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Which brake pads to choose? Organic-Metallic-Ceramics?

Why prefer one material over another? Here are the strengths and weaknesses of all types of pads on the market.

tablets

The disc brake is now a must for bikers who go on technical routes: but the main brands offer various types of compounds and it is often difficult to understand which is the best choice. Let's take a closer look at the various types of pads on the market.

ORGANIC PADS

In organic pads, the lining is very soft and contains a good amount of resins, natural rubber and sometimes polymers (Kevlar). They are often found in first montage.

alligator shimano xtr organic pads
Alligator shimano xtr organic brake pads

STRENGTHS AND DEFECTS ORGANIC PADS

+ Brakes right out of the box (cold)
+ Silent braking
+ Less aggressive on disks (less consumption)
– Low resistance to overheating (not recommended for beginners because they tend to vitrify)
- Duration


SINTERED / METAL PADS

The brake lining is made through a sintering process which contains partly metals and partly resins or other polymers also used in organic pads.

shimano-metallic-disc-brake-pads-k04ti
Shimano Deore metal pads

STRENGTHS AND DEFECTS METALLIC / SINTERED PADS

+ Resistance to high temperatures
+ Performance (often used on 4-piston systems)
+ Long life
– Cold braking power lower than the organic ones
– Increased wear of the discs
– Cost


SEMI-METALLIC PADS

The lining of semi-metallic pads is generally made up of: iron, copper, steel and graphite mixed together.

semi-metal pads
Semimetallic pads Alligator for Shimano Deore

PROS AND DEFECTS SEMI-METALLIC PADS

+ Good resistance to overheating
+ Good stopping power
– Cold braking power lower than the organic ones
– Sometimes noisy when braking
– Disk consumption


CERAMIC PADS

For this type of compound, the base is ceramic with the use of resins resistant to high temperatures.

ashima ceramic pads for avid code r
Ashima ceramic pads for avid code r

STRENGTHS AND DEFECTS CERAMIC PADS

+ Resistance to high temperatures
+ High durability
+ Performances
– Cost

HOW LONG DO MTB PADS LAST?


WHICH PADS TO CHOOSE?

As we have seen, each type of pad differs in some respects. Surely the most used are the metallic ones because the merits outweigh the defects, and they have a greater braking power than the organic ones. Of course, with more braking power, they wear more on the discs.

organic

If you are looking for silent brake pads with prompt braking from the very first braking. Not recommended for E-mtb use (which requires power and risks making them vitrified).

Sintered / Metallic

The most potenti, for those looking for maximum braking power. Sometimes they bring suspicious noises but that's the price to pay. Recommended for e-bikes.

Semi-metallic

Excellent value for money: we have some advantages of organic and metallic (they have excellent durability).

pottery

For those who use e-bikes, ceramic or sintered compounds are preferable because they hold up to high temperatures very well (as well as excellent braking power).

NOTE: remember that when you change pads (different brand and/or compound), the discs must always be cleaned and degreased with a specific product for efficient braking. This is to avoid finding old contamination. And remember that some discs do not tolerate metal pads but only organic ones (often you will find the writing 'Resin pad only' right on the disc).

resin pad only
On some records we find this writing: attention!

HOW TO CLEAN MTB DISCS?



Written by

[email protected] I am a fan of everything that has 2 wheels: at a young age I practiced road and track cycling (Italian Allievi champion). At the age of 18 I passed into the cross country competing at national/international level as an Under23. Past Elite, I made the choice to take things more lightly from a training point of view, and my love for gravity disciplines was born, training me as an FCI MTB instructor and guide. Now I have made passion my profession by managing 2 MTB centers on the island of Elba (Bike Center Elba and Elba MTB), creating the FANTAmtb and telling in an ironic but professional way everything that revolves around MTB thanks to 365mountainbike and 365TV (YouTube'PULITI dentro BIKER fuori').

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