LBS have just asked me which brake pads - steel or alloy backed - although they didn't offer any definitive reasoning for either or .. Anyone have any comparative experience performance wise ?
Alu ones are lighter, they claim better heat dissipation too. Assuming no/negligible price difference I'd go alu, but I'd go Superstar (or similar first). 4 pairs for the price of one 'proper' set of Shimanos!
I thought the proper XTR ones used to be titanium backed.
My XTR pads where ti backed too.
Superstar are out of the new type shimano and have been for ages, who is as cheap and as good?
XTR pads were titanium backed before finned pads came along. There are only alloy or steel versions of those. You can buy ti backed non-finned pads for current brakes but they aren't standard factory fit, they are an "upgrade".
standard STW answer is "steel is an alloy" isn't it? 😀
Find it a bit odd they offer both tbh. Are both finned? surely you want poor heat conduction into the piston so want steel? But if finned you want aluminium.
Just had a look on CRC and steel backed seem to be 'metal' (ie sintered?) pads, aluminium seem to be resin pads and titanium backed seem to be 'metal' too.
Not much difference in price, £5 RRP difference for each jump (al, S, Ti) but about £6 across the 3 at CRC prices. Expect you will be paying RRP though (£11, 16, 20).
edit: finned seem to be aluminium with sintered or resin pads.
Been using Uberbike race matrix ones for quite some time, they have been first class. They now have a finned version of them.
LBS quoted £ 40 for front and rear ti - so what's the advantages? If it's merely weight then surely steel is better than Alu for 'standard' pads? - might just get the cheapest and see I get on with them ..
£40 seems spot on RRP for 2 sets. steel would save you about £8, aluminium £18. Or you could get finned which will be a bit more.
I would say the type of pad material you want is more important than the price on the standard pads. I use sintered on my XTs and they last ages (genuine shimano). They are find where I live but other people may find other materials more suitable to to wear and how much power they need.