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SRAM rotors are compatible with TRP brakes only when the following requirements are satisfied:

• The rotor’s diameter should be the correct size for the brake calipers.
• The rotor’s thickness shouldn’t be under or over the recommended value for the brake model.
• The brake track of the rotors should be large enough for the brake pads.
• The mounting system of the rotor should be compatible with the one on the wheel’s hub.

Rotor Diameter

The default TRP rotors are of the followoing sizes – 140, 160, 180, and 203mm.
Meanwhile, SRAM offers the following diameters: 140, 160, 170, 180, 200, 203, and 220mm.

Therefore, diameter-wise, SRAM completely satisfies the requirements of TRP brakes.

Rotor Thickness

The rotor’s thickness plays a large compatibility role. SRAM rotors are 1.85mm thick. (Some 140mm rotors are an exception with 1.9mm thickness.) Consequently, SRAM rotors are compatible only with TRP brakes that use 1.8mm thick rotors.

Below is a list of TRP brakes that fit that criteria:

• TRP Slate T4
• TRP Spyke
• TRP Hylex RS Black
• TRP Spyre SLC
• TRP HY/RD
• TT Hydro HD-T910

The table below contains the basic characteristics of the brakes in the list:

FAQ: What would happen if I use a rotor that is too thick or too thin?

If the rotor is too thick, the brake pads may have insufficient clearance and cause persistent rubbing.

In this case, we have a 0.05mm difference. The TRP brakes in the table are designed for 1.8mm rotors whereas SRAM rotors are 1.85mm thick. The additional 0.05mm is unlikely to cause trouble as the pistons should adapt to it.

If the rotor is too thin, there’s “dead space” between the brake pads and the rotor’s brake track resulting in a slower response rate and braking.

When the rotor wears down and gets even thinner, the braking will become even less efficient.

The Brake Pad Material Matters Too

There are two types of brake pads based on the material that they are made of:

• Organic/Resin
• Metal/Sintered

The TRP brakes compatible with SRAM rotors use metal or semi-metallic pads (table below).

All TRP brakes compatible with SRAM rotors use pads with metal in them. This isn’t a problem because SRAM doesn’t produce resin-only pads anyway.

If you want to use Shimano rotors, however, the story changes because Shimano has resin-only pads.

The Rotors Have To Be Compatible With The Hubs Too

The rotor attaches to the wheel hub. Thus, both units should be designed for each other. Otherwise, you cannot mount the rotor onto the wheel.

There are two attachment methods:

• Centerlock
• 6 Bolts

Many SRAM rotors are available in both versions.

If the hub isn’t made for Centerlock rotors, it won’t be possible to install a Centerlock rotor.

However, it’s possible to install a bolt-on rotor on a Centerlock hub with the help of an adapter.

SRAM HS2 Rotor – an Exception

SRAM’s HS2 rotor is thicker at 2mm. It’s available in 160, 180 and 200mm diameters. Therefore, it’s technically compatible with TRP brakes that require rotors with 2.3mm thickness.

The rotor thickness isn’t ideal, however, due to the 0.3mm discrepancy.

Why?

TRP’s 2.3mm rotors are supposed to be replaced when they get down to 1.8mm. Thus, by using a 2mm rotor from the get-go, you would be starting with a unit that’s approximately 40% worn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 200mm and 203mm Rotors Interchangeable?

To a large degree, the rotors can be treated as interchangeable. I recommend reading the dedicated post on the topic for extra information.

What is the advantage of using SRAM rotors with TRP brakes?

Availability. If you can’t find TRP rotors, you will have one more option. If you are cycling in the middle of nowhere, for example, it’s nice to have alternatives.

What are the downsides of using SRAM rotors with TRP brakes?

The main downside is that you’re limited to TRP brakes designed for a 1.8mm rotor.

What would happen if I combine 1.85mm rotors with brakes designed for 2.3mm rotors?

This combination is not recommended because the rotors will quickly become too thin for the pads to catch them sufficiently. The outcome will be brake pad overheating and loss of braking power.

2.3mm rotors have to be replaced when they reach 1.8-1.85mm thickness. Thus, you will be effectively using worn rotors from the get-go.

What does TRP stand for?

TRP stands for Tektro Racing Products and is part of the large Taiwanese company TEKTRO. The TRP line is race-oriented and thus focuses on making light and efficient components.

What is the advantage of switching to a larger rotor?

A larger rotor has a longer radius and thus provides more leverage against the wheel. In other words, a larger rotor offers more braking power.

For example, a 203mm rotor is expected to provide 23% more stopping power than a 160mm unit.