Do I Need Shimano Finned Brake Pads? Pros, Cons & What to Avoid
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Shimano finned disc brake pads and other finned disc brake pads from other manufactures are often marketed as high-performance upgrades — but do you really need them? And could they actually cause problems depending on your riding style? In this guide, we’ll explain the pros and cons of finned pads and why aluminium backing plates might not be the best choice for your brakes.
🔥 Heat Transfer: The Hidden Problem
Shimano finned pads use aluminium backing plates to transfer heat away from the rotor. While that sounds helpful, aluminium also transfers heat into your caliper — which can lead to:
- Brake fade
- Boiled brake fluid (in hydraulic brakes)
- Worn-out caliper seals
Steel-backed pads absorb and retain heat more safely, keeping it away from sensitive components.
🛠️ Aluminium Can Warp Under Pressure
Aluminium is softer than steel, and under repeated braking it can warp or flex. This leads to:
- Inconsistent braking power
- Uneven pad wear
- Reduced control during descents
- Brake pad delamination
💸 Durability Issues
Aluminium-backed pads don’t last as long as steel ones. They can suffer from:
- Faster wear and tear
- Pad rattle and vibration
- Delamination — where the pad material separates from the backing plate, especially under heat
Delaminated pads can fail mid-ride and seriously reduce braking performance.
🧊 Do Cooling Fins Actually Help?
Fins help cool the pad after braking, but they don’t prevent heat from entering the caliper in the first place. That’s why some riders experience overheating even with finned pads.
🌧️ Corrosion in Wet Weather
Aluminium and steel can react when in contact with each other — especially in wet or salty conditions. This causes galvanic corrosion, making pads harder to remove and damaging your calipers.
🤫 Increased Brake Noise
Aluminium-backed pads often produce more noise because of vibration, expansion, or movement under heat. This can be annoying and a sign of reduced pad stability.
🚵♂️ When Should You Avoid Finned Aluminium Pads?
| Riding Style | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Downhill MTB | Heat transfer causes fade and fluid boiling |
| E-bike riding | High torque increases wear and delamination risk |
| Alpine road descents | Overheating can lead to dangerous brake fade |
| Wet winter rides | Corrosion between aluminium and steel components |
🟩 The Gorilla Brakes Verdict
Finned pads can work well in some scenarios, but they’re not always better. For most riders — especially on mountain bikes and e-bikes — steel-backed brake pads are more reliable, quieter, and safer under pressure.
At Gorilla Brakes, we focus on performance and durability. Our Shimano-compatible steel-backed pads deliver consistent braking, no-nonsense reliability, and no unnecessary complications. If you're unsure what suits your setup best, reach out — we're here to help.