Thanks.
Now I have to explain to the wife what that $215 on the credit card is.
Opted to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.

Is there another way?

 

[droenn]

separate bank accounts

 

[moorey]

separate bank accounts

No good when hers is there only only with money in there.

 

[Zaf]

Removed by user

 

[droenn]

@moorey get squirreling on that pocket money

 

[moorey]

@moorey get squirreling on that pocket money

My main income is posting junk to people for the price of postage...and paying for post with house money.
It’s a long con.

 

[moorey]

Hair loss treatments will do that to any bank account though, in a lot of ways, she's saving you from yourself.

Maaaaaate....I know all about your rich sugar mumma. Don’t bring a gun to a knife fight.

 

[Zaf]

Removed by user

 

[Calvin27]

Great. Thanks.
Now I have to explain to the wife what that $215 on the credit card is.
Opted to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.

Afterpay.

 

[moorey]

I paid her back the contribution to the Stumpy after we broke up.

I’m not sure I want to hear about her contribution to your ‘stumpy’.