KOOL STOP thinline brake pads
04-12-21, 04:45 AM
#1
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KOOL STOP thinline brake pads
These are the pads I use on my LHT. They cost a fortune in Japan and I always have a problem knowing when it's time for a new set. I don't want to start scratching the rims but I don't want to throw them out before I have to. Anyone know how to determine the time to change?
04-12-21, 06:24 AM
#2
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Two theories, the gaps in the pad contact areas help remove water, some replace when the entire pad contacts the rim because it has worn to the point that those gaps disappeared.
I keep using pads beyond that point, I replace when it looks like I am getting close to metal on metal contact.
Bike tours, I carry a spare set of pads (for one wheel, not both) so that if my pads look like I am getting close to metal on metal contact, I can deal with it immediately.
I replaced the pads below after I got home from a tour.
You can extend rim life by occasionally checking to make sure that your pads do not have any debris or bits of metal stuck in them.
I keep using pads beyond that point, I replace when it looks like I am getting close to metal on metal contact.
Bike tours, I carry a spare set of pads (for one wheel, not both) so that if my pads look like I am getting close to metal on metal contact, I can deal with it immediately.
I replaced the pads below after I got home from a tour.
You can extend rim life by occasionally checking to make sure that your pads do not have any debris or bits of metal stuck in them.
04-12-21, 06:51 AM
#3
Senior Member
Do the KOOL STOP thinline brake pads have the friction material bonded to a flat surface or is there any metal extending into the pad? If the former you can monitor the wear visually pretty effectively, just be sure to look at all sides. If the latter there can be surprises.
I got burned with another brand that had the material bonded onto a metal piece that had a rib extending into the pad. I think they were the original shoes on the Tektro Oryx brakes that the bike came with, but I could be wrong. I wound up with metal on metal when it looked like there should be wear left. I was in the mountains, nowhere near a bike shop, and all four shoes failed almost simultaneously. I was reduced to walking the descents! I was lucky enough to have made friends with another group who had a pair of spare shoes that they gave me. They got me going with brakes on one wheel until I got to a bike rental place on the Virginia Creeper Trail where I bought some Avid brand brake shoes.
I got burned with another brand that had the material bonded onto a metal piece that had a rib extending into the pad. I think they were the original shoes on the Tektro Oryx brakes that the bike came with, but I could be wrong. I wound up with metal on metal when it looked like there should be wear left. I was in the mountains, nowhere near a bike shop, and all four shoes failed almost simultaneously. I was reduced to walking the descents! I was lucky enough to have made friends with another group who had a pair of spare shoes that they gave me. They got me going with brakes on one wheel until I got to a bike rental place on the Virginia Creeper Trail where I bought some Avid brand brake shoes.
04-12-21, 07:17 AM
#4
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I also replace brake pads before they get to metal-on-metal contact between the brake shoes and the rim. If the brakes are adjusted correctly, that's a long time after the contours are worn down on a Koolstop pad. (I drive my LBS mechanic nuts by how long I can run the same pads!)
04-12-21, 01:01 PM
#5
aka Timi
I use the same insertable kool-stop v-brake pads on my touring and commuting bikes. At the start of long tours (multi week at least) I put new pads in and use the worn ones on the commuter if there’s enough of the pads left, of course, then wear them down as much as possible.
Multi month tours, I take spares with me.
Multi month tours, I take spares with me.
04-13-21, 08:45 AM
#6
Constant tinkerer
I currently use Kool Stop pads and holders similar to the ones shown above. I'm planning to wear them down to the metal... Because I'll only scratch the rim once, and then I'll replace them. You can carry the pad inserts with you and do this on the side of the road if you have to.
Or, if you're sick of replacing pads frequently and have post-mount pads, there are thicker pads/holders available such as these: https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop...e-brake-shoes/ IMO these are silly expensive ($116 for a bike's worth of pads and holders!!!) so there may not be a pay-back period compared to just using the thin pads. But it might be worth it, to you, avoiding the hassle of frequent replacement.
Or, if you're sick of replacing pads frequently and have post-mount pads, there are thicker pads/holders available such as these: https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop...e-brake-shoes/ IMO these are silly expensive ($116 for a bike's worth of pads and holders!!!) so there may not be a pay-back period compared to just using the thin pads. But it might be worth it, to you, avoiding the hassle of frequent replacement.
