SRAM Gravel Bike Brake Pads

Gorilla Brakes SRAM Gravel Brake Pads are engineered for the demands of modern gravel riding — including steep fire-road descents, mixed terrain, loaded bikepacking setups, mud, dust and long adventure rides. Our compounds deliver confident bite, excellent heat stability and quiet braking across all SRAM gravel platforms.

This collection includes pads for the complete SRAM XPLR gravel ecosystem, as well as gravel-compatible HRD calipers such as Apex 1, Rival 1 and Force 1. We also support Avid mechanical gravel systems, trusted by riders for reliability and simplicity on remote tours.

Quick Tip: Select your SRAM gravel brake model using the filters below. Scroll down to compare high-performance compounds for wet, dry and mixed terrain.

Compatible SRAM Gravel Brake Calipers

This collection includes pads for all SRAM gravel-specific and gravel-compatible hydraulic and mechanical systems. All data is taken directly from Gorilla Brakes’ technical reference files.

  • SRAM XPLR Gravel Series: Red XPLR AXS, Force XPLR AXS, Rival XPLR AXS
  • SRAM 11-Speed Gravel HRD: Force 1 HRD, Rival 1 HRD, Apex 1 HRD (Flat Mount & Post Mount)
  • SRAM Road/Gravel Cross-Compatibility: Red22 HRD FM/PM, Force22 HRD, Rival22 HRD
  • Avid Mechanical Gravel: BB7 Road, BB7 Road S, BB7 SL, BB5 Road (gravel touring favourites)

If your gravel bike runs SRAM XPLR, Apex 1, Rival 1, Force 1 or Avid mechanical brakes, you’ll find compatible pads here. Choose the compound below that best suits your terrain and riding style.

Choosing the Right Compound for SRAM Gravel

SRAM gravel systems rely on strong initial bite and progressive modulation. Gorilla Brakes compounds are formulated to maximise braking confidence on loose surfaces, during long dirt descents and in highly contaminated environments like mud, dust and rain.

🏆 Enduro Pro Compound Comparison (Highest Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Enduro Pro Ultimate 🟧 Orange ★★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★★ ★★★★★★ Steep gravel descents, aggressive riding, heavier riders, loaded bikepacking.
Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic 🔵 Blue ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ All-weather gravel & endurance mixed-terrain rides.
Enduro Pro Resin ⚫ Black ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Smooth, quiet braking for lighter gravel and fitness riding.

🏁 Factory Racing Compound Comparison (High Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Factory Racing Titanium ⚪ Titanium ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ Dry fast gravel, lightweight setups and race conditions.
Factory Racing Stealth 🟪 Stealth Purple ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Quiet braking for mixed gravel and variable weather.
Factory Racing Organic ⚪ Grey ★★★★★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★★ Ultra-quiet commuting or smoother terrain.
Factory Racing — High Durability Green 🟩 Green ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★★ Long-distance bikepacking, wet mud, dust, grit-heavy environments. Ideal for riders needing maximum pad life.

🔧 Standard Compound – Gravel & All-Weather Options

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Semi-Metallic ⚫ Black ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ Everyday gravel, winter training, fitness riding.
Ceramic – NANO TECH 🟩 Green ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★ Dry gravel, hardpack, low rotor wear setups.
ENDURO Ceramic 🔴 Red ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Hot climates, strong riders, alpine gravel descents.
Sintered (Metallic) 🟡 Gold ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★★ ★★★★★ Wet mud, winter gravel, extreme contamination & longevity.

Helpful Resources

Why Gravel Riders Trust Gorilla Brakes

Our SRAM gravel pads are tested across real-world riding conditions — UK gritstone, USA hardpack, European alpine gravel and multi-day bikepacking routes. Riders choose Gorilla Brakes for consistent power, reduced noise and reliability in mud, dust, rain and high-heat descents.

Every pad is produced in small batches for superior friction stability, durability and quiet operation under harsh gravel conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pad compound is best for SRAM gravel riding?
It depends on your terrain: • Enduro Pro Ultimate → steep descents, aggressive gravel, loaded bikepacking • Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic → all-weather gravel & endurance riding • Factory Racing Stealth → quiet braking on mixed surfaces • Factory Racing Green → maximum durability in mud, dust & long tours • Sintered (Metallic) → wet winter gravel & extreme contamination For most riders, Blue Semi-Metallic offers the best balance of power and lifespan.
Do SRAM XPLR and Apex/Rival/Force brakes wear pads faster than road brakes?
Yes. SRAM gravel systems operate in harsher conditions than road riding. Mud, dust, grit and longer descents cause pad wear 2–3× faster than on a road bike. Bikepacking loads and wet weather further accelerate wear. For extended lifespan, choose Factory Racing Green or Enduro Pro Ultimate
Which SRAM gravel brake systems are these pads compatible with?
These pads fit all SRAM gravel-specific calipers, including the full XPLR AXS range (Red, Force, Rival), plus Apex 1 HRD, Rival 1 HRD, Force 1 HRD, and gravel-compatible HRD calipers like Red22/Force22/Rival22. We also support popular mechanical gravel brakes including Avid BB7 Road / BB7 S / BB7 SL and BB5 Road.
How do I know when to replace SRAM gravel brake pads?
Replace pads when: • friction material is 1mm or less • braking power decreases • you hear prolonged noise in wet or dusty conditions • lever travel increases unexpectedly Gravel riders should inspect pads more often due to high contamination levels.
Do SRAM gravel brake pads need a bedding-in procedure?
Yes — proper bedding-in is essential for full power and quiet performance. Perform 10–15 medium-speed stops, gradually increasing pressure. Avoid locking the wheel until the final stops. Correct bedding-in dramatically improves: • bite • modulation • noise reduction • heat stability • pad life This is especially important for SRAM hydraulic systems and Avid mechanical brakes.