it makes difference more on the calipers and sometimes the others on the noise level. when I had magura calipers the noise was horrific after they got wet. but on the same rotors with the XT 4 piston they make less noise then the margua with the regular pads. so its not just the pads but the hardware too
I have some nice generic multi-metallic pads that have a bronze plate on the back instead of steel to help with heat dissipation on long descents. As we get into Summer vapor lock will become more of a problem with hydraulic brakes that have not been blead with fresh fluid. Heat dissipation is important in the mountains. A splash of water can help. Thanks @Stefan Mikes for bringing up the topic.
Actually ceramic pads handle heat best with less fade and cool quicker.
Well that's what's important... that you are happy with your decision.
I couldn't agree more. OEM vs. not is about your paranoia factor. If you're going to go to bed worrying about a sudden unavoidable brake failure (peeled off a tree) - deal with it and get something that will allow you to sleep well.Well that's what's important... that you are happy with your decision.
Nothing more frustrating than being peeled off a tree and being told... I told you so.
Curious though... Has anyone actually heard of break pad failure?
I've heard people complain about pads not lasting very long, but never catastrophic failure. And this is typical with expensive name brand pads... But then again who would bother to complain about the durability of $5 pads
Any horror stories out there?
well you live in florida too. when your braking for 5 minutes going down a steep hill you dont want failures. you don't your brakes loosing braking effectiveness because of heat. The cost is not enough to make any budget difference anyway.
Having gone to 2 LBS looking, both wanted $18 for a single pair of pads.(!?!) I got 4 pair on Ebay
You must have money to burn.
I think you have to be practical about your source too.. But as stated, I've never heard of a failure
I think choosing the right compound is more critical.
well koolstop has been in buisness since 1977 so I guess your wrong on that count.
of course they are not. but buying from some no name source is al ittle different. m,y brakes have saved my life several times I wont take a chance on it. just like I wont buy some cheap Chinese brake calipers. I have ridden way too long to take that chance.
An FYI regarding "Florida". I get most people's take on Florida, as many vacation orientated areas are just that - flat! The reason though, that I even considered an e-bike to start with was hills. Big hills. Think sand dunes that have been around long enough to have serious vegetation. Called a rolling coastal area. We hunted all over the place and finally located a place we liked, and one of the reasons we liked it was it's proximity to a 46 miles bike trail system located about 6 miles away.
well ya but we have 20% grade hills I went to the top of this one hill 1500 feet of climbing in less then 2 miles. I wnt on this trail it was almost 2 hours solid climbing o our tandem and constant braking coming down.
Well the link I provided I'm not sure if I would consider no name. Judging from what they sell and reviews they are in the business.
Just adjusted my brakes & checked the pads after 500 mi. No visible wear on my $3 a pair pads,
Fine. Your hills are bigger than my hills.
Everyone talks about supporting your local LBS so that they can stay in business, but most people don't actually follow that advice even on inexpensive items like brake pads. It is just human nature. For me, I live in the mountains and "local" is still a 45 minute drive. It is easier (and cheaper) to just order stuff online.
I did not use koolstop because they don't make what I need. they cost less then shimano but they don't make sintered pads either. Hey if you think it is worth saving literally less then 10.00 on pads thats up to you. but I l have learned from Hark many years of riding there are places to save money and places not too. I ridne in the rain the winter all the time.
I do when I can. not always and sometimes they are out of what I need. we have more biek stores then you can shake a stick at. They know me and give me free advice and help me faster because of it.
