Gyros

What is a Rotor and what is its main purpose?

A rotor allows you to turn the handlebars 360 degrees while the rear brake remains fully functional. The principle: The pull from the brake lever is mechanically split, transferred via a rotating bearing on the head tube, and merged again at the bottom.

How is a Rotor System constructed?

A rotor never works alone. You need a complete system consisting of these components:

Rotor Unit

The heart. A ring with sealed bearings (or bushings) that rotates freely around the steerer tube and transfers the pulling force.

Upper Plate

A plate mounted under the stem. It holds the upper cable housings. Important: Included in cheap sets, but with high-end CNC rotors, it often must be bought separately (or is integrated into the stem).

Cable Setup (Y-Cable vs. Dual)

Classically, Y-Cables (Split Cables) are used. Pros often use Dual Cables, meaning two completely separate cable strands for top and bottom, to minimize friction.

Gyro Tabs (or Lower Plate)

The stops on the frame. Modern frames have integrated threads for screw-on tabs. Older frames need a lower rotor plate pressed into the headset cup.

What types of Rotors are there?

CNC Rotors (High End)

Milled from aluminum (e.g., Odyssey GTX). Run silky smooth on high-quality sealed bearings. Usually sold "naked" (without cables/plates) so you can build your own setup.

Standard Rotors (Basic)

Often made of steel, run on bushings or loose balls. Slightly heavier and require more maintenance, but cheap and often available as a complete kit.

Which Rotor is right for my needs?

Almost all freestyle forks use the 1 1/8 inch standard. Therefore, mechanically, almost all rotors fit. The decision lies in performance:

• Do you want maximum braking power and zero maintenance? Go for a Sealed Bearing CNC Rotor.
• Are you just looking for a cheap entry-level solution? A standard rotor is enough for the start.

How do I install a Rotor?

1. Remove stem and spacers.
2. If necessary: Screw Gyro Tabs into the frame or place Lower Plate on the headset.
3. Slide Rotor Unit onto the steerer tube (Note: Observe direction, logo usually faces up).
4. Place Upper Plate on the rotor (or use a stem with integrated plate).
5. Remount stem and adjust headset.
6. Hook in cables and adjust tension.

How do I maintain and care for a Rotor?

• Cleaning: Keep the bearing clean from sand and energy drink residue.
• Lubrication: A drop of thin oil (e.g., sewing machine oil) on the bearing works wonders if the rotor starts to drag.

How do I identify and fix common problems?

• Spongy brake: Usually not the rotor's fault, but unevenly tensioned cables. The rotor plates must remain parallel when the brake is pulled!
• Rotor rattles: Check if the rotor has play on the steerer tube or if the bearings are worn out.

What do the specifications mean?