A bike’s brake system is one of its most vital parts as it ensures a cyclist’s safety and peace of mind. Brake pads, an essential component of the brake system, are fortunately easy on the pocket, so regularly replacing them isn’t such a hardship.
There are huge varieties of brake pads in the market today, though, so looking for the right one for your bike can be a pain.
In this post, we hope that through this guide and the list we’ve compiled below, you’ll be able to find the ones you’ll want to buy time and time again to keep your bike efficient and stable.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick For Brake Pads
The best rim brake pad in this list is the Hyacinth Premium Bike Brake Pads, while the Zonon Semi-Metallic brake pads should do the work extremely well for bicycles with disc brakes.
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 19:35 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 19:35 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Consider Before Buying Bike Brake Pads
Manufacturers use either v brakes or cantilever stopping systems for the bikes they make. You can use brake pads interchangeably, fortunately, regardless of the system installed on your bike.
But there are many factors to consider when looking for brake pads. Let’s dig in.
Types of Brake Pads
The best way to check which type of brake pads to buy is to look at the ones your bike came with. Let’s discuss the different types of brake pads available in the market today.
Rim Brakes
Rim brake pads are installed to press against the bike’s rim, hence its name, and are attached to pivoted cantilever arms, which hold them in place.
When the handlebar’s brake lever is triggered, the brake pads will apply friction against the rim with ease, effectively slowing down the rotating wheel or stopping the bike completely.
Typically used in many mountain bikes, rim brake pads are usually made of leather, rubber, or cork and often mounted in metal shoes.
Disc Brake Pads
Disc brake bicycle wheels will have a disc which are engaged when triggering the handlebar’s brake lever. The disc brake pads will press and drag against the disc, applying friction and effectively converting kinetic energy (motion) into thermal energy (heat).
Some cyclists prefer this over rim brakes as they are excellent in all weather conditions and generate more braking power.
Combination
Some manufacturers have been able to merge the disc and rim brake systems into a single braking entity. This type provides even more exceptional braking power, reduced noise level, and effective resistance against harsh weather conditions.
Sturdy Materials
It’s essential to consider the sturdiness of the materials of brake pads.
Choose models made of anti-rust materials, able to withstand the pressure from frequent use and exposure to natural elements. Examine the backbone and make sure it is durable.
Most brake pads will use rubber because of its resistance to corrosion and rust, and if it’s installed correctly, it can be very sturdy.
You may also consider brake pads manufactured with alloys or a combination of materials that offer varying strengths.
Compound Used
If you shop online or go to bicycle shops, you’ll find brake pads will be made of either of these three different compounds we list below.
Just remember, though, soft compounds are easier on the rims and will offer more grip and braking power, especially in wet conditions. But they will not provide as much durability compared to hard compounds.
Sintered
Sintered compounds are the most durable as these are made of metal. They can withstand high temperatures easily and therefore will last longer even with prolonged use like downhill descents.
However, they tend to lose power with hydraulic setups as they are prone to transferring heat to the brake fluid during long descents. Also, they can create some noise and be less responsive.
Organic
If you want smooth, noiseless stops or slows, organic pad beds may be ideal for you. They may not last as long, though, or offer as much braking power as sintered pads because they are prone to glazing over where the surface of the pads crystalize, decreasing ability to brake.
Semi-Metal
Essentially, these are organic pads with metal added to them – an excellent compromise between the two.
They’re more long-lasting than organic pads, provide exceptional power during descents, and respond very well to triggers.
But, just like organic pads, they also glaze over, and are typically more expensive. You’d have to investigate the exact materials used for these as well because differences will offer varying strengths.
Peak Performance Regardless of Weather
Performance quality should be a deciding factor when choosing brake pads. They should allow cyclists to decrease their speed when necessary.
Quality is largely dictated by the material used. If it’s hard galvanized rubber, you may find it difficult to slow down. If it’s made of softer material like rubber, you may find it easier to control speed, but it’ll wear out sooner than the harder compounds.
If you’re a bike enthusiast who loves to ride in all kinds of weather, be sure to investigate the product description of the brake pad you prefer to find out if it’s suitable for all weather conditions or made only for particular seasons.
Compatibility
As we mentioned earlier, it’s best to look at the brake pads you want to replace before purchasing a new one, as not all pads will be compatible with your bike.
Bolts used to install it may not fit or the pads themselves may be too thick, making them ineffective.
Adjustability and Ease of Installation
There are brake pads that require complicated adjustments, so be on the lookout for those that are easy to install and adjust with minimal help, if at all possible.
6 Best Bike Brake Pads Reviewed
We hope the buying guide above helps you identify the right one your bike so you can ensure your safety while on the road.
Let’s go straight to our favorite brake pads in the market today.
1. Alritz Bike Brake Pads for Road and Mountain Bikes
Key Features
- 3-pair 70mm rim brake pads
- Made of rubber and aluminum alloy
- Suitable for poor and fine weather
- Compatible with road bikes and mountain bikes with v brake systems
- Easy installation
The Alritz bike brake pads maximizes safety through excellent quality and innovative textures.
These 3-pair sets are made of durable rubber and aluminum alloy, so you know they’ll last for a long while, even if you expose them to all kinds of weather. The rubber is free of harmful materials like emery and asbestos and creates less noise when used.
The unique sand-guide grooves in the surface of the pads will ensure sand or gravel will not damage your road bike or mountain bike’s wheel rims.
Installation (and removal) is easy as every purchase includes a piece of hex nut and 5 pieces of spacers. You’ll only need to adjust slightly as you install them to ensure they stay close to the rims. You’ll know they’re properly installed when they don’t make any noise when used.
Pros
- Smooth, firm, and quiet feel
- Excellent stopping power
- High-temperature resistant
- Won’t harm rims
Cons
- May not last as long as desired
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 19:36 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Pangda Road Brake Pads with Installation Tool
Key Features
- 2-pair 50mm rim brake pads
- Made of rubber and metal
- V-shaped tank design
- Compatible with most road bikes with a c brake caliper system
- Suitable for all weather
These road brake bike pads from Pangda will bring you a safe and comfortable riding experience.
The high-quality rubber and metal combination of these pads ensures noiseless stops and hard-wearing capacity, even through all sorts of weather.
Cut any material measuring 50mm by 1.97 inches and set it alongside the brake pads you need to replace to find out if you’re getting the best fit.
It features a v-shaped tank design that will prevent damages to the wheel rims that may be caused by sand, mud, and gravel, hence providing excellent braking performance.
They’re easy to install using the hex nut, spacer, and lightweight L type tool included in the package. Make sure to install them properly, as this can significantly affect the wear and tear of these pads.
Pros
- Long-lasting pads
- Great value for money
- Brakes excellently in wet weather
Cons
- May not last as long if installed incorrectly
- Tools included may not be adequate
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 19:35 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. GPMTER 2 Pairs Bike Brakes Pads for MTBs
Key Features
- 2-pair 70mm rim brake pads
- Made of rubber and aluminum alloy
- Slightly curved design
- Compatible with cruiser and mountain bikes with a v brake system
- Suitable for all weather
Gpmter is the next brand in our list, with their 2-pair bike brake pads that will suitably replace universal v brake stopping systems of cruiser bikes and mountain bikes.
The high-quality performance can be attributed to its material made of superior and rust and corrosion-resistant rubber and aluminum alloy combination, ensuring excellent braking power even during rainy rides.
It features a slightly curved design ensuring constant contact with sand, mud, or gravel will not damage your rims and guarantee anti-skidding capability.
They’re easy to install using the hex nut and spacers included in the package. The pads are also labeled so you can place them in the correct position when replacing your old brake pads.
Pros
- Efficient braking power
- Super silent when stopping
- Great value for money
- Easy to install and remove
Cons
- May not last as long if installed incorrectly
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 19:36 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Hyacinth Premium Bike Brake Pads for MTBs and Road Bikes
Key Features
- 2-pair rim brake pads
- Made of synthetic fiber and nitrile rubber
- Humanized arc and drainage design
- Compatible with 20-inch bikes with a v brake system
- Lifetime guarantee
These premium bike brake pads are excellent for mountain bikes and road bicycles, which use a v brake stopping system.
The hard-wearing material is made of synthetic fiber, making it durable and waterproof; and nitrile fiber, making it resistant to most petroleum-based fluids. These materials also make the pads last longer than ordinary rubber and provide softer, smoother, and quicker braking performance even in rainy weather.
It features a humanized design comprising 3 lines on the sides of the pad. Once the surface of the pads reaches the first line, this should indicate the need for replacement. If you wait longer and it reaches the second line, you’ll notice braking power will decrease. Continuing to use the pads until it’s worn up to the third line is a risk you shouldn’t take.
The arc and drainage design of the pads will prevent damage from your wheel’s rims.
They’re easy to install using the hex nut, made of stainless steel, and spacers made of aluminum alloy, included in the package. The pads are also labeled so you can place them in the correct position when replacing your old brake pads.
Pros
- Works well even in wet conditions
- Does not squeak or squeal
- Excellent quality of materials
- Great value for money
Cons
- May wear out sooner if not installed properly
- May need time to break it in
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 19:35 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. SHIMANO 2 Pairs Disc Brake Pads & Spring B01S
Key Features
- 2-pair disc brake pads
- Made of resin materials
- Compatible with various models
- No radiator fin
The last one in the list is certainly not the least in quality, as it’s from one of the leaders in the cycling industry.
Made of resin material with no radiator fins, this 2-pair brake pad set is compatible with various models. Please see product description for the full list.
And because they’re made of resin, they make less noise when in use while providing excellent braking power and control.
Pros
- Excellent braking power
- Easy to install
- No vibration or noise
- Affordable & great value
Cons
- May wear out sooner than expected
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 19:36 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Zonon 4 Pairs Semi-Metallic Disc Brake Pads
Key Features
- 4-pair disc brake pads
- Made of semi-metallic materials
- No asbestos or iron
- Compatible with Shimano Deore, Nexave, WINZIP and more
- Tested in extreme conditions
We can’t leave bikes with disc brakes out, so here’s one of our favorites by Zonon. It provides fast and reliable braking power and is sensitive to triggers from your brake lever, optimizing your riding experience even in muddy and wet terrain.
This impressive brake pad has an outer panel made of high-strength steel, while the inside panel has resin and copper semi-metal to increase heat dispersion, resistance to damage, and braking efficiency.
These discs were tested under extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust to make it as durable as possible. The surface of the disc contains friction marks. If it makes a sharp sound, that means they need new replacements.
It’s compatible with several Shimano, TRP, Tektro, Auriga, Gemini, and Aguila models. Please see product description for the detailed list.
Pros
- Great braking effect
- Noiseless
- Wear-resistant
- Safe and stable
Cons
- May experience glazing
- May need time to break it in
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 19:35 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is The Right Break Pads For You?
In purchasing brake pads for your bike, always prioritize quality. Consider how intensely or casually you use your bike so you can gauge how much pressure you’ll be putting on the brake pads you need. In doing so, also, you’ll be able to estimate how frequently you should be replacing them so you know you’re always riding as safely as possible.
For us, the best rim brake pad in this list is the Hyacinth Premium Bike Brake Pads, while the Zonon Semi-Metallic brake pads should do the work extremely well for bicycles with disc brakes.
The Hyacinth rim brake pads are made of such a unique material that’s so suitable for rim brakes. We also love the humanized design on the side of the pads that’ll remind you when you should replace them.
The Zonon disc brake pads, on the other hand, is made of such sturdy material but with an inner lining that are both gentle and efficient.
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 19:35 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 19:35 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
