Rod B.
Well-known member
This technical article is the second installment in a two part series on Shimano brake systems.
Refer to “Part # 1: Shimano Brake System Service”, for information on bleeding and servicing Shimano brakes and brake pad compounds.
www.emtbforums.com
In Part # 2, I discuss modifying the Shimano brakes on your Orbea Rise, using Shimano upgrades. I will divide the article into four areas of discussion, 1) Shimano Brake Hoses, 2) Shimano Brake Systems, i.e. brake levers and calipers, 3) Shimano brake rotors and 4) The correct Caliper Adapter required for upgrading the size of the brake rotor on your Rise.
1. Let’s Begin:
Below is a brake system chart for each Orbea “Rise” Model. Listed in the chart are "Optional" brake system upgrades offered by Orbea for each Rise model. It's possible the dealer may have optioned one of these upgrades on your Rise.
Due to covid, bicycle manufacturers are having increasing difficulties sourcing parts. It’s possible, your Rise may come from the factory with brake components that differ slightly from the chart. Don't shoot me.
Knowing which brake parts are on your Rise is important. As an example, the Rise M-20 comes stock with Deore two piston calipers and SM-BH90-SS brake hose with straight connection fittings. If you wished to replace the two piston brake calipers with four piston brake calipers. You would need to buy Deore M6120 four piston or MT520 brake calipers which are compatible with the SM-BH90-SS brake hose and straight fittings.
In many instances, the differences in braking performance between older and newer style Shimano four piston calipers is very minor. I have XT BR-M8120 brake calipers on my Rise M-20. My buddy has Deore BR-M6120 brake calipers on his Rise M-20. When I tried his bike, I honestly couldn’t feel a difference, except for maybe the lightness in my wallet from the loss of cash charged for the XT brakes.
For those interested, here is a great video by YouTuber LoveMTB who compares the Shimano Deore M6120 brake system against the Shimano XT 8120 brake system.
The easiest improvement you can do to any disc brake system is to increase brake rotor size. Unless your Rise was ordered with brake upgrades, it will come with 180mm brake rotors front and rear. Modern eBikes typically come standard with 200mm or 203mm brake rotors. eBikes are heavy and it takes a lot of braking force to haul down an eBike at top speed. The smaller the rotor, the less gripping action. The less grip, more friction. More friction equals more heat and brake fade. More brake fade leads to worn brake pads and you the rider, not stopping so well after a long downhill run.
In my opinion, the Rise’s two piston brake calipers and 180mm brake rotors are sub-standard with one exception. If you tend to ride cross country flow trails, then two piston calipers and 180mm brake rotors are perfectly adequate. However, if you find yourself hard charging technical trails, then stronger braking forces are required.
An anatomically correct gesture given by the skeleton at the entrance to Bone Yard Trail, Iron Hills Trail System. This is a badass trail, A++++
2. Brake Hoses:
Knowing which brake hose and fittings you have on your Rise is important. You don’t want to spend money on new calipers only to realize the brake hose fittings on your Rise are not compatible with the new calipers.
When contemplating a brake system upgrade, it is always useful to first review Shimano’s brake system compatibility chart. The chart will identify if there are incompatibility issues and also what you will need to make an upgrade work.
All modern Shimano brake levers, Deore, SLX, XT, XTR, use a straight fitting hose connection at the lever.
Some Shimano brake calipers use a straight fitting connection, others use a banjo fitting connection. Pictured here is a Banjo style brake hose fitting.
Shimano currently uses two types of brake hose on its braking systems. They are the SM-BH59 and SM-BH90 brake hoses. As a general rule, lower level brake components will use a Shimano SM-BH59-SS brake hose. Higher level braking components will use either a SM-BH90-SS or a SM-BH90-SBM brake hose.
The “SS” abbreviation refers to the brake hose's connection fittings, i.e. straight fitting at the brake lever and straight fitting at the caliper. An "SBM" brake hose abbreviation refers to a straight fitting at the brake lever and a banjo fitting at the caliper.
Lower level two piston brake calipers use a straight fitting brake hose connection. Higher level SLX, XT, XTR two piston calipers use a banjo style brake hose connection.
Deore four piston calipers such as the M6120 and the MT520 use a straight fitting brake hose connection. Shimano "20" series brake calipers, i.e. M7120 SLX, 8120 XT, 9120 XTR, use a "Banjo" fitting brake hose connection.
Deore M6000, two piston brake caliper with straight fitting
Deore M6120, four piston brake caliper with straight fitting
XT M8000, two piston brake caliper with banjo connection fitting
XT M8120, four piston brake caliper with banjo fitting
Orbea Rise models come from the factory with Shimano BH90 brake hose installed on the bike. The Rise Hydro H30 comes with Shimano MT410 brakes. Shimano's compatibility chart states MT410 brake components use the BH59 brake hose. All other Hydro models use BH90 brake hose.
Shimano BH59 and BH90 brake hose differs in internal diameter size. The BH59 hose has an internal diameter of 2.3mm, whereas the BH90 hose has an internal diameter size of 2.1mm. The outside diameter of both hoses is the same at 5mm. I believe the reduced internal diameter of the BH90 brake hose increases hydraulic pressure at the caliper.
Hose barb fittings for the BH59 and BH90 are NOT compatible. If you have BH59 brake hose, you must use a BH59 hose barb. If you have a BH90 brake hose, you must BH90 hose barb. This is due to the differing internal diameter size of the two hoses. The external diameter of both hoses is the same at 5mm, so the olive can be used on either hose.
3. Shimano Brake Levers:
Depending upon the level of your Rise brake lever, i.e. Deore, XT, etc., it may or may not come with several rider customization features.
The first feature is "Lever Reach." SLX and above brake levers have a castellated screw on the brake lever that allows the rider to make a tool free adjustment in regards to how far the brake lever extends away from the handlebar. Deore and lower brake levers have a hex screw which requires the use of a tool to make the reach adjustment.
A second useful feature is "Free Stroke" adjustment. Brake levers XT and above have a "Free Stroke" adjustment screw. The "Free Stroke" adjustment screw allows you to adjust how far you have to squeeze the brake lever before the caliper pistons advance the brake pads far enough to engage the brake rotor, i.e. Bite Point. The terrain we ride varies all around the world. Some riders may prefer a softer, feathery engagement, whereas other riders may prefer a quicker and more firm engagement.
4. Shimano Brake Calipers
If you own a Rise M20 or Hydro model and you wish to upgrade from two piston brake calipers to four piston calipers, your easiest method of upgrade is to purchase a set of Deore BL-M6120 or BL-MT520 four piston brake calipers which are compatible with the SM-BH90-SS brake hose that comes stock on the bike. If you own a Rise M-LTD with two piston calipers and wish to upgrade to four piston calipers, the SM-BH90-SBM brake hose that comes stock on the bike is compatible with SLX or above, "20" series, i.e. XT M8120, four piston brake calipers.
In some instances, Rise M-20 forum users have reported that during a caliper upgrade, their BH90 rear brake line did not adequately reach the connection port on the four piston caliper. Usually the shortage is only a few millimeters and you may be able to pull enough slack in the brake hose to reach the caliper. If there is not enough slack to be had, you may need to lower the motor to gain slack. The rear brake hose travels down the downtube and makes a sharp bend upwards and over the top of the motor, where it makes another sharp bend out the top of the motor mount shell via the black rubber guide tube. Because of the multiple bends, it can be difficult to pull enough slack in the brake hose, thus lowering the motor is called for.
Here is a post which details how to lower the motor:
www.emtbforums.com
If you own a M-20 or Hydro and you wish to upgrade to Shimano SLX 7120 or above four piston brake calipers, you will need to install SM-BH90-SBM "banjo" style brake hose. To replace the rear brake hose, you have the option of lowering the motor and replacing the brake hose or fishing the new hose through the frame using the old brake hose. I would try to fish the hose through the frame first, just know it can be difficult. If you are not successful, then lower the motor.
To fish the new brake hose, you must firmly attach it to the old brake hose. Buy a 1.5 inch/38mm long, fine thread machine screw which has a diameter slightly larger than the inside diameter of the BH90 brake hose. Thread one end of the machine screw about halfway into the old hose. Cut the head off of the screw. Thread the new brake hose onto the other end of the screw. Thread both hoses together so that they firmly meet with no gap between them. Spray the new hose with a silicone lubricant and the old hose where it exits the top of the motor mount shell. Start from the rear due to the banjo fitting. Begin pulling on the old hose, starting at the rubber hose guide which can be lifted up. The screw may pull out while pulling. If it does, then drop the motor and install the hose.
There are aftermarket companies on Amazon and eBay that sell Banjo fitting adapters which will convert your BH90 straight fitting brake hose into a banjo style brake hose. I am hesitant to recommend this procedure because experimenting with you brake system with unknown parts can be dangerous. The banjo fitting adapter works by installing the banjo fitting onto the caliper. Next, thread the Rise's straight fitting brake hose into the banjo adapter.
5. Shimano Brake Rotors
Unless your Rise's brake rotors were upgraded at the factory, it will come stock with 180mm brake rotors front and rear. An increase to 203mm will make a noticeable improvement in braking performance.
Ebike assist speed is regulated by law. The non drive side chain stay on the Rise has a speed sensor pickup mounted on it. The rear brake rotor has a magnetic pickup. As the rear wheel turns, the magnet mounted on the rotor passes over the speed sensor on the chain stay. The speed sensor determines your speed based on the frequency of the pulses as the rotor's magnet passes over the speed sensor. If the speed sensor does not pick up a magnetic pulse as the wheel turns, it will shut off the motor and issue a fault code.
The rear rotor on your Rise must have a magnetic pickup in order for your bike to work. Shimano 203mm Centerlock brake rotors with magnet pickup are difficult to source as the supply is limited. There are manufacturers besides Shimano who manufacture centerlock rotors with a built in magnet pickup, including Jagwire and Magura.
When I first got my Rise M20, I installed SRAM G2 brakes with 200mm centerlock brake rotors. SRAM does not make a centerlock brake rotor with magnetic pickup. I tried various centerlock rotor magnet adapters sold by Bosch, Trek and others. These were not successful and my bike fault coded. I next superglued a Neodymium rare earth magnet to the brake rotor. This worked really well for a few weeks. Then my Rise began to fault code on rides and shut off. After some hair pulling and research, I learned that rare earth magnets will lose their magnetism when subjected to high heat, i.e. glued to a brake rotor. The magnetism will return after the magnet has cooled. However, if the magnet is subjected to enough heat cycles, the loss of magnetism will become permanent.
I eventually stopped trying to re-invent the wheel and purchased a set of Shimano XT brakes. No more fault codes or romantic walks in the park....Can I get a hallelujah please!
Note: I recently saw a new style of magnetic adapter for centerlock rotors. The magnet adapter clamps around the circumference of the centerlock locking ring. This adapter would allow you to use any manufacturers centerlock rotor. I don't recall where I saw the adapter, possibly on a Hydro or Wild? If you know of this magnetic adapter, please take a picture and add it to the thread so others can view and consider it as a viable option.
Six bolt rotors are much easier to upgrade. You can use any type of manufacturer's six bolt brake rotor, the supplies are plentiful. The bolt pattern is universal across the industry. The correct six bolt magnetic adapter can be purchased on Orbea's website.
Here is a picture of my Rise with RT-EM800 203mm rotor. The Orbea Rise blue paper states a 220mm brake rotor cannot be used on the rear of the Rise due to clearance issues.
6. Caliper Adapters:
If you plan to increase the size of the brake rotor on your Rise, you will need to purchase a brake caliper adapter. Brake caliper adapters work like a spacer block to increase the height of the brake caliper in order to compensate for the increased diameter of the brake rotor.
Example of a brake caliper adapter
"Post Mount" is a term used to describe the two threaded lugs which the brake caliper bolts to on the frame and fork. The height of the post mount is determined by the size of the brake rotor which the bicycle manufacturer sets the bike up to use. Orbea has set up the Rise frame to use a 180mm rear brake rotor, thus the frame's rear brake lugs are 180mm post mount.
If a 203mm brake rotor is used on the rear of a Rise, then the 180mm post mount height has to be increased by 23mm to compensate for the larger diameter brake rotor. Use Shimano caliper adapter "SM-MA-F203P/PM" if you wish to install a 203mm brake rotor on the rear of your Rise.
The Fox 34 has a 160mm post mount and thus will accept a 160mm rotor and brake caliper bolted directly to the fork. If a larger 180mm or 203mm brake rotor is used, then a caliper adapter is required to compensate for the increased rotor size.
The Fox 36 has a 180mm post mount and thus will accept a 180mm rotor and brake caliper bolted directly to the fork. If a larger 203mm or 220mm brake rotor is used, then a caliper adapter is required to compensate for the increased rotor size.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 found on the Rise Hydro H-30 uses a 160mm post mount and will accept a 160mm rotor and brake caliper bolted directly to the fork. If a larger 180mm or 203mm brake rotor is used on the Marzocchi Bomber Z2, then a caliper adapter is required to compensate for the increased rotor size.
Picture of my Rise rear brake with 180mm post mounts. I have increased the rotor size from 180mm to a 203mm brake rotor. I have used a SM-MA-F203P/PM brake caliper adapter to compensate for the 23mm in increased rotor size.
Here is a picture of my Fox 36 fork with 180mm post mounts. A 180mm brake rotor and caliper would bolt directly to the fork and no caliper adapter would be needed. However, I have increased the front rotor size to 203mm. I am using a SM-MA-F203P/PM brake caliper adapter to compensate for the increased rotor size. The same "Post Mount" caliper adapter used on the rear of the bike can also be used on the front fork's 180mm post mounts.
Not all surfaces are machined perfectly flat and true. The conical spacers used in conjunction with the caliper bolts allows the user to adjust the angle of the caliper so it remains square to the face of the brake rotor despite any out of true machining on the fork or caliper adapter.
Shimano does not recommend using a 220mm brake rotor on a 160mm post mount, i.e. Fox 34 fork and therefore does not manufacture a 60mm caliper adapter.
If you wish to install a 203mm brake rotor on your 160mm post mount front fork, then Shimano recommends you use the flat and more rigid SM-MA-F203P/P caliper adapter as seen pictured below.
Refer to Shimano's brake caliper compatibility chart for further details:
Note: In the below charts, I have included fork upgrades and downgrades offered by the Orbea factory for each model Rise.
Cheers
Refer to “Part # 1: Shimano Brake System Service”, for information on bleeding and servicing Shimano brakes and brake pad compounds.
Part # 1: Shimano Brake System Service - EMTB Forums
This will be a two part technical article discussing Shimano braking system components, how to service your Shimano brakes and brake system modification on your Rise. Part # 1 will discuss basic maintenance on your Shimano brakes. I am not a professional mechanic but I do enjoy working on...
www.emtbforums.com
In Part # 2, I discuss modifying the Shimano brakes on your Orbea Rise, using Shimano upgrades. I will divide the article into four areas of discussion, 1) Shimano Brake Hoses, 2) Shimano Brake Systems, i.e. brake levers and calipers, 3) Shimano brake rotors and 4) The correct Caliper Adapter required for upgrading the size of the brake rotor on your Rise.
1. Let’s Begin:
Below is a brake system chart for each Orbea “Rise” Model. Listed in the chart are "Optional" brake system upgrades offered by Orbea for each Rise model. It's possible the dealer may have optioned one of these upgrades on your Rise.
Due to covid, bicycle manufacturers are having increasing difficulties sourcing parts. It’s possible, your Rise may come from the factory with brake components that differ slightly from the chart. Don't shoot me.
Knowing which brake parts are on your Rise is important. As an example, the Rise M-20 comes stock with Deore two piston calipers and SM-BH90-SS brake hose with straight connection fittings. If you wished to replace the two piston brake calipers with four piston brake calipers. You would need to buy Deore M6120 four piston or MT520 brake calipers which are compatible with the SM-BH90-SS brake hose and straight fittings.
In many instances, the differences in braking performance between older and newer style Shimano four piston calipers is very minor. I have XT BR-M8120 brake calipers on my Rise M-20. My buddy has Deore BR-M6120 brake calipers on his Rise M-20. When I tried his bike, I honestly couldn’t feel a difference, except for maybe the lightness in my wallet from the loss of cash charged for the XT brakes.
For those interested, here is a great video by YouTuber LoveMTB who compares the Shimano Deore M6120 brake system against the Shimano XT 8120 brake system.
The easiest improvement you can do to any disc brake system is to increase brake rotor size. Unless your Rise was ordered with brake upgrades, it will come with 180mm brake rotors front and rear. Modern eBikes typically come standard with 200mm or 203mm brake rotors. eBikes are heavy and it takes a lot of braking force to haul down an eBike at top speed. The smaller the rotor, the less gripping action. The less grip, more friction. More friction equals more heat and brake fade. More brake fade leads to worn brake pads and you the rider, not stopping so well after a long downhill run.
In my opinion, the Rise’s two piston brake calipers and 180mm brake rotors are sub-standard with one exception. If you tend to ride cross country flow trails, then two piston calipers and 180mm brake rotors are perfectly adequate. However, if you find yourself hard charging technical trails, then stronger braking forces are required.
An anatomically correct gesture given by the skeleton at the entrance to Bone Yard Trail, Iron Hills Trail System. This is a badass trail, A++++
2. Brake Hoses:
Knowing which brake hose and fittings you have on your Rise is important. You don’t want to spend money on new calipers only to realize the brake hose fittings on your Rise are not compatible with the new calipers.
When contemplating a brake system upgrade, it is always useful to first review Shimano’s brake system compatibility chart. The chart will identify if there are incompatibility issues and also what you will need to make an upgrade work.
All modern Shimano brake levers, Deore, SLX, XT, XTR, use a straight fitting hose connection at the lever.
Some Shimano brake calipers use a straight fitting connection, others use a banjo fitting connection. Pictured here is a Banjo style brake hose fitting.
Shimano currently uses two types of brake hose on its braking systems. They are the SM-BH59 and SM-BH90 brake hoses. As a general rule, lower level brake components will use a Shimano SM-BH59-SS brake hose. Higher level braking components will use either a SM-BH90-SS or a SM-BH90-SBM brake hose.
The “SS” abbreviation refers to the brake hose's connection fittings, i.e. straight fitting at the brake lever and straight fitting at the caliper. An "SBM" brake hose abbreviation refers to a straight fitting at the brake lever and a banjo fitting at the caliper.
Lower level two piston brake calipers use a straight fitting brake hose connection. Higher level SLX, XT, XTR two piston calipers use a banjo style brake hose connection.
Deore four piston calipers such as the M6120 and the MT520 use a straight fitting brake hose connection. Shimano "20" series brake calipers, i.e. M7120 SLX, 8120 XT, 9120 XTR, use a "Banjo" fitting brake hose connection.
Deore M6000, two piston brake caliper with straight fitting
Deore M6120, four piston brake caliper with straight fitting
XT M8000, two piston brake caliper with banjo connection fitting
XT M8120, four piston brake caliper with banjo fitting
Orbea Rise models come from the factory with Shimano BH90 brake hose installed on the bike. The Rise Hydro H30 comes with Shimano MT410 brakes. Shimano's compatibility chart states MT410 brake components use the BH59 brake hose. All other Hydro models use BH90 brake hose.
Shimano BH59 and BH90 brake hose differs in internal diameter size. The BH59 hose has an internal diameter of 2.3mm, whereas the BH90 hose has an internal diameter size of 2.1mm. The outside diameter of both hoses is the same at 5mm. I believe the reduced internal diameter of the BH90 brake hose increases hydraulic pressure at the caliper.
Hose barb fittings for the BH59 and BH90 are NOT compatible. If you have BH59 brake hose, you must use a BH59 hose barb. If you have a BH90 brake hose, you must BH90 hose barb. This is due to the differing internal diameter size of the two hoses. The external diameter of both hoses is the same at 5mm, so the olive can be used on either hose.
3. Shimano Brake Levers:
Depending upon the level of your Rise brake lever, i.e. Deore, XT, etc., it may or may not come with several rider customization features.
The first feature is "Lever Reach." SLX and above brake levers have a castellated screw on the brake lever that allows the rider to make a tool free adjustment in regards to how far the brake lever extends away from the handlebar. Deore and lower brake levers have a hex screw which requires the use of a tool to make the reach adjustment.
A second useful feature is "Free Stroke" adjustment. Brake levers XT and above have a "Free Stroke" adjustment screw. The "Free Stroke" adjustment screw allows you to adjust how far you have to squeeze the brake lever before the caliper pistons advance the brake pads far enough to engage the brake rotor, i.e. Bite Point. The terrain we ride varies all around the world. Some riders may prefer a softer, feathery engagement, whereas other riders may prefer a quicker and more firm engagement.
4. Shimano Brake Calipers
If you own a Rise M20 or Hydro model and you wish to upgrade from two piston brake calipers to four piston calipers, your easiest method of upgrade is to purchase a set of Deore BL-M6120 or BL-MT520 four piston brake calipers which are compatible with the SM-BH90-SS brake hose that comes stock on the bike. If you own a Rise M-LTD with two piston calipers and wish to upgrade to four piston calipers, the SM-BH90-SBM brake hose that comes stock on the bike is compatible with SLX or above, "20" series, i.e. XT M8120, four piston brake calipers.
In some instances, Rise M-20 forum users have reported that during a caliper upgrade, their BH90 rear brake line did not adequately reach the connection port on the four piston caliper. Usually the shortage is only a few millimeters and you may be able to pull enough slack in the brake hose to reach the caliper. If there is not enough slack to be had, you may need to lower the motor to gain slack. The rear brake hose travels down the downtube and makes a sharp bend upwards and over the top of the motor, where it makes another sharp bend out the top of the motor mount shell via the black rubber guide tube. Because of the multiple bends, it can be difficult to pull enough slack in the brake hose, thus lowering the motor is called for.
Here is a post which details how to lower the motor:
Orbea Rise - Charging/Cabling Fault Finding - EMTB Forums
Battery Charging: The charger for the Rise will blink green if the charger is not plugged in OR if the battery is fully charged. The charger will display a red light while charging. Troubleshooting a Rise which will not power up: There can be multiple reasons why your bike is not powering...
www.emtbforums.com
If you own a M-20 or Hydro and you wish to upgrade to Shimano SLX 7120 or above four piston brake calipers, you will need to install SM-BH90-SBM "banjo" style brake hose. To replace the rear brake hose, you have the option of lowering the motor and replacing the brake hose or fishing the new hose through the frame using the old brake hose. I would try to fish the hose through the frame first, just know it can be difficult. If you are not successful, then lower the motor.
To fish the new brake hose, you must firmly attach it to the old brake hose. Buy a 1.5 inch/38mm long, fine thread machine screw which has a diameter slightly larger than the inside diameter of the BH90 brake hose. Thread one end of the machine screw about halfway into the old hose. Cut the head off of the screw. Thread the new brake hose onto the other end of the screw. Thread both hoses together so that they firmly meet with no gap between them. Spray the new hose with a silicone lubricant and the old hose where it exits the top of the motor mount shell. Start from the rear due to the banjo fitting. Begin pulling on the old hose, starting at the rubber hose guide which can be lifted up. The screw may pull out while pulling. If it does, then drop the motor and install the hose.
There are aftermarket companies on Amazon and eBay that sell Banjo fitting adapters which will convert your BH90 straight fitting brake hose into a banjo style brake hose. I am hesitant to recommend this procedure because experimenting with you brake system with unknown parts can be dangerous. The banjo fitting adapter works by installing the banjo fitting onto the caliper. Next, thread the Rise's straight fitting brake hose into the banjo adapter.
5. Shimano Brake Rotors
Unless your Rise's brake rotors were upgraded at the factory, it will come stock with 180mm brake rotors front and rear. An increase to 203mm will make a noticeable improvement in braking performance.
Ebike assist speed is regulated by law. The non drive side chain stay on the Rise has a speed sensor pickup mounted on it. The rear brake rotor has a magnetic pickup. As the rear wheel turns, the magnet mounted on the rotor passes over the speed sensor on the chain stay. The speed sensor determines your speed based on the frequency of the pulses as the rotor's magnet passes over the speed sensor. If the speed sensor does not pick up a magnetic pulse as the wheel turns, it will shut off the motor and issue a fault code.
The rear rotor on your Rise must have a magnetic pickup in order for your bike to work. Shimano 203mm Centerlock brake rotors with magnet pickup are difficult to source as the supply is limited. There are manufacturers besides Shimano who manufacture centerlock rotors with a built in magnet pickup, including Jagwire and Magura.
When I first got my Rise M20, I installed SRAM G2 brakes with 200mm centerlock brake rotors. SRAM does not make a centerlock brake rotor with magnetic pickup. I tried various centerlock rotor magnet adapters sold by Bosch, Trek and others. These were not successful and my bike fault coded. I next superglued a Neodymium rare earth magnet to the brake rotor. This worked really well for a few weeks. Then my Rise began to fault code on rides and shut off. After some hair pulling and research, I learned that rare earth magnets will lose their magnetism when subjected to high heat, i.e. glued to a brake rotor. The magnetism will return after the magnet has cooled. However, if the magnet is subjected to enough heat cycles, the loss of magnetism will become permanent.
I eventually stopped trying to re-invent the wheel and purchased a set of Shimano XT brakes. No more fault codes or romantic walks in the park....Can I get a hallelujah please!
Note: I recently saw a new style of magnetic adapter for centerlock rotors. The magnet adapter clamps around the circumference of the centerlock locking ring. This adapter would allow you to use any manufacturers centerlock rotor. I don't recall where I saw the adapter, possibly on a Hydro or Wild? If you know of this magnetic adapter, please take a picture and add it to the thread so others can view and consider it as a viable option.
Six bolt rotors are much easier to upgrade. You can use any type of manufacturer's six bolt brake rotor, the supplies are plentiful. The bolt pattern is universal across the industry. The correct six bolt magnetic adapter can be purchased on Orbea's website.
Here is a picture of my Rise with RT-EM800 203mm rotor. The Orbea Rise blue paper states a 220mm brake rotor cannot be used on the rear of the Rise due to clearance issues.
6. Caliper Adapters:
If you plan to increase the size of the brake rotor on your Rise, you will need to purchase a brake caliper adapter. Brake caliper adapters work like a spacer block to increase the height of the brake caliper in order to compensate for the increased diameter of the brake rotor.
Example of a brake caliper adapter
"Post Mount" is a term used to describe the two threaded lugs which the brake caliper bolts to on the frame and fork. The height of the post mount is determined by the size of the brake rotor which the bicycle manufacturer sets the bike up to use. Orbea has set up the Rise frame to use a 180mm rear brake rotor, thus the frame's rear brake lugs are 180mm post mount.
If a 203mm brake rotor is used on the rear of a Rise, then the 180mm post mount height has to be increased by 23mm to compensate for the larger diameter brake rotor. Use Shimano caliper adapter "SM-MA-F203P/PM" if you wish to install a 203mm brake rotor on the rear of your Rise.
The Fox 34 has a 160mm post mount and thus will accept a 160mm rotor and brake caliper bolted directly to the fork. If a larger 180mm or 203mm brake rotor is used, then a caliper adapter is required to compensate for the increased rotor size.
The Fox 36 has a 180mm post mount and thus will accept a 180mm rotor and brake caliper bolted directly to the fork. If a larger 203mm or 220mm brake rotor is used, then a caliper adapter is required to compensate for the increased rotor size.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 found on the Rise Hydro H-30 uses a 160mm post mount and will accept a 160mm rotor and brake caliper bolted directly to the fork. If a larger 180mm or 203mm brake rotor is used on the Marzocchi Bomber Z2, then a caliper adapter is required to compensate for the increased rotor size.
Picture of my Rise rear brake with 180mm post mounts. I have increased the rotor size from 180mm to a 203mm brake rotor. I have used a SM-MA-F203P/PM brake caliper adapter to compensate for the 23mm in increased rotor size.
Here is a picture of my Fox 36 fork with 180mm post mounts. A 180mm brake rotor and caliper would bolt directly to the fork and no caliper adapter would be needed. However, I have increased the front rotor size to 203mm. I am using a SM-MA-F203P/PM brake caliper adapter to compensate for the increased rotor size. The same "Post Mount" caliper adapter used on the rear of the bike can also be used on the front fork's 180mm post mounts.
Not all surfaces are machined perfectly flat and true. The conical spacers used in conjunction with the caliper bolts allows the user to adjust the angle of the caliper so it remains square to the face of the brake rotor despite any out of true machining on the fork or caliper adapter.
Shimano does not recommend using a 220mm brake rotor on a 160mm post mount, i.e. Fox 34 fork and therefore does not manufacture a 60mm caliper adapter.
If you wish to install a 203mm brake rotor on your 160mm post mount front fork, then Shimano recommends you use the flat and more rigid SM-MA-F203P/P caliper adapter as seen pictured below.
Refer to Shimano's brake caliper compatibility chart for further details:
Note: In the below charts, I have included fork upgrades and downgrades offered by the Orbea factory for each model Rise.
Cheers
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