What are the best brake pads?

[Dr.Robotnik]

Hi all,

A quick braking question. basically I want new brake pads on my BMX and haven't bought anything like this in ages. But as BMX doesn't really have much use for brakes so there isn't much option. I thought I'd ask here as I'd probably end up using MTB brake pads anyway. So please school me.

I have two new black hard anodised rims coming and braking is going to be in the dry and dirt free only.

Should I mirror polish the braking surface for performance as it's currently anodised?

I am after both on/off stopping power and feathering modulation for tricks.

I like the look of;

Kool Stop Eagle Claw 2's - but they are not in a cool refillable cartridge
The Heatsink pads - they are not a standard design
Swiss Stop - but I don't know which to get
KCNC - look cool, but how are the pads for performance?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

 

[WD Pro]

Kool Stop Eagle Claw 2's - but they are not in a cool refillable cartridge

Quik Klaws

WD

 

[FluffyChicken]

I came across some clear pads for use by them big BMX's you see nowadays.
Maybe try them.

I've looked at Fibrax, Ashima, Clarks and many others but cannot remember who made them
Look under 'Trials' I would have thought the changeable pads would be so good and they're designed to work in one direction

 

[Dr.Robotnik]

I came across some clear pads for use by them big

Just to add, PLEASE DON'T SUGGEST CLEAR PADS, they make a horrible noise even though they brake well. I can't stand the noise.

Oh I am also after V-brake type holders, so the Quick Claws like WD-Pro suggested won't work.

 

[silverclaws]

I don't like hard anodised rims well at least not where the braking surface is, as the stopping process in the wet actually grinds the metal to aid stopping, all that grey yuck that gets on the rim and tyre is a mixture of aluminium and pad material.

But you say you will be using pads in the dry, but need good stopping characteristics for tricks, so keep the hard anodising and use soft sticky pads, yeah they wear fast, but they stop well. MTB pads in myunderstanding are compounded for all weather conditions, so grind metal, for tricks you need a different type of braking medium.

I don't know whether this is correct or not, but the Magura brake pads come in different grades of braking material and can be mounted onto cantilever fixings, might be an idea to look at those.

 

[FluffyChicken]

But the clear compound is designed for the on/off you wanted ?

http://www.ashima.com.tw/products_02_01.html See if there is anything else you want there.
I know nothing about BMX, maybe ask in an BMX forum ?

All manufacturer Ashima/Koolstop use the clear for that sort of thing.

anyways
http://www.koolstop.eu/index.php?id=62&L=1 and the compounds http://www.koolstop.eu/en/rim-brakes/compounds.html

 

[Dr.Robotnik]

But the clear compound is designed for the on/off you wanted ?

Yep, I know. This video should help illustrate the noise from clear pads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IR8qWM4ZfA

I have asked on BMX forums and the flavour of the month is the clear pad and thus that's all that gets suggested even though I am saying I'd prefer not to have it because of the noise.

 

[taffy]

I had some of those clear pads - unbelievable stopping power for a canti also unbelievable noise (regardless of toe)

Swisstop are supposed to be good std black for dry, green for ucky conditions from what i've read.

 

[FluffyChicken]

But the clear compound is designed for the on/off you wanted ?

Yep, I know. This video should help illustrate the noise from clear pads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IR8qWM4ZfA

I have asked on BMX forums and the flavour of the month is the clear pad and thus that's all that gets suggested even though I am saying I'd prefer not to have it because of the noise.

That is a err naff noise. BiTD I used clear pads on my MTB and they didn't sqeak maybe due to using normal cantis on decent alu rims.
Not so good if you put a water interface between them though.
Do they still squeak like that on the modern BMX V'brake things they have now since they shouldn't flex forward like tht old caliper style.
(shows I know nowt about BMX's)

Anyway have a look through the links and see what you find.

Not much else on CRC. Thier MTB selection is poor as they seem to be switching over at the moment.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Cate ... goryID=555
Sure the interchangeable pads is a good idea ? Be interesting to see how much force the small pin holding it in can take


Hang out with the yoof at the skate park and see what they are using or ask perry[/i]