Braking System Component study

Brake Rotor

A metal disc bolted to the wheel hub on bicycles with disc brakes.

What does the Brake Rotor do?

Provides the surface that the disc brake pads grip to slow the wheel.

How does it work?

The rotor turns with the wheel. When the caliper squeezes the pads against it, friction slows the rotor and therefore the wheel. Rotors usually work more consistently in wet conditions than rim brakes.

Materials & Construction

Materials commonly used to make the Brake Rotor.

Steel

A strong and durable iron-based alloy. It is used for frames as well as for parts that wear quickly, such as chains, cassette sprockets and brake rotors.

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