Best Bike Brake Rotors for Gravel Bikes of 2026

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Bike brake rotors for gravel bikes are an essential component for any rider looking to tackle rough terrain. These rotors are designed to provide reliable stopping power in wet or dry conditions, making them ideal for off-road riding. Typically made from high-quality materials such as steel or aluminum, they are built to withstand the rigors of rough terrain and heavy use. Some models even feature unique designs that help to dissipate heat and prevent brake fade, ensuring consistent performance during long descents. Whether you're a seasoned gravel rider or just starting out, investing in a quality set of bike brake rotors can help to improve your overall riding experience and keep you safe on the trails.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Corki Cycles 140mm Disc Brake Rotor Cover #TOP 1
Corki Cycles 140mm Disc Brake Rotor
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Tektro TR160-24 Round Rotor Cover #TOP 2
Tektro TR160-24 Round Rotor
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HMPBEFU 160mm Stainless Steel Brake Rotor Cover #TOP 3
HMPBEFU 160mm Stainless Steel Brake Rotor
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Bike Brake Rotors for Gravel Bikes

#TOP 1

Corki Cycles 140mm Disc Brake Rotor

Z5-140
Square Hole
140mm
Corki Cycles 140mm Disc Brake Rotor Cover
Corki Cycles 140mm Bike Disc Brake Rotor with 6 Bolts for Mountain Road BMX MTB Bike -1 Pcs Square Hole

The Corki Disc Rotor 140mm is a durable and reliable brake rotor suitable for various bike types. With an inner diameter of 44mm, outer diameter of 140mm, and a thickness of 2mm, this rotor ensures consistent braking power. Its compatibility with 6-bolt systems and various bike brake brands makes it versatile for different setups. Whether you ride a mountain, road, gravel, cyclocross, or commuter bike, these rotors provide tailored precision for an enhanced braking experience. Additionally, the design includes cooling fins and slots to dissipate heat efficiently, ensuring peak performance under intense conditions.

What We Like
Durable Stainless Steel
Compatible with Various Bikes
Seamless Integration with 6-Bolt Systems
#TOP 2

Tektro TR160-24 Round Rotor

2033166630
Silver
160mm
Tektro TR160-24 Round Rotor Cover
Tektro 160mm Bike Disc Brake Rotor, 6 Bolt with Bolts Included for Mountain, Road, E-Bike, BMX, TR160-24 Series

The Tektro Round Rotor is a 160mm 6 Bolt brake rotor designed for bikes. With its round shape, this rotor provides reliable and consistent braking performance. The 160mm size offers a good balance between stopping power and weight, making it suitable for a wide range of riding styles. The 6 Bolt design ensures easy installation and compatibility with most disc brake systems. Whether you're riding on roads or trails, the Tektro Round Rotor will give you the confidence to brake effectively and safely. Its durable construction and efficient heat dissipation also contribute to its long-lasting performance. Upgrade your bike's braking system with the Tektro Round Rotor and enjoy smoother and more controlled stops.

What We Like
Reliable and consistent braking
Good balance of stopping power and weight
Easy installation with 6 Bolt design
#TOP 3

HMPBEFU 160mm Stainless Steel Brake Rotor

HMPBEFU
HM019
160mm
HMPBEFU 160mm Stainless Steel Brake Rotor Cover
Brake Disc, 160mm Disc Brake Rotor Stainless Steel Bicycle Brakes Stainless Steel Rotors Bike Accessories for Road Bike Mountain Bikes Cycling

The HMPBEFU Brake Rotor is crafted from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. With a size of 160 mm in diameter, it fits various bike types, making it a versatile choice for your cycling needs. The rotor features cooling fins and slots, which enhance airflow and effectively reduce heat during braking, ensuring consistent stopping power. This means you can ride with confidence, knowing your brakes will perform reliably even in intense conditions.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Compatible with various bike types
Effective heat dissipation
Consistent braking performance
#TOP 4

Teyssor Bike Disc Brake Rotor

R6-180x1
Silver
180mm
Teyssor Bike Disc Brake Rotor Cover
Teyssor 140mm 160mm 180mm 203mm Bike Disc Brake Rotor with 6 Bolts Fit for Road Bike Mountain Bike BMX MTB

The Teyssor Disc Brake Rotor is a high-quality bike brake rotor that is perfect for road bikes, mountain bikes, BMX, and MTBs. With a diameter of 180mm and a thickness of 1.9mm, this rotor provides excellent stopping power and heat dissipation. The package includes 6 screws for easy installation. The center distance of 44mm ensures proper alignment with your bike's brake system. Weighing only 160g per piece, this rotor is lightweight and won't add unnecessary weight to your bike. The Teyssor Disc Brake Rotor is a reliable and durable choice that will enhance your biking experience.

What We Like
High-quality
Excellent stopping power
Lightweight
#TOP 5

BUCKLOS MTB Disc Brake Rotors

KMUS700552-203mm
sliver-A
203MM
BUCKLOS MTB Disc Brake Rotors Cover
BUCKLOS 140mm 160mm 180mm 203mm MTB Disc Brake Rotor with 6 Bolts, Bicycle Brakes Stainless Steel Rotors M5 Screws, Opposite Hole Distance 44mm, fit Mountain Road Bikes MTB BMX

BUCKLOS Brake Rotors are designed to enhance your cycling experience with their innovative features. The unique vent design helps dissipate heat, preventing rotor warping from friction during braking. With a sturdy 1.8 mm thickness, these stainless steel rotors offer exceptional durability and a reliable braking performance, ensuring your safety on the road. Available in various sizes—140 mm, 160 mm, 180 mm, and 203 mm—you can easily choose the right fit for your bike. Plus, installation is a breeze, as these rotors are compatible with most disc brake systems, making it simple to upgrade your ride.

What We Like
Quick heat dissipation
Durable stainless steel
Multiple size options
Easy installation
#TOP 6

D Dymoece Bike Disc Brake Rotors

DM-DBR-2
Silver-R
160mm*2pcs
D Dymoece Bike Disc Brake Rotors Cover
D Dymoece 2 Pcs Bike Disc Brake Rotors with 12 Bolts 140mm/160mm/180mm/203mm for MTB Mountain Road Bicycle BMX

The D Dymoece Bike Disc Brake Rotors are made of steel and come in four different diameters. They attach with a 6-bolt system and are suitable for Shimano Deore MTB mountain road bike disc brake systems. The package includes two brake rotors and 12 bolts.

What We Like
Comes in four different diameters
Made of durable steel
Includes 12 bolts for easy installation
#TOP 7

BUCKLOS IIIPRO Floating Bike Disc Brake Rotor

KMUS510100-R-180mm
180mm
BUCKLOS IIIPRO Floating Bike Disc Brake Rotor Cover
BUCKLOS IIIPRO 140mm 160mm 180mm 203mm Floating Bike Disc Brake Rotor with 6 Bolts, Mountain Bike MTB Stainless Steel Bicycle Disc Brakes Rotors for Road Bike/Ebike/BMX(Red)

The BUCKLOS IIIPRO Brake Rotor offers exceptional performance for your biking needs. Its floating design ensures excellent heat dissipation, allowing you to ride at high speeds without worrying about deformation. The rotor is crafted from durable stainless steel and aluminum alloy, providing both lightweight and wear-resistant qualities, which enhances your bike's longevity. With compatibility across various bike types and sizes, you can easily find the right fit. Plus, its quiet operation means you can enjoy a smooth ride without annoying noise, making your cycling experience more enjoyable.

What We Like
Strong heat dissipation
Durable materials
Compatible with various bikes
Quiet braking
#TOP 8

Stainless Steel Bike Disc Brake Rotor with 6 Bolts

Stainless Steel Bike Disc Brake Rotor with 6 Bolts Cover
2Pcs 160mm Disc Brake Rotor Stainless Steel Bike Disc Brake Rotor with 6 Bolts Fit for Road Bike,Mountain Bike,MTB,BMX

This 2-piece set of 160mm disc brake rotors with 6 fixing bolts is suitable for road bike, mountain bike, BMX, and MTB. Made of high-quality stainless steel, these rotors are wear-resistant, high-temperature resistant, and have good workmanship. With a practical design, the lightweight, hollow discs with large ventilation holes help to dissipate heat and reduce weight, providing an excellent braking force and a better riding experience. Each rotor weighs 110g and has an inner diameter of 44mm, outer diameter of 160mm, and thickness of 2mm.

What We Like
Suitable for various types of bikes: road bike, mountain bike, BMX, and MTB
High-quality stainless steel material ensures wear-resistance and high-temperature resistance
Lightweight and hollow design with large ventilation holes help dissipate heat and reduce weight, providing excellent braking force and a better riding experience
#TOP 9

OUKENS Bicycle Brake Rotor

OUKENS
B097DYK7SN
OUKENS Bicycle Brake Rotor Cover
Bicycle Brake Rotor, Stainless Steel Bike Brake Rotor Mountain Bike 160mm Threaded Hubs Brake Disc Rotor Flange Adapter with 6 Bolts

The OUKENS Bicycle Brake Rotor, also known as the OUKENS Brake Rotor, is a high-quality bike brake rotor designed for mountain bikes. With its 160mm outer diameter and 48mm distance between inner holes, it is a direct replacement for old or broken brake discs. The OUKENS Brake Rotor is easy to install, thanks to its fine workmanship and standard 6-hole installation. It features excellent performance with good wear performance, fast ventilation, and outstanding braking performance. The new design of the brake rotor, with its arc sector hollow design and cross punching, not only adds durability but also enhances the appearance of the rotor. Made of high-strength stainless steel, the OUKENS Brake Rotor is highly durable, stable, and rust-resistant, ensuring a long service life.

What We Like
High Practicability
Easy Installation
Excellent Performance
#TOP 10

Shimano SM-RT56 Disc Brake Rotor

ESMRT56S
Silver
160-mm
Shimano SM-RT56 Disc Brake Rotor Cover
Shimano SM-RT56 Disc Brake Rotor 6-Bolt (160-mm)

The Shimano SM-RT56 Disc Brake Rotor is designed for bikes with IS six-bolt hubs, and comes with rotor fixing bolts along with an anti-loosen plate. It is compatible with resin pads only and has a Shimano Reference Number of SM-RT56.

What We Like
Easy to install on bikes with IS six-bolt hubs
Comes with rotor fixing bolts and anti-loosen plate, providing extra security
Compatible with resin pads only, ensuring smooth and quiet braking
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What size rotors are best for gravel bike?

Gravel bikes typically use a range of disc brake rotor sizes. 140mm rotors are commonly used on road and gravel bikes, while larger rotor sizes of 200mm+ are seen on hard-hitting enduro or downhill bikes.

2. What kind of brakes do gravel bikes have?

Gravel bikes can have either hydraulic or cable disc brakes. It is possible to swap out the brakes, but it is recommended to choose the type of brakes you prefer when purchasing the bike.

3. Do gravel bikes need disc brakes?

Disc brakes are beneficial for gravel biking, although they are not essential for road bikes. Gravel riding is a suitable application for both cable-actuated or hydraulic disc brakes.

4. Are 220mm rotors worth it?

Using a 220mm rotor can provide approximately 20% more braking power compared to smaller sizes. Larger diameter rotors reduce the force required for braking, prevent brake fading, and offer more security. They are particularly useful for heavier riders.

5. Why do gravel bikes have mechanical brakes?

Gravel bikes are typically equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, which offer highly effective braking performance in various weather and road conditions. Hydraulic disc brakes require less pressure to operate and provide reliable stopping power.

6. What is the weight difference between 160mm and 140mm rotors?

The weight difference between a pair of 160mm rotors and 140mm rotors can vary, but it is typically around 30-40g. For example, Shimano's Ultegra rotors have a 20g difference between their 160mm and 140mm counterparts.

7. Can I use rim brakes on a gravel bike?

While some gravel bikes may have rim brakes, they are more commonly found on road bikes. Rim brakes have limitations when it comes to tire clearance, typically maxing out at around 28mm tires. Therefore, for proper gravel biking, disc brakes are recommended.

Editor's Notes

During our bike brake rotor for gravel bikes research, we found 24 bike brake rotor for gravel bikes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,961 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike brake rotors for gravel bikes list. We found that most customers choose bike brake rotors for gravel bikes with an average price of $17.17.

The bike brake rotors for gravel bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike brake rotors for gravel bikes, including corki, TEKTRO, HMPBEFU, Teyssor, BUCKLOS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 74 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.