Kool stop brakes.

Lawsey34

Afternoon I am completely new to road cycling so go easy please. The last time I rode a bike I was 18 now 34. I have a Boardman x7 dual calliper brakes and have read reviews that recommend to upgrade these. Upon taking it for a little ride they don't seem to be the best. Problem is I can't find any that says it's for the bike from kool stop. Does anyone have any experience with using these for a road bike? I am looking at cycling to work so my wife can have the car for the kids and to get fitter so want to get the bike up together before getting in to it.

Thanks for reading.

trailflow

Are you referring to Kool stop brake pads ? it's not clear in your post.

Do your current brake calipers have brake pads inside metal holders, or are they just solid rubber pads with a threaded bar attached to the caliper ?

If they do come with metal holders then any 'Shimano/Sram' road type brake pads will fit into those holders.

Swisstop and Koolstop pads will perform the best. But they are going to cost at least £16-18 for a set of 4 pads.

If your current pads are solid rubber with a threaded bar attached to the caliper. Then you have two options

1. Buy Solid rubber/threaded bar Koolstop pads

or

2. Buy 'Shimano/Sram' type metal holders + Swisstop or Koolstop 'Shimano/Sram' type brake pads. And fit them into the holders. or find a package that includes both holders and pads together.

But if your current calipers are really crap to begin. Changing the pads will only get you so far. They may make an improvement. But a better and more powerful caliper is a better investment because any pad you buy now will eventually wear out and need replacing.

For a budget caliper with very good braking performance and bags of power. i recommend a Shimano 105 5800 caliper (not a 5700). They can be bought in singles for £26.50 each from Wiggle. And it will come with decent pads.

Giraffoto

If you don't have cartridge pads then these are about the best way to get a cheap set of cartridge holders. Then add either Koolstop or Swissstop pads. You won't notice an immediate difference, but they're noticeably better in the wet and much less abrasive than OEM pads