What Are Brake Pads Made Of ? – Complete Guide by Gorilla Brakes

What are brake pads made of? Brake pads are typically made from four main materials: resin (organic compounds), semi-metallic blends, ceramic fibres, and sintered metals. Each material offers different benefits in terms of braking power, noise, rotor wear, and lifespan. At Gorilla Brakes, we develop precision compounds trusted by riders across the UK, Europe, and worldwide for mountain biking, road cycling, gravel riding, and eBikes.

Gorilla Brakes Ebike Brake Pads

Main Materials Used in Brake Pads

Here’s a breakdown of the most common brake pad compounds and what they’re made from:

  • Organic / Resin Pads – Made with non-metallic fibres, binders, and resins. They deliver quiet braking and are gentle on rotors, making them popular for road, gravel, and commuting. Shop Organic Pads.
  • Semi-Metallic Pads – A blend of metallic fibres and organic resin. Offers a balanced mix of strong braking, heat resistance, and quiet performance. Ideal for UK trail and XC riding. Shop Semi-Metallic Pads.
  • Ceramic Pads – Constructed with ceramic fibres and fillers. These pads provide fade resistance, smooth modulation, and long life. Great for endurance riding and dry conditions. Shop Ceramic Pads.
  • Sintered Pads – Produced by fusing metallic particles under heat and pressure. Extremely durable and powerful in mud, rain, and long alpine descents. Shop Sintered Pads.
  • Kevlar / Advanced Compounds – Reinforced with aramid fibres (such as Kevlar) for increased strength, fade resistance, and high-heat stability. Shop Kevlar Pads.
Gorilla Brakes NRS brake pads

Gorilla Brakes Factory Racing Compounds

For riders who demand maximum performance, Gorilla Brakes has developed the Factory Racing range. These pads are engineered with custom compounds and advanced backplates for elite-level braking in the toughest conditions.

  • Factory Racing Pads – Our race-proven compounds with increased durability and fade resistance, trusted by enduro and downhill riders.
  • Factory Racing Organic Pads – Rotor-friendly with ultra-smooth modulation, ideal for trail and XC racers looking for quiet, predictable braking.
  • Titanium-Backed Pads – Featuring a lightweight titanium back plate and secret Factory Racing compounds for unmatched power-to-weight performance in race conditions.

Factory Racing compounds are designed for riders who push the limits of performance — whether in muddy UK enduro races or long European downhill descents.

Enduro Pro – Our Flagship High-Performance Line

Alongside Factory Racing, our Enduro Pro range delivers elite-level braking for aggressive riders:

Gorilla Brakes Quiet titanium brake pads

Why Different Materials Matter

The materials used in brake pads directly affect how they perform. Here’s what to consider when choosing the right compound:

  • Heat Resistance: Ceramic, titanium-backed, and sintered pads handle high heat, making them ideal for enduro racing or alpine descents in Europe.
  • Noise: Organic and resin pads are quietest, perfect for UK road cycling and commuting.
  • Rotor Wear: Resin and semi-metallic are rotor-friendly, while sintered and titanium-backed pads prioritise performance over wear rate.
  • Lifespan: Sintered, ceramic, and Factory Racing pads typically last the longest, even in abrasive UK winter conditions.

Brake Pad Compounds for UK & European Riders

Different riding environments demand different compounds. In the UK’s wet and muddy winters, sintered, semi-metallic, and Factory Racing pads provide reliable power and durability. For European alpine descents, ceramic, titanium-backed, and Enduro Pro Ultimate compounds prevent fade on long, steep runs. For road and gravel riding across Europe, organic and semi-metallic pads balance quiet braking with smooth modulation.

FAQs – Brake Pad Materials

What are mountain bike brake pads made of? MTB brake pads are most commonly made from sintered metal, semi-metallic blends, resin, or advanced compounds like Gorilla Brakes Factory Racing pads and our Enduro pro compounds.

Are ceramic brake pads better? Ceramic pads are excellent for smooth, fade-free braking and long life, but they’re best suited to dry or mixed conditions rather than heavy mud.

Which brake pad lasts longest? Sintered, Enduro pro compounds, ceramic, and Factory Racing Green pads generally last longest, especially in wet or abrasive conditions.

Which pads are quietest? Organic and resin pads Enduro pro and Factory racing are the quietest, making them ideal for road, gravel, and city riding.

Conclusion

Brake pads are made from a mix of resin, metals, ceramics, Kevlar, and advanced custom compounds. Each material delivers unique benefits for braking power, noise, and longevity. By choosing the right compound for your riding style and environment, you’ll enjoy smoother, safer, and more consistent braking.

At Gorilla Brakes, we offer a complete range of disc brake pad compounds — including Factory Racing and Enduro Pro lines — designed for the toughest UK mud, European alpine descents, and everyday road cycling. Upgrade your braking today with pads engineered for high performance.