Brake Pads

[SWSteve]

Looking for new set of brake pads as mine are coming to the end of their life.

I've seen Kool Stop Salmon pads being suggested almost everywhere on here, however I have two questions:

• Should I just buy brake blocks to replace my current blocks (no shoes for cartridges - I think this is the correct terminology)
• Or should I invest in some brake shoes so I can buy inserts from now on.

My bike came with full Shimano 2300 brakes/gears (according to the website)

Thanks

 

[fossyant]

Shoe/insert types.

I use Clarkes anyway and the shoes come with additional pads. Very happy with the performance, and quite cheap.

 

[Davidc]

Either, but if you grind the things down as fast as I do in winter it's cheaper to use separate pads in the carrier shoes. Somerset sandstone based mud can take out a set of salmons in 500 miles in a wet season.

The Kool Stop salmons work well, I prefer the Kool Stop dual compound ones. Seem to work much the same in the wet but last longer. Cost more though. Swiss Stops are good if you're rich enough to afford them.