Wet weather braking...

[bigsav]

I thought that my first experience on clipless pedals was going to be the most dangerous/worrying/interesting element of my journey to work yesterday.

I was wrong.

The way there was fine, I remembered to clip out early enough to cause any 'moments', I still can't get clipped back in all that quickly but I'm happy enough that will come with some more practice.

The way home was a different matter. Leaving work in sleet wasn't the nicest way to start but about half way home I realised that my brakes were becoming less and less effective. Despite the constant rain and an increasing desire to get to the warmth of home, I eased off the speed and was coping (just about) with really poor braking. Just before the end of my journey, with my mind on a hot shower and some food, I turn a corner and remember just how far down the hill in front of me I have to travel. I realise that at this point if I gather speed down this hill there is no way I will be able to stop or take the corner at the bottom. Spotting the bushes and grass on my right hand side I decide to bail.

Once I had extricated myself from the shrubbery at the side of the road, I started to walk the last mile of the journey.

All very unpleasant stuff really, and possible the longest, most unnecessary setup to ask the following question...

I have a Trek 1.2, the brake pads are pretty much finished so all of the above shenanigans are my own fault for not checking brakes more often.

What brake pads should I buy?

I have heard the Koolstop Salmon mentioned a lot, anyone recommend them?

Any other suggestions for replacement pads?


Thanks,

Sav

 

[gaz]

You really do need to maintain your brakes, as soon as the groves are gone you need to replace them. + keeping your rims and pads free of dirt is going to add to stopping power.
When it is raining i always take it that bit easier, start braking sooner and don't go so fast.. adds maybe 5 - 10 mins on my journey time but at least i'm safe that way.

 

[Steve Austin]

Koolstop are good, but i like swissStop
http://www.swissstop.ch/

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

i have have fibrax on my brommie. they are ok in most weather, just iffy when the rims freeze (others would be the same i would imagine). they only last about a month, but i live in hilly rossendale, maybe this is why they don't last long. i tried some cheaper aztec refills, they were terrible in the wet. the brommie forum users always suggest koolstops but they are too expensive for a month or two use.

 

[manalog]

I too have braking prolems, so far I tried
Ultegra 6600 pads OK in the dry but lethal in the wet

Koolstop Salmon, great all rounder ut will last approx 3 months dry and wet commuting.

Fibrax Standard pads £4/pair good wet and dry lasted me 3 weeks (300 miles)

Dura Ace 7800 same performance as Fibrax but expensive at £9/pair

My conclusion is to buy the cheapest good performer like the Fibrax at least its not too expensive too replace. Unless someone has better ideas.

 

[fossyant]

I'll also add Aztec and Clarkes replacement pads too.

 

[addictfreak]

Had a moment myself the other day, heading downhill towards a roundabout car coming from my right so started braking and only just stopped!
My brakes are spot on, but the weather was extremely wet.

 

[Black Sheep]

i use aztec blocks myself, i also clean the rims from time to time and do notice an improvement.

 

[Debian]

I'll also add Aztec and Clarkes replacement pads too.

+1 to Clarkes. Excellent stopping power and durable.

 

[Moodyman]

The case for disc brakes just gets better.

I spend 6 months riding with rim brakes and maintained them well. Yet, in heavy rain down steep hills, my heart was in my mouth. You never knew if you were stopping in time or not.

When was looking to replace my bike, I got one with disc brakes. Never had a problem since. Confidence inspriring in all weathers.

 

[TheDoctor]

I use Fibrax mostly - red on the front and black on the back.

 

[HLaB]

My Old Hybrid is using Aztec pad (cartridge) type on the rear and Fibrax pads at the moment I think on the front. Ordinarily this seems fine in wet weather but in the last few days down Dundas Street, Ive probably been breaking 20m in advance !

 

[magnatom]

Oh aye, wet weather braking....I have some experience of that....

 

[J4CKO]

I have just swapped from a Cannondale Hybrid on Hope Mono Minis to a Spec Allez on rim brakes and its the only aspect of the ride that was better on the Hybrid, consistent , solid brakes that dont need a reach down onto the drops for full power.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Koolstop Salmons on the front, blacks on the rear.
The difference from Ultegra pads to the Salmons was amazing, especially in the wet.