Bedding in New Brake Pads on Bikes: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Whether you’re riding mountain bikes, road bikes, or gravel bikes, two things matter most: speed and control. While speed fuels excitement, control ensures safety — and nothing influences braking control more than your pads. To unlock full braking performance, a process called bedding-in is essential. In this guide, we’ll explain why bedding in new pads matters, how to do it properly, and how Gorilla Brakes disc brake pads for Shimano, SRAM, Hope, TRP, Formula, and Hayes calipers deliver the stopping power riders in the UK, Europe, and beyond trust.

Why Bedding In New Brake Pads is Essential

Bedding in new pads deposits an even transfer layer of pad material onto the rotor. This process ensures:

• Optimal braking performance – consistent, fade-free stopping power.
• Extended pad lifespan – prevents uneven wear and saves money.
• Reduced noise – minimises brake squeal common with improperly bedded pads.

Skipping this step can leave your braking weak, noisy, and unpredictable. For maximum safety and confidence, always bed in your pads correctly.

Gorilla Brakes – Pads for Every Rider

Gorilla Brakes produces high-performance disc brake pads designed for mountain biking, road cycling, gravel riding, eBikes, and commuting. Trusted by riders across the UK and Europe, our pads feature:

• 🔥 Heat resistance for steep descents and aggressive braking
• 💪 Powerful stopping control in dry or wet weather
• 🌱 REACH-compliant compounds with eco-friendly packaging

From Scottish enduro trails to European road tours, Gorilla Brakes pads are engineered for all conditions.

Step-by-Step: How to Bed In Disc Brake Pads

General Principles

1. Choose a safe location: A quiet road, car park, or trail with space to slow down.
2. Accelerate: Reach moderate speed.
3. Brake firmly: Reduce speed by ~50%, without fully stopping.
4. Repeat: Perform 15–30 braking cycles depending on terrain.

Bedding In by Discipline

1. Mountain Biking

On a downhill trail, brake firmly to half speed. Repeat 20–30 times.

2. Road Cycling

On a smooth road, brake down to half speed. Repeat 15–20 times.

3. Gravel Riding

Follow MTB process. Repeat 25–30 times to counter debris on gravel trails.

Cooling Down

After bedding-in, let the system fully cool. This allows the transfer layer to cure and ensures long-lasting braking performance.

Pro Tips for Bedding In

• 🚫 Avoid full stops – prevents uneven deposits.
• 🧼 Clean rotors with isopropyl alcohol before starting.
• ⚖️ Keep pressure consistent for each cycle.

FAQs – Bedding In Gorilla Brakes Pads

What happens if I don’t bed in my pads? Braking power will feel weak and noisy, and pads will wear out faster.

Does this process work with all brands? Yes — whether you ride Shimano, SRAM, Hope, TRP, Formula, or Hayes, the principles are the same.

How long does it take? Typically 10–15 minutes, depending on your terrain.

Do I need to repeat the process? Only when fitting new pads or rotors, or if braking feels inconsistent.

Conclusion

Bedding in your pads is the fastest way to improve stopping power, reduce squeal, and extend pad life. By following this guide and fitting Gorilla Brakes Enduro Pro compounds or our Semi-Metallic, Ceramic, and Sintered pads, you’ll enjoy quieter, safer, and more powerful braking — wherever you ride.