HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR BIKE BRAKE PADS?
If you notice a drop in braking performance, significant wear, or the presence of grease or oil on the pad, changing your brake pads is unavoidable. The quality of your braking and your safety depend on it.
Before replacing them, note the reference of your brakes to ensure you choose compatible BLACK RIDER pads.
TYPES OF PADS
Reminder: different types of pads can be adapted to each brake model.
Pads are composed of two elements: the friction material and the backing plate.
The Backing Plate
It ensures heat dissipation, limiting the temperature rise of the brake fluid and disc. Most backing plates are made of steel, but you can find them in aluminum. The latter has greater heat dissipation capabilities than steel.
The Friction Material
The choice of a brake pad is mainly based on its friction material. There are 4 types:
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Organic (also called resin) : Organic pads are the most common; they have the advantage of offering very good braking efficiency from the first rotations (i.e., when cold) and are relatively affordable. However, they tend to wear out more quickly and are quite sensitive to temperature increases and mud.
- Organic + : BLACK RIDER EXCLUSIVE : We have developed this friction material by modifying the composition of standard organic brake pads. Our blend significantly improves its durability and braking power when hot. This new blend also convinces with optimal modulation, above-average braking performance, and extremely low noise, all at an attractive price! Feel: "progressive".
- Semi-metallic : They are the perfect union between organic and metallic. They perform well both cold and hot in all weather conditions, while reducing braking noise. Developed for an "aggressive" riding style. Ideal for competitors. Feel: "on-off".
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Ceramic : Ceramic brake pads are composed of semi-metallic friction material plus sintered ceramic within the lining, to dissipate maximum heat and reduce noise. This way, you preserve the temperature of your brake fluid and disc! This performance gain implies a slightly higher price. Feel: "progressive".
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Metallic : Due to the extreme resistance to temperature increases and the absence of noise of our "Ceramic" pads, we have decided to no longer produce "Sintered Metallic" pads.
WHICH PADS TO CHOOSE?
Reminder: when changing the type of friction material on your brakes, it is strongly advised to replace both the disc and the pads. (E.g., if you had metallic pads and switch to semi-metallic pads).
Hiking, Long Rides
During hikes, you may encounter long descents that cause your brakes to overheat. To counteract temperature increases, we recommend choosing ceramic friction material.
Competitions
In competitions, braking is extremely important. It helps you brake as late as possible and position yourself well to optimize your trajectory. Late braking means reactive feel even when cold. Your choice will be towards semi-metallic or organic + friction material.
