yeah I guess I have no idea how long pads should last. I'm not sure how long as I've been changing them piecemeal, and as I write that I think could that be part of the problem (nah I don't think so). I am about 180 pounds, I ride about 3.5 miles daily so that comes out to about 900 or so miles a year (in all weather), plus the occassional ride around the block for fun or for errands. Just using the generic pads the LBS gives me when I ask them for them. Though this time I was directed at a new shop to some bins and I selected Serpa brand (I think) for like $5-6 bucks for a pair. I know I've changed at least a few of them last fall when I was getting ready for Winter.