Ask the experts

[toast2266]

Centerlock rotors are a solution in search of a problem.

[Ski Donkey]

Centerlock rotors are a solution in search of a problem.

I’m not sure that’s entirely true, turning two things to install your rotors vs 12 and dipping/applying loctite... your right that there was never a real problem with 6bolt, but centerlocks are a bit of a simplification...

[toast2266]

I’m not sure that’s entirely true, turning two things to install your rotors vs 12 and dipping/applying loctite... your right that there was never a real problem with 6bolt, but centerlocks are a bit of a simplification...

a "simplification" that:
1) generally weighs more in an area where weight matters (both rotating and unsprung)
2) requires a tool that makes trailside repairs effectively impossible
3) doesn't allow for shimming / re-spacing
4) (probably most importantly) introduces yet another standard that doesn't have widespread market acceptance, isn't really backwards compatible, and doesn't offer a clear benefit.

[Dantheman]

#1 is especially funny when fancy lightweight plastic wheels are involved.

[El Chupacabra]

Rotating weight directly at the hub isn't much of a problem.

Only real advantage I can see to centerlock rotors is for travel. Being able to remove discs quickly for packing would be nice.

[EWG]

a "simplification" that:
1) generally weighs more in an area where weight matters (both rotating and unsprung)
2) requires a tool that makes trailside repairs effectively impossible
3) doesn't allow for shimming / re-spacing
4) (probably most importantly) introduces yet another standard that doesn't have widespread market acceptance, isn't really backwards compatible, and doesn't offer a clear benefit.

All of these.

Additionally, I'm generally against anything that requires a new tool while not providing much of a (or any) technological advantage.

[El Chupacabra]

Additionally, I'm generally against anything that requires a new tool while not providing much of a (or any) technological advantage.

Don't all centerlock rotors just use a cassette lock ring tool? Or are there some that require something else?

[nickwm21]

x3 I've toyed with the idea of getting one of those little 4V drivers just for rotors.

My wife has a super cheap electric screwdriver that I use for that and other tasks like assembling furniture, replacing outlets, etc... super useful. Worth the $15.



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[EWG]

Don't all centerlock rotors just use a cassette lock ring tool? Or are there some that require something else?

Some use a BB tool. But do you bring either that or a cassette lock ring tool on rides typically? The torx head is in nearly all multitools. And it works fine. And it's lighter.

[El Chupacabra]

Some use a BB tool. But do you bring either that or a cassette lock ring tool on rides typically? The torx head is in nearly all multitools. And it works fine. And it's lighter.

Agreed on the torx availability -- I do prefer 6-bolt rotors. And no, I don't carry a BB tool or cassette tool on rides.

IIRC you also need to use centerlock for 140mm rotors, but the only one we have of those is on the rear wheel of Mrs C's road bike.

[toast2266]

IIRC you also need to use centerlock for 140mm rotors, but the only one we have of those is on the rear wheel of Mrs C's road bike.

nah, there's plenty of 6 bolt, 140mm options.

[El Chupacabra]

nah, there's plenty of 6 bolt, 140mm options.

Well, nevermind then... Dunno why I thought that.

[bagtagley]

I agree with toast on this but the rear wheel on my MT came with centerlock (longish story) and man is it nice on the rare (single) occasion that I have to remove/replace the rotor.

[Dantheman]

I found this adapter in my parts bin. I'm pretty sure it's a rear, but there's nothing on it to indicate either way. How can I know for sure (besides the obvious option of installing it all and seeing if the brake looks like it lines up right)? Or, am I mistaken that 180 PP adapters are F/R specific?

[Dantheman]

[evdog]

I have a whole box of old adaptors. I have no clue what most of them are for. Hayes used to stamp part #s on them and I had a chart showing what fork and rotor size each one worked with. But that was before 80,000 different wheel size/hub width/rotor size combinations existed.

As for centerlock I go out of my way to avoid them and any bike/wheelset that comes with them. My old Mojo SL came with them on XTR wheels. What pissed me off most about them was limited selection of replacement options all of which cost significantly more than available 6-bolt options at the time. Maybe it is better now.

Interestingly I did find a cool cassette tool that I definitely carry in my tool kit. Wonder if it could be used to remove a centerlock rotor? It does work for cassette lockrings at at 15g not much of a weight penalty. https://bikerumor.com/2019/03/13/rev...saves-the-day/

[toast2266]

I found this adapter in my parts bin. I'm pretty sure it's a rear, but there's nothing on it to indicate either way. How can I know for sure (besides the obvious option of installing it all and seeing if the brake looks like it lines up right)? Or, am I mistaken that 180 PP adapters are F/R specific?

I believe that adaptor is not front / rear specific.

[Dantheman]

Excellent, thanks.

[El Chupacabra]

Some adapters don't fit well with other brand's calipers though - just have to test fit and see. Can't remember offhand which ones I've had conflicts with.

[Dantheman]

Interestingly I did find a cool cassette tool that I definitely carry in my tool kit. Wonder if it could be used to remove a centerlock rotor? It does work for cassette lockrings at at 15g not much of a weight penalty. https://bikerumor.com/2019/03/13/rev...saves-the-day/

I could see that thing working to tighten a loose cassette or rotor, but not remove one that was well-tightened and had been on for a while. Those Shimano centerlock adapters I found upthread use a BB tool. I have no earthly idea why.

[Dantheman]

I believe that adaptor is not front / rear specific.

Talked to my inside man at Hayes (I have no idea why I didn't just do this last night), it works front or rear and will also accommodate 180->203.

[jm2e]

Has anyone actually needed a cassette lockring tool on trail? Wow.


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[El Chupacabra]

I have an old Pamir hypercracker that I got for touring, many years ago. Apparently no longer made. Carried it with while touring but never needed it.

http://pardo.net/bike/pic/fail-029/index.html

[toast2266]

Has anyone actually needed a cassette lockring tool on trail? Wow.


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I've had centerlock rotors come loose. So yes.

[evdog]

I've seen people get the chain stuck in the spokes so bad taking the cassette off would have been a huge help. Have had a cassette come loose before as well.

That tool I linked to works great, I've tried it. The plastic piece fits on and you rotate the wheel to provide leverage. You may never need it but carrying its a negligible weight penalty for something that could make your life easier in a bind. Mostly bought it for bikepacking.