Which Brake Pads for SHIMANO GRX? (Complete 2026 Guide)
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Which brake pads fit GRX brakes? The Complete GRX Pad Compatibility & Buying Guide
Short answer: Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brake calipers (BR-RX400, BR-RX600, BR-RX810) use Shimano K-Type (no fins) and L-Type (with fins) road/gravel flat-mount pads. These are the same pad shapes used on Shimano 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace flat-mount calipers. Below you’ll find an easy compatibility table, compound advice for riding, and product links that fit GRX brake calipers.
Written by the Gorilla Brakes Tech Team • Last updated: • REACH-compliant compounds & recyclable packaging.
✅ Fast, UK Dispatch: Orders placed before 2:00 PM (UK time), Monday–Friday, ship the same day.
GRX pad compatibility (quick table)
If your bike runs Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes, you almost certainly need the K/L-Type flat-mount pads:
| Caliper model | Pad shape | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shimano GRX BR-RX810 | K-Type (no fins) or L-Type (with fins) | Flat-mount; identical shape to Dura-Ace/Ultegra/105 FM. |
| Shimano GRX BR-RX600 | K-Type or L-Type | Choose fins (L-Type) for long descents/heat. |
| Shimano GRX BR-RX400 | K-Type or L-Type | 10-speed GRX; same pad shape as above. |
| Shimano 105 / Ultegra / Dura-Ace (flat-mount) | K-Type or L-Type | Cross-compatible with GRX flat-mount calipers. |
Tip: If you can see a heatsink/fins above the caliper, you’re using L-Type. No fins? That’s K-Type. When in doubt, check the code printed on your existing pads (e.g., L03A, L04C, K03Ti, K05S-RX). (ALL BRAKE PADS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH OR WITH OUT FINS)
Which compound should you choose for UK & EU gravel?
Riding conditions in the UK (think Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Scottish Highlands) and northern Europe can be wet, gritty, and hilly. That calls for pads with reliable cold bite, strong wet modulation, and low rotor wear. Here’s a simple guide:
- eBikes / heavy riders / loaded bikepacking → Choose a high-performance Factory Racing compound built for torque and heat management.
- Lightweight, heat-dissipating, ultra-quiet setup → Go Titanium backplate + custom silent compound for weight savings and calm braking on long descents.
- All-round road/gravel → Our Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic balances wet-weather control with low noise and rotor friendliness.
- Dry/mixed conditions, maximum longevity → Enduro Pro Resin offers smooth modulation, strong cold bite, and long service life.
- Performance focus / big mountains → Enduro Pro Ultimate for powerful, consistent braking on demanding terrain.
| Compound | Best for | Noise in Wet | Rotor wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enduro Pro Ultimate | Big descents, performance riding | Low | Low–Medium |
| Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic | Wet control, daily all-round | Very low | Low |
| Enduro Pro Resin | Dry/mixed, long life, quiet | Quiet | Very low |
Recommended Gorilla Brakes pads that fit GRX
- Factory Racing – eBikes & heavy riders (high-performance compound tuned for torque and heat).
- Titanium backplate K/L-Type — lightweight, excellent heat dissipation, custom compound for silent operation.
- Factory Racing Organic (K/L-Type) — smooth, predictable road/gravel braking.
- Enduro Pro Ultimate (L/K-Type) — performance focus for steep, sustained descents.
- Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic — wet-weather control with low noise and rotor wear.
- Enduro Pro Resin — quiet, long-lasting daily driver for road, gravel & touring.
How to fit GRX brake pads (step-by-step)
Swapping GRX pads is a quick job with the right technique. Watch our videos below, then follow the written guide.
GRX brake pad FAQ
What brake pads fit GRX brakes?
Shimano K-Type (no fins) and L-Type (with fins) flat-mount pads fit GRX hydraulic calipers (BR-RX400/600/810). These are identical shapes to 105/Ultegra/Dura-Ace flat-mount pads.
Do GRX brakes use the same pads as 105/Ultegra/Dura-Ace?
Yes. If your road/gravel caliper is flat-mount, the K/L-Type pads are cross-compatible across these families.
Should I choose fins (L-Type) or no fins (K-Type)?
Gorilla Brakes compounds are engineered for superior heat dissipation, meaning finned brake pads are not required.
Which compound is best for UK wet weather?
For year-round control in the wet, go with Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic. If you’re a heavier rider or on an eBike, consider Factory Racing.
How often should I replace my GRX pads?
Replace when the friction material is ~1 mm or less, or if contamination/glazing persists after a light sand and re-bed. Always bed-in new pads with 15–20 controlled stops.
Can I recycle my used pads?
Yes — send them to our Brake Pad Recycling Program. It’s quick, easy, and helps reduce waste.
About Gorilla Brakes
We design, test, and ride high-performance disc brake pads for road, gravel, MTB, and eBikes. Our compounds are REACH-compliant, rotor-friendly, and packaged with recyclable materials. We publish clear fitment guides, compatibility charts, and step-by-step install tutorials to keep riders confident and safe.
Questions about GRX pad fitment? Drop us a message — our tech team replies fast and can recommend the right K/L-Type pad for your bike and riding style.