Best brake shoes/pads for classic caliper rim brakes?
08-24-21, 02:45 AM
#1
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Best brake shoes/pads for classic caliper rim brakes?
Need to get some replacement brake shoes for my Shimano 600 brake calipers (similar to the one in the photo below).
Any input on what are the best? Any thoughts on difference in performance with long vs short brake shoes/pads?
Any input on what are the best? Any thoughts on difference in performance with long vs short brake shoes/pads?
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08-24-21, 10:49 AM
#3
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There is lots of love for the Kool stop salmons. I have them too on one of my bikes. I also have Jagwire road pads and I like them a lot too.
08-24-21, 11:49 AM
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08-24-21, 12:05 PM
#5
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The worst brake pads I ever head were black Shimanos. I could barely stop on a descent with Campag. sidepulls, which themselves are nothing to brag about, anyway.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
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08-24-21, 01:00 PM
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Another fan of Kool Stop salmon pads here. No worries about wear when I get several thousand miles out of a pair here in steep Seattle where there’s many opportunities for long and hard braking. I use them in the Kool Stop holders (spare pads included in the purchase price!) that allow easy toe and tilt adjustments, then simple replacement several years later. I get the “Dura Type” replacements. They’re on both my fendered rain bike and the unfendered bike.
This Cross version, with V-brake type threaded posts, was a handy way to increase pad “height” on my brazed-post center pull, but the included triple compound pad wasn’t great, quickly replaced with full salmons.
This Cross version, with V-brake type threaded posts, was a handy way to increase pad “height” on my brazed-post center pull, but the included triple compound pad wasn’t great, quickly replaced with full salmons.
Last edited by Dfrost; 08-24-21 at 01:03 PM.
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08-24-21, 01:44 PM
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Can't go wrong with Kool Stop salmons. They look different than stock brake pads, but having them on your bike has become a way to identify yourself as one of the "cool kids." 
08-24-21, 01:53 PM
#8
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If I were the op, the question is more, what particular Kool Stops would look appropriate for those S600 calipers?
If they were Campy, I would say to find the $25 Campy Mathauser pad that fits the Campy holder. Anything else just doesn't look right (to me).
However, for my '80s Dura Ace calipers, I'm using the holders that came with Tektros and the inexpensive Shimano Kool Stop pads that fit them. I tried some silver holders in these calipers, and they didn't look as good as these black ones.
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So, if you could find these inexpensive, ubiquitous holders, you can then benefit by being able to purchase the inexpensive Kool Stop "Dura" pads that fit them. The problem is finding the holders, 'cause they're pretty expensive if purchased separately.
If they were Campy, I would say to find the $25 Campy Mathauser pad that fits the Campy holder. Anything else just doesn't look right (to me).
However, for my '80s Dura Ace calipers, I'm using the holders that came with Tektros and the inexpensive Shimano Kool Stop pads that fit them. I tried some silver holders in these calipers, and they didn't look as good as these black ones.
.
.
So, if you could find these inexpensive, ubiquitous holders, you can then benefit by being able to purchase the inexpensive Kool Stop "Dura" pads that fit them. The problem is finding the holders, 'cause they're pretty expensive if purchased separately.
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08-24-21, 03:21 PM
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I very much appreciate Kool Stop's creation of pads that fit some of the vintage brake shoes. Their pads are on my Campy sidepull and Weinmann centerpull brakes on my vintage bikes, in addition to their pads & shoes on my non-vintage bikes.
My only complaint is that the salmon pads have been more prone to squealing in humid conditions. Even when the pads are old (and the rims are too), I've had brakes that squealed when conditions are humid (i.e. most of the summer here in the midwest).
As far as long pads vs short.. I don't think I've noticed a difference. I have cantilevers on one bike, which often offer the option of long brake pads/shoes. The long ones tend to hit the fork blades. Use whatever you have. If the opportunity comes up to experiment, it might be fun to try both versions, but I doubt it will make much difference.
Steve in Peoria
My only complaint is that the salmon pads have been more prone to squealing in humid conditions. Even when the pads are old (and the rims are too), I've had brakes that squealed when conditions are humid (i.e. most of the summer here in the midwest).
As far as long pads vs short.. I don't think I've noticed a difference. I have cantilevers on one bike, which often offer the option of long brake pads/shoes. The long ones tend to hit the fork blades. Use whatever you have. If the opportunity comes up to experiment, it might be fun to try both versions, but I doubt it will make much difference.
Steve in Peoria
08-24-21, 03:45 PM
#10
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Scott Mathauser. I don't care what they look like... they work even when wet unlike Kool Stop's.
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08-24-21, 04:00 PM
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08-24-21, 05:48 PM
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Brake Pads for late 70's Gipiemme Caliper - like Campy?
On a recent acquisition, there are Late 70's Gipiemme Caliper brakes, they do seem similar to Campy NR...
Wondering if anyone has these and what pads they're using with them.
The ones currently on are certainly original... hit the brakes and count to 50...
All opinions are appreciated.
Thanks
Yuri
Wondering if anyone has these and what pads they're using with them.
The ones currently on are certainly original... hit the brakes and count to 50...
All opinions are appreciated.
Thanks
Yuri
08-25-21, 03:00 AM
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Dia Compe/Cane Creek Gray Matter brake pads are outstanding and cheap. Really soft compound. I'd get them over the salmon pads all day long. Pack of ten for less than $10.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/11153940545...BoC398QAvD_BwE
https://www.ebay.com/itm/11153940545...BoC398QAvD_BwE
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09-03-21, 02:52 AM
#15
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Any input regarding compatibility between campagnolo/shimano and between different types (long/short) of brake pads on old brake calipers?
Would any of the two brakes shoes on the left work with campagnolo caliper pictured on the right?
Would any of the two brakes shoes on the left work with campagnolo caliper pictured on the right?
09-03-21, 03:35 AM
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09-03-21, 05:16 AM
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Just don't do this
2008-06-01 08.43.29 on Flickr
Two points off, wrong pads (depth) and clashing tire/bike colors.
2008-06-01 08.43.29 on FlickrTwo points off, wrong pads (depth) and clashing tire/bike colors.
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12-18-21, 12:04 PM
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Dredging up an old thread... I have Shimano 600 calipers like the OP (probably 6207?) which will need new pads. I know I can replace the holders altogether, and probably have some of those inexpensive Taiwanese grey pads/holders laying about. I saw lots of mention of Kool Stop salmons, which is fine, but I saw no mention of what might fit the Shimano holders. It doesn't seem like KS manufacturers pads expressly for them. Maybe some of the other options fit?
12-18-21, 12:22 PM
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Dredging up an old thread... I have Shimano 600 calipers like the OP (probably 6207?) which will need new pads. I know I can replace the holders altogether, and probably have some of those inexpensive Taiwanese grey pads/holders laying about. I saw lots of mention of Kool Stop salmons, which is fine, but I saw no mention of what might fit the Shimano holders. It doesn't seem like KS manufacturers pads expressly for them. Maybe some of the other options fit?
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...l#post22341333
12-19-21, 03:53 PM
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Yokozuna's version of the old Scott Mathauser Super Brake pads are very good.
https://www.yokozunausa.com/shop/pro...0?category=715
https://www.yokozunausa.com/shop/pro...0?category=715
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12-22-21, 10:47 PM
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Replaceable! My friend Kevin just got some. I think they are the same shape and slide-in pattern as the pads on the original Scott Superbrake. Not bonded like the older Mathauser finned pads that old school tandemists liked using so much.
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12-23-21, 10:02 AM
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Salmon-colored pads from the major brake pad vendors seem to grip well, especially in wet weather, but I am recalling that Kool-Stop advised that the black compound is grippier than the salmon compound in dry conditions.
And, with respect to squealing, the higher the grip, the greater tendency for the overall setup to squeal under any particular conditions of humidity, all else being equal of course.
An especially good combo emerges with pads having the salmon compound in the "leading" or rearward-facing direction, and with the black compound facing in the forward direction, thus achieving a better balance of braking power and resistance to squealing. This is better than using toe-into achieve the same end, because the lever feel will be firmer and because there will be less need (if any) for the pads to be re-toed as the pads wear flat to the rim.
I fitted Kool-Stop dual-compound "MTB" pads to my 1964 Varsity after finding every other kind of pads (including salmon) to feel squishy and weak on the long-reaching, old Weinmann calipers (gripping half-anodized MA40 rims).
Braking was suddenly more than acceptably responsive!
And, with respect to squealing, the higher the grip, the greater tendency for the overall setup to squeal under any particular conditions of humidity, all else being equal of course.
An especially good combo emerges with pads having the salmon compound in the "leading" or rearward-facing direction, and with the black compound facing in the forward direction, thus achieving a better balance of braking power and resistance to squealing. This is better than using toe-into achieve the same end, because the lever feel will be firmer and because there will be less need (if any) for the pads to be re-toed as the pads wear flat to the rim.
I fitted Kool-Stop dual-compound "MTB" pads to my 1964 Varsity after finding every other kind of pads (including salmon) to feel squishy and weak on the long-reaching, old Weinmann calipers (gripping half-anodized MA40 rims).
Braking was suddenly more than acceptably responsive!
Last edited by dddd; 12-23-21 at 10:09 AM.
