Road brake pads

How to choose road bike brake pads

Brake pads wear quickly in the rain and directly determine braking power and modulation. Shimano, SRAM, Galfer, Clarks, Campagnolo, TRP, BBB and Jagwire cover almost all calipers on the market.

Which pads for my calipers?

This is the first criterion and there is no room for approximation: pad shape is specific to each caliper family.

• Note the brand and exact model of your caliper, often engraved on them.
• For Shimano, the references L03A and L05A cover most recent road calipers.
• Third-party manufacturers (Galfer, Clarks, BBB) publish compatibility charts by caliper reference.
• Check that the spring and retaining pin are supplied: they are easily lost during removal.

Organic, semi-metallic or metallic?

• Organic (resin) : progressive, quiet braking, excellent cold bite, faster wear and sensitivity to heat.
• Metallic (sintered) : highly durable and consistent in the rain, noisier when cold and more aggressive on the rotor.
• Semi-metallic : the compromise, suitable for most road uses.

Does my rotor accept metallic pads?

Not always. Some entry-level rotors bear the wording Resin Pad Only : they must only be used with organic pads. Check the marking on the rotor before changing pad compound.

Do new brake pads need bedding in?

Yes, always. A series of progressive braking applications from a moderate speed transfers pad material evenly onto the rotor: this delivers full power and prevents unwanted noise.

See also: Road brake rotors · Complete road brakes · Brake maintenance