Tektro 5mm Brake Pads Explained: E-Bike & Cargo Compatibility Guide

Some Tektro e-bike, cargo-bike and twin-caliper braking systems require specialist 5mm brake pads. These thicker pads are different from the standard pads fitted to many conventional mountain-bike, road and gravel brake calipers.

Choosing the correct replacement depends on three things: your exact Tektro caliper model, whether it has two or four pistons, and—in certain systems—whether the caliper is fitted at the front or rear.

This guide explains the difference between the Q13RS 4-piston and P21.11/E11.11 2-piston pad shapes and lists the compatible Tektro brake models.

What are Tektro 5mm brake pads?

Tektro’s 5mm pads are primarily used in selected heavy-duty braking systems designed for electric bikes, cargo bikes, touring bikes and trikes. Their increased thickness provides additional usable pad material for braking applications where the combined weight of the bicycle, rider, motor, battery and cargo can place greater demands on the brakes.

However, 5mm does not describe a universal Tektro pad standard. There are separate shapes for compatible two-piston and four-piston calipers:

• Q13RS 5mm: compatible with selected four-piston Tektro calipers.
• P21.11/E11.11 5mm: compatible with selected two-piston Tektro calipers.

The two pad shapes are not interchangeable.

Which Tektro 5mm pad do I need?

Tektro Q13RS 5mm four-piston compatibility

The Q13RS-shaped Factory Racing Stealth pad is designed for the following compatible four-piston Tektro calipers:

View Q13RS 5mm 4-Piston Pads

Tektro P21.11/E11.11 5mm two-piston compatibility

The P21.11/E11.11-shaped Factory Racing Stealth pad is designed for these compatible two-piston Tektro calipers:

View P21.11/E11.11 5mm 2-Piston Pads

A special warning for Tektro HD-M530 owners

The Tektro HD-M530 uses different brake pads at the front and rear. Its front four-piston caliper requires the Q13RS 5mm pad, while its rear two-piston caliper requires the P21.11/E11.11 5mm pad.

Do not assume that one pad shape will fit both ends of an HD-M530 system. Check the caliper position before ordering.

Why choose Factory Racing Stealth?

Gorilla Brakes Factory Racing Stealth pads are developed for riders who want strong, controlled braking without excessive noise. The Stealth compound combines a smooth initial bite with progressive braking and predictable lever feel.

• Quiet performance: designed to minimise unwanted braking noise when properly installed and bedded in.
• Controlled modulation: makes it easier to regulate braking force on loaded bikes and loose surfaces.
• Consistent lever feel: predictable response for commuting, touring and cargo-bike use.
• Steel backing plate: manufactured for a precise fit in the specified calipers.
• Specialist 5mm construction: produced for compatible Tektro heavy-duty systems.

Do Tektro 5mm pads fit TRP brakes?

TRP is Tektro’s performance division, but the two brand names do not make their brake pads universally interchangeable. TRP systems such as Quadiem, DH-R EVO, Trail EVO, Slate and Spyre normally use different standard-thickness pad shapes.

Only purchase these 5mm pads when your exact Tektro caliper model appears in the compatibility guide.

How to confirm your brake model

1. Locate the model number printed or engraved on the brake caliper.
2. Confirm whether the caliper has two or four pistons.
3. Check whether the compatibility listing specifies a front or rear caliper.
4. Compare your existing pad shape with the product photographs.
5. If you remain unsure, contact Gorilla Brakes before ordering.

After fitting new pads, always ensure the rotor is clean and correctly aligned. New pads should also be properly bedded in to establish an even transfer layer and achieve consistent braking performance.

Shop Tektro 5mm brake pads

Explore both Factory Racing Stealth options, review the complete compatibility information and select the correct pad for your caliper:

Shop Tektro 5mm E-Bike & Cargo Brake Pads