[skybluestuMember]

Looking for some new pads to replace stock Tiagra ones. Only really having had a road bike once im not that up on rim brake pads.

Any suggestions on a good set would be most welcome!

Cheers

[lungeSubscriber]

Shimano, Ultergra or Dura-Ace. You can spend loads but these are solid and do the job well.

If the stock pads don’t have the metal holder it’s worth upgrading to that at the same time. It’ll make pad changes easier going forward too.

[ransosMember]

Swisstop are the best I’ve used. Noticeably more bite in the wet than Shimano, and less grabby than Kool Stop Salmon.

[aroyalnitMember]

Some of these will make your life much nicer (Just make sure you fit them the right way round!):

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-ultegra-br-6800-r55c4-brake-blocks/rp-prod130680

The ‘stock’ pads in these should work much better than the Tiagra ones they replace; when those wear out, these will probably work better still:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kool-stop-dura-aceultegra105-pair-of-cartridge-inserts/

[brakesMember]

Kool Stop Salmon.
So much nicer than any of the Shimano offerings – stronger, more modulation, better wet performance.

[chakapingSubscriber]

If the stock pads don’t have the metal holder it’s worth upgrading to that at the same time.

Anyone recommend a set of replacement metal shoes?

The bolts have seized in my existing ones.

🙁

[mike_pMember]

Kool Stop salmon all round here. Swiss Stop are too spendy

[Dave jMember]

disco brakes, i use the red ones which are a good in the wet.

[TimCoticMember]

Don’t you just hate it when you ask about a cheap component and people jump in and advise you to buy a really expensive upgrade?

I’ve just junked my brand new Tektro calipers/blocks on my Giant and replaced them with the new 105 5800 calipers/blocks. £42 quid – just do it! 😀

[jonbaMember]

Koolstop salmon here as well. Good balance between performance and wear rate.

Not sure on the metal shoes. Not seen then solved individually. Maybe just get a cheap set of Tiagra?

[mrblobbyMember]

Summer, just use the Ultegra ones. Winter, Kool Stop Salmon were a revelation when I started using them a few years back.

[davidtaylforthMember]

Swissstop blue are awesome. Dunno if I’d buy them after market though; pretty dear.

[Gary_MMember]

Swisstop are the best I’ve used

I have to agree with that and I’ve tried a lot of brake pads over the years

[woodlikesbeerMember]

I don’t rate the koolstop salmons. They have next to no grip in the wet. The original Tiagras pads were better. I’m getting some Clarks elite road pads tomorrow. for £7 I thought I’d give them a go.

[brakesMember]

I don’t rate the koolstop salmons. They have next to no grip in the wet. The original Tiagras pads were better.

weird that this is the opposite view to others.

[woodlikesbeerMember]

I know. I’m wondering if I got a duff set? They did come from the US. Maybe they have a different compound over there??

[barrykellettMember]

Swiss stop BXPs are available for £18.99 for 2 pairs. Greens for £17.44
Kool stops are £8.09 per end, so £16.18 for the same thing.

I have been very impressed with the swiss stops, I am sure the Kool Stops are good, but the pricing is a red herring

[esher shoreMember]

Shimano pads are known for being quite abrasive in wet weather, which can wear your rims quicker

I tend to use the Shimano R55C3 (ultegra / dura ace) pads in the summer and for winter blue Swiss stops, got mine from Sigma for £18.50 per pair

[woodlikesbeerMember]

On closer inspection I don’t have Kool Stop Salmons. The salmon pads are in my tool box – I never fitted them. The standard ones though are rubbish. Will try the salmons out at the weekend.