Carbon wheels required carbon specific brake pads. But which ones are the best brake pads for carbon wheels? In this article, we will explore the 5 best brake pads for carbon wheels.
A carbon wheel requires special brake pads to work to its best ability and give the rider a great biking experience. Since carbon is not a great conductor of heat, normal rubber brake pads can easily wear off or melt if you use them. Secondly, some brake pads also contain a bit of ceramic, which can cause damage to your carbon wheels.
What you need instead is a pair of carbon-specific brake pads that can avoid these problems. When it comes to buying brake pads for carbon wheels, plenty of options are available in the market. However, it can be quite a task to pick the best ones for your bike.
So, we decided to put together an article where you can find the perfect brake pads for your carbon rimmed wheels available in the market. We have done the research into carbon-specific brake pad brands and have selected 5 of the best ones for you. Go ahead and find out which ones you need to buy!
Do Carbon Wheels Make a Difference?
Carbon wheels do make a noticeable difference in your on road performance. Most professional bikers have switched to carbon rims to paddle faster and smoother.
Some of the significant benefits of installing carbon wheels on one’s bike include the following –
Lighter
Carbon wheels are pretty light in weight compared to aluminum, which is traditionally used to make bike wheels.
Aerodynamic
The lightweight of the bike has proven to increase the speed and ensure more comfort for the rider. The aerodynamic carbon-rimmed wheels are thus preferred by most people since they move faster and with more ease.
Better performance
No prizes for guessing; the carbon-rimmed wheels of the bike make it look aesthetically pleasing and improve performance quality. They can run smoothly on the road, including the rough places, and thus, accelerate sprinting and high-level rides.
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Top 5 Carbon Specific Brake Pads
Many riders (who have used both carbon and aluminum wheels) feel that carbon wheels tend to slow down the braking response. Secondly, due to the heating problem we talked about earlier, normal brake pads simply don’t work with carbon wheels.
These riders have suggested using quality carbon-specific brake pads for carbon wheels to pick up speed. So, which are the best carbon-specific brake pads for your bike right now? We have listed down the top five for you.
#1. Kool-Stop Dura 2 Carbon Red
If you are looking for some real braking experience, this brand should be your top pick. The wet-condition braking offered by these brake pads is definitely for those who like to ride fast and smooth, even on the rough road.
#2. Swissstop FlashPro Black Prince
The Black Prince pro carbon rims ensure hi-tech modulation that controls the tires’ grip before they skid. They are also easy on pockets, even if they sell the brake pads for carbon wheels in the country.
#3. Shimano Dura-Ace Inserts
These would be the best quality brake pads that you will find in the USA. If you are wondering how we are so sure about it, then say no more – the best cycling teams in the world are using it! Now, do you believe us? It is also less expensive than its contemporaries and assures the customers to deliver excellent performance at the time of riding.
#4. Gray Road Bike Brake Pads
These 2-set brake pads have ultra-low heat retention, which means that they are safe for your wheels as they are accessible. The brake pads are made specifically for carbon-rimmed wheels and thus are recommended by customers and cycling professionals.
#5. Campagnolo Carbon Caliper Inserts
This product can enjoy excellent braking as it delivers solid and impressive stopping power in the brakes. It also produces a Shimano version of brake pads for the carbon wheels. They also increase the braking performance on dry and wet surfaces and are perfect for modular and secure banking.
Remember that you should consult an experienced person or your manufacturer before deciding on the product. A prior consultation will help you get exactly what will enhance your biking experience with carbon wheels.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you use normal brake pads on carbon rims?
Carbon rims come with carbon braking surfaces that work well only with carbon-specific brakes. So, it is not suggested to use regular brake pads on carbon rims.
However, it is always better to talk to your manufacturer before making a solid decision. In this way, you will keep your bike safe and get the best experience riding it. If you still feel confused, it is advisable to avoid using regular brake pads on carbon wheels.
Are carbon rim brakes any good?
There are several pros to using carbon-rimmed brakes for your brake. To begin with, they are pretty light in weight, unlike aluminum brakes which are traditionally used in bikes.
Secondly, they make the cycle move smoothly and quicker than usual; this is why most professional cyclers use carbon-rim brakes.
It is also aesthetically pleasing and provides better comfort to the rider. However, many riders reckon that they might not be as challenging as aluminum brakes, so you must consult an experienced person before deciding on the brakes.
In simple words, yes, carbon rim brakes are not only excellent but excellent for those who love racing and want to feel the adrenaline pumping in them as they ride their bikes!
How many years can rim brakes last with carbon rims?
There is no hard and fast rule related to the longevity of carbon rims. While alloy rims are expected to last for about 4 to 5 years, carbon rims work until they are damaged in a way that can compromise the safety of your bike. So, it entirely depends on the way you maintain them during their years,
Do you need special brake pads for carbon wheels?
You may use regular brakes for carbon wheels, but it is not advisable for a long time since the latter comes with carbon braking surfaces.
Thus, the brake pads will not be as effective on carbon wheels like aluminum wheels. Secondly, regular brakes can cause damage to carbon wheels, and once it is done, you will have to replace them with new ones. Thus, it is better to use special brake pads for carbon wheels though it is not mandatory.
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A Few Final Words
Many people reckon that carbon brakes are only for racing and not long descents. We want to make it clear that they are a nice set of wheels and do not cause any such trouble.
Even though professionals prefer carbon rimmed wheels because of the lighter weight and swift movement, they can be used by anyone who wishes to ride a bike smoothly.
The second issue is that carbon brake pads melt on a long descent. But this used to happen earlier and is no longer the case with newer designs. The reason is that the updated epoxy resin and hi-tech tools keep the heat of the carbon in check.
The ultra-heat retention doesn’t allow the brakes to melt, so the problem of long descent is solved automatically. All you need to remember is to buy your product from a reputable manufacturer, and you are good to ride your bike!
Thank you for reading the article, we hope this has answered your questions. If you have more, please write to us in the comments box below.