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I've bought a second hand bike that has mechanical brakes so before I start using it I want to change the brake pads but how do I know what compound to choose and what brand as I've never owned a bike with pads before.
This is the shape of pads I need.
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Uberbike seem to work for me. Look like m515 pads to me. Easy to find under the trp section on Uberbike. Usually a discount code available too. Give me a mo...
UBER20. Offer expires midnight Monday 27th August.
Top of the line compound is the Race Matrix but I am usually fine with semi metallic.
Can you post a picture of the caliper? I'm sure someone on here can help recognise the brand, therefore what pads.
Sintered or semi metallic = longer last but less power more noise and heat.
Organic or posh Kevlar = more power, quieter but wear quicker.
Depending on where you ride has huge impact on how long they last.
Check your disc rotors, some are for resin pads only.
Where will it say on the rotors as all i can see is 160 which i believe to be the size. The old pads that came out has little bits of copper in the pad material.
Some cheaper Shimano discs have "RESIN PAD ONLY" written on them
I've checked my rotors and i cannot see resin on them.
Organic / semi metallic / resin are usually the same thing, its metal particles stuck together with a glue. Generally the softest so most power but shortest lasting.
Sintered is metal particles stuck together by partially melting them under pressure. Generally hard wearing but less power, also conduct heat better so could cause fluid to boil.
Kevlar is usually an organic pad with fibres added which stop it wearing.
There's all sorts of variations within those though, so one brands organic will differ from another, and manufacturers might put a different pad in their XC, DH and e-bike brakes even if they're all nominally 'organic'.
Got TRP Spyre stoppers on my do-it-all bike. Wasn't too impressed with original pads. Bought Uberbikes Race Matrix pads and all the sudden these breaks starting to make much more sense.
I would recommend these pads wholeheartedly. Only minus, they are a bit noisy when wet.
In regards to "resin pads only" it is a bit of a rubbish thing. Had several Shimano rotors with that info on and used it without issues with sintered pads.
Cheers!
I.
The resin only thing, I think that's to do with the cheaper shimano rotors not being ground flat, and the more expensive ones are sandwiched aluminium so the more abrasive pads would wear the thin steel bit too quickly.
It doesn't seem to make a difference though.