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Could I please get some general advice as to how long I should expect pads (are we talking in 100's or 1000's of miles) to last & how to check wear.Thanx
varies vastly on conditions, type of pads, riding style, what brakes etc.
They are worn beyond use when you suspect you won't get one more ride out of them without losing all the braking material. OR when you hear the sound of metal on metal.....
^ +1
as he says, depends on variables: organic or sintered materials, weather, terrain, amount you use the brakes and how - dragging brakes kills pads quickly. If you're new to riding mtb, you may wear pads quicker until you get braking technique sorted (or you're maybe already good on braking - I don't know!) The recent D2D in Thetford (flat, but damp, sandy terrain, making a very good grinding paste) saw some people going through several sets of pads in one night.
I suggest you should aim to either check pad wear every week or so, and/or carry pads (and the ability to change them) with you.
edit: hope that helps!