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 Road/Gravel — Shimano (noise‑reducing backplate tech for daily riders)
- Sintered — 105/Ultegra/GRX (durable for wet grit and long descents)
Which Compound Should You Choose?
Different compounds suit different riding styles and weather. Use the table below to compare feel, power, longevity, and Noise in Wet — the factor riders ask us about most for UK conditions.
| 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 | Daily use with noise‑reduction focus | 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.
- Noise‑reduction focus: NRS Road/Gravel.
3) Rotor care for best results
Clean rotors with isopropyl alcohol and a lint‑free cloth. If you’re switching compounds (e.g., from resin to sintered), lightly scuff rotors with a new fine‑grit pad and re‑bed the system to remove old transfer layers.
4) Bed‑in procedure (quick)
- Install pads and align the caliper so the rotor runs freely without rub.
- On a flat road, perform 15–20 controlled stops from ~20–25 kph to walking pace. Do not fully lock 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?
For the quietest wet‑weather performance, choose Semi‑Metallic, NRS Road/Gravel, or Pro‑Level Titanium Organic. For maximum power with strong wet control, go Enduro Pro Ultimate.
How long do Shimano 105 brake pads last?
Pad life varies with terrain, weather, rider weight and braking style. As a rule of thumb: Semi‑Metallic & Ceramic = medium‑high life; Sintered, Enduro & Factory Racing compounds = high life. If you often ride in rain and grit, check pad thickness monthly.
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.