HINE-R PF1 Rotors: Formula One-Inspired 203mm Rotor Design in Development

The new HINE-R PF1 rotor is one of the first major design projects being developed under HINE-R Engineering, the other arm of Gorilla Brakes.

Still in CAD development and now getting very close to prototype production, the PF1 rotor has been designed with a very different philosophy to most traditional mountain bike brake rotors. Rather than following the usual round spider layouts seen across the cycling industry, the PF1 takes inspiration from the lightweight spoke design used in Formula One wheels.

The result is a rotor concept that looks slightly different from anything currently on the market, while still being built around real-world braking performance.

Inspired by Formula One Wheel Design

The design direction for the PF1 came from the clean, technical spoke layouts seen in motorsport wheels. Adam Read developed the original concept around the same look  used in iconic Formula One rims: long, evenly spaced spokes, large open windows, and a centre section that looks lightweight while still appearing structured and purposeful.

That inspiration is clear throughout the PF1 design. The rotor spider uses elongated spoke windows to create a distinctive visual identity, giving the rotor a fast, engineered look that stands apart from more conventional bicycle rotor designs.

For HINE-R, the idea was never just to make another brake rotor. It was to create a part that immediately feels like a design-led product, something that reflects the same detail-driven mindset behind HINE-R. Thanks to Adam Reads Genius. 

Designed Around a 203mm Gravity Platform

The first HINE-R PF1 rotor is being developed in a 203mm size with a full 2.0mm thickness. That makes it a serious rotor platform aimed at riders who need stability, thermal control, and confidence under repeated heavy braking.

This first version is being designed with the following bikes and riding styles in mind:

• Enduro bikes
• Downhill bikes
• E-bikes
• Aggressive trail bikes
• Riders tackling long descents and harder braking loads

A 2.0mm rotor offers more thermal mass than many standard 1.8mm rotors, which can help improve heat stability on longer descents and under repeated braking. That extra material can also help give a more solid feel at the lever and improve consistency when the braking system is under load.

At Gorilla Brakes, we have always looked at braking as a full system. The hydraulic system creates the force, the pads control how that force is delivered, and the rotor plays a major role in managing heat and maintaining a stable friction surface. That is exactly why the PF1 is being developed as a serious performance component rather than just a styling exercise.

The PF1 Spider and Braking Track Design

The braking track design combines a heavily drilled pattern with sweeping slot features to help with several important areas of rotor performance:

• Water clearance
• Brake dust evacuation
• Transfer layer consistency
• Wet weather braking performance
• Reducing glazing under repeated use

The outer profile is also slightly scalloped rather than perfectly round, which helps reinforce the PF1’s more technical, motorsport-inspired look without losing its identity as a high-performance bicycle rotor.

Why 2.0mm Rotor Thickness Matters

Many stock bike rotors are built around a 1.8mm thickness. That works perfectly well for a lot of general riding, but heavier riders, e-bike use, bike park laps, alpine descents, and hard gravity riding can push thinner rotors much harder.

A thicker 2.0mm rotor can offer a number of advantages:

• More heat capacity
• Better resistance to distortion
• Improved braking consistency under heavy use
• A firmer, more stable brake feel
• Greater confidence on repeated long descents

That makes the PF1 particularly relevant for modern bikes that are faster, heavier, and more demanding on braking systems than ever before. With full-power e-bikes, bigger tyres, and more aggressive terrain becoming the norm, rotor design matters more than ever.

Adam Read’s Design Work

The PF1 concept started life during the latenight development stage, with CAD sketches and visual references built around Formula One wheel design. Adam Read’s work focused on creating a rotor that looked instantly different while still staying grounded in real engineering principles.

Rather than taking the easy route and producing a generic round rotor with minor styling tweaks, the aim was to create something with a strong identity from the start. The design process focused on balancing several key areas:

• Strength
• Weight control
• Heat management
• Manufacturing practicality
• Visual impact

This is a big part of what HINE-R is about. It is not just about function in isolation. It is about creating components that are engineered properly, look purposeful, and bring something genuinely new to the market.

Still in CAD Development

The HINE-R PF1 rotor is still in CAD development, but it is now getting close to the point of being made for real. The current plan is centred around:

• 203mm diameter
• 2.0mm thickness
• Formula One-inspired spoke spider design
• Heavily drilled and slotted braking track
• Gravity, downhill, enduro, and e-bike focus

As development continues, there is clear potential for the PF1 platform to expand into other sizes in the future, but the initial 203mm version is where the concept is being brought to life first. HINE-R

A New Direction for HINE-R and Gorilla Brakes

The PF1 rotor is an early look at where the HINE-R project is heading. It combines motorsport inspired styling with a performance approach to braking, and it reflects the wider direction behind HINE-R under the Gorilla Brakes umbrella.

For riders who want something different from the usual rotor designs on the market, the PF1 is shaping up to be one of the most interesting new developments to watch. It is still in development, but the intent behind it is already clear: distinctive design, proper engineering, and a rotor platform built for modern high-demand riding.

More updates on the HINE-R PF1 rotor project will follow as development progresses.

What is the HINE-R PF1 rotor?

The HINE-R PF1 is a new 203mm disc brake rotor currently being developed by HINE-R Engineering and Gorilla Brakes. It features a Formula One-inspired spoke design, a 2.0mm braking track, and a gravity-focused performance platform.

What size will the HINE-R PF1 rotor be available in?

The first version of the HINE-R PF1 rotor is being developed in a 203mm diameter with a 2.0mm thickness. Additional sizes could follow in the future.

Why is the HINE-R PF1 rotor 2.0mm thick?

A 2.0mm rotor provides more heat capacity, improved stability, better resistance to warping, and more consistent braking feel compared to many standard 1.8mm rotors.

What inspired the HINE-R PF1 rotor design?

The PF1 rotor design was inspired by Formula One wheel layouts, using long spoke windows and an open spider design to create a distinctive motorsport-inspired appearance.

Who is the HINE-R PF1 rotor designed for?

The PF1 rotor is being designed for enduro, downhill, e-bike, and aggressive trail riders who need strong heat management, reliable braking consistency, and a more premium rotor platform.