Recommended me a front rotor and pads 😎

[RipGroove]

I need to replace the front rotor and pads on my '24 Cube Stereo Hybrid SLX, it doesn't have the best brakes (Shimano Deore M6120) but to be fair they actually perform fairly well. I've just put refreshed the rear with a stick Shimano SM-RT64-L 203mm rotor and Shimano D03S resin pads but I was wondering if you front I should put something like a Shimano RT-MT800-L (XT Ice Tech) and some sintered pads? I know the rotor will fit (203mm centre lock), but not sure what pads actually fit, potentially looking for finned pads maybe? Can't see any Shimano finned pads listed for that caliper but I assume other Shimano pads will fit? Just not sure which?

Does that sound like a decent idea or should I go for something non Shimano? I mainly ride trail with some fairly long downhill sections. And usually the ride home is down some long steep roads which my brakes don't tend to enjoy that much!!

 

[Bndit]

Cheapest performance upgrade for Shimano brakes is purple Galfer brake pads. I’d start from there.

 

[RipGroove]

Cheapest performance upgrade for Shimano brakes is purple Galfer brake pads. I’d start from there.

Nice thanks, and they'll pair up ok with the XT Ice Tech rotor?

 

[ArmyOfEvilRobots]

I’m running a Magura MDR-P 220mm rotor, and wow does that add power. Your M6120 brakes should supply plenty of pinch power, so I’ll second those Galfer pads as a next step. I’ve always had good luck with Galfer stuff.

 

[RipGroove]

I’m running a Magura MDR-P 220mm rotor, and wow does that add power. Your M6120 brakes should supply plenty of pinch power, so I’ll second those Galfer pads as a next step. I’ve always had good luck with Galfer stuff.

Awesome thanks, I might see if I can find a Magura rotor then, and after you guys have mentioned the Galfer pads I've had a look online and they do get a lot of praise so I'll order a couple of pairs and stick some in the rear as well. Cheers lads.

 

[RipGroove]

So i assume the centre lock is a standard size so I shouldn't have any issues with fitment then? So I should just be able to order a Magura MDR-P CL 203mm and it'll just fit?

 

[Bndit]

Nice thanks, and they'll pair up ok with the XT Ice Tech rotor?

I have ice tech only on my commuter, works fine with Galfer pads. I had those on deore discs on my emtb and they are great, worked well too on these small bike parks here, don`t know about bigger hills but here I would prefer them over ice techs….now running HS2 disc`s on my Sram brakes and Galfers on Shimano.

 

[irie]

I need to replace the front rotor and pads on my '24 Cube Stereo Hybrid SLX, it doesn't have the best brakes (Shimano Deore M6120) but to be fair they actually perform fairly well.

We have Shimano M6120 brakes with Swisstop Catalyst Pro 220mm rotors with Swissstop D27 RS pads front and rear. Can't fault them.

 

[zaskarmark]

I need to replace the front rotor and pads on my '24 Cube Stereo Hybrid SLX, it doesn't have the best brakes (Shimano Deore M6120) but to be fair they actually perform fairly well. I've just put refreshed the rear with a stick Shimano SM-RT64-L 203mm rotor and Shimano D03S resin pads but I was wondering if you front I should put something like a Shimano RT-MT800-L (XT Ice Tech) and some sintered pads? I know the rotor will fit (203mm centre lock), but not sure what pads actually fit, potentially looking for finned pads maybe? Can't see any Shimano finned pads listed for that caliper but I assume other Shimano pads will fit? Just not sure which?

Does that sound like a decent idea or should I go for something non Shimano? I mainly ride trail with some fairly long downhill sections. And usually the ride home is down some long steep roads which my brakes don't tend to enjoy that much!!

Galfer purples are the way to go. Since switching to them, I won't use anything else. Super quiet in all conditions & pretty much fade free. I have a monster commuter bike that weighs 135# fully loaded & many mountain roads to contend with. Descending down one steep hill that is nearly a mile long, my brakes never fade or heat appreciably.
Hardware: Magura MT5 brake sets & Magura MDR-P 203 rotors.

 

[RipGroove]

Awesome to hear another vouch for the Galfer pads, I've ordered a Magura MDR-P CL 203mm rotor to go on the front and some Galfer purple pads for the front and rear. I only just replaced the rear rotor with a new Shimano one that has done zero miles so that can stay for now, although if I like the Magura rotor up front I'll order another for the rear likely soon.

 

[Maxi]

Note of caution - the Shimano rotor is 1.8mm thick whereas the Magura is 2.0mm so may cause pad rub if the pistons aren't fully pushed back and reset. Might be a tight squeeze with new pads as well.

 

[RipGroove]

Note of caution - the Shimano rotor is 1.8mm thick whereas the Magura is 2.0mm so may cause pad rub if the pistons aren't fully pushed back and reset. Might be a tight squeeze with new pads as well.

Thank you, good to know! I'll make sure I push them back then and re bleed if necessary, and worst case I'll sand the pads a little. Thanks for the heads up

 

[Bikeflog]

On my meat bike a always ran Swissstop Semi-Sintered. For the price they couldn't be beaten and I'm quite fussy. Have a look at Bikeinn | Online store for bicycles and cycling equipment

 

[skizzian]

go to the largest disc your fork and frame will take (manufacturer will give limits) in 2mm thickness.
I'll second the swiss stop semi-sintered
I'm running that on the back currently - with Disco Brakes carbon in the front (good pad and cheap)

 

[urmom]

Galfer purples are the way to go. Since switching to them, I won't use anything else. Super quiet in all conditions & pretty much fade free. I have a monster commuter bike that weighs 135# fully loaded & many mountain roads to contend with. Descending down one steep hill that is nearly a mile long, my brakes never fade or heat appreciably.
Hardware: Magura MT5 brake sets & Magura MDR-P 203 rotors.

Your pair great brakes with great pads, so i am unsure what is the deciding factor here.

 

[zaskarmark]

Your pair great brakes with great pads, so i am unsure what is the deciding factor here.

The point here is the pads you use, no matter the brake hardware brand, make a huge difference. The three sets of pads I installed before Galfers all sucked. Super noisy & squealing when wet, overheating, fading under pressure. The point: bad pads make great hardware suck.