Floating versus Fixed

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This topic contains 9 replies, has 0 voices, and was last updated by  Mick D 14 years, 1 month ago.

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  • #99464

    Hey Bulls
    What is the advantage of a floating disc rotor as opposed to a fixed? I have heard it helps dissipate heat but is that relevant to a recreational trail rider?
    Cheers

    STM

    #195122

    Greg
    Member

    Not sure how it dissipates heat differently to a fixed, haven’t thought about but :blink:

    I thought the benefit was to reduce pad knock off.

    TB

    #195123

    That’s right, it does help reduce pad knock off. Coming from a racing back ground……… The advantage of floating v,s fixed is that a fixed rotor is more likely to warp with extreme heat then creating pad knock off. Where as a floating rotor has room for expansion and contraction and is less likely to warp. Particularly if you are really hard on the picks then come into a deep creek crossing. The fixed rotor may warp due to the sudden quenching from the water. Floating are good for hard core fast guys. Not for wood-ducks like me.
    Hope this helps.

    Cheers,
    Lefty

    #195127

    Mal
    Member

    When the ‘floating’ spacers wear down the disc rattles like a bastard and annoys the crap out you.

    Other riders think your bike is about to blow up. :laugh:

    #195129

    mal5.1 wrote:

    Quote:
    When the ‘floating’ spacers wear down the disc rattles like a bastard and annoys the crap out you.

    Other riders think your bike is about to blow up. :laugh:

    Mine is getting very floaty as you say mate which is why I was considering fixed. I always opted for fixed over float on my Mtb’s as I preferred the more positive feel at the lever. If fixed is ok I will give it a go on my WR.

    STM

    #195135

    Greg
    Member

    singletrackmind wrote:

    Quote:
    mal5.1 wrote:

    Quote:
    When the ‘floating’ spacers wear down the disc rattles like a bastard and annoys the crap out you.

    Other riders think your bike is about to blow up. :laugh:

    Mine is getting very floaty as you say mate which is why I was considering fixed. I always opted for fixed over float on my Mtb’s as I preferred the more positive feel at the lever. If fixed is ok I will give it a go on my WR.

    STM

    My EBC I had on the XR got loose and floaty (word :laugh: ) I just re-squashed the rivets and tightened it up, noise gone

    TB

    #195136

    Trailboss wrote:

    Quote:
    singletrackmind wrote:

    Quote:
    mal5.1 wrote:

    Quote:
    When the ‘floating’ spacers wear down the disc rattles like a bastard and annoys the crap out you.

    Other riders think your bike is about to blow up. :laugh:

    Mine is getting very floaty as you say mate which is why I was considering fixed. I always opted for fixed over float on my Mtb’s as I preferred the more positive feel at the lever. If fixed is ok I will give it a go on my WR.

    STM

    My EBC I had on the XR got loose and floaty (word :laugh: ) I just re-squashed the rivets and tightened it up, noise gone

    TB

    Cheers TB. I will take it off and give it a hit.

    STM

    #195140

    Mick D
    Member

    Anyone care to explain “pad knock off”? :S Never heard that phrase before.

    #195124

    David
    Member

    Hello Mick,
    “Pad Knock Off”
    My interpretation, all discs have a certain amount of run out (you could call it warp) this allows the pads after application to be forced back off the disc a bit to allow for free rotation of the wheel.”pad knock off”
    If this run out is extreme it will force the pads back further than acceptable so when you grab your lever the pads will have to travel further to apply pressure to the disc.
    The feeling is like having no brakes in the initial stage.
    This can be just enough to cause an issue when you really need those brakes.
    The problem becomes worse when the pads are worn.
    With a large disc run out and worn pads in extreme cases you can get the piston jamming in the caliper.
    So the pads will not apply at all.

    The opposite of all this is to have no pad knock off which will cause the pads to stay against the discs causing premature pad wher and in extreme cases boiling of the brake fluid.

    As i said this is my undestanding of pad knock off.

    Rebore.

    #195157

    Mick D
    Member

    Thanks Rebore, stands to reason, so I am happy with your explaination.

    Cheers
    Mick

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