The World of Shimano Pads For Disc Brakes
Since its foundation in 1921, Shimano has developed into a world market leader in the field of bicycle components. This also applies to bicycle brakes. There are no exact figures on the current market distribution between the major suppliers, but it is very likely that a Shimano brake system is also installed on your bike.
At the latest when the wear limit is reached, the disc brake pads need to be replaced. It is essential to choose the right pads. Your new brake pads should match your Shimano brakes as well as your riding style and intended use. As befits a world market leader, Shimano's range of brake pads is huge. The Japanese company basically offers metal brake pads and plastic or resin brake pads. There are also pads with special features such as cooling fins. First things first: Shimano generally stands for a long service life, high braking power and reliable performance under a wide range of conditions.
Metal Vs. Plastic/Resin - These Shimano Brake Pads Are Available
When choosing between metal and resin (plastic), the focus is on three factors: braking performance, durability and noise development.
- Metal pads are characterized by their durability and high braking power even under extreme conditions, but they are louder. If you are often riding in mud and sludge, metal pads are the better choice.
- Resin pads offer excellent modulation and are significantly quieter. They are perfect for dry and wet conditions.
You can tell which rubber you are looking at by the pictograms on the packaging: M stands for metal, R for resin. In our online store, you can also filter the various Shimano disc brake pads by material (in the menu on the left). The material is also indicated directly in the article name (see also the table below).
Shimano Disc Brake Pads and Their Special Features
Depending on the version, the brake pads are available with special features such as titanium backing plates and cooling fins. The former save a few grams of weight. The latter promise improved temperature resistance. You can recognize the brake pads with cooling fins by the technology name "Ice-Tech" in the product title.
Buying Advice - 5 Steps to the Right Shimano Disc Brake Pads
When buying Shimano brake pads, you should pay attention to a few points:
- First of all, you should pay attention to compatibility with your own brake system. If you want to replace a worn pad, it is easiest to buy the same pad.
- If you can no longer recognize the product name on the age of the pad, check the operating instructions for your brake for the recommended pad type.
- If you want to optimize your setup, it's important to choose the right type of brake pads for your riding style and the prevailing conditions.
- Decide on a pad material.
- Consider whether you prefer special features such as cooling fins.
The following overview will help you with your purchase decision:
Product code B
Meaning: Shape/model
Selection: Depending on your brake
Product code 5
Meaning: Model generation
Product code S
Meaning: Carrier plate
Selection: S = steel, A = aluminium, T = titanium
Product code R
Meaning: Material
Selection: R = Resin, M = Metal
Product code X
Meaning: Ventilation
Selection: X = without cooling fins, R = with cooling fins
Buy Disc Brake Pads from Shimano Online
Shimano brake pads stand for the highest quality and performance in the field of bicycle brakes. Whether resin or metal, with or without special features such as cooling fins and titanium backing plates - Shimano offers the right brake pads for every situation.
Your advantage when ordering from BIKE24: We have a large selection of Shimano brake pads. We also stock all other spare parts for your Shimano brakes. The same applies to the right tools. With us, you get everything from a single source. Perfect conditions for getting back on the road with your new brake pads as quickly as possible.