Brake Blocks - recommendation?

[Dave G]

All,

Need to replace my brake blocks. I live on the side of the Malvern Hills and ride down lots of winding single lane decents, making heavy use of the brakes.

My current (Ultegra) blocks have worn quite quickly.

Any recommendations for some decent stopping power but with durability and longevity?

Thanks

 

[trio25]

Kool Stop, best blocks I have ever used.

 

[bonj2]

do these
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDeta...000898&n=Shimano Ultegra Pair Of Brake Blocks
have slide-out blocks?
or is it only the dura-ace ones... which i notice have a separate little allen key bolt.

 

[Joe24]

No they dont Bonj. I have them on the back of my bike. They look like it, but they dont.
I have some Aztec blocks on the front. the braking is pretty good, and the new pads are cheaper then the Ultegra blocks.
Still got to see how long the Aztecs will last though.

 

[bonj2]

cheers joe
yeah, ok
i've ordered these
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2954
so i can whack some koolstop salmons into them

they look nicer than the shimano ones anyway...

 

[fossyant]

Got the Aztec's on my Ribble - seem fine !

 

[Cheddar George]

I've just changed my front brake pads (caliper brake) from the Shimano that came with bike for some new Kool Stop ones. Big improvement !

 

[Jacomus-rides-Gen]

KoolStop Salmon pads - the best rim brake pads I've ever come across, though they are a little grabby at carpark speeds.

 

[Dave G]

Thanks chaps - Koolstop (black) pads are on order.

 

[gavintc]

There is also the argument made to me by my LBS mechanic that brake blocks are supposed to wear down. If you get blocks that wear more slowly, then the rims will wear out more quickly. A softer compound on the blocks is therefore better than a harder (and more abrasive) compound.

 

[jashburnham]

Swisstop Green are the nuts.
Koolstop a close second.