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 Through the Complete Brake
Finned aluminium backing plates conduct heat towards exposed fins. Heat also moves through the rest of the brake, so the complete design and operating conditions determine temperatures. Any overloaded brake can suffer:
- Brake fade
- Boiled brake fluid (in hydraulic brakes)
- Worn out caliper seals
Steel and aluminium manage heat differently. Our published sample comparison found a cooler caliper with the tested steel backing plate at comparable rotor temperatures. That does not establish that every steel pad is cooler or safer than every finned pad.
🛠️ Backing Plate Stiffness and Inspection
Backing plate stiffness depends on material, thickness and design. Inspect any pad, whatever its backing material, if you notice:
- Inconsistent braking power
- Uneven pad wear
- Reduced control during descents
- Brake pad delamination
💸 Durability Issues
Pad life depends on the friction compound, load, conditions and setup. Backing material alone does not determine longevity. Inspect for:
- 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 add exposed surface area to help release heat during and after braking. Their effect depends on airflow and the complete design; they cannot prevent overheating under every load.
🌧️ Corrosion in Wet Weather
Different metals in wet or salty conditions can experience galvanic corrosion, depending on the materials, coatings and contact. It is not an inevitable result of using approved finned pads. Inspect and maintain the system as specified.
🤫 What Affects Brake Noise?
Noise depends on friction compound, alignment, bedding, contamination and the complete system. Aluminium backing plates do not universally make pads noisier.
🚵 Choosing Pads for Your Riding
| Riding Style | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Downhill MTB | Use a compound and complete system approved for sustained braking |
| E bike riding | Check total load, intended use and caliper compatibility |
| Alpine road descents | Check rotor capacity and pad recommendations for long descents |
| Wet winter rides | Inspect contamination, wear and corrosion after wet or salty rides |
🟩 The Gorilla Brakes Verdict
Finned and plain pads can both work well when they fit the caliper and suit the use. Choose by the exact product, compound and riding conditions rather than assuming one backing material is always safer or quieter.
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.