Bike Brake Pads: Disc and Rim Pad Buying Guide

Brake pads fit the brake, not the rider. Start by identifying the brake type: disc, V-brake, cantilever, road caliper, or hydraulic rim. Disc pads must match the exact caliper pad shape; Shimano, SRAM, Magura, Tektro, and Hope all use several shapes that look close but do not interchange. Rim pads must match the holder: threaded post for V-brake and cantilever systems, cartridge inserts for most road calipers, and the correct pad compound for aluminium or carbon rims. If the old pad has a printed code, use that first. If not, match the caliper model, backing-plate outline, retaining pin, and spring shape before buying. After installation, bed new disc pads into the rotor with repeated firm stops so they bite cleanly and do not glaze.

• Pad shape comes first. Brand and compound do not matter if the backing plate, spring, or retaining pin does not match your caliper.
• Compound changes feel: resin pads are quieter and easier to modulate, metallic pads last longer in wet grit, and semi-metallic pads split the difference.
• Rotor and rim material matter. Some rotors are resin-only, and carbon rims need carbon-specific rim pads to avoid overheating or poor braking.
• Replace pads early. Disc pads are usually done at about 1 mm of compound; rim pads are done when grooves disappear or the pad is cracked, hardened, or uneven.
• Buy a spare set before a trip. Brake pads are small, cheap insurance, and bike shops do not always stock the exact shape your caliper uses.