MTB Brake Pads

Q: How to choose the right brake rubber for your needs:

Standard Pads (Black) Properties: They offer solid all-round performance and work well in dry and slightly damp conditions. The harder compound lasts a long time. Ideal for: Touring, commuting, or moderate street use. High-Performance Pads (Multi-color / Salmon) Properties: These special, softer compounds (e.g., Kool Stop Salmon) significantly improve braking power, especially in wet and muddy conditions. They often feature integrated grooves (water channels) for better contact. Ideal for: Sporty riders and trial pilots who demand maximum control even in bad weather. Special Pads (for Carbon Rims) Properties: These compounds are optimized specifically for sensitive carbon brake tracks to reduce heat build-up and prevent premature wear of the expensive rim. Ideal for: If your (mostly older XC) mountain bike has carbon rims.

Q: Important when buying:

Check your brake system: Do you need longer V-Brake shoes (often 70 mm or 72 mm)? These are often available as a Cartridge System (only the rubber insert is replaced, the metal holder remains). Or do you need shorter Cantilever shoes (often 55 mm), which are also common in BMX? Check the rim material: Never ride standard pads on carbon rims (heat!) and no special carbon pads on alloy rims (high wear). Monitor wear: Regularly check the grooves (indicators) on your pads. Replace them in time to avoid damaging your rim with the exposed metal holder!

MTB Brake Pads FAQ

What are rim brake pads and what should I look for?

These pads press directly onto the rim sidewall. To ensure your brake grips reliably and the rim is not damaged, choosing the right rubber compound and size is crucial.

How to choose the right brake rubber for your needs:

Standard Pads (Black): Properties: They offer solid all-round performance and work well in dry and slightly damp conditions. The harder compound lasts a long time.
Ideal for: Touring, commuting, or moderate street use.
High-Performance Pads (Multi-color / Salmon): Properties: These special, softer compounds (e.g., Kool Stop Salmon) significantly improve braking power, especially in wet and muddy conditions. They often feature integrated grooves (water channels) for better contact.
Ideal for: Sporty riders and trial pilots who demand maximum control even in bad weather.
Special Pads (for Carbon Rims): Properties: These compounds are optimized specifically for sensitive carbon brake tracks to reduce heat build-up and prevent premature wear of the expensive rim.
Ideal for: If your (mostly older XC) mountain bike has carbon rims.

Important when buying:

Check your brake system: Do you need longer V-Brake shoes (often 70 mm or 72 mm)? These are often available as a Cartridge System (only the rubber insert is replaced, the metal holder remains). Or do you need shorter Cantilever shoes (often 55 mm), which are also common in BMX?
Check the rim material: Never ride standard pads on carbon rims (heat!) and no special carbon pads on alloy rims (high wear).
Monitor wear: Regularly check the grooves (indicators) on your pads. Replace them in time to avoid damaging your rim with the exposed metal holder!

How do I stop squealing? (Toe-In)

If the brake screams, the pads usually hit flat. The solution is "Toe-In":

Slightly loosen the brake shoe.
Place a piece of cardboard under the rear of the pad.
Pull the brake lever to align the pad (contact at front, gap at back).
Tighten the nut with an Allen key. Now the pad hits the front first, eliminating vibrations.

What do the specifications mean?

Specification	Explanation	Examples/Available
System	Construction type.	Cartridge (Replaceable), One-Piece (Disposable)
Length	Size of braking surface.	70-72mm (V-Brake), 55mm (Canti/BMX)
Rim Type	Material compatibility.	Aluminum, Carbon, Ceramic