Best Brake pads

[csykes]

I second installing the drum break as well.  We find it useful when descending in the rain on our tandem with just the two of us and a very light load.

[Bike Hermit]

I just replaced my pads with Yokozuna Scott-Mathauser pads. Even though Sheldon Brown says the Scott-Mathauser pads are no longer available Yokozuna is now selling them. I can definitely notice better stopping power than the stock brake pads on the Tektro long reach road calipers. Available at Bike Touring News in v-brake style and Shimano road style.  Replacement inserts or shoes.

[whittierider]

Are you sure they're not old stock?  Scott-Mathouser became Kool Stop AFAIK.

[Bike Hermit]

Are you sure they're not old stock?  Scott-Mathouser became Kool Stop AFAIK.

I am not aware of the compounds Kool Stop is currently using. When Scott's original patent on the iron oxide formula used in the Gen-X pads expired Kool Stop did start using the compound. The Scott family has licensed the use of the Gen-X formula to Yokozuna in Japan and they are making the road and mountain pads and shoes using that. The old school block style shoes are still made in the US, using the same formula. 

[kfamoikra]

Coming from google and need help to identify the best brake pads (This website coming on top search result for that keywords). But that is a car brake pads review and I am looking for bike brake pads review. Although, I have read few other review. I have short listed 3 brands and those are SwissStop, koolstop Shimano. I read few other article and those answer confusing like this thread. Which brake pad should buy? I know, people choice will be different. But, don't want to create more confusion. Thus, I want to ask what should consider before buying a brake pad. I mean how to measure the quality of a brake pad?

[DaveB]

Coming from google and need help to identify the best brake pads. I have short listed 3 brands and those are SwissStop, koolstop Shimano. I read few other article and those answer confusing like this thread. Which brake pad should buy? I know, people choice will be different. But, want it creates more confusion. Thus, I want to ask what should consider before buying a brake pad. I mean how to measure the quality of a brake pad?

You will notice that the majority of the recommendations are for Kool-Stop.  They are very effective, widely available and reasonably priced.  I've used them for years with complete satisfaction.

Swiss Stop are good pads but hard to find and very expensive.  Shimano pads are generally considered not as good.

BTW, Kool Stop Black pads are harder and more durable but not as effective in wet conditions.  Kool Stop Salmon pads are softer and work better in the wet but, even being softer, their durability is very good so they last a long time in typical use.  Kool Stop does offer pads that are half Black and half Salmon and are a compromise.   Any Kool Stop pad is a good choice.

[indyfabz]

I switched to Kool Stop Salmon pads a few years ago and love them. I tour and commute on my LHT. Even with the constant slowing/stopping at intersections during my rides around town, they last a good long time.

[kfamoikra]

Coming from google and need help to identify the best brake pads. I have short listed 3 brands and those are SwissStop, koolstop Shimano. I read a few other articles and those answer confusing like this thread. Which brake pad should buy? I know, people choice will be different. But, want it creates more confusion. Thus, I want to ask what should consider before buying a brake pad. I mean how to measure the quality of a brake pad?

You will notice that the majority of the recommendations are for Kool-Stop.  They are very effective, widely available and reasonably priced.  I've used them for years with complete satisfaction.

Swiss Stop are good pads but hard to find and very expensive.  Shimano pads are generally considered not as good.

BTW, Kool Stop Black pads are harder and more durable but not as effective in wet conditions.  Kool Stop Salmon pads are softer and work better in the wet but, even being softer, their durability is very good so they last a long time in typical use.  Kool Stop does offer pads that are half Black and half Salmon and are a compromise.   Any Kool Stop pad is a good choice.

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I switched to Kool Stop Salmon pads a few years ago and love them. I tour and commute on my LHT. Even with the constant slowing/stopping at intersections during my rides around town, they last a good long time.

Thanks for your feedback.

[staehpj1]

My impression of the Koolstop salmon was that they worked well even in the wet, but they had enough negatives that I avoid them now.  The negatives based on my observations when I was using them:

• They tend to squeal more easily so toe in and general setup is fussier
• They tend to be a little grabby
• They seemed to wear out rims faster

These choices are always compromises and the salmons may be the right choice for some, but they aren't perfect.  I have been using Avid shoes as of late and have been happy with them.

[DaveB]

My impression of the Koolstop salmon was that they worked well even in the wet, but they had enough negatives that I avoid them now.  The negatives based on my observations when I was using them:

• They tend to squeal more easily so toe in and general setup is fussier
• They tend to be a little grabby
• They seemed to wear out rims faster

Adding to my first posting, I've never experienced any of these negatives with Kool Stop Salmons.  My experience is:

1. Installed on good quality caliper brakes (i.e. stiff arms and good pivots) they are completely silent even if installed with no toe-in.  The only noisy brakes I've had were a set of Shimano cantilevers and a set of Avid SD-7 V-brakes that squealed no matter what pads (Shimano, Avid or Kool Stop) or toe-in I used. 

2. Their action is predictable and not at all uneven or "grabby".

3. My rims last extremely well using them.  One bike has over 40,000 miles and the other over 25,000 miles on the same rims which are still in excellent condition. Obviously, these aren't routinely ridden in the rain, which will wear out any rim more quickly no matter what pads are used. 

YMMV

[Pat Lamb]

They seemed to wear out rims faster[/li][/list]

I wore out a rim on my all-weather (rain) commuting bike last year after about 20,000 miles with the KS Salmon pads.  I've worn out a rim in about 8,000, mostly good, miles with other pads.  IME the Salmons don't get grit embedded in them, and therefore don't wear rims out as fast as lesser brake pads.

[canalligators]

Another vote for installing the drum brake.  There are steep, long grades on that route.  Without the drum, I've heated rims to the point that spittle would boil off my finger, and that hill was only a mile long.  After that, I bought a drum brake.  The small weight penalty mitigates the risk of a catastrophic failure.