The 03 rotor uses a two-piece floating design that separates the aluminum spider from the steel braking surface. The spider mounts to the hub via Centerlock interface—Campagnolo refers to this as their AFS system, but it follows the same splined interface and lockring standard as conventional Centerlock hubs. The floating connection between spider and braking surface allows the steel ring to expand and contract with heat cycles without warping the mounting interface or transferring excessive heat into the hub body.

Rivets connect the steel braking track to the aluminum spider, and Campagnolo positions these rivets outside the pad contact zone. That placement prevents the rivet heads from acting as heat sinks that create hot spots in the braking surface, which would show up as pulsing at the lever during sustained descents. The steel braking surface features directional machining slots that channel heat away from the friction zone while maintaining consistent pad contact across the full surface width. The outer edge uses a rounded profile rather than a sharp corner—this meets UCI safety requirements and reduces the severity of injuries if the rotor contacts skin during a crash or while handling the wheel.

The 160-millimeter diameter suits front wheel applications or rear wheel use for riders over 180 pounds who generate higher braking forces. Campagnolo hydraulic disc brake systems accommodate either 140-millimeter or 160-millimeter rotors at the rear wheel depending on rider weight and terrain, with most riders using 160-millimeter front and 140-millimeter rear combinations. The aluminum spider reduces overall rotor weight compared to all-steel designs while maintaining rigidity at the mounting interface.... Read More