Tektro Gravel Bike Brake Pads

Gorilla Brakes Tektro Gravel Brake Pads are engineered for the wide range of Tektro hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes used on gravel, all-road and adventure bikes. From lightweight gravel racers to long-distance bikepacking setups, our compounds deliver confident braking, quiet performance and excellent heat stability.

This collection includes pads for all Tektro gravel-compatible systems, including HD-R510, HD-R310, HD-R290, HD-R280 hydraulic calipers and the popular MD-C500 / MD-C510 / MD-C550 mechanical calipers used on many gravel, touring and cyclocross bikes. These brakes are known for reliability and easy maintenance, making them perfect for riders exploring remote terrain.

Quick Tip: Use the filter bar to select your exact Tektro caliper model. Scroll down to compare compounds and choose the best option for your gravel terrain and riding style.

Compatible Tektro Gravel Brake Calipers

This collection includes Gorilla Brakes pads for Tektro’s gravel-ready hydraulic and mechanical disc brake systems. These brakes deliver strong reliability and modulation, making them ideal for mixed-terrain riding and adventure cycling.

  • Tektro HD-R510 – Performance gravel/all-road hydraulic caliper
  • Tektro HD-R310 – Mid-tier hydraulic gravel caliper
  • Tektro HD-R290 – Versatile gravel/touring hydraulic system
  • Tektro HD-R280 – Entry gravel hydraulic caliper
  • Tektro MD-C500 / MD-C510 / MD-C550 – Mechanical gravel & CX calipers
  • Tektro Lyra (MD-C400 series) – Mechanical disc brakes used on budget gravel bikes

If your gravel bike uses Tektro hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes, you will find the correct pad shape here. Select the compound below that best suits your riding conditions.

Choosing the Right Compound for Tektro Gravel

Tektro gravel systems offer reliable stopping power but are more affected by mud, grit and heat buildup during long descents. Gorilla Brakes compounds improve bite, reduce noise and extend pad life—especially important for mechanical systems like MD-C500 and Lyra.

🏆 Enduro Pro Compound Comparison (Highest Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Enduro Pro Ultimate 🟧 Orange ★★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★★ ★★★★★★ Steep gravel descents, heavier riders, loaded bikepacking.
Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic 🔵 Blue ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ All-weather gravel and mixed-terrain endurance rides.
Enduro Pro Resin ⚫ Black ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Smoother, quieter braking on light gravel and hardpack.

🏁 Factory Racing Compound Comparison (High Performance)

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Factory Racing Titanium ⚪ Titanium ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ Fast dry gravel, lightweight bikes, race setups.
Factory Racing Stealth 🟪 Stealth Purple ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Quiet, balanced braking in mixed gravel conditions.
Factory Racing Organic ⚪ Grey ★★★★★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★★ Smoother rides, low-noise gravel commuting.
Factory Racing — High Durability Green 🟩 Green ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★★ Wet gravel, mud, dust-heavy routes, maximum wear life.

🔧 Standard Compound – Gravel & All-Weather Options

Compound Backing Plate Dry Wet Heat Life Best For
Semi-Metallic ⚫ Black ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ Everyday gravel riding and winter training.
Ceramic – NANO TECH 🟩 Green ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★ Dry gravel, reduced rotor wear, clean terrain.
ENDURO Ceramic 🔴 Red ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ Hot climates, heavy riders, long dirt descents.
Sintered (Metallic) 🟡 Gold ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★★ ★★★★★ Mud, rain, abrasive gravel & maximum durability.

Helpful Resources

Why Gravel Riders Trust Gorilla Brakes

Tektro’s gravel systems provide dependable performance in all conditions. Gorilla Brakes compounds enhance this reliability with stronger bite, quieter operation and significantly longer lifespan when riding through mud, dust, sand and rough mixed terrain.

Each Gorilla Brakes pad is produced in small batches for consistent friction performance, durability and heat stability—ideal for long gravel rides, adventure touring and multi-day bikepacking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Tektro gravel brake calipers are these pads compatible with?
These pads fit all Tektro gravel-ready disc brakes, including hydraulic systems HD-R510, HD-R310, HD-R290, HD-R280, and mechanical calipers such as MD-C500, MD-C510, MD-C550, and Lyra (MD-C400 series). If your bike uses Tektro gravel or CX disc brakes, these pads will fit.
Which compound is best for Tektro gravel riding?
It depends on terrain and conditions: • Enduro Pro Ultimate → steep gravel descents, heavy riders, bikepacking • Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic → best all-round gravel compound • Factory Racing Stealth → quiet braking on mixed terrain • Factory Racing Green → longest lifespan in mud, sand and dust • Sintered (Metallic) → harsh winter gravel and extreme contamination For most riders, Blue Semi-Metallic offers the best balance of power and durability.
Do Tektro gravel brakes wear pads faster than road brakes?
Yes. Gravel introduces far more grit, dust, vibration and wet contamination than road riding. As a result, Tektro gravel pads typically wear 2–3× faster, especially on mechanical systems like MD-C500 or Lyra, which rely on higher cable tension.
How do I know when to replace my Tektro gravel brake pads?
Replace pads when friction material reaches 1mm, or when braking power drops, noise increases, or lever travel changes. Riders in wet or sandy terrain should inspect pads more often, as these conditions accelerate wear significantly.
Do Tektro hydraulic and mechanical gravel brakes require bedding-in?
Yes. Bedding-in ensures full braking power and quiet operation. Perform 10–15 controlled stops from medium speed, increasing pressure gradually. Mechanical systems such as Spyre-style MD-C calipers benefit greatly from proper bedding-in for stronger bite and reduced noise.