[stevesbike]

any opinions on what brake pads have the best stopping power? Wear life not an issue since it's for my TT bike which I only train on once/week (using the vision brake levers which don't apply a lot of braking power). alloy brake tracks. Thanks for any suggestions

 

[DaveT]

any opinions on what brake pads have the best stopping power? Wear life not an issue since it's for my TT bike which I only train on once/week (using the vision brake levers which don't apply a lot of braking power). alloy brake tracks. Thanks for any suggestions

KoolStop salmon pads are my choice for all my bikes. Good modulation and powerful feel.

 

[Mike Prince]

I have also had good luck with KoolStops. Either salmon or the mixed condition salmon/black pad.

 

[mtrider05]

I have Koolstop salmons too. They have good stopping power but a much mushier feel as compared to a black pad or your standard OEM pad.

 

[SystemShock]

I have Koolstop salmons too. They have good stopping power but a much mushier feel as compared to a black pad or your standard OEM pad.

Ah, so modulation suffers then? :idea:

To anyone who's experienced the above, what are the mixed salmon/black pads like out on the road?
.

 

[dualpivot]

Ah, so modulation suffers then? :idea:

To anyone who's experienced the above, what are the mixed salmon/black pads like out on the road?
.

The dual compound pads work great. Can't go wrong with that or 100% salmon. I tried the Swissstop GHP pads and they were 2x the money and not any better than the dual Kool Stop pad.

Next time my pads wear down I plan on trying the pads from Velo-Orange, just for kicks.

 

[lockwood1]

Can I use the salmon pads for both road conditions (wet and dry)?

 

[SilverStar]

I use the salmons in wet and dry conditions...and have also used the dual-compound versions on a couple of bikes. Frankly, I can't tell the difference; Koolstops just WORK. And I've never noticed any "mushy" feel...the compound is softer than OEM black pads but that hasn't caused any modulation problems whatsoever.

 

[lockwood1]

Ok then! so salmon it is brother:thumbsup:

 

[Mr. Versatile]

I had the Kool Stop dual pads salmon/black. They were fine. I tried the salmon pads - they were better.

 

[mtrider05]

I don't have any issues with the Salmons, they lock the wheel up no problem (not that that's something you want to do). They are just softer, which is slightly noticeable.

 

[frdfandc]

Kool Stops or Swiss Stops.

 

[davcruz]

Question regarding the Salmon pads. Do they squeal a lot or are they quiet all the time? I had purchased several sets of OBE yellow pads and they stopped and worked very well, however they are very noisy, they would squeal almost every time I used them. To the point that it was very annoying. I just swapped them out to the new pads from Jagwire and the Jagwire pads work well and make NO noise, but they do not stop as well as the OBE.

 

[Slim Again Soon]

The Salmon pads squeal a bit a first ... but not for long.

 

[Mike Prince]

I replaced my shimano brake pad holders with the Kool-Stop ones. They have some toe-in adjustability via a few stacked washers which eliminates any squealing.

I don't notice any difference in stopping between the Dual Compound or the Salmons, the only thing I notice is that the salmons will wear out a bit quicker. When my duals are ready for replacement I have a set of Salmons in the toolbox.

 

[davcruz]

So you are saying that the squealing can be eliminated by changing the toe angle of the pads? As you say, my Shimano holders do not have the ability to change toe angle.

 

[Mike Prince]

Yes, that's why they only squeal for a short period. Over time the pads will wear and the rear of the pad won't grab the rim first. The old-school approach is to bend the caliper arm slightly to toe the new pads in, with the adjustable holders that is not necessary.

It can vary by pad too. I tried a set of Ritchey pads a long time ago and you could hear them from a mile away.

 

[lockwood1]

Can I fit these salmon brake pads in Ciamillo /Zero brakes or do I have to make some modifications?