edo_999

Hello,

I’m using brake calipers on alloy rims and I currently have some Shimano pads installed (BR-6403) on them, but since I noticed that they become totally ineffective on wet conditions I decided to swap them with something else.

Doing some research I found that Koolstop Dura 2 Dual compound or Swissstop should be pretty good. Any advice on what I should go for? Ideally I need something good for both wet and dry.

Thanks

Crankycrank

You'll probably get some different opinions on pad compounds but I have used many pads and find I like the KoolStop "Salmon" compound best. They stop better in the wet than anything else and 95% of my riding is in the dry and also work as well as any others even KoolStop's black compound. Swissstop's always seemed to lose some of their stopping power when the rims got a certain amount of dirt buildup and I had to clean the rims and pads occasionally to keep them working well.

OldBike876

Koolstop Salmon always worked for me.

Moe Zhoost

Another vote for KoolStop Salmons

edo_999

Thanks all for you replies.

is there any reason why the Koolstop salmon seem to be out of stock everywhere? Have they been discontinued by any chance?

HillRider

Performance's website shows them in stock both as replacement pads and as complete holders with pads.

shelbyfv

Available at Amazon as well. I'd prefer the Salmon but I've also used the dual compound and couldn't tell any difference.

edo_999

is that a US shop? I’m based in the UK, perhaps that’s why it’s a bit more difficult to find.

edo_999

yeah the only option I have is to get a dual compound if I want to get the holders as well (I do need those). EBay or Amazon seem to only have the salmon inserts but not with holders.

But if you’re saying you haven’t noticed any difference I might go for those.

Crankycrank

Not sure if you're aware but the KoolStop pads will fit in your Shimano holders. Exact fit replacements.


EDIT: I got that wrong. 6403's will need new pad holders for the KoolStops.

Camilo

You've probably already tried them, but I've always had good performance from Shimano Ultegra and Dura Ace pads. I like the Koolstops too.

veganbikes

I like both if it has Stop in the name it is a good sign. You will need new brake shoes and for that you want to find really good stiff shoes that have replaceable inserts which you can get from Kool or SwissStop. I also highly reccommend, good compressionless housing and nice polished uncoated stainless steel cables. That combination will greatly improve braking performance for very little money compared to replacing calipers and levers and such.

Specifically for wet weather the SwissStop BXP would be a good way to go in your case these: https://www.swissstop.com/brakepads/...lflashpro/bxp/
and for Kool Stop these: Kool Stop International - High Performance Bicycle Brake Pads Since 1977
Though getting a set of good stiff shoes and the Salmon compound is maybe a better option for pure wet weather road.

Kool Stop is neat because they make all the pads from modern stuff to total long out of production vintage stuff that is hard to find just as the full item let alone pads. SwissStop is certainly the more purely modern option but really great stuff. Also a useful note at least up to 2017 and probably still today the SRAM road rim pads are made by SwissStop so if for some reason those are tough to find SRAM is the same stuff and I used those for quite a while till I finally got SwissStop branded pads.

For cables and housing Jagwire is my go to and generall I try to go for this when possible: https://jagwire.com/products/diy-cab...link-brake-kit (the picture they show is over the older version of my bike and with red instead of blue links) but if I want a more traditional housing I go for this: https://jagwire.com/products/diy-cab...-pro-brake-kit
The kits generally have everything needed to make it work and usually I am left with a little leftover and plus they come in a bunch of colors to help match the bike or add a pop of color. If I am on a deep budget then the Sport kit is an acceptable option but I would rather upgrade because it will make a bigger improvement for less money.

edo_999

amazing! Thanks for the very detailed advice. Much appreciated!

Fredo76

Kool-Stop also makes the Cross Pad for cyclo-cross racers. It has THREE compounds. Can 4, 5, and 6-compound pads be far behind?

They're expensive, but I bought a set anyway, partly because the pads are narrow, and good for sew-up rims. Don't hold your breath for a rain-performance report, though.

I like the Shimano PTFE Road Brake Cable Set - they're pretty smooth and low-friction.

Crankycrank

+1. For their flexible housing there is none better than Jagwires Pro housing. They use a different construction than other mfrs which has less compression than any I have tried including Shimano's and gives a firmer and easier to modulate feel.

veganbikes

No worries, always happy to help. Down to a certain point the actual calipers matter a lot less but your pads and shoes and of course cables and housing make a world of difference. When you get some really flexible stuff and really cheap stuff then yes upgrade the caliper but that is usually found on wallymart type stuff.

smd4

Agreed. I use stock Dura Ace shoes with Aican compressionless housing; and while I have both salmon and black Koolstop replacement shoes, I haven’t really felt the need to swap them out (but I also don’t ride in the rain).