The Ultimate Disc Brake Upgrade: 140mm to 160mm to 180mm with SHIMANO GRX

Enhancing Your Bike's Stopping Power: Upgrading from 140mm to 160mm or 180mm Disc Brake Rotors

Braking efficiently and safely is paramount when cycling. A larger disc rotor can increase braking torque and heat capacity, provided the frame, fork, caliper and exact adapter approve that size. For SHIMANO GRX BR RX810 or BR RX400, check the permitted combination before changing from 140 mm to 160 mm or 180 mm. Other flat mount brands require their own compatibility checks.

Step by Step Guide:

1. Gather Your Supplies: Ensure you have everything ready. GorillaBrakes.com is a one stop shop for all the components you'll need for this upgrade.

2. Picking the Right Adapter: Select the adapter approved for the exact frame or fork mount, caliper and rotor diameter. Shimano’s chart includes selected 140, 160 and 180 mm GRX configurations; this does not approve every frame or fork for 180 mm. Do not use this guide to fit 203 or 220 mm rotors to these GRX calipers.

3. Removing the 140mm Rotor:

• Ensure your bike is stable, either using a bike stand or laying it carefully on its side.
• Take off the wheel.
• Use a T25 Torx wrench to unscrew the bolts holding the rotor.
• Gently take off the 140mm rotor.

4. Attaching the New Rotor:

• Position the approved new rotor on the correct hub interface, following its installation instructions. Check thickness, braking track and pad compound compatibility as well as diameter.
• If changing hardware, use only bolts approved for that rotor or mounting assembly, with the specified length, head, thread treatment and torque. Titanium material alone does not establish compatibility.
• Tighten the bolts using the T25 Torx wrench in a star pattern for even tension. Click for Titanium Rotor Bolts 
• For Center Lock Rotors postition over the Hub spline and use a botttom Bracket tool if you have External center lock ring / Use cassette extraction tool for Internal lock rings

5. Adjusting the Brake Caliper with the Adapter:

• Re attach the wheel.
• Slightly loosen the brake caliper mounting bolts.
• Fit the flat mount disc brake adapter between the brake caliper and its mounting point.
• Align the brake pads, fasten the caliper bolts.
• Check for rotor and pad alignment. If any rubbing occurs, some re adjustment might be necessary.

Why Make the Upgrade?

Enhanced Braking Performance: A larger rotor increases the effective braking radius and can increase heat capacity. It does not necessarily increase the pad contact area. Benefits depend on the approved complete setup.

Versatility: Flat mount adapters are specific to the mounting arrangement. Confirm the exact adapter’s approval for your frame, fork and caliper; a Shimano compatible adapter is not automatically suitable for SRAM or every other brand.

Upgraded Hardware: Aerospace grade 5 Titanium bolts aren't just a matter of style. They promise strength, are lightweight, and combat corrosion.

Conclusion:

Boosting your bike's braking efficiency with a rotor upgrade is both a safety and performance choice. By following the steps above and equipping your bike with top notch components from GorillaBrakes.com, including the Aerospace grade 5 Titanium bolts, you ensure a combination of functionality and style. Ride on with confidence!