Weight matters when you're racing, and the Catalyst Race delivers a 12% reduction compared to the Catalyst Pro while maintaining the thermal management and braking performance that defines the Catalyst family. SwissStop achieved this savings through a redesigned aluminum spider and a thinner 1.80mm brake ring optimized specifically for race pad dimensions. The two-piece construction pairs this 7075-T6 aluminum spider with a SUS410 stainless steel braking surface, separating the materials by function so each can be optimized independently.

The spider redesign does more than shed grams. SwissStop refined the spoke pattern for improved aerodynamics, addressing the drag penalty that disc rotors add to a road setup. The aluminum carrier also resists warping better than one-piece steel designs because the spider absorbs and dissipates heat before it can distort the braking surface. This matters during repeated hard braking where rotors on long descents can develop the oscillation that causes pulsing at the lever.

Both 140mm and 160mm sizes carry UCI approval for road competition, with rounded perimeter edges that meet the governing body's safety requirements. Wear indicators machined into the braking surface show when the rotor has thinned enough to warrant replacement. The Center Lock interface fits standard road and gravel wheelsets, though you'll need to source a lockring separately as the rotor ships without one. SwissStop's own lockring pairs well, or any compatible Center Lock lockring will work.... Read More