Brake blocks, thoughts?

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Hels147
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Brake blocks, thoughts?

Post by Hels147 » 24 Mar 2015 22:22

Hi, I could do with some advice please.

I've had my road bike for a year now and discovered at the weekend that I could probably do with changing the brakes, but I've realised I have no idea which brake blocks to get! A couple of forums mention swissstop, others say ashima. There also appears to be a few different compounds.
I have normal non carbon wheels (aluminium?) and I must admit I do tend to brake late and hard on decents (but only when riding solo, not on club runs :D ).

Anyone got any recommendations? Or ones to avoid?

Thanks

Hels
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CakeStop
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Post by CakeStop » 24 Mar 2015 22:38

My vote is for Koolstop Salmon on the basis of longevity, rim friendliness and wet performance.
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Dave Cox
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Post by Dave Cox » 24 Mar 2015 22:41

Another vote for Koolstop Salmon!

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Post by laurence_cooley » 24 Mar 2015 22:42

I've got Kool Stop salmons on all of my bikes now. They're miles better than any stock pads and work well in the dry and the wet. Best place to get them if you're going to buy a few pairs is Bike-Discount.de. Until recently, they only stocked the old version, but I e-mailed them and they've now added the new ones: http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/kool ... mon-419568.

Pedlo Mudguardo
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Post by Pedlo Mudguardo » 25 Mar 2015 07:33

Swiss Stop Green Compound. Powerful and rim friendly.

Available at all good local bike shops.

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GrahamGamblin
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Post by GrahamGamblin » 25 Mar 2015 10:38

I've used Koolstop salmon for the first time over the last winter and they were noticeably better in the wet than anything I'd used before.
Graham

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Philip Whiteman
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Post by Philip Whiteman » 25 Mar 2015 11:35

Concur with others above on Koolstop and Swiss Stop. Just make sure that you buy the correct colour blocks - as different colours relate to different braking surfaces.

They are expensive but will save your money through greater rim longevity.

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AlanW
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Post by AlanW » 25 Mar 2015 18:34

Koolstops for me to, salmon in the winter and black ones in the summer
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petemarshall
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Post by petemarshall » 25 Mar 2015 20:01

You can try koolstop black on the front with salmon on the back. This will usually prevent you locking up the front in wet weather if you brake a little to hard. The salmon is great on the back in any weather whilst the black is very powerful in the dry and wears better. Of course this is all dependent on decent and clean rims.

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keith
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Post by keith » 25 Mar 2015 23:19

I Use Koolstop dual compound black and salmon on the same block but either or both are fine to be honest, and pretty much anything is better than the standard Shimarno efforts, they can wear out a rim in a single muddy ride. Swiss stops seem expensive but then so are new wheels

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AlanW
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Post by AlanW » 26 Mar 2015 06:56

keith wrote:I Use Koolstop dual compound black and salmon on the same block
Arr yes, I was forgetting that I have been using those dual compound ones now as well :oops:
"You only need two tools: WD40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use duct tape"

deero83
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Post by deero83 » 26 Mar 2015 08:31

I have been using SwissStop green pads and have only just changed them after 12 months of riding on one of my bikes (c3,000 miles)

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Hels147
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Post by Hels147 » 29 Mar 2015 22:16

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. Think I'm leaning towards the swissstop green.
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Downward
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Post by Downward » 02 Apr 2015 14:49

I preferred the swissstop over salmons but mainly for the dry weather.

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