Rotor Overview

Which SRAM brake rotor is for you?

Tuning your brakes to your specific riding style and terrain is as easy as adjusting your rotor size. This article will help you determine the best rotor option for your bike.
Already know what you’re looking for? Use the links below to skip ahead.

Identifying rotor style | Determine size | Installation

Step 1: Identify your rotor mounting style

SRAM disc brake rotors mount to hubs in two distinct ways: 6-bolt and Centerlock, outlined below.

Step 2: Identify your rotor size and model

Rotor size is the diameter of the rotor. The larger the diameter of the rotor, the more leverage it will provide, which translates to increased stopping power and better heat management. If you feel like you need LESS stopping power (yep—that's a thing, especially with our incredibly powerful Maven brakes), you can tune your stopping power by switching to a smaller rotor.

The size is marked on the side of each SRAM rotor. Determine your current model and size by finding this information on each rotor’s spoke. Note that the front and rear may be different sizes, especially on mountain bikes.

Tech tip: When tuning Maven brakes, use the smallest rotor size that your frame and fork can accommodate as a starting point. For RockShox forks, enter your serial number into the Trailhead app to find the minimum and maximum rotor sizes for your specific fork.

Rotor size recommendations

As a general guideline:

140mm-160mm is most common for road, cyclocross, and gravel riding
160mm-180mm is most common for XC riding
180mm-200mm is most common for trail riding
200mm-220mm is best for downhill, freeride, and E-MTB riding

Tech tip: Most drop bar bikes (road, cyclocross, and gravel) will only fit 140/160mm rotors. Check with your frame manufacturer to confirm minimum and maximum rotor specifications.

Check out the full SRAM rotor recommendation chart here.

Pay attention to rotor color

If you’re unsure if your current rotor size is the best option for you, inspect the color of the spokes on your current rotor to see if they are getting too hot, or not hot enough.

Rotor selection tips

As easy as it is to change rotor sizes, there are a few things to remember:

Check your bike's frame specifications for any information on the minimum or maximum rotor size.
If you are using a suspension fork, consult the fork manufacturer. If you use a RockShox fork, all specifications, including minimum and maximum rotor size, are listed for each specific fork in the Trailhead app.
Once you have determined if your bike can accommodate a different-sized rotor, you will need to determine which new adapter is required to fit the new rotor size. Visit our Caliper Mounting Specifications for more information.

Rotor options

You might be wondering why SRAM offers so many rotor options. Variations in the brake track or spoke patterns are designed for specific purposes, such as thicker rotors for more aggressive trail riding or more aerodynamic spoke patterns for speed on tarmac. Other rotor options work great across a variety of use cases, see below for a list of rotor models and sizes, sorted by their intended use.

Road and Gravel specific rotors:

Paceline: Updated brake track vent design for smooth, quiet braking. Designed to complement SRAM Road AXS groupsets. Available in 140mm and 160mm in 6-bolt and Centerlock options. Centerlock rotors have a lighter alloy carrier to save weight.
Paceline X: Featuring the Paceline brake track design, paired with an alloy carrier to save weight. Available in 140mm or 160mm, Centerlock only. (1.85mm thick)
Centerline XR: Streamlined and lightweight alloy spoke design optimized for road use. Available in 140mm or 160mm in 6-bolt and Centerlock options. (1.85mm thick)

Mountain specific rotors:

HS2: Thicker rotor (2.00mm) for superior heat management. Improved brake track adds 7% additional stopping power. Available in 160mm, 180mm, 200mm, and 220mm. All sizes are available in both 6-bolt and Centerlock options.

Road, gravel, or mountain rotors:

Centerline: Smooth and consistent stopping power, great for road, gravel, and MTB. Centerlock options are available in 160mm, 180mm, and 200mm (1.85mm thick). 6-bolt options are available in 140mm, 160mm, and 203mm (1.85mm), as well as 180mm, 200mm, and 220mm (2.00mm thick).
Centerline X: Two-piece iteration of the Centerline rotor with alloy spokes and steel brake track to save weight. Available in 140mm, 160mm, and 180mm (1.85mm thick)

Step 3: Installation

The installation process for SRAM rotors (both 6-bolt and Centerlock) is the same for both road and MTB applications. Check out these videos for more details on the installation process, tech tips, and torque specs.

Tech tip: Avoid touching the braking surface of the pad or rotor. Oil from your hands can contaminate the pads and reduce braking performance.

Bed-in your new rotors

Brake bed-in is critical for new brake systems, pads, and rotors. Bed-in is the process of controlled slowing to gradually heat the braking surface while evenly transferring brake pad material onto the disc rotors, allowing for consistent performance and minimal noise.

Bedding in your brakes using our specific steps is the only proven way to ensure optimal power, consistent feel, and quieter braking...and it only takes 10 minutes.

Tech tip: When changing brake pad compounds, it is crucial to replace the rotors as well to achieve optimal performance with your hydraulic disc brakes. Introducing a new pad compound to a used rotor can create noise and reduce brake performance. Learn more in our Brake Pad Overview.