Which brake blocks for a hybrid with v-brakes?

danielsbrewer

Up until now I have left it to the LBS to replace the brake blocks with blocks that they have chosen. It seems to be quite simple to do this yourself so I would like to save a bit of money and have a go. I have no idea what brake blocks would be suitable for my bike and which brands are good at a reasonable price.

I have a Specialized Globe Sport 2007 hybrid which has Shimano BR-421 V-brakes.

Could anyone recommend suitable brake blocks that aren't massively expensive? I do a daily commute of about 6 miles each way on road and footpaths.

Thanks

whyamihere

Koolstop Salmon.

Not the cheapest or the most durable, but the stopping is phenomenal. I've found that they actually last longer than standard pads in the wet because I can brake a lot later instead of having to drag the brakes to keep my speed down.

Aidy

Something like these.

Because cartridge pads are lazier for changing brake pads later.

Jamey

Agree on Kool Stop Salmon pads but I use these ones instead of the MTB ones whyamihere linked to:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Kool_ ... 300003395/

Not sure how much difference there is in performance, mind. Either will be an improvement over whatever you have at the moment, I suspect.

ride_whenever

ashima cartridge pads, really good and pretty cheap.

davmaggs

thanks for the link Aidy.

Despite Spesh saying that the Sirrus uses cartridges it doesn't, so much like the OP I was hunting about for blocks.

I thought that I might switch to cartridges, but most sites assume you either want an entire braking system or just list replacement pads/cartridge inserts, and not the actual shoes to hold them.

Do cartridges save any hassle during replacement or money (blocks seem to cost more)?

prawny

I changed my first cartridge pads on sunday, it took less than 2 minutes very good and no fiddling with placement once you've set them up they're done wicked.

I second the Koolstop Salmons changed the front at weekend and the power this morning was increadible, might not wait for the rears to wear out now.

danielsbrewer

Thanks for the suggestions, that's great.

So what are the disadavantages of using cartridges rather than blocks? I suppose the main one would be that you would have to buy something that holds them. Anything else? Any suggestions for a "cartridge holder"?

prawny

I don't think there are any disadvantages, they're more expensive to start with but then pads only are cheaper than whole blocks so they work out cheper in the end, they also look snazzier 8)

i'm not sure what sort of v brake shoes are available, I got some aztec ones for my roadie and they are the same shape as shimano ones, I'm sure aztec would do v brake shoes too, check parkerinternational that's where mine were from.

UndercoverElephant

I have these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/All-Weather-Explorer-XTR-Level-Cartridge-V-Brake-Pads_W0QQitemZ140339374987QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR?hash=item20ace0eb8b&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262#ht_833wt_879



And they were able to stop my old BSO with incredible ease. The difference they made to the original ones wasn't even funny. :shock:

Specialized Needs

Only disadvantage I know so far is if you are clumsy so knacker one of the new split pins (used to lock the pad in) when taking it out once you realised you have the pin in upside down :oops: (I found a usable one from the old ones).

By upside down, I mean having the pointy sharp bit of the split pin pointing towards the tyre, (risking scraping it) rather than towards the hub.

ride_whenever

most of the companies will sell v-brake holders with a set of pads in.

I happen to know ashima do a set for £11 that includes a second set of pads which is great value unless you lose the spares whilst the first set are being used up!

supersonic

Kool Stop Eagle Claw 2 are great stoppers.

will3

danielsbrewer wrote:

Thanks for the suggestions, that's great.

So what are the disadavantages of using cartridges rather than blocks? I suppose the main one would be that you would have to buy something that holds them. Anything else? Any suggestions for a "cartridge holder"?

for me:
1) on the front wheel , the pin is cunningly hidden under the fork where it's most difficult to get to. This makes it generally easier to take the whole block off to change the pad. (suppose I could take the wheel out, but that means letting the air out of the tyre etc etc)
2) if you give your pads a good long run and get lots of wear out of them, you'll likely have to adjust the toe in, and other angles to prevent the pad diving under the rim or rubbing the tyre as the pad wears, so when you come to change the pad, you have to adjust stuff anyway.
3) you can't run them in alternate directions to even up the wear (like you could with the really old crapliper pads)