Aventon Aventure Ebike Brake Rotor Upgrade to 203mm

Important notes since the upgrade:
1. I filed down the rear post mount adapter to lower the caliper a bit more. I felt the rear caliper sat a little bit too high. So I filed down the utmost rear post on the adapter where the bolt goes through so that the caliper sits a bit lower.
2. You don’t need to install the “gaskets” / washers that came with the adapter on the front. I thought initially it needed more clearance but been running the bike without it and it’s fine.
So is this $70 total upgrade worth it and are 203mm rotors better than the stock 180mm rotors? To quote magura:
"In general, most bikers will benefit from larger rotors. This is because the same amount of hand pressure with a 203 mm rotor will produce around 10 % more braking power than with a 180 mm rotor. A 220 mm rotor will produce around 20% more braking power. A larger diameter rotor reduces the force required to produce the same amount of braking power, prevents brake fading and provides more security. Large rotors are a must for heavier riders. Always consider the total weight of the rider, bike, and backpack/luggage. A fully loaded backpack can increase the demands on the braking system."
So there should be a performance improvement on general brake usage especially on a heavy bike like this. But I personally felt the 180mm stock rotors were sufficient enough. Since mine were making noise, it was an excuse to get bigger rotors, and make the bike at least, look better while solving the noise issue I was getting.
Quick guide on installation that I did not really go over. Hint: best to find a video for brake caliper and rotor alignment then go through this note.
1. The things I didn't go over: Disconnect power wire connector going to the rear hub motor. Remove the front and rear wheel which requires a 19mm wrench for the rear, 15mm for the front. Remove rotor. Make sure to use correct torque specs when putting the new rotors on. Once you got the bucklos adapters on, a good strategy after mounting the rear wheel back on: Align the rotors by loosening the calipers slightly from where it mounts to the adapter, then spin the wheel, and squeeze the brake lever as the wheel is spinning. While still holding down the brake lever, tighten the bolts on the caliper. Then get a good view to see if the rotor is centered between the brake caliper. If it is, rotate the wheel and see if it stays centered all around. If it isn't you can repeat that step and try it again. If you noticed as you turn the wheel that it isn't centered in one part of the rotor, you may need to true the rotor. I would suggest while wearing a latex glove, you can apply very slight pressure using your fingers to get the rotor centered before actually using a adjustable wrench. If you use a wrench or rotor straightening tool you may go overboard and bend the rotor too much.
Plenty of great videos on youtube that show the complete process. If you are not familiar working on bikes, definitely take a look at some more detailed videos on this topic.
I think there was slightly better modulation with these rotors. Hard to say as I didn't really test the original rotors as much as I should have.
That said this bike is a joy to ride so far!
Aventon Aventure 2:
www.aventon.co...
Shimano 203mm rotors SMRT86L2
www.amazon.com...
BUCKLOS Post mount 180/203mm Disc Brake Caliper Mount Adapters
www.amazon.com...

[@gonerydin4225]

One advantage of being old an deaf. The only noise I hear on my Aventure.2 is the tires and motor. No complaint with the brakes at all. My previous bike was a 1972 vintage Montgomery Ward 10 speed that had practically no brakes but they did make some noise! lol

[@mattcannon5353]

Most aggressive downhill MTB bikes run larger rotors. There is a difference in performance, heat dissipation. For reference, a XC MTB bike runs 160 rotors, trail MTB bikes run 180’s, and downhill/enduro bikes run 203’s

[@jonathanrosenesq202]

Can you post the Torque specs for 1) rear wheel 19mm bolt, 2) Front and rear (2) caliper mount bolts 3) rotor bolts onto wheel? , Thanks, please do more Aventon Adventure mod videos,.

[@dzeki29m96]

Can I go with 180 just diferent brand. Just to prevent this extra work. Great video.

[@JMar4K]

Ya would be easier to do that. I thought the 180 rotors performed great as well as far as stopping power.

[@BBQMIKEY]

Other than eliminating that horrible noise (I am currently going through it). Does the 203 rotors give any performance upgrades? And is this something that Aventon would warranty?

[@JMar4K]

Honestly I'm not seeing much a performance difference after the upgrade or maybe I just can't tell. I thought the 180 rotors performed great as is, it was just the noise that turned me off. Aventon will warranty the stock rotors and pads from what I've read online.

[@kerwinpellas115]

Hello Mr. JMar4k. We have the same bike and color as well. Planning to change my front rotor from 180mm to 203mm. Did you changed the stock brake pad ? If ever what kind of brake pad you used? Thank you in advance.

[@JMar4K]

You could use the same pads on the bike if they are not giving you any issues.

[@jimd3643]

Nice! Could you post a link of the Brake Pads you purchased ! Thanks

[@JMar4K]

Gekors Bicycle Disc Brake Pads for Shimano/Tektro/TRP, 1 Pair with a Spring a.co/d/foegmLS

[@wyliegladden6781]

Do you have to do both or can I just do front?

[@jwillwork3683]

My aventure brakes make noise too!

[@chrisbenson3322]

Did you upgrade the pads as well? The noise from my back rotor is driving me nuts. Not loud really, just super annoying.

[@JMar4K]

I did but no matter what pads I use they squeak like crazy. My front brakes don’t squeak at all but my rear brakes squeak a ton when I apply the brake no matter what I do 😢. Not getting the weird metal noise any more at least

[@jackattack2060]

@@JMar4Kdo your brakes still squeak?

[@JMar4K]

@@jackattack2060 ya the rear brake squeaks but it’s not loud and doesn’t bother me too much.

[@jackattack2060]

@@JMar4K any idea on how to stop brakes from squeaking?

[@JMar4K]

@@jackattack2060 google bedding in brakes. Also make sure your rotor is aligned. You could also try different pads. I guess mine are not really that loud, but it is noticeable. Just not enough for me to care.

[@jlchapman4]

What is the part number for these rotors? Your link takes you to a size called talla_√∫nica

[@JMar4K]

That link is the exact one I ordered which was the talla nica option. I chose the talla nica because it was the cheapest option. I got the box in my hand and it is labeled as Shimano ICE technologies SM-RT86 203mm Deore XT rotors. In the back there is a sticker labeled SMRT86L2 / 28KL4001457 hope that helps

[@jlchapman4]

I ordered 1 rotor to replace the rear rotor. The rotor is the correct one as you described. I forgot to order a new set of disc pads. I’ll get the new pads and then install the new rotor. Thanks!