Brake Pads

[retiredNH]

Have two bikes with Shimano MT520 brakes. Shimano says these take D03S pads, but everyone, including my LBS, seems to be out. Are there substitutes that are available? Don't need them yet, but will soon, since we ride in a very hilly area, and don't like to set speed records going downhill. Yes, we're seniors....

Seems to be some fakes on Amazon (what a surprise) and even ebay sellers seem to only be selling used.

We're new to ebikes and disk brakes, but I did search the forums without finding much. Some sources say disc brake pads are universal, but images seem to suggest otherwise.

USA based.

 

[fooferdoggie]

here you go yes looks like everyone is pretty much sold out https://www.bikebling.com/Shimano-D...m_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shoppingengine

 

[fooferdoggie]

also koolstop makes them from what I hear they are better then shimano https://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Organic-Compound-Brake/dp/B002SR3I84

 

[PedalUma]

$6.73 per pair, semi-metallic. No one will know or care that they are not logo brand X. https://www.ebay.com/itm/234016378148?hash=item367c768d24:g:2~oAAOSwfEpgpd1G

 

[fooferdoggie]

$6.73 per pair, semi-metallic. No one will know or care that they are not logo brand X. https://www.ebay.com/itm/234016378148?hash=item367c768d24:g:2~oAAOSwfEpgpd1G
View attachment 88648

well unless they fail and it causes a crash of course.

 

[Latitude]

My Trek has just over 7000 km on it now, and last trip to my dealer I needed to get a replacement for a broken derailleur hanger. I got an extra one for security. I also got replacement brake pads although I don’t quite need them yet. Glad I did. The technician said they were having sporadic supply. Interestingly, I got a recall notice from Trek today for their Satellite pedals. Apparently they can come off during riding, and they will replace them. I already have. But they are adding a CDN $26 credit as well.

 

[retiredNH]

here you go yes looks like everyone is pretty much sold out https://www.bikebling.com/Shimano-D...m_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shoppingengine

Look at the footnote at bikebling. "Taking pre orders"! Are there alternatives? Metallic pads, for example? I found a place with metallic. Wonder how different riding will be?

Any third party pads?

 

[Gionnirocket]

If you a few weeks... These guys are very professional and have all styles.
I've gotten a few items from them quickly and without issue. Ceramic is a nice balance of performance and durability.

Buy Products Online from China Wholesalers at Aliexpress.com

 

[Gionnirocket]

Look at the footnote at bikebling. "Taking pre orders"! Are there alternatives? Metallic pads, for example? I found a place with metallic. Wonder how different riding will be?

Any third party pads?

Metallic have better stopping power but can make noise and wear your rotor quicker.

 

[fooferdoggie]

Look at the footnote at bikebling. "Taking pre orders"! Are there alternatives? Metallic pads, for example? I found a place with metallic. Wonder how different riding will be?

Any third party pads?

I posted the koolstop pads they are made in the us. actually here in Portland they are highly regarded. it depends sometimes the metallic can be really noisy sometimes not. on my magura's they were horrible but with the same rotors and my 4 piston xt's they are great no extra noise

 

[m@Robertson]

Its a crap shoot. Plenty of aftermarket and off brands with results that range from perfect to perfectly awful.

I just had to abandon a set of aftermarket pads on my brake-eating Surly monster. The pads were expanding and then rubbing after they heated up. Interestingly, the same pads are fine on the back wheel of that bike.

If you can get a good aftermarket, inexpensive pad set that you like, go for it. The good news is they are cheap and its no big deal if you have to chuck them and try again.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I posted the koolstop pads they are made in the us. actually here in Portland they are highly regarded. it depends sometimes the metallic can be really noisy sometimes not. on my magura's they were horrible but with the same rotors and my 4 piston xt's they are great no extra noise

Ridiculously expensive and read the 1 review...

 

[fooferdoggie]

Ridiculously expensive and read the 1 review...

thats a old one koolstop from several years ago. They have had very good ratings. been selling brake pads for many years. one of the few made in the US.

 

[fooferdoggie]

Ridiculously expensive and read the 1 review...

17.00 is expensive??? sorry I don't thin thats expensive at all. my pads are 45.00 a set.

 

[Gionnirocket]

17.00 is expensive??? sorry I don't thin thats expensive at all. my pads are 45.00 a set.

Well I hope they spit on it at least... Or is that the sent in dry price?

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[PedalUma]

I have tied many brand name pads and have had good luck with the less expensive generic pads. The material is the same as far as I can tell. It is like getting the store brand of dish soap. Same stuff without the marketing.

 

[fooferdoggie]

I have tied many brand name pads and have had good luck with the less expensive generic pads. The material is the same as far as I can tell. It is like getting the store brand of dish soap. Same stuff without the marketing.

and what happens if they fail? myself brakes are way too important to tanker a chance on to save what 10 or 15 a year or so?? is it worth the chance? I am sorry but I have put maybe 30,000 or more miles riding o the road and my brakes have saved my life several times its just not worth the chance. Plus koolstop has been making pads in the US since 1977

 

[MikeDD]

I buy the brand for my brakes (SRAM). Because I live in the mountains, the pads are shot at 500 miles. Would you not replace the tires or brakes on your car?
I waited to replace tires once, my son hit a building going 5 mph on ice, never again. I equate things to the cost of a lunch out with my wife and a beverage, $30-$50. To replace brake pads, not that much.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Metallic pads, for example? I found a place with metallic. Wonder how different riding will be?

Metallic (sintered) pads are better for braking on long descents (better heat dissipation), and are generally far better under wet/muddy riding conditions. Their major downside is the sintered brake pads can be really noisy and produce squealing on braking.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I buy the brand for my brakes (SRAM). Because I live in the mountains, the pads are shot at 500 miles. Would you not replace the tires or brakes on your car?
I waited to replace tires once, my son hit a building going 5 mph on ice, never again. I equate things to the cost of a lunch out with my wife and a beverage, $30-$50. To replace brake pads, not that much.

I don't think anyone is questioning whether or not to replace them. But if high quality automotive break pads cost $30 - $50 for 2 pairs... Then you can reason that bicycle pads must not cost anywhere near that amount.
I pay less than $4 for high quality pads with no name brand and then not only buy lunch, but have dessert and a glass of wine YMMV

So in my opinion, SRAM is doing just that... S_ramming it in with a label.