Scappa is an Italian bicycle brand that makes frames and other carbon components. Their new Pagaso carbon ceramic disc brake rotors use a woven carbon body with ceramic inserts, which they say are both lighter and better than steel rotors.
The carbon resin is heat stable up to 280°C (536°F), and it stays cooler than a metal rotor. The ceramic inserts are for friction, to create a useable braking surface.
This 180mm came in at just 81g. But weight is only part of the story, they say it also provides of better braking…
They won’t stay pretty and white once you’ve started using them. Sintered pads are recommended, resin pads wear too quickly on them.
They’ve been available for about eight months and they say they’re selling them as fast as they can make them, currently back ordered about eight weeks. Retail is €280 (140mm) €300 (160mm) and €320 (180mm).
A 203mm is available, but they say the braking force is so strong that most forks can’t keep up and that it has to be run only with 36m stanchion forks. They don’t recommend downhill use because if you smash it on a rock, it’s toast.
