ShimanoXT SM-RT81 Ice-Tech Disc Rotor Centerlock(Return to Product Page)

I didn't understand what I didn't understand about disc brakes at the time of a wheel upgrade for my commuter. When I realized what centerlock rotors were relative to six-bolt, I knew I needed to make another purchase, so I went with these based on BTD suggestion. I initially had a moment of distress after I mounted these on the wheels and placed the wheels in the drop outs and gave them a spin . . . they didn't spin. The brake caliper housing was bumping against the rotor mount (2 out of 5). I couldn't understand what was going on. Then I took a deep breath, asked a question on G bicycle maintenance community and got an answer within minutes. Simple adjustment of washers to create a wee bit of space for the rotor to turn freely. About 500 miles later, I'm writing this review to say that these disc rotors are just right.

Having dealt with the 6 bolt rotors before, the centerlock was a quick and straight forward install.

Got it on time at a good price. Went on easily, nice to use the same tool as a cassette. Stops the bike! I don't have any basis to compare it to another rotor, though.

The XT disc brake is just a great overall brake for the price and weight. I never had a problem with the disc keeping it's form.

I was excited to mount these rotors, until I noticed the spider and rivets are too long and interfere with the brake pad levers on BB-7 road brakes. I tried respacing the calipers with some washers, but not enough of the rotor brake surface was exposed. I bought some cheaper CenterLock rotors that don't have the same length spiders, and they work fine with Avid BB-7 road calipers. Too bad - these are really well made, and I'll sell them on Ebay second-hand as they are used and cannot be returned.

I love these discs. I replaced the Stock Tektros on my Trek FXS6. I put Shimano resin pads on too. I'll be further upgrading to Shimano XT calipers and levers. It'll be a sweet set up! .

There are well made, easy to install, and are the rotors which Shimano says are the only ones that should be used with their Ice Tech brake set. They are well made and quiet.

Bike came with Tektro? Rotors and brakes 6 bolt. Bought these because I upgraded the stock wheels on my Diverge and needed center lock rotors. Also upgraded my brake pads so now they are much smoother and more effective. Very nice, great quality.

We are using the 203 mm rotors on a tandem. They are flat, and have not been drilled out too much. Some other rotors that we have tried do not have enough breaking surface.

Bought this to mount o new Reynold's Assault Disc wheels. Un-matched stopping during rainy Oregon days.

As is true for other XT components, this rotor defines the intersection of superior performance at a reasonable cost. Excellent stopping power in all conditions. The only caveat is that one must be careful when truing these rotors - they can be irrevocably damaged if bent too far.

For daily use and for high-mileage randonneuring, these rotors deliver confident stopping power on demand. Paired with semi-metallic pads for all-weather predictability. Would replace with same when worn out.

I replaced my stock TRP rotors with these, and despite the (slight) weight penalty, they stay true and have incredible stopping power. I'm sticking with Ice Tech and not looking back.