New brake pads required - cartridges?

rob13
rob13 Posts: 430
edited March 2013 in Road buying advice
I've got a set of Shimano BR-R451 deep drop callipers on my winter bike, and after 800 miles and a fair old amount of steep descents, i've worn the original brake blocks out on them. I need to get some replacements.

The originals to be honest, havent been great as i've struggled to keep the speed scrubbed on some of the steepest downhills (Yorkshire Dales). I'd like to upgrade to cartridge pads. Can I use these with my callipers? Which are recommended for best stopping power?

Theyre linked up with Tiagra levers so whilst not being the best bits of kit, I'm looking for the best value vs effectiveness if possible.

Comments

  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    Get cheap cartridge pad sets (eg Barradine from Ribble for about £6.20 irrc a pair for both pads and cartridges). Put the Barradine pads on the back and use Swisstop or Koolstop pads in the Barradine cartridges at the front. This will reduce the pain at which you wear out the expensive pads at the front!
    Faster than a tent.......
  • rob13
    rob13 Posts: 430
    Can I use 105 cartridges with Koolstops/swisstop? Just thinking that I could get some decent 105s this time around, and then buy the koolstops when they run out! (or are the Barradines comparable?)
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    Rob13 wrote:
    Can I use 105 cartridges with Koolstops/swisstop? Just thinking that I could get some decent 105s this time around, and then buy the koolstops when they run out! (or are the Barradines comparable?)

    As long as you make sure you get Shimano compatible pads and cartridges (the latter with the little screws to retain the pad) it shouldn't actually matter functionally what you get. But I seem to recall that people say that the Shimano pads are overpriced for what they are (might be wrong though). Really it's down to how much the cartridge costs and the relative lack of importance of the rear brake - hence why the Barradines work as a solution. The 105 cartridges will work fine with whatever but just might cost more.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • rob13
    rob13 Posts: 430
    Great, cheers Rolf that pretty much sorts me out. Will get some ordered!
  • sheffsimon
    sheffsimon Posts: 1,282
    Rob13 wrote:
    Great, cheers Rolf that pretty much sorts me out. Will get some ordered!

    I would remove the little screws before fitting. They can seize in, and the little allen key fitting doesnt give enough purchase to get em out. The pads are naturally shoved into the cartridge by braking anyway.

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