Formula Gravel Bike Brake Pads

Gorilla Brakes Formula Gravel Brake Pads are engineered specifically for the Formula Cura brake platform, widely used on gravel, adventure and all-road bikes. Known for its lightweight design, excellent modulation and smooth lever feel, the Formula Cura caliper benefits greatly from high-performance pad compounds when riding in mud, sand and mixed terrain.

This collection includes pads for the Formula Cura systems used across gravel and endurance bikes. Whether you're racing fast gravel, tackling long alpine dirt climbs, or exploring remote bikepacking routes, Gorilla Brakes compounds provide stronger bite, quieter braking and long-lasting durability.

Quick Tip: Select your pad type below. Scroll down to compare compounds and choose the best option for your gravel terrain, climate and riding style.

Compatible Formula Gravel Brake Calipers

This collection covers all Formula brake systems used on gravel and adventure bikes. The Cura platform is known for providing excellent modulation and a lightweight build while maintaining strong and predictable braking across long mixed-terrain rides.

  • Formula Cura – Lightweight 2-piston caliper used on gravel, all-road and endurance bikes
  • Formula Cura X – Premium lightweight version with improved heat control

If your gravel bike uses any Formula Cura caliper, the pads below will fit. Choose the compound that best suits your riding style, terrain and typical conditions.

Choosing the Right Compound for Formula Cura Gravel Riding

The Formula Cura system is sensitive to pad compound and benefits from friction materials that improve bite, reduce glazing and provide quiet operation. Gorilla Brakes compounds enhance braking performance in mud, dust and long gravel descents while maintaining excellent modulation.

🏆 Enduro Pro Compound Comparison (Highest Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Enduro Pro Ultimate 🟧 Orange ★★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★★ ★★★★★★ Steep gravel descents, heavy riders & loaded bikepacking.
Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic 🔵 Blue ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ All-weather gravel & long endurance rides.
Enduro Pro Resin ⚫ Black ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Quiet braking on smooth gravel & light-duty touring.

🏁 Factory Racing Compound Comparison (High Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Factory Racing Titanium ⚪ Titanium ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ Dry fast gravel, lightweight race setups.
Factory Racing Stealth 🟪 Stealth Purple ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Quiet mixed-terrain gravel riding.
Factory Racing Organic ⚪ Grey ★★★★★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★★ Smooth gravel commuting & minimal rotor wear.
Factory Racing — High Durability Green 🟩 Green ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★★ Mud, dust, wet gravel, long bikepacking tours.

🔧 Standard Compound – Gravel & All-Weather Options

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Semi-Metallic ⚫ Black ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ Everyday gravel riding & winter use.
Ceramic – NANO TECH 🟩 Green ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★ Dry gravel & reduced rotor wear.
ENDURO Ceramic 🔴 Red ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Hot climates & long gravel descents.
Sintered (Metallic) 🟡 Gold ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★★ ★★★★★ Wet mud, winter gravel & harsh contamination.

Helpful Resources

Why Gravel Riders Trust Gorilla Brakes

Formula Cura offers exceptional modulation, but pad choice dramatically affects braking power and consistency on gravel terrain. Gorilla Brakes compounds improve bite, reduce noise and extend pad life in mud, dust, sand and long off-road descents.

Each pad is produced in small batches to guarantee consistent friction performance, durability and optimal heat control—essential for demanding multi-day gravel rides and bikepacking adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Formula gravel brake calipers are these pads compatible with?
These pads fit all Formula gravel-ready calipers, including Formula Cura and Cura X, used on gravel, all-road, and endurance bikes. If your bike uses a Cura system, these pads are compatible.
Which compound is best for Formula Cura brakes on gravel?
It depends on terrain and riding style: • Enduro Pro Ultimate → steep gravel, heavy riders, loaded bikepacking • Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic → best all-round gravel performance • Factory Racing Stealth → quiet braking on mixed terrain • Factory Racing Green → longest pad life in grit, mud and dust • Sintered (Metallic) → winter gravel, deep mud and extreme contamination Most riders choose Blue Semi-Metallic for balanced all-conditions performance.
Do Formula Cura brakes wear pads faster on gravel than on road?
Yes. Gravel exposes your brakes to dust, mud, sand, grit and constant vibration, which can increase pad wear 2–3× compared to clean road conditions. Regular pad inspection is essential for Cura riders.
How do I know when my Formula gravel pads need replacing?
Replace the pads when: • the friction material is 1mm or less • braking power decreases • lever feel becomes inconsistent • noise increases during muddy or dusty rides Harsh gravel environments accelerate wear, so check pads often.
Do Formula Cura and Cura X brake pads need bedding-in?
Yes — bedding-in is crucial for full braking power and quiet operation. Perform 10–15 controlled stops, gradually increasing braking force without locking the wheel. Proper bedding-in improves: • initial bite • consistency • heat stability • pad life