Updated
Find replacement bicycle disc brake pads by brake caliper model, pad shape and rotor compatibility. This guide takes you from identifying your brakes to checking the listing and ordering the right fitment.
At Gorilla Brakes, we combine real world riding with controlled dyno testing. Our dyno was built by Adam Read of Hine-R Engineering at his workshop in Darwen, Lancashire. We continually test, refine our compounds and add new data, helping you choose with confidence as our products develop.
Shop all brake pads · Compare all 11 compounds and view the dyno graphs · Get fitment help
How bicycle disc brakes work: explore the interactive guide
See how pads, rotors and the hydraulic system work together.
Identify the brake caliper before choosing pads
Look for the brand and model printed on the caliper. Your bicycle brand alone does not identify its brake pads, and the front and rear brakes may use different models.
- Note the caliper brand, model and piston count.
- Compare the existing pad shape with the product listing, including its retaining hole and backing plate outline.
- Check the listed compatible calipers and any model or generation notes.
- Confirm the compound is compatible with your rotor and intended bicycle use.
If the marking is unclear, contact us with photographs of the caliper and pad. We can help confirm fitment before you order.
Choose the compound after confirming fitment
Once you have found the right pad shape, choose a compound for your bicycle, riding conditions and preferred feel. Enduro Pro focuses on performance and longer pad life; Factory Racing offers different braking characteristics; Performance serves everyday conventional bicycles.
For demanding electric bikes, heavy cargo bikes and long descents, start with Enduro Pro Ultimate or Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic in the correct fitment. The Performance range is not rated for electric bikes.
Check these details before ordering
- Exact fitment: match the caliper model, not just the manufacturer.
- Rotor compatibility: check any compound restrictions on the rotor and brake system.
- Bicycle use: confirm the specific product suits your riding load and any electric bike requirements.
- Pack contents: check the listing for the number of pads, springs and included hardware. Confirm what you need for each caliper.
Compare all 11 compounds and see our dyno graphs when you are ready to choose the friction material.
What changes when you change compound?
Hydraulic pressure or a mechanical cable mechanism applies force to the pads. Friction between the pad compound and rotor creates braking torque. A different compound can therefore change braking force at the same lever input, as well as initial bite, modulation, heat behaviour, noise and wear.
Initial bite is the response when braking begins. Modulation is how progressively you can apply and release braking force. The best choice brings those characteristics together for the way you ride.
Rotor choice also matters. Our testing compares complete pad and rotor combinations, helping us understand how each setup responds as temperatures rise. Read what brake pads are made of for more about compound materials.
Backing plates: choosing a lighter option
Factory Racing Titanium offers a lighter titanium backing plate with the same compound performance profile as Factory Racing STEALTH. Our testing found little difference in their temperature behaviour, so weight is the main reason to choose titanium. Aluminium backing plates also offer a lighter option where available.
Choose by the riding you do
Electric bikes, heavy cargo bikes and long descents: start with Enduro Pro Ultimate or Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic, then match the pad shape and product specification to your setup.
Trail, road and gravel: compare Enduro Pro Resin and the Factory Racing compounds when braking feel is your priority. Enduro Pro Semi-Metallic is a versatile option for touring and longer descents.
Everyday rides and commuting: the Performance range gives riders of conventional bikes a choice of Sintered, Semi metallic, Ceramic and Enduro Ceramic. Match the compound to your conditions and preferred feel.
Explore the independent reviews and our testing
BikeRadar’s comparison highlighted Gorilla Enduro Pro’s balance of performance and value. Our own dyno work adds measurements of braking output across temperature ranges in the tested configurations. The independent riding review and our in house testing provide different, complementary information.
Read our MBUK and Enduro Pro testing article · Read our BikeRadar comparison summary · Explore the full compound comparison
Shop by compound
Also browse NRS One brake pads.
Shop by brake brand
Installation and bedding in
Correct installation, clean compatible rotors and bedding in help your pads deliver their intended performance. Follow the instructions for your pads and brake system. Our initial conditioning tests observed green fade in fresh compounds, followed by performance building with heat in subsequent runs; the dyno findings are explained on our comparison page.
Read the bedding in guide · Read the installation guide
Brake pad questions answered
Can I find pads from my bicycle brand alone?
Start with the brake caliper model. Bicycle specifications can vary by model year and brakes may have been changed. Confirm the actual caliper fitted to your bike.
Do all brakes from one manufacturer use the same pads?
No. A brake brand can use several pad shapes across its range. Match the product listing to your specific caliper and compare the backing plate shape.
Can I use the same pads at the front and rear?
Only when both calipers accept that fitment. Check each brake separately and confirm the compound suits the intended use.
What should I check if my rotor says resin pads only?
Choose a compatible resin compound and follow the rotor and brake manufacturer’s specifications. Confirm compatibility before switching material families.
How many sets should I order?
Check the pack contents and how many calipers you are servicing. Count the pads required by each caliper rather than assuming every brake uses the same arrangement.
What information helps you confirm fitment?
Send the caliper brand and model, clear photographs of the caliper and pad shape, and details of your bicycle and riding. Tell us if it is an electric bike or carries heavy cargo.