Replacement Brake shoes / pads

[SlowerThanASluggishSloth]

I need to replace the brake pads on my Shimano Tiagra 4500 brakes. I've heard good things about Kool Stop, especially their dual compound, but am confused by their vast range of products. I also appreciate that they are not the only manufacturer of brake bits. What would you recommend to replace my current pads, please?

Many thanks.

 

[Cheddar George]

I would recommend the Koolstop salmon for road bike caliper brakes, great improvement in stopping ability.

 

[accountantpete]

You will need to buy cartridges and pads unless you have already upgraded.

Kool Stop or Swisstop will be a lot better.

I prefer the softer compound for feel and avoiding wear to the rim - check Wiggles site and under Description -Road there is a brief description of each type - so black are

Suitable for less aggressive riding, very good in dry and wet conditions. Specially recommended for rims made of softer alloy material.

Ideal for Alloy Rims.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/swissstop/

 

[SlowerThanASluggishSloth]

Thanks for your suggestions, gentlemen

 

[Nebulous]

I'd recommend ditching your brakes and getting 105s with the separate metal cartridges!

I had some problems with my Tiagra brakes and never felt that happy with them. I bit the bullet and bought 105s and it made a substantial difference - even without upgraded pads. These new pads with the metal cartridges linked to above are almost £22 for a pair. I think I got my 105s on special offer for about £35.

 

[TheDoctor]

I've always found any Shimano road brakes to be perfectly good stoppers once you get decent pads in them. Sora brakes with salmon pads at the front and black at the rear stop me perfectly well going down mountains at 50+mph, and I'm not exactly small.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

I've just (yesterday) changed my original Tiagra pads for some Aztec Road Plus pads/shoes, and even though they are not fully bedded in just yet they are a certainly an improvement.

Cheap too at Amazon/UK Bike Shop