Brake pads - carbon brake track

[croftsj]

So having sold a kidney for some Zipp 808 Firecrests, what brake blocks should I go for?
Zipp list some approved and recommended pads on their website, I'm looking for a set for Shimano Ultegra calipers front & rears.
What's the difference between the black rubber looking pads and cork? Performance?

Also is there such a pad that will work across aluminium tracks and carbon? I have a set of deep section Soul wheels that I may revert to from time to time, they have an Ali brake track. From what I've found so far that's a no, maybe you know different?

Thanks.

[yellowjack]

http://www.swissstop.ch/Road.aspx

Black Prince or Yellow King for your Zipp carbon wheels, and BXP or GHP II for your aluminium braking track.

Buy the right type to fit your Shimano pad carriers and it's a simple case of loosening off the four tiny grub screws, sliding the appropriate pads out/in then tightening the screws and your away.

Be aware that you can also get them with the carrier, but they fit right in to Ultegra carriers, so you don't really need them.

There's a link to Zipp as an OE partner from the Swisstop site so presumably their pads will be on the 'approved' list? Zipp are listed under "Exclusive Compounds" so I'm not sure if there's a particular blend that's only available from Zipp, or whether you can just whack the Black Prince pads straight on?

Personally, I can only dream of Zipps, at the moment so you are right to want the best pads to make sure you look after them right.

[croftsj]

That's very helpful thanks. I'm guessing cork is for indoor track use?

[yellowjack]

croftsj said:

That's very helpful thanks. I'm guessing cork is for indoor track use?

Can't help with cork pads. Never used them, nor had rims that needed them. But a quick google reveals these... http://www.zipp.com/accessories/detail.php?ID=147

Maybe they would be better than Swisstop pads if Zipp are putting their name to them?

[croftsj]

Yes I just found that as well, I assumed cork would be for track use, I'm just not sure about cork pads and wet roads, just doesn't seem right!

[Rocksteadyeddie]

I use Swisstop yellows. Less useless than other brake pads on carbon rims.

[croftsj]

Yeah I've heard the first few rides can be a bit hair raising if you expect similar brake performance to rubber on Ali rims. All good info thanks.
Not only have I sold a kidney for the hoops but it looks like I may need to sell a nut to swap pads out.

[simonk68]

Swissstop Black Prince, for sure. Much better than the yellows.

Check the warranty though, especially if they're clinchers - Zipp may insist you use their pads, which are also pretty good IME. Not that they would ever find out if you delaminated them

[croftsj]

Well having checked my order not only do I get skewers but also a set of Zipp pads thrown in, nut may not need to be sold after all. Will see how the Zipp pads stop befor trying out the Swiss stops.

[Birdthom]

I only have ali rims, but I'd heard somewhere that keeping the same pads in place but swapping between ali and carbon rims was a bad idea due to the risk of ali shards in the pads trashing the braking surface on the carbon rims. No idea if it's true, but worth looking into.

[Simond S]

I've just moved to carbon rims and the came with pads. I'd ask your lbs who sold you the wheels for some pads o match.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Birdthom said:

I only have ali rims, but I'd heard somewhere that keeping the same pads in place but swapping between ali and carbon rims was a bad idea due to the risk of ali shards in the pads trashing the braking surface on the carbon rims. No idea if it's true, but worth looking into.

This is the advice given. No idea whether any rim has ever suffered as a consequence but you wouldn't want to find out the hard way.

[itsnotarace]

I have tried Swissstop and they were utter gash with my Zipps, far too grabby

Corima cork pads are the best I have found, wet or dry. The modulation they give is excellent.

[weedram]

croftsj said:

That's very helpful thanks. I'm guessing cork is for indoor track use?

Track bikes don't have brakes!!

[Dixie]

I use cork pads on my rear. They're OK but wear quite quick. And smell a bit if you have to stop quickly. Reynolds Blue are good. They give a much more consistent and more powerful feel over the cork ones.

Like others have said though. If I'd have spent Zipp money on wheels I'll be sure as hell getting the best possible pads to avoid any potential damage.

[croftsj]

weedram said:

Track bikes don't have brakes!!

Doh! An unthinking moment!

Zipp do provide pads with the wheelset, just got a shipping notification, should be with me on Friday.