Best Brake Pads for Riding in the Alps: What to Choose & What to Avoid

Riding the Alps is epic — huge climbs, breathtaking views, and endless descents. But if your brake pads aren’t up to the job, you’ll feel it fast. On long, steep trails, your brakes generate serious heat. That’s when brake fade and hydraulic issues can hit — especially if you’re not using the right pads.

In this guide, we break down what to look for in Alpine brake pads, how to avoid fade, and which Gorilla Brakes pads are designed to handle the toughest mountain riding.

🔥 What Is Brake Fade – and Why It Matters in the Alps

Brake fade happens when braking performance drops due to heat. It usually shows up in two forms:

1. Hydraulic Fade (Air in the System)

When air gets into your hydraulic lines, it can expand with heat. This leads to a spongy brake feel or your lever pulling to the bar with little braking power.
✅ Fix: Get your brakes bled before your trip to remove trapped air.

2. Pad Fade (Friction Fade)

This happens when your pads overheat and lose friction. You’ll pull the brake hard, but the bike won’t slow like it should.
✅ Fix: Choose pads designed to resist high heat.

🧠 What to Look for in Brake Pads for the Alps

Alpine riding demands high heat resistance, durability, and consistent performance under pressure. Here’s what to look for:

• High-temperature performance
• Low fade compound
• Factory racing compound or Enduro pro compounds 
• Fast cooling and recovery
• Reliable performance in both wet and dry conditions

✅ Best Gorilla Brake Pads for Alpine Riding

We’ve tested our pads across Europe’s biggest descents. For Alpine use, two lines stand out:

🔧 Gorilla Brakes Factory Racing Pads

These pads are engineered for Downhill enduro and e-MTB riders pushing limits in the Alps.

• High-performance friction material
• Built for heat and longevity
• Strong cold bite and fade resistance
• REACH compliant and eco-packaged

Perfect for: Enduro bikes, e-MTBs, long days in the bike park

🥇 Enduro Pro Ultimate Pads

Our most advanced compound — designed for racers and expert riders tackling brutal descents.

• Exceptional heat stability
• Very low fade even under repeated braking
• Consistent modulation and powerful bite
• Top-rated for Alpine-style riding

Perfect for: Fast riders, heavy bikes, alpine adventures

🛠️ Bonus Tips Before You Hit the Alps

• ✅ Bleed your brakes before your trip to remove any air.
• ✅ Bed in your pads properly to avoid glazing and ensure full power.
• ✅ Use larger rotors (200mm+) if your frame allows — more surface area = better heat dissipation.
• ✅ Check your rotors for wear or warping. Bad rotors = faster fade.

💬 Final Thoughts

Don’t let brake fade ruin your Alpine ride. The right pads can be the difference between control and chaos. Whether you go with Factory Racing or the Enduro Pro Ultimate, you’ll be riding with pads trusted by riders across Europe’s toughest trails.

Browse our top Alpine-ready pads now:
👉 Factory Racing Pads
👉 Enduro Pro Ultimate Pads