How do you carry spare disk brake pads?

[ujdhdyet9]

I'm relatively new to disk brakes, and I always like to carry a set of spare pads when I am out with the bike. If any of you also carry spare pads, how do you do it? Mine are Shimano, and the original packaging is huge so I can't carry them there. Is it ok to carry them without packaging (so they might get in contact with the other tools or with each other)? Are they not as sensitive to contamination as the rotors are? I saw an article about tools to bring along on bikepacking.com and most seemed to carry just the pads attached to each other with a rubber band...

 

[Baulz]

Zip lock bag should work to keep them safe.

 

[clubby]

I have a small puncture repair box. I keep spare pads, tubeless valve and core remover plus a quick link in it. Just keep that in my pack with the rest of my tools.

 

[grantoury]

Surely you would have to go on a full tour before this becomes an issue?

 

[clubby]

Surely you would have to go on a full tour before this becomes an issue?

I’ve had the brake material fall off a pad before, even though it looked to have lots of life left. Most used bikes have same brands of brakes, so easy enough to leave a single set of pads in my bag just in case. Even if it never happens on the trail again, I’ve always a spare set for replacement.

 

[novocaine]

I don't bother. A lack of one brake isn't going to bring a ride to a halting end (and hasn't so far, including when all the fluid decided it needed to be outside the hose). There are more important things to carry, like cake*.


* jokes, I carry a split link, a puncher kit, a spare innertube, cable ties, a tyre boot and tools. those are the common failures that will lead to a ride being stopped. Everything else is either so unlikely as to not be worth the worry (headtube snapping, broken spoke, etc.) or won't stop the ride so isn't worth the worry.