Understanding Brake Pads: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

When it comes to bicycle maintenance, one of the most critical components to consider is the brake system. Ensuring your bike is equipped with the right brake pads can significantly impact performance, safety, and overall riding experience. Sinter, a company that designs and produces organic brake pads in Slovenia, offers a variety of brake pads tailored to different types of bikes and riding conditions. In this guide, we'll explore the various options Sinter provides, helping you choose the best brake pads for your needs.

Types of Brake Pads by Sinter

Sinter offers a wide range of brake pads compatible with different bicycle brands and models. Below, we break down the types of brake pads available, categorized by their compatibility:

1. Shimano Brake Pads

• Shimano A type: match the exact legacy caliper in Sinter’s fitment finder. Legacy Shimano models do not all share one pad shape.
• Shimano B type: models such as BR-MT200, BR-MT400 and BR-MT500 use this wide pad family. Confirm the exact Sinter reference and rotor compound restriction.
• Shimano D type: used by many four piston calipers, including BR-M7120, BR-M6120, BR-MT520 and BR-MT420. BR-M8000 and BR-M8100 are two piston models and do not use this pad shape.
• Shimano G type: for selected two piston calipers such as BR-M8000, BR-M8100 and BR-M7100. It does not fit BR-M8120, BR-M8020, BR-M7120 or the BR-M9100 K type caliper.

• Shimano K Type: Compatible with Shimano Ultegra BR-R8070, Dura Ace BR-R9170, and GRX BR-RX810/RX400.

2. Avid Brake Pads

• Avid 5: Compatible with Avid Juicy 5, 7, Ultimate, BB7 Mechanical.

• Avid and SRAM: Elixir, Level and SRAM road models have generation dependent pad shapes. Match the exact model and year using the manufacturer’s identification guide.

• Avid, Sram: Compatible with Code (2011 to 2014), Code R, Guide RE.

3. Magura Brake Pads

• Magura: Marta, older Louise and modern MT brakes do not all share one pad shape. Select the exact caliper and generation.

• Magura, Brake Force One: Compatible with MT2, MT4, MT6, MT8, and Brake Force One.

• Magura: Compatible with MT 5, MT 7, MT Trail (FW).

4. Formula Brake Pads

• Formula: Compatible with R1, R0, RX, and Mega.

• Formula Cura 4 uses a different pad from the two piston Cura, C1 and R1 family. Select the exact Sinter product for the caliper.

5. Hope Brake Pads

• Hope E4, V4, X2, Mono Mini and M4 use distinct pad families. A brand name or piston count does not establish compatibility.

6. Hayes Brake Pads

• Hayes Stroker Trail, Stroker Ryde and Radar require their exact pad reference; do not treat these names as one interchangeable shape.

• Hayes: Compatible with Dominion A4.

7. Sram Brake Pads

• SRAM road and Level fitment varies by caliper and generation. Check Sinter’s exact listing against SRAM’s pad identification guide instead of relying on groupset name alone.

8. Zoom Brake Pads

• Zoom: Compatible with DB280, DB350, DB520, DB350, DB550.

Choosing the Right Brake Pad Compound

Sinter offers four different brake pad compounds, each designed for specific riding conditions:

1. Red, S514:

   • Suitable for all types of bicycles.
   • Designed for long lasting performance in dry and light wet conditions.
   • Check the current product listing for the supplied backing plate colour.

2. Black, S550:

   • Semi metallic organic compound.
   • Long pad life with great modulation.
   • Ideal for muddy and wet conditions.
3. Green S2032: a performance organic compound developed for strong initial bite and late, hard braking.
4. Designed to work well on larger brake rotors and under hard braking conditions.
5. Suitable for those seeking quiet braking.

6. Blue, S530:

   • Organic brake pad designed for fast stopping and low noise.
   • Best for heavier bikes and prolonged braking.

How to Choose the Right Brake Pads

When choosing the right brake pads for your bicycle, consider the type of riding you do and the conditions you'll be riding in:

• MTB: choose by braking demands, not the bicycle label alone. Sinter positions Green S2032 for hard braking and Blue S530 for heavier bikes and prolonged braking.

• Road & Cyclocross: Green pads are best for smooth, consistent braking, while Blue pads provide quick stopping power for high speed descents.

• Gravel & City Biking: Choose Red or Blue pads for their all around performance, ensuring safety in various conditions.

• E bikes: Blue S530 is designed for heavier bikes and prolonged braking. Confirm the pad shape and approved rotor combination.

Conclusion

Selecting the right brake pads is crucial for optimizing your bike’s performance and ensuring safety during rides. Sinter provides a comprehensive range of brake pads tailored to various bike types and riding conditions, making it easier for cyclists to find the perfect match. By understanding the different types and compounds available, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your riding experience.