MTB disc brake adapters

MTB disc brake adapters

94 products

How to choose your MTB disc brake adapter

The adapter connects the caliper to the frame or fork mount. It allows you to fit a larger rotor without changing the brake. Shimano, SRAM, Magura, Hope and Galfer cover all common setups.

Which mounting standard?

  • Post Mount (PM) : two bolts parallel to the wheel, the dominant MTB standard.
  • International Standard (IS) : two perpendicular bolts, found on older frames and forks.
  • An adapter IS to PM exists and remains common; the reverse is much rarer.
  • Check the standard on your fork and chainstays: it may differ between front and rear.

Which adapter for which diameter?

  • The adapter is selected according to the difference between the original diameter and the target diameter, not by diameter alone.
  • Moving from 160 to 180 mm requires a +20 mm adapter; from 180 to 203 mm, a +23 mm adapter.
  • A caliper fitted without an adapter corresponds to the smallest diameter accepted by the mount.
  • Check the maximum diameter accepted by your fork and frame before fitting a larger rotor.

Front or rear?

Front and rear adapters are not interchangeable: bolt spacing and orientation differ. Order the reference corresponding to the position, and ensure you have bolts of the correct length — the original ones can rarely be reused after changing rotor diameter.

After fitting

A poorly aligned adapter causes constant rubbing. Loosen the caliper slightly, fully apply the brake, then alternately retighten the bolts to allow the caliper to centre itself on the rotor.

To find out more: How to choose your MTB disc brake adapters

See also: MTB brake rotors · Disc brake calipers · Complete MTB brakes