Are NOS brake pads any good? Age harden?

[michael franks]

I've never had any problems with with XT, M70 or various other old blocks or pads.
Best thing is to put 'em on the bike and then - carefully - test them :? It'll soon be obvious if they're working or not :shock:

 

[Spanky22b]

NOS brake blocks with XTR on them make you ride faster.

fact.

Well, they make you slow faster, as do those that say XT on them

The XT ones slow you down a bit slower than XTR,the R makes all the difference.

 

[RadNomad]

Why would you want to use NOS brake blocks? I can understand wanting to use period correct major components to preserve the look of an older bicycle, but "disposable" parts like tyres, grips, chains, jockey wheels and brake blocks?

Because at the time of starting the thread i was thinking to buy a NOS in the packet set of DX cantilever brakes which come with their orignal blocks and was wondering that, since i would be already paying for them, whether they would be OK to use or not. The consensus on here seems to be a resounding "yes" so having just bought them i'll give them a go. I don't mind buying new blocks but no point in throwing away perfectly useable parts. Thanks for tall the input!