Nederlands | English | Deutsch | Türkçe

Project Sports

Questions and answers about sports

Mountain Bike Disc brake pads price vs performance

6 min read

Asked by: Mayra Figueroa

Do performance brake pads make a difference?

Premium brake pads use higher quality materials which typically have lower wear, and therefore a longer service life. Some pads are designed specifically for longer service life and will also wear more evenly than lower quality pads. It is important to pair new pads with new rotors to capitalize on this benefit.

Which disc brake pads is best for mountain bike?

The best mountain bike disc brake pads in 2021

  • Shimano J03A Resin Disc Brake Pads. …
  • SRAM Code Disc Brake Pads. …
  • SwissStop EXOTherm2 Brake Pads. …
  • Jagwire Semi-Metallic Disc Brake Pads for Magura. …
  • SwissStop Disc RS Brake Pads. …
  • Kool-Stop BB7 Replacement Pads. …
  • Magura USA 8. …
  • MTX Braking Red Label Race SRAM G2​/Guide Brake Pads.

Are all MTB brake pads the same?

There are a lot of different variables with disc brake pads, both for Road and MTB. Not only do you have to get the correctly shaped disc pad that fits your particular brake caliper, but you also have to choose what sort of compound you want the pad to be made of.

What are the best budget MTB brakes?

Experts Tell Us the Best Cheap MTB Brakes

  • Shimano Universal Standard Brake Cable Set. …
  • Shimano Deore M615 Pre-Bled Rear Disc Brake Resin Pad. …
  • BlueSunshine MTB BB8 Mechanical Disc Brake. …
  • Dia Compe Calliper Brake MX806. …
  • TRP Quadiem Disc Brake. …
  • LINGQUE Mountain Bike Hydraulic Disc Brakes. …
  • Bucklos MTB Hydraulic Disc Brakes.

Is it worth upgrading brake pads?

Upgrading your pads to better materials will help reduce brake fade, and will have an overall better “bite” when the brakes are applies. On top of the high risk of brake fade, the soft materials wear out faster than the semi-metallic counterparts. Trying to stop in time with worn, faded brake pads is a scary thought.

How long do performance brake pads last?

between 30,000 and 70,000 miles

The lifespan of brake pads depends on varying factors, including personal driving style. Many manufacturers say their brake pads can last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, with some claiming theirs can last up to an impressive 100,000 miles.

How do I choose mountain bike brakes?

Choosing an MTB Disc Brake



Beyond riding style, heavier riders, for example, may want to go with a system with a little extra stopping power even if they intend to stick to mostly XC trails. Look for terms like Trail, DH, FR, and AM to find brakes with more stopping power.

What are the best disc brake pads?

CERAMIC. Ceramic brake pads have excellent stopping power and disperse heat well. Ideal for most normal driving applications, they produce very little dust or noise and are long lasting. Many foreign and domestic vehicles are equipped with ceramic brake pad formulations from the factory.

Does it matter what brake pads I use on my bike?

The majority are designed to fit specific calipers, so you will need to buy a pair that is compatible with the make and model of your brake caliper/system. After this, the choice is between the two main types of pad –- organic or sintered.

Are Tektro and Shimano brake pads the same?

They are two separate companies, from different countries – Shimano is a Japanese company and Tektro is a Taiwanese company. However, there are quite a few similarities between their brakes. In fact, on some models, the brake pads are interchangeable between the two different brands due to their similarities.

Are SRAM and Shimano brake pads the same?

Are SRAM And Shimano Brake Pads The Same? No, the two companies make brake pads that are specific to their brake systems. They are different sizes and are not universal. They are not compatible with each other, so make sure that you buy the correct pads for your bike otherwise they will not work.

How do I know what brake pads to buy?

If you use your vehicle mostly for commuting, choose semi-metallic brake pads, which are affordable and work well for every day use. If you do more mountainous or heavy-duty driving, like pulling trailers, choose fully metallic or ceramic brake pads for more durability.

What are performance brake pads?

A set of sporting brake pads designed to work with a specific set of upgraded brake rotors is ideal. This combination provides synergistic benefits to performance, stopping power, durability, and resistance to degradation by heat caused by hard driving or frequent race-track use.

Do bigger rotors stop better MTB?

Simple physics dictate that yes, larger rotors provide more stopping power. The very basic premise is that, as you increase the size of the rotor, you increase the leverage acting on the wheel, thus it is easier to stop.

How much do upgraded brakes cost?

The average brake pad replacement costs around $150 per axle, but these costs can rise to around $300 per axle depending on your vehicle’s brake pad materials.

What are performance brake pads?

A set of sporting brake pads designed to work with a specific set of upgraded brake rotors is ideal. This combination provides synergistic benefits to performance, stopping power, durability, and resistance to degradation by heat caused by hard driving or frequent race-track use.

What are high performance brakes?

You may think that less surface area means less friction for stopping. However, high-performance rotors are designed to keep things off that may keep you from stopping faster like, water, dirt, and brake dust. With less debris on the brakes and rotors, the easier it is for your brakes to gain traction.

Are Brembo brakes worth it?

The Brembo brake system braked better under all conditions with shorter braking distances than the Golf stock brakes. It was also better at withstanding the extreme stresses of the test and the drop in performance caused by the increase in thermal load was much less than the stock brakes.

Is it worth upgrading brake rotors?

According to Buy Brakes, larger brake rotors can improve a car’s stopping performance due to their increased surface area, which will, in turn, increase the car’s braking power. Since the pads and rotors are bigger than stock, the pads will have more surface area to grab onto, which will make the car stop shorter.

Do bigger rotors stop better MTB?

Simple physics dictate that yes, larger rotors provide more stopping power. The very basic premise is that, as you increase the size of the rotor, you increase the leverage acting on the wheel, thus it is easier to stop.

Do I need performance rotors?

You Have A Tow Vehicle



It’s important to have performance rotors on tow vehicles. Drilled and slotted rotors dissipate heat really well, which is critical in towing braking performance. Make sure you use slotted or drilled rotors that don’t have jagged edges. You don’t want your brake pads to wear out fast.