Shimano 105 Brake Pads: Complete Buyer’s Guide for 105, Ultegra & GRX
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Shimano 105 Brake Pads, Find the Right Pads (and an Easy Upgrade) in Minutes
Updated 13 August 2025 • Expert Guide
Searching for Shimano 105 brake pads? This guide explains which pad type fits your caliper, how compounds affect power, noise, and rotor wear, and our best high performance upgrades that fit 105, Ultegra, and GRX flat mount road/gravel brakes.
For the full range of compatible brake pads for Shimano 105, GRX, Ultegra, and Dura Ace calipers, visit the Shimano Road & Gravel Brake Pad Collection.
Quick answer: For most riders on Shimano 105 (and Ultegra/GRX) flat mount disc brakes, our best high performance upgrade is Enduro Pro Ultimate, LK Type.
Powerful, consistent braking with excellent wet weather control and modulation. Direct fit for Shimano L/K pad families used on modern road & gravel calipers.
Shimano 105 Compatibility, L/K Pad Types at a Glance
This guide covers disc brake 105 (e.g., R7000/R7100 series) and equivalent Ultegra/GRX flat mount calipers. If you use rim brakes, you’ll need cartridge brake shoes and inserts rather than disc pads.
Shimano road & gravel flat mount calipers typically use the L type (with fins) or K type (without fins) pad shapes. If you’re unsure, check the code printed on your current pads or your caliper model (e.g., BR R7070 / BR R7170 for 105; BR RX400 for GRX). “LK type” products cover both non finned and finned variants.
Pads that Fit 105/Ultegra/GRX
- Enduro Pro Ultimate, Shimano LK Type (high performance, all round, strong wet control)
- Factory Racing, Shimano GRX/105/Ultegra/Dura Ace (race focused, consistent under extreme loads)
- Pro Level Titanium, Shimano LK Type (super soft, ultra quiet organic compound)
- Semi Metallic, Shimano 105/Ultegra/GRX (quiet, predictable, low rotor wear)
- Ceramic, Shimano GRX/105/Ultegra/Dura Ace (smooth feel, stable heat management)
- Enduro Ceramic, Shimano Road (sporty road/gravel with confident bite)
- NRS ONE: Soft organic friction material with an integrated stainless steel backing plate and spring assembly for lighter use. Not intended for electric bikes, heavy riders, enduro or downhill.
- Sintered, 105/Ultegra/GRX (durable for wet grit and long descents)
Which Compound Should You Choose?
Different compounds suit different conditions and loads. Compare the current product guidance for the exact caliper fit rather than treating broad compound names as a measured performance ranking.
Compare the current product recommendations and intended use. The table gives qualitative guidance, not measured guarantees of noise, wear or heat performance. NRS ONE is for lighter use, not electric bikes, heavy riders, enduro or downhill.
| Compound | Best For | Initial Bite | Modulation | Heat Stability | Longevity | Rotor Wear | Noise in Wet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enduro Pro Ultimate | High performance all round road & gravel | Strong | Excellent | Excellent | High | Low Medium | Low |
| Factory Racing | Pro level race performance, sustained high heat | Very strong | Excellent | Excellent | High | Medium | Medium |
| Pro Level Titanium Organic | Ultra quiet organic for comfort focused rides | Soft | Smooth | Good | Medium | Low | Very low |
| Semi Metallic | Quiet commuting & everyday riding | Good | Smooth | Good | Medium | Low | Very low |
| Ceramic | Long rides & steady descents | Progressive | Predictable | Very good | High | Low Medium | Low |
| Enduro Ceramic | Sporty road & fast gravel | Strong | Good | Very good | High | Medium | Low Medium |
| NRS Road/Gravel | Lighter riders and lighter use | Good | Good | Good | Medium | Low | Very low |
| Sintered | Wet grit, loaded touring, long alpine descents | Medium | Firm | Excellent | Very high | Medium High | Medium |
Buyer’s Guide: 105 Pad Types, Rotor Care & Bedding In
1) Identify your pad family
Most modern Shimano 105 flat mount disc brakes use L/K pad shapes. If your current pads have cooling fins, you likely need L type; without fins is typically K type. Our Enduro Pro Ultimate LK Type covers both.
2) Choose a compound for your riding
- Race & extreme performance: Factory Racing.
- Super quiet comfort rides: Pro Level Titanium Organic.
- All round high performance: Enduro Pro Ultimate.
- Quiet & predictable: Semi Metallic.
- Durability in the wet: Sintered.
- Smooth, stable feel: Ceramic or Enduro Ceramic.
- NRS ONE: Soft organic pads for lighter riders and lighter use; not electric bikes, heavy riders, enduro or downhill.
3) Rotor care for best results
Clean the rotor using the brake manufacturer’s approved method. When changing compounds, follow its guidance on rotor preparation or replacement. Check the rotor’s compound restrictions before fitting sintered pads and bed in the new combination.
4) Bed in procedure (quick)
- Install pads and align the caliper so the rotor runs freely without rub.
- Follow the brake and pad manufacturers’ bedding procedure in a clear, safe area. Keep control of the bicycle and avoid locking the wheel.
- Allow brief cooling between stops; avoid long holds at a standstill on hot rotors.
Sustainability: All Gorilla Brakes pads are REACH compliant and arrive in eco conscious packaging. We also run a Brake Pad Recycling Program so your old pads don’t end up in landfill.
FAQs, Shimano 105 Brake Pads
Do Shimano 105 and Ultegra use the same pads?
Yes, most modern flat mount calipers across 105, Ultegra, GRX and Dura Ace share the same L/K pad families. Always confirm your caliper model or the code on your existing pads.
Should I use finned (L type) pads?
Finned pads can shed heat faster on long descents. If you ride hilly routes or carry payloads, L type can help maintain lever feel. Otherwise, K type (no fins) works great for typical UK road and gravel rides.
Which compound is quietest in wet weather?
No compound guarantees the quietest braking in every wet setup. Choose by the actual product’s use limits, then inspect alignment, bedding, wear and contamination if noise develops.
How long do Shimano 105 brake pads last?
Pad life depends on load, terrain, weather, compound and setup. Inspect regularly, especially before demanding rides and after wet or abrasive use. Replace Shimano pads at 0.5 mm of friction material or sooner if damaged or contaminated.
Can I mix pad compounds front and rear?
Yes. A popular setup is a stronger, more heat stable pad up front (e.g., Enduro Pro Ultimate or Factory Racing) and a quieter pad at the rear (e.g., Semi Metallic or Pro Level Titanium Organic).
Are your pads recyclable?
Yes, send used pads to our Brake Pad Recycling Program. We’ll process the materials so less waste goes to landfill.
Ready to upgrade? Choose your perfect Shimano 105 brake pads and enjoy confident stopping in all weather: Enduro Pro Ultimate (LK Type) • Factory Racing • Pro Level Titanium Organic • Semi Metallic
Disclaimer: Always confirm the pad family (L/K) stamped on your current pads or in Shimano documentation for your specific caliper model. This article covers common 105/Ultegra/GRX flat mount disc calipers and is not exhaustive.
Identify the full caliper code, not just whether the old pad has fins. L and K fitment depends on the caliper; some K compatible calipers do not have clearance for L fins.