Should I upgrade my pads and rotors? Is buying top-end parts worth it?

A brief explainer of the differences between high-end rotors and pads vs the alternative

A collection of various new disc brake pads
(Image credit: Glen Whittington)

Brake pads and rotors are an easy part of your bike to ignore, at least if they’re doing what they're supposed to. Usually, you’ll find out pretty quickly if they aren’t doing their job—sometimes to disastrous results. Upgrades are a common topic of conversation for many riders, but it’s rare for someone to make a point of investing specifically in their brake pads or rotors. Some of this could be chalked up to a lack of knowledge about brake technology, but the fact is that the parts of your bike that slow it down just aren’t very exciting.

Nevertheless, we’re going to dive a bit deeper: First, what are the differences between high-end vs entry-level brake rotors?

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