Mountain bike brake pads Black Friday: good deals

Which brake pads for which mountain bike brake?

On a V-Brake, the pad stem is threaded and tightened with a nut. Most cantilevers expect a smooth stem, fixed in an eyelet that also adjusts the angle of the pad. The Magura HS11 and HS33, hydraulic rim brakes, require their own pads, offered here by Elvedes. Finally, check the length and shape of your current pads: the pad holders on this page range from 55 to 72 mm, in either symmetrical or offset stems.

Discounted pads: bringing the price down per pair

A cartridge pad holder remains on the brake, and only the rubber is replaced; a block pad is replaced entirely. To evaluate a discount, compare each crossed-out price for the same content: two pads stop one wheel, four stop a complete bike, and a box of twenty-five or fifty pairs is for a club or workshop. It’s the price per pair, not the total of the box, that you should consider for discounts. Also, compare the rubber, standard, for wet conditions or for carbon rims, and check if nuts and washers are included.

Related mountain bike braking pages

The page mountain bike brake pads covers setup and replacement all year round. During this process, a V-Brake that lacks grip may sometimes need a new cable, found in the mountain bike brake cables and housings, or a long-stroke lever. The pads for road calipers can be found on the road page, while pads for all types can be found on the bike brake pads in Black Friday page. A reference from an older range may sometimes be found in the clearance, and recent arrivals among the new products.

Brake pad brands during the operation

Elvedes, a Dutch specialist in brake parts, provides the replacement pads for the Magura HS11 and HS33, V-Type for carbon rims or wet conditions, and aluminium pad holders.

Shimano indicates on each packet which brakes are concerned: the M70R2, with rubber for difficult conditions, fit among others on the V-Brake BR-M760 and BR-M510, and the S65T on the BR-M420 and BR-M330.

Jagwire offers its Mountain Sport pads, including a 70 mm cantilever version and a workshop box of fifty pairs.

XLC distinguishes its pads by a code: BS-V01 for the V-Brake, BS-V02 for cartridges, and BS-C01 for cantilevers.

Kellys, a bike manufacturer, organizes its pads into the Dualstop, Controlstop, and Powerstop ranges, several of which are cartridge-based with replacement rubbers.

Frequently asked questions

When should V-Brake pads be replaced?

As soon as the grooves are gone, or the rubber has become hard and smooth. A worn pad down to its support can end up damaging the rim.

Will a V-Brake pad work on a cantilever?

Not always: most cantilevers expect a smooth stem, while the V-Brake needs a threaded one. Check the type of stem on your original pads.

Is Black Friday the time to buy a workshop box?

The operation peaks on the Friday following Thanksgiving, but Vélo-Store runs its promotions on mountain bike pads throughout November. A box is only worthwhile if you’re equipping several bikes with the same brake: break down the deal by the number of pairs and ensure that the model matches your brakes.

Can you use a pad from an aluminium rim on a carbon rim?

No. A pad that has braked on aluminium carries metal particles that scratch carbon. For a carbon rim, use new pads designed for that material.

Why do new pads squeak?

Often because they contact the rim flat. Adjust the alignment: the front of each pad should touch the rim slightly before the back. Also, clean the braking surface.