Disc Brake Power

[Greetings]

Thought I'd post this up just in case somebody finds it useful.

What you see here is the disc to wheel diameter ratio. The higher the number, the more powerful the disc will be. The final power is dependant on the brake itself, use this chart to find out how much power the same brake will deliver on a different wheel and rotor diameter.

26" wheels:

Rotor size

160mm - 0,242

180mm - 0,272

185mm - 0,280

203mm - 0,307

24" wheels:

Rotor size

160mm - 0,262

180mm - 0,295

185mm - 0,303

203mm - 0,332

20" wheels:

Rotor size

160mm - 0,314

180mm - 0,354

185mm - 0,364

203mm - 0,399

I.e. a 203mm disc on a 26" wheel is slightly weaker than a 160mm disc on a 20" wheel.

[Onza Kieron]

That's really interesting, how much it changes. Something to think about.

[guineasmithpig]

I.e. a 203mm disc on a 26" wheel is slightly weaker than a 160mm disc on a 20" wheel.

If it works properly effectively, how much power 'should' you get from a v-brake if it gripped as well as a disc brake?

[mat hudson]

shite loads. on the rear of my bike, my v brake dominates.

[PaRtZ]

my v brake dominates me because I like it

[munkee]

ah i see the old, bigger disc = more power... is true...

[Greetings]

If it works properly effectively, how much power 'should' you get from a v-brake if it gripped as well as a disc brake?

As much as you'd get from running a disc the size of your rim (0.9 on average, comparing to the figures above). Ruthless made a bike with a rim size disc.

Edited May 15, 2006 by Inur