Disc Brake Pads Replacement

[cliff123]

After a 3hr ride in the most sticky, gritty mud known to man, my brake pads totally wore out on a ride yesterday. I've got Custom Avid Elixir R SL brakes. This will be my first time replacing them, so, is it best to fit the manufactures pads, or are there better performance, better value pads available? Finally, is anywhere particularly good for buying from other than LBS?

[slomax]

YES, genuine avid pads are generally very expensive. More so than the hayes and shimano (i've found). Check out chainreactioncycles.com as they have pretty much every manufacturer of pads known to man and ussually have some great offers going on too. I found the Avid pads on mine awful (in fact i found avids horrible full stop so changed to hayes strokers).

[RRS_Staffs]

I have used genuine Shimano pads for years

They cost 2-3 times more than generic ones but last 3-4 times longer

Buy cheap - buy twice

I once went through a set of Disco pads (sintered) in one ride

The next poster will now totally undermine me

[slomax]

RRS_Staffs said:

I have used genuine Shimano pads for years

They cost 2-3 times more than generic ones but last 3-4 times longer

Buy cheap - buy twice

I once went through a set of Disco pads (sintered) in one ride

The next poster will now totally undermine me

Thats interesting. What shimano brakes are on? The ones i had lasted about a month. then i bought 4 pairs of fibrax sintered pads for about £30 from CRC and the first pair still had about half wear left when the bike got nicked about 6 months later,

[cliff123]

Well, after plenty of research, I've finally bought a couple of sets from these guys. Two guys I ride with, one of whom works with bikes has used these pads and recommended them. I've went with the organic, in hope of simply having the best brake setup, and at these prices if I do have to change them more often it's not such an expense.

http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/index.php

[Gazzab]

I pay the extra and buy original Avids. I have found the cheaper ones a pain eg when first fitted the wheel wouldnt spin freely as the rotor would rub on the new pads. Not had this prob with originals.

[Rolls]

MO you won't go wrong with superstar pads - apparently they had some issues at first, but these have now been resolved...
Was in wales last weekend, and everyone on OEM pads went through 2 sets...- my cheap as chips superstar pads lasted the entire weekend in horrid conditions!!

[Parrot of Doom]

I've been using Superstar pads for a while. They're miles better than the OEM nonsense, which around here lasts for about two weeks.

[cliff123]

I've only heard good things about these Superstars pads. I've not choosen them because they're a little bit cheaper than the Avid ones, but simply because everyone that has used them has said that they are better than the original pads they had. Will find out soon enough. cheers.

[cliff123]

I've only heard good things about these Superstars pads. I've not choosen them because they're a little bit cheaper than the Avid ones, but simply because everyone that has used them has said that they are better than the original pads they had. Will find out soon enough. cheers.

[P-Jay]

I probably wouldn't go as far as saying Superstar are better than OE ones, but they very much nearly as good as.

I use them for simple financial reasons, I've got Cwmcarn and Afan pretty much on my doorstep and a healthy DH habit to feed so my pad bills are pretty hefty.

Went through 6 pairs of pads on my last alps trips. £120 for OE ones, £30 ish for SS ones. That's £90 to spend on Mutzig, or 1 of the 3 derailers I wrecked.

[fromage]

Gazzab said:

I pay the extra and buy original Avids. I have found the cheaper ones a pain eg when first fitted the wheel wouldnt spin freely as the rotor would rub on the new pads. Not had this prob with originals.

This is due to most non oem pads being a little thicker, setting back the pistons in the caliper fully resolves this problem.

[Gazzab]

fromage said:

Gazzab said:

I pay the extra and buy original Avids. I have found the cheaper ones a pain eg when first fitted the wheel wouldnt spin freely as the rotor would rub on the new pads. Not had this prob with originals.

This is due to most non oem pads being a little thicker, setting back the pistons in the caliper fully resolves this problem.

Nah I did that, even the bike shop tried.

[cliff123]

New pads arrived 24hrs after ordering. Have been fitted, and after 3 squeezes on the brakes feel good already. Will really find out how they feel this weekend after a proper ride. All fitted beautifully. Will just see how long they last. Cheers.

[Digga]

cliff123 said:

I've only heard good things about these Superstars pads.

+1

I also heard good things about them, so I've got a stock of them now, but yet to fit any.