Making sense of Shimano brake pads & compounds
Selecting the correct replacement or upgrade pads for your Shimano brakes can seem rather daunting because there are some many types and sizes, depending on which Shimano brakes you have. Add to that the various pad compounds and the presence of cooling fins on some models, and it can get very confusing.
Each Shimano brake requires a specific pad type for proper fitment, performance, and of course safety. Since there are some overlaps between the various brake models and pads, we thought we’d put together a quick post to clear up any possible confusion.
Shimano divides their pad types into 2-Piston and 4-Piston pads, and into Narrow and Wide pad shapes. All 4-Piston pads are Narrow, while 2-Piston pads are divided into Narrow and Wide depending on the brake model. Many pads also come in various pad compounds. We will discuss pad compounds in the second part of this post.
Thankfully Shimano has this great chart which very clearly shows all the pad models and which brake models they are compatible with. Shimano also maintains compatibility chats for all their parts, including pads here: Shimano Brake Pad Lime-up & Compatibility
Pad compounds:
The pad compound is the material that actually contacts the rotor during braking and choosing the correct compound can have a significant impact on how your brakes will perform under different conditions on the trail. Shimano pad compounds can generally be divided into two types, Resin and Metal.
Resin
Resin brake pads, also known as organic are typically composed of a mix of fibers bound together by resin. These pad compounds tend to be softer than metallic pads, which generally results in quieter braking, while also enhancing modulation giving you more control when braking. Many Shimano pads also feature ICE-TECHNOLOGIES, which is an innovative finned design to help reduce manage heat buildup and fade, as well as lengthens maintenance intervals, provides longer pad life especially when it comes to resin pads. If you spend most of you riding time in dry conditions resin pads will likely be the best choice.
Metal
Metal brake pads, often called metallic or sintered, are made from metallic particles fused together. Metal brake pads tend to be more versatile due to their ability to perform in a wider variety of conditions. If you frequently ride in wet conditions metal pads will last longer than their resin counterparts. Metal pads have a slightly different feeling when it comes to their power delivery and modulation. They tend to provide a more on/off, near immediate bite, which may be something you prefer or not, and will come down to your personal preference. Metal pads also lass susceptible to fade and power loss due to heat buildup. The tradeoff for the increased longevity and power of metal pads is unfortunately increased noise. Heat, moisture, dust, and other contaminants can cause metal pads to squeal more than their resin counterparts.