Brake pad and rotor wear vs. rotor size

michael_bc

Member
Sep 4, 2023
43
46
Laax, Switzerland
I own a Focus Thron2 with 203mm brake rotors and an Orbea Rise with 180mm brake rotors front and rear.

I have a somewhat surprising observation: the Orbea burns through brake pads at an alarming rate.

Rotor sizeBrake pads lifespanRotors lifespan
Focus Thron2203 mm1 seasonstill good after 3 seasons
Orbea Rise180 mm5-7 daysspent after 1 season (< 0.5mm)

I'm using the same Shimano D03S brake pads on both bikes. Front and rear are getting worn out at the same rate.

The Orbea came with Galfer Disc Wave rotors which might compromise longevity to save weight? not sure.

My questions:
  • Is this due to the smaller rotor size? heat?
  • Should I consider different brake pads?
Either way, I will replace the Orbea rotors with 203 mm ones as I have to replace them anyway. Other than the rapid wear I had no complaints about the 180mm rotors. Braking has been nice and grippy.
 

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