Bike Brake Pads — Reliable Stopping Power for Every Ride

Brake pads are one of the most safety-critical consumables on your bike. Whether you're descending a steep trail on your mountain bike, commuting on your e-bike, or pushing the pace on a S-Electro, fresh brake pads are the difference between confident, controlled braking and dangerously reduced stopping power. This collection covers disc and rim brake pads from trusted brands including Shimano and Magura — compatible with a wide range of Silverback bikes and groupsets.

Disc Brake Pads — Resin vs Metallic Compound

Choosing the right brake pad compound is as important as choosing the right pad model. The two main types are:

Resin (Organic) Brake Pads

Resin pads are quieter, gentler on rotors, and offer excellent modulation — making them ideal for cross-country riding, commuting, and lighter trail use. They perform well in dry conditions but wear faster than metallic pads and can fade under sustained heavy braking. Compatible with most Shimano groupsets including Deore, SLX, and Alfine.

Metallic (Sintered) Brake Pads

Metallic pads last longer, handle heat better, and maintain consistent performance in wet and muddy conditions — making them the preferred choice for enduro, e-bike, and all-weather riding. They run slightly louder and require a bedding-in period, but deliver superior stopping power under demanding conditions. Essential for heavier e-bike use where motor-assisted speeds put greater demands on the braking system.

Shimano Brake Pads

Our Shimano brake pad range covers the most popular MTB and e-bike groupsets:

Shimano B01S — resin pads for entry-level and mid-range disc brakes
Shimano G03S — resin pads for XT, SLX, and Alfine groupsets
Shimano G04S — metallic pads for XT, SLX, and Alfine — ideal for wet and demanding conditions
Shimano N03A — resin pads for XTR, XT, and SLX — top-tier modulation for technical trail riding

Magura Rim Brake Pads

For bikes running Magura hydraulic rim brakes, we stock the Magura HS11 & HS33 brake pads — a direct replacement for Magura's legendary hydraulic rim brake systems, widely used on older MTB and urban bikes.

When to Replace Your Brake Pads

Reduced braking power — if you're pulling the lever further than usual to stop, your pads are likely worn
Squealing or grinding noises — squealing can indicate glazed or contaminated pads; grinding usually means metal-on-rotor contact and immediate replacement is needed
Pad thickness below 1mm — most pads have a wear indicator; replace before the backing plate contacts the rotor
After contamination — oil, chain lube, or brake fluid on pads renders them unsafe; always replace contaminated pads

Keep your full drivetrain in top condition alongside your brakes — browse our chains and cassettes, derailleur hangers, and complete MTB parts and accessories range. Complete your setup with a saddle upgrade, bike computer, or bike lock for your next ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which brake pads fit my bike?

Brake pad compatibility depends on your brake caliper model and groupset. Check the brake caliper body for the brand and model name (e.g., Shimano XT M8000, Magura MT5), then match it to the pad listed as compatible. Shimano pads use a letter-number code (B01S, G03S, etc.) that corresponds to specific caliper families. If you're unsure, check your bike's original spec sheet or contact us with your brake model.

What is the difference between resin and metallic brake pads?

Resin (organic) pads are quieter, offer better modulation, and are gentler on rotors — best for dry conditions and lighter use. Metallic (sintered) pads last longer, handle heat better, and perform more consistently in wet and muddy conditions — ideal for enduro, all-weather, and e-bike riding where braking demands are higher.

How long do bike brake pads last?

Lifespan varies significantly depending on riding conditions, pad compound, and rider weight. Resin pads typically last 500–1,500 km; metallic pads can last 1,000–3,000 km or more. Wet and muddy riding dramatically accelerates wear. Check pad thickness regularly — most pads should be replaced when the friction material is below 1mm thick.

Can I mix resin and metallic pads on the same bike?

You can run different compounds on front and rear brakes, but never mix compounds within the same caliper. Some riders prefer metallic pads on the rear (higher heat load on descents) and resin on the front (better modulation for technical steering). Always bed in new pads properly before riding hard.

How do I bed in new brake pads?

Bedding in transfers a thin layer of pad material onto the rotor surface for optimal contact and performance. Find a safe, flat area and perform 10–20 moderate stops from around 20 km/h, allowing the brakes to cool between each stop. Avoid full emergency stops during bedding. After bedding, braking performance and feel will improve noticeably.

My brakes are squealing — do I need new pads?

Not always. Squealing can be caused by glazed pads (from overheating), contamination (oil or grease), or misaligned calipers. Try cleaning the rotor with isopropyl alcohol first. If the squeal persists or the pads are contaminated with oil or brake fluid, replace them immediately — contaminated pads cannot be reliably cleaned and will compromise braking safety.

Sinter brake pads Sram, Avid Level, Road, organic, red S514

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