By a show of hands, how many bike owners give a thought to the brake pads they have installed on their bike? Probably none right? And if you do, it’s only when they have failed you and you are looking to blame your fall and bruises on something or someone. But it is a good thing that you are here now and you are reading this. The braking system is a very important part of any transport machine be it a car, a motorbike or your bicycle. It provides you with peace of mind knowing that you can go at neck-breaking speeds and stop safely when you need to. If you haven’t checked up on your bike brakes, it’s probably time that you do.
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If they have lost their grip, or they have just started to, it is very important that you consider their replacement. You do not want to wait too long since you might end up having to change the rims as well. But while it is very crucial that you have them changed, it is also very important that you get the best braking pads for your bicycle. Don’t just pick one from the stores shelf to get it over and done with. Take your time to research and get the very best for your bike, the one equipment that has served you all so faithfully over the years.
But given the fact that you have never really given them much thought, and the fact that they come in different types and brands, choosing the very best can be a hassle. To help you through the process, though, below is a short guide and reviews of the top bike brake pads in the market you should accord respect and pick out for your bike. It just doesn’t get any easier than this.
Factors to consider when making your choice
In any choice you make, there are some considerations that you have to take into account. After all, that’s why they make it a choice. These considerations help you to tell apart the object(s) you are in search of. For brake pads, here is what should be at the top of your list.
Type
Now you are wondering how many types there possibly can be. Well, the number is of no concern here. What should concern you is that they are enough to confuse the hell out of you. Sure they might be small pieces of equipment and possibly the most overlooked pieces of a bike, but they are different. The presence of many brake pad manufacturing companies in the market is to blame for this. Before you go spending your money on a brake pad, you should have a look at the one you seek to replace. If you can, take it with you for comparison. This way you will get a pad that exactly matches yours and you will stand better chances of getting the best of its type there is.
Compatibility
Just like the type, you should ensure that the brake pads you get are not too small, too big and thick to be mounted on your bike. Just like the ‘type’ getting a sample will help you make the right decision.
Quality
It goes without saying – brake pads are designed to help you stop whenever you feel like it. In some bikes, especially BMXs, they can help in maintaining control. How effective they serve you greatly depends on their quality. Brake pad quality is affected by the material that is used to make them. But rubber is the most widely used material you might argue. Well, sure the rubber is the material chosen by designers and brake pad engineers but they are manufactured differently. There are those that have certain additives to improve their performance in grip and subsequently reaction time, and those that do not have any additions to their compositions. It gets a whole lot complicated when we get into the tech part of how this get done so the only thing we should probably say to keep your head from spinning is; hard galvanized rubber lasts longer though takes longer to ‘kick in’ while soft rubber has instantaneous effects though wears off quickly.
Reliability
Truth be told, the best way to tell if a brake pad is reliable is to look at its manufacturer. Manufacturers who have made a name for themselves over the years are probably the best to go with. Companies such as Shimano, Mavic, Campagnolo and others will definitely deliver. They, however, tend to be quite expensive.
Top Brake Pad Reviews
Shimano Dura-Ace Break Pads
Shimano is one of those companies that have been in the industry for a while now. They have over time carved out a niche for themselves in providing the end consumer (you), with quality products. Everyone knows about this company whether he/she is a newbie or a novice in this area.
Now the Dura-Ace BR-7900 has been designed for road bikes. They have been designed with control and safety in mind. With these, you will go from neck breaking speeds to zero in a matter of seconds without experiencing any spikes. During the braking, you will maintain control with great ease.
But given the fact that they are cartridge pads you should exercise caution when you are making your purchase. Ensure that they are compatible with your bike. That said, you should expect them to perform flawlessly in both wet and dry seasons. Speaking of wet seasons, with the Dura-Ace breaking pads, you will not have to suffer through the screeching noises every time you are breaking.
They are perfect for aluminum rims and have great grip easily the best in the industry.
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Tektro V-Brake
For many, this brand might be new. But the fact that you might not have heard of it before does not say anything about its quality and performance. As a matter of fact, it is because of it’s all rounded nature that it has made this list. So yes, it is deserving of your time at the store.
They have been designed to be very easy to mount. With these brake pads, you do not need to be a mechanic or an expert to install them. If you have control of your hands, which you obviously do, you can get the job done. You will also not need any special tools for its installation. But in the event you run into problems, the manual it comes with will offer assistance as do the videos up on YouTube.
They measure 70mm and can fit on almost any linear brakes. They feature 4 threads which are perfect and greatly improves its efficiency in breaking. The threads also will tell you when you need to get your brake pads replaced. Yes, they are handy and faithful like that.
Click here to check out Tektro V-Brake on Amazon
Swisstop FlashPro
In as much as many will try to disagree with this, Switzerland is where many of the best brake pad manufacturing companies are located. They are just like Swiss watches. There is a reason they are expensive.
The Swisstop FlashPro is made from BXM rubber which is probably the best rubber there is. The pads are easy to replace. It is a pretty forward process – bolt them on the brakes and you are good to go. A pack contains 4 brake pads. As such, you will have no use for 2 packs, not unless you are saving for a rainy day.
Their price is a bit higher than you might anticipate but with premium brake pads, you will not feel the pinch. With these pads installed, your bike will look and feel like a two-wheeled Lamborghini.
With these pads, you do not have to worry about the type of rim that you have installed. They are great team players, ensuring that you come to an instantaneous stop.
Click here to check out Swisstop FlashPro on Amazon
Kool-Stop Dual Compound
So far the bike braking pads that we have reviewed are symmetrical. These, however, stray from this norm, or if you prefer, cliché. They are asymmetrical. They are designed for mountain bikes. designed to help tackle the steep slopes of mountains and hills.
Symmetric and asymmetric brake pads vary a great deal in the forces they exert while they are slowing you down. Again, no need to get into the details but asymmetrical brake pads kick symmetrical brake pads’ ass.
Now you are inclined to get this particular type, aren’t you? Well, you can by all means. However, if you do not own a mountain bike, it is probably not a good idea. You might very well end up looking for more bike replacements aside from the brake pads.
The Kool Stop brake pad is predictable and is always constant in its deliver – regardless of whether you are riding on a dry or wet ground.
Click here to check out Kool-Stop Dual Compound on Amazon
Conclusion
It’s good that you are paying attention to your brake pads. With the above information, you should be able to make an informed decision. Now, you could walk into the store and totally forget all you have just read, so a very important point to note is that you should carry a sample with you when making a purchase. This way even when you ask for assistance they will know exactly what it is you are looking for.
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