Shimano Deore XT RT81 Centerlock Disc Brake Rotor
With the re-designed 2012 Shimano XT disc brakes comes a brand new rotor designed to perform along with the new brake system. While you can still use an older Shimano rotor with the new XT and XTR brakes, matching them with the IceTech rotors will provide maximum braking power, reduced brake-fade on long descents and more consistent braking performance through all sorts of conditions. While there are many options available on the market, the Shimano IceTech hybrid alloy/steel construction provides the most technologically advanced disc brake rotor on the market, and when it comes to pulling you up in a hurry on steep terrain, being confident in your brake system is a big deal.

Compared to the previous XT rotors, the RT81 features a couple of tweaks to its construction and profile to improve performance. Firstly, the depth of the rotor has increased over previous versions to match up with the new brake pads used on the latest XTR, XT and SLX hydraulic disc brakes. By simply increasing the surface area contact between the rotor and the pad, Shimano have been able to increase stopping power, which combined with the Oversized Ceramic pistons used in the new callipers, adds up to a 20% boost in power over previous brakes. The other big change on the RT81 rotor is the layup of its stainless steel braking surface. Rather than being a solid piece of steel, the core of the brake track is actually aluminum, which is sandwiched between 2 layers of stainless steel. Aside from reducing weight, this alloy core provides improved heat dissipation compared to an all-steel brake track, though while maintaining the ideal surface material for the brake pads to come in contact with. When paired up with a set of IceTech brake pads, you'll find your brakes will have more consistent performance regardless of how hot they get.

Like the previous XT rotors, the RT81 gets an alloy central spider that bolts onto the wheel hub. This alloy spider not only reduces weight over 1-piece rotors, it also provides a stiffer platform for the steel brake track so that the whole rotor is straighter and stays true for longer. If you've ever had to deal with other brands rotors that seem to bend with the lightest pressure causing unwanted warping, the 2-piece XT rotor will be a welcome upgrade.


The Shimano Deore XT RT81 Rotor features:

• Centerlock mounting design
• For use with Centerlock hubs
• 2-piece design with Alloy central spider
• Ice Technology
• Hybrid Alloy/Stainless Steel braking surface
• Improved heat dissipation over all-steel brake rotors
• Sizes: 160mm, 180mm and 203mm
• Weight: 134 grams (160mm)
• Also available: Centerlock specific rotors

Choose Shimano disc brakes for consistent and reliable performance