Out of all the components that make up your bike, brakes are the most important. And it is equally important to fit the most suitable and compatible Brake Pads with those brakes. However, finding the right brake pad for your brakes and wheels is a very difficult task. That is why we have written this article so that you can learn more about and choose from some of the top MTB brake pads money can buy.
After all our research and hard work, we have listed down, 12 of the finest MTB brake pads available right now. Our testers have evaluated these brake pads themselves and therefore we can say with confidence that our reviews of these products are absolutely solid.
Out of our selection, we have chosen the SRAM Code Brake Pads as our Overall Best Choice because of its impressive design, choice of materials, and originality.
Original, Available in Organic & Metallic Compounds, Reliable | Overall Best Choice
The SRAM Code Brake-Pads are the original replacement disc brake pads for the SRAM Code brakes. They consist of a steel backplate and offer you the option to choose your preferred brake pad compound. Organic pads offer a better bite during the initial stages and also creates less noise while braking. If you are light in weight and prefer to ride in dry conditions, then these will be a great match for you. However, if you prefer wet weather conditions and you are on the heavier side then, metallic pads are the way to go. Metallic or sintered pads are more durable and perform better on long descents. These pads are the perfect option for gravity trails.
- Brake Pad Type: Disc Brake Pads
- Best For: Downhill, Enduro
- Pad Material: Organic, Metallic
- Back Plate: Steel Back Plate
- Cooling Fins: No
- Compatibility: Code RSC, Code R, Guide RE
- Weight: 27 grams (Organic), 30 grams (Metallic)
A quick view of our selected MTB brake pads for your mountain bikes:
| MTB Brake Pad | Weight (grams) | Our Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| SRAM Code | 27 (Organic), 30 (Metallic) | 95 |
| Shimano J04C | 31 | 94 |
| Kool Stop Eagle Claw 2 | 40.4 | 88 |
| Shimano BRT615 (B01S) | 79.95 | 87 |
| SRAM G2 | 30 | 85 |
| Kool Stop Dual Compound | 38.2 | 83 |
| Kool Stop V-Type | 43.8 | 80 |
| Shimano Deore/LX | 45.4 | 82 |
| Kool Stop | 38.2 | 78 |
| SwissStop Disc | 9.07 | 84 |
| Alritz | 73 | |
| Avid Elixir | 26 | 75 |
12 Best MTB Brake Pads that you can buy today
| Brake Pads | Preview | Pad Type | Best For | Material | Back Plate | Cooling Fins | Compatibility | Post Mount Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRAM Code | Disc Brake Pads | Downhill, Enduro Riding | Organic, Metallic | Steel Back Plate | No | Code RSC, Code R, Guide RE | 27 grams (Organic), 30 grams (Metallic) | ||
| Shimano J04C | Disc Brake Pads | MTB | Metallic | Stainless Steel | Aluminium | Shimano XTR Series, Shimano Deore Series | 31 grams | ||
| Kool Stop Eagle Claw 2 Brake Shoes | Cantilever Brake Pads | Cyclocross | Dual Compound | Hardened and Plated reinforced steel backbone | No | Threaded and 2024 Aluminum Smooth Post | 40.4 grams | ||
| Shimano BRT615 (B01S) | Disc Brake Pads | Cyclocross | Resin | No | Shimano Disc Brakes | 79.95 grams | |||
| SRAM G2 Guide | Disc Brake Pads | Trail Riding | Organic/Sintered | Steel/Aluminium | No | Avid XO Trail, Elixir 9 Trail etc. | 30 grams | ||
| Kool Stop Dual Compound | Direct Pull Brake Pads | MTB | Dual Compound | Hardened and Plated reinforced steel backbone | No | Threaded and 2024 Aluminum Smooth Post | 38.2 grams | ||
| Kool Stop V-Type Holder | Rim Brake Pads | Road Bike | Forged Alloy Holder & Dual Compound Pads | No | Shimano and Avid Rim Brake Systems | Threaded and Smooth Post | 43.8 grams | ||
| Shimano Deore/LX Pads | V-Brake Pads | Touring, Commuting | Rubber (Non-Cartridge) | No | Shimano LX and Deore Series | Threaded Post | 45.4 grams | ||
| Kool Stop MTB Brake Shoes | V-Brake Pads | MTB | Dual Compound | Hardened and Plated reinforced steel backbone | No | Threaded and 2024 Aluminum Smooth Post | 38.2 grams | ||
| SwissStop Disc Brake Pads | Disc Brake Pads | All Mountain, Cross Country, Downhill Riding | Kevlar, Ceramic, Brass, and Resin Composite Material | No | Threaded Post | 9.07 grams | |||
| Alritz Bike Brake Pads | V-Brake Pads | Road, Mountain Bike | Rubber and Aluminum Alloy | No | Threaded Post | ||||
| Avid Elixir | V-Brake Pads | MTB | Organic, Metallic | Aluminium, Steel | No | Avid Elixir brakes, Avid XX, SRAM | Threaded Post | 26 grams |
1. SRAM Code: Original, Available in Organic & Metallic Compounds, Reliable | Overall Best Choice
- Brake Pad Type: Disc Brake Pads
- Best For: Downhill, Enduro
- Pad Material: Organic, Metallic
- Back Plate: Steel Back Plate
- Cooling Fins: No
- Compatibility: Code RSC, Code R, Guide RE
- Weight: 27 grams (Organic), 30 grams (Metallic)
- Original: These disc brake pads are originally built by SRAM for their Code brake series. These amazing brake pads are compatible with SRAM Code RSC, Code R, Guide RE.
- Organic Compound: The brake pads are available in organic compounds. As for, organic brake-pads offer greater initial bite and quieter braking. They are perfect for lighter riders and dry riding conditions.
- Metallic Compound: These brake pads are also available in metallic compounds. Metallic pads are longer lasting and offer consistent braking performance especially during long descents. They are great for gravity trails, heavy riders, and wet riding conditions.
- Color: The SRAM Code Brake Pads are available only in orange.
- Accessories: This package includes two brake pads and hardware which is enough for one caliper.
- Warranty: SRAM provides a two-year warranty along with the purchase of the Code Brake Pads.
- Some customers have reported that the organic disc brakes wear out quite quickly.
The SRAM Code Brake Pads are one of the best sets of brake-pads that money can buy. This will be the perfect choice for you if you are into mountain bike riding. These are OEM pads that will fit right onto your bike and work perfectly. If you are tired of hearing your brake pads make annoying sounds, then these will help you get rid of that problem. We highly recommend using metallic pads in all SRAM Code Brakes for the best possible performance! You should opt for organic pads if you want your brakes to provide a more quiet performance. However, doing so will give you a bit less braking power. So if you are planning on upgrading or replacing your brake pads, get these to enjoy an impeccable braking performance.
SRAM Code Brake Pads
2. Shimano J04C: Made in Japan, Ice-Tech Cooling Fins, Durable Metallic Pads
- Brake Pad Type: Disc Brake Pads
- Best For: MTB
- Pad Material: Metallic
- Back Plate: Stainless Steel
- Cooling Fins: Aluminum
- Compatibility: Shimano XTR Series, Shimano Deore Series
- Weight: 31 grams
- Made In Japan: The Shimano J04C Metal Disc Brake Pads is made in Japan and therefore maintains very high quality and standard.
- Metallic Pads: Metallic brake-pads will be able to offer you maximum stopping power & excellent brake modulation. They are great for wet weather and riding conditions. Metallic brake pads also last longer than organic brake-pads.
- Ice-Tech Fins: These fantastic brake pads come with ice-tech cooling fins made up of aluminum. These finned pads provide maximum cooling so that your braking performance stays even and predictable especially when you are on long descents.
- Color: These Shimano disc brake pads are available in Black & Grey.
- Accessories: This package contains the brake pads, a spring, and a retaining clip for one brake caliper. You will need to buy two pad sets for a whole bike.
- Warranty: Shimano provides a 2-year warranty along with the purchase of these disc brake pads.
- These are metallic pads and therefore make a bit of noise while braking.
The Shimano J04C Metal Disc Brake Pads is a very reliable and well-performing bike component that will upgrade your bike’s performance. The brake pads offer a very powerful bite that will allow you to ride smoothly no matter how steep the road gets or how sharp the corners are. These pads are substantially more durable than resin pads. However, they are harsher on rotors & sort of louder when you apply the brakes. With that being said, we would like to say that it is completely worth it due to the excellent braking performance. Here is a quick tip. if your new pads don’t restore the original performance, just flush it with some fluid. The Shimano brakes bleed very easily than just about anything else out there. So, if you are on the lookout for a fresh new set of brake-pads, then these metallic ones might be the right ones for you!
Shimano J04C Metal Disc Brake Pads
3. Kool-Stop Eagle Claw 2: Patented Design, High Stiff, Very Durable
- Brake Pad Type: Cantilever Brake Pads
- Best For: Cyclocross
- Pad Material: Dual Compound
- Back Plate: Hardened and Plated reinforced steel backbone
- Cooling Fins: No
- Post Mount Type: Threaded and 2024 Aluminum Smooth Post
- Overall length: 64.1 mm
- Pad contact width: 10.3 mm
- Weight: 40.4 grams
- Patented Design: These brake shoes come with a patented angled tip that gets rid of mud from the rim. The water grooves provide tremendous braking power even in wet conditions.
- Durability: The Kool-Stop Eagle Claw 2 Brake Shoes have an extended pad length and also an off center post design that provides a very durable and long term performance.
- Stiffness: The Eagle 2 brake pads come with a hardened reinforced steel internal backbone that helps to keep your pad as stiff as ever. It also uniformly distributes the pressure across the whole pad.
- Full-Length Post: The full-length post that is available with these fantastic brake shoes allows you to make adjustments for all cantilever brake systems.
- Color: These excellent brake shoes are available in a variety of colors including Black, Salmon, Dual Compound, Ceramic, Carbon Fiber, Blue, Silver, Purple, Yellow, White, & Red.
- Accessories: This package includes a set of 2 pads, enough for 1 caliper. If replacing pads on both calipers, purchase 2 sets.
- These brake shoes make an annoying squeaking sound. However, it is quite minimal and not that big of an issue.
The Kool-Stop Eagle Claw 2 Brake Shoes is great for cantilever brake systems and it comes with a rim friendly compound. These brakes are very easy to install on your bike and also offer accurate toe-in installation. These brake pads bite very precisely and even though it is adequate for most types of riding styles, it is especially great for cyclocross. You can choose from the different types of compounds available with these brake shoes. The black and red compounds can be generally used for regular riding. The green compound is very stiff and you make sure you utilize it only with ceramic rims. Salmon compounds are designed for extreme conditions such as wet and muddy terrain. You can also choose from a threaded or smooth post depending on what type of brake you have. They are absolutely great for the price and also offer great modulation. So if you want to upgrade your mountain bike brake pads, this is the perfect choice for you!
Kool-Stop Eagle Claw 2 Brake Shoes
4. Shimano BRT615 (B01S): Excellent Performance, Less Noise, Endurance | Best Value For Money
- Brake Pad Type: Disc Brake Pads
- Best For: Cyclocross
- Pad Material: Resin
- Cooling Fins: No
- Compatibility: Shimano Disc Brakes
- Weight: 79.95 grams
- Excellent Performance: These synthetic resin pads come with a steel backing plate that enables it to offer the best modulation and incredible braking performance.
- Less Noise: Resin pads can generate less noise compared to sintered metal pads. That is also the case with these pads, as these Shimano pads make less noise to provide a better riding environment.
- Endurance: The Shimano BRT615 (B01S) Resin Disc Brake Pads are designed to perform well in both dry and wet conditions. So they are capable of enduring even the most extreme riding conditions.
- Compatibility: These disc brake pads are probably the most popular brake pads by Shimano. Many disc brakes from the MTB and Trekking group are compatible with it.
- Color: These brake pads are available only in Grey.
- Accessories: Along with the brake pads the package also includes 2 split types of pins and spring.
- Warranty: Shimano provides a 2-year warranty along with the purchase of these disc brake pads.
- These fantastic brakes are not always easy to find.
The Shimano BRT615 (B01S) Resin Disc Brake Pads are authentic brake pads by the Shimano brand. These pads match exceptionally well with factory Shimano brakes. The installation process is not too challenging especially if you watch a couple of instructional videos online beforehand. These pads offer adequate and smooth braking while also preventing any type of vibration. They do not provide a very powerful bite and they are also likely to wear down in about 1200 miles or more. However, due to the affordable price you can replace them annually and keep the previous pads as spares. If you have any doubts about the size of your brake pads, remove your old pads first to evaluate the correct replacement part before buying the new ones. These amazing pads offer the best value for money out of all the other options in this article. So if you are looking for something similar to this, grab it while you still can.
Shimano BRT615 (B01S) Resin Disc Brake Pads
5. SRAM G2 Guide: Lightweight, Heat Dissipation, Organic Material
- Brake Pad Type: Disc Brake Pads
- Best For: Trail Riding
- Pad Material: Organic/Sintered
- Base Plate: Steel/Aluminum
- Cooling Fins: No
- Compatibility: Elixir 9 Trail, SRAM Guide Ultimate, Guide R, Guide RSC, Elixir 7 Trail, Guide RS, SRAM G2, Avid XO Trail
- Weight: 30 grams
- Organic Material: G2 brakes are made of organic pad material which allows them to offer a quiet ride, quick response, greater initial bite, better braking performance, and durability.
- Back Plate Material: The backplate of these brake pads is built with aluminum. This allows it to be lightweight and also offers great stopping power without the added weight.
- Lightweight: The SRAM G2 Guide is built ultra-light in terms of weight which makes it ideal for activities such as cross country and trail riding.
- Heat Dissipation: These brake pads absorb and disperse heat better than steel. This is a benefit for those that ride heavily on their brakes.
- Color: The SRAM G2 Guide Disc Brake Pads are available in Golden, Black & Grey
- Accessories: Each pad kit includes two pads, a pad spreader spring, pad pin, and clip.
- Warranty: SRAM provides a two-year warranty along with the purchase of the Code Brake Pads.
- The sintered version of these disc brake pads does not offer enough bite for the brakes.
The SRAM G2 Guide/Trail Disc Brake Pads is a great choice for trail riding and it offers a lot of options for you to choose from. We have used both the resin and sintered disc brake pads. The resin pads offer a lot more bite and will also provide much quieter performance. The SRAM resin pads are top-notch and last much longer than some of the other brands out there. A lot of brake-pads offered by other brands last around 3 weeks. The SRAM resin pads last as long as 6 weeks. The sintered brakes are also great. You should ensure that you use the centerline rotors as they are designed mainly for the guide brakes. The sintered pads create a bit of noise especially when they have a high temperature. They offer less bite which a lot of riders prefer, and will definitely last longer than the resin pads. The sintered brakes will last months compared to the weeks for resin. If you are looking for durability, then the sintered pads are right for you. So if you want a new pair of excellent disc brake pads, why not get the SRAM G2 Guide.
SRAM G2 Guide/Trail Disc Brake Pads
6. Kool-Stop Dual Compound: Patented Build, Curved Design, Power Stop
- Brake Pad Type: Direct Pull Brake Pads
- Best For: MTB
- Pad Material: Dual Compound
- Back Plate: Hardened and Plated reinforced steel backbone
- Cooling Fins: No
- Post Mount Type: Threaded and 2024 Aluminum Smooth Post
- Overall length: 78.5 mm
- Pad contact width: 8.5 mm
- Weight: 38.2 grams
- Patented Build: These Kool Stop MTB pads are built with a patented design that includes an angled tip that helps to remove mud or other contaminants from the rim. It also has water grooves that enable it to perform well in wet conditions.
- Sturdy Performance: The brake pads have a hardened reinforced steel internal backbone that makes it to be sturdy and also allows it to spread the pressure evenly.
- Curved Design: The curved design allows this pad to be longer, rigid, and also allows it to contour to the rim and provide a better brake performance.
- Power Stop: These MTB disc brake pads come with the “power stop” design which provides both smooth and safe braking in all types of weather and riding conditions.
- Color: These excellent brake shoes are available in a variety of colors including Black, Salmon, Dual Compound, Ceramic, White, & Pink.
- Accessories: This package includes a set of 2 pads, enough for 1 caliper. If replacing pads on both calipers, purchase 2 sets.
- A little squeaky at first, so you’re not sure if you installed it with a proper toe, but give them 20 minutes out on the trails and they are broken in.
The Kool-Stop Dual Compound Mountain Pads is a top choice for mountain bike direct-pull brakes. If you use a rim brake system on your bike and your braking performance is getting worse by the day, but can’t afford to upgrade to a hydraulic disc brake system, then these are the ideal choice for you. These are the perfect brakes to close the gap between V-brakes and hydraulic discs. These brake pads provide a much greater value compared to you getting a complete mechanical disc set up. A disc brake conversion can be very expensive as may be required to replace the whole wheelset. In our opinion, if your bike is a V-brake bike, you have the option to either buy the Kool stop pads or to completely convert to a hydraulic disc brake system. So if you like what you see here, don’t hesitate to get these new brake pads on your bike.
Kool-Stop Dual Compound Mountain Pads
7. Kool-Stop V-Type Holder: Made in the USA, High Performance, Affordable
- Brake Pad Type: Rim Brake Pads
- Best For: Road Bike
- Pad Material: Forged Alloy Holder & Dual Compound Pads
- Cooling Fins: No
- Compatible: Shimano and Avid Rim Brake Systems
- Post Mount Type: Threaded and Smooth Post
- Overall length: 72.5 mm
- Pad contact width: 8.5 mm
- Weight: 43.8 grams
- Made in the USA: The Kool-Stop V-Type Holder & Brake Pads is built in the United States of America and so it ensures the highest build quality and design.
- High Performance: These brake pads offer impeccable braking power and high performance in any type of weather conditions. It does not create any squeaking sound, recovers quickly in wet conditions, and also does not leave any residue on the rim.
- Great Adjustments: These excellent brake pads come with a height adjustment washer and can automatically align to any rim angle. This way you can ride according to your convenience.
- Very Affordable: These brake pads are available at a very affordable price. This is great if you are just planning for an upgrade without spending too much money.
- Color: These Kool-Stop V-Type Holder & Brake Pads are available in Black and Orange color.
- Accessories: The package includes one pair of brake-pads and a secure pin.
- The brake pads do not feel very firm compared to other brake pads.
The Kool-Stop V-Type Holder with Brake Pads is great for road biking and is built with a forged alloy holder and dual compound pads. You can replace these pads without replacing the carriers. The installation process is fairly simple. You just need to put them in and align them so they don’t rub against the tire or get off the rim. You don’t need to do the toe-in installation as these brake pads can do the correct toe-in for you. Just make sure the back and front of the pad are touching the rim when you tighten them down to get the most optimum performance. So if you want to next-level braking power without a high price tag, get these right now!
Kool-Stop V-Type Holder with Brake Pads
8. Shimano Deore/LX: High Quality, Durability, Compatibility, Reasonable Price
- Brake Pad Type: V-Brake Pads
- Best For: Touring, Commuting
- Pad Material: Rubber (Non-Cartridge)
- Cooling Fins: No
- Compatible: Shimano LX and Deore Series
- Post Mount Type: Threaded Post
- Weight: 45.4 grams
- Braking Performance: The materials used for cartridge linings are of high quality and it offers superior braking performance.
- High Quality: These brake pads go through thorough examination and tests to meet its high quality. Most of the time, Shimano’s own specifications are more demanding than the typical industry standards.
- High Durability: Shimano’s original parts maintain the precision and function of components for maximum safety and long durability.
- Compatibility: Shimano components are only compatible with original Shimano parts. With original parts, you can replace it easily and meet your needs.
- Reasonable Price: These amazing V-brake pads are available at a very reasonable price so that you can replace your pads easily.
- Color: The Shimano Deore/LX Pads are available only in Black.
- Warranty: Shimano provides a 2-year warranty along with the purchase of these disc brake pads.
- They do not accommodate cartridge brake pads as advertised.
The Shimano Deore/LX brake pads are the best choice especially if you are someone who rides on a touring or commuter bike. First of all, installing them is a piece of cake. Even though you might have to try a few times to get the angle exactly right it’s not a very big deal. Shimano V-brakes have much more superior pad material than brake pads of other brands. The problem is Shimano brake pads can be hard to find at your local stores. But that’s not an issue as you can find them online at any time. They do not make any squeaking sound and will allow you to brake silently. So what are you waiting for? Get these Shimano V-brakes today!
