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Looking to order a pair of Hope tech 3 V4 brakes & was just wondering if they would work with a 160mm rear rotor as the website seems to only state 183 & 203 compatibility & the retailer I was looking to order from say only 203mm. However I have seen they can be purchased in a package deal inc a 140 or 160mm rotor which surely they wouldn't sell with that calliper if it did not fit? Anyone got or know what the real deal is? Thanks in advance!
Why go V4 on a rotor that small? I'd have though 2 pot would be enough.
I knew I would get a question before an answer! Current frame is max 160 rear, getting a new frame in September which is 180, need new brakes now unfortunately and wanted the V4's 🙂
Might not get complete contact with all of the pad and perhaps cause premature pad wear. That is about the only issue you will have, so go with the V4 if it's for a frame you will be getting in September.
Depends, is the correct answer. I've got some V2 and wanted 160 on the rear but they didn't make a suitable rotor.
The other problem was a clash between the caliper and the adaptor. However, if you have a 160 post mount rear, it should bolt straight on. As the V4 brake track is the same depth as all the others now, you should be fine. However, these are my thoughts on it, I've not actually tried it.
I don't see why there should be any pad contact issue, it's the adaptor that sets the size, calipers are the same mount. No adaptor means no change in size.
Having said that, I've gone from V2 braided hose 203/183 to E4 Kevlar hose 180/160 and not noticing any drop in performance.
Why is the frame 160 max, would a bigger disc contact on anything? I've seen 180s on even the flimsiest of XC frames.
Current frame is post mount & 160 max as there is about 3mm between a 180 rotor and the chainstay as I did try it, wouldn't want to ride it like that as any flex would cause some contact I imagine, manufacturer does state 160 max too. I was concerned that the pistons were bigger and would foul the mount without an adapter if just bolted directly to the posts?
The distance between the pots, large pad size and overall size of the caliper means a 160 disc won't have a good contact path with the pads. An E4 on the rear would be better in your situation, or realistically that mount isn't going to break, so put on a 180mm. The back wheel will lock up and skid with a 160mm disc, and it'll do the same with a 180mm, so you're not going to be putting any more force through the frame with a 180. The fork would be a very different story though.
I see what you mean about the contact path, makes sense. The 160mm rating for the rear is to do with clearence issues not strength, the rotor must clear the frame by a certain distance for the company to be able to state it is compatable with said size, a 180 would fit but there is such a small amount of clearence any flex in the frame could cause rubbing.
Managed to contact Hope who's official response was "It will possibly work with a direct post mount, but not if you require an adaptor" So bought a pair, will confirm yay or nay when I get them.
That matches with my understanding of things. I'll be interested to see what you find when you try it.
Can confirm that it fits with room to spare on a post mount, pads hit disc fully and as they should. So seems to be frame dependent (fitted to an On-One Fatty Trail). 😀