Shimano Brake Pads

[2old2care]

What is everyone's opinion of Shimano Ultegra brake pads? I've adjusted them for toe in and despite tickling them with sandpaper I just can't get them to bite like they mean it. I'm comparing them to Campag Veloce 9spd brakes, which give me a lot of confidence, but these shimano brakes feel like you're braking in the wet!!!

 

[Kestevan]

They're hard, seem to get quickly clogged up with aluminium shavings which screetch and knacker your rims.
Braking is crap, and they produce lots of sticky black residue in the wet.

Other than that they're fine


I replaced all mine ASAP with Koolstop, although I've recently tried some cheaper "gooey" pads from CRC and been very impressed.

 

[accountantpete]

I buy and sell Shimano brakes and the one thing I have to do is remove all the bits of metal from the pads.

The metal is pretty uniform so I can only suggest that it is coming from the rims - which means they are quickly wearing the braking surface down.

I like the Koolstops but they are a bit pricey - a cheaper alternative are Obe pads - see this thread

 

[gwhite]

They're hard, seem to get quickly clogged up with aluminium shavings which screetch and knacker your rims.
Braking is crap, and they produce lots of sticky black residue in the wet.

Other than that they're fine


I replaced all mine ASAP with Koolstop, although I've recently tried some cheaper "gooey" pads from CRC and been very impressed.

+1

 

[HLaB]

My kinesis has Ultegra pads and they are 7700 miles old, so they've lasted well enough and don't seem to be wearing out my rims (touchwood) but I do have to clean them regularly and like the OP says they are not as sharp as the Veloce brakes.

 

[2Loose]

Wot kestevan said.