Brake pads for bicycle disc brakes are made from either organic or sintered material mixtures, each having advantages and disadvantages in terms of weather conditions, braking power, and modulation. However, it is important that newly replaced pads are bedded in first to achieve maximum braking performance later.
Organic brake pads are usually cheaper, quieter in operation, gentler on the brake discs, and offer good performance under normal conditions. Their disadvantages are a shorter lifespan, lower braking power in wet conditions and high temperatures, and a higher susceptibility to fading with intensive use.
=> Organic pads are ideal for everyday use in road cycling and gravel riding and in moderate weather conditions.
Sintered metal pads provide higher braking performance in wet and hot conditions and have a longer lifespan, but tend to squeak when wet and are more expensive to purchase. Overall, they are less prone to fading but lead to increased heat development and higher wear on the brake discs.
=> Sintered pads are better suited for intensive use in mountain biking, extreme weather conditions, or for heavy riders who need to brake frequently and for long periods.
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES | Organic Pads | Sintered Pads |
---|---|---|
Materials | Resins, rubber, fiberglass, and Kevlar | Metallic particles like copper or bronze |
Braking Power | + | |
Modulation | + | |
Noise Development | + | |
Temperature Stability | + | |
Durability | + | |
Dryness/Spring/Summer | + | |
Wetness/Autumn/Winter | + | |
Cost | + |
The choice of the optimal pad* depends on the primary area of use (road cycling vs. MTB), the weight (light/without luggage vs. heavy/with luggage), weather conditions (dry vs. wet), or personal preference. For example, Shimano offers for road and gravel bikes its organic L05A-RF pads, a resin pad with a lightweight aluminum backing plate at an affordable price, and the slightly more expensive sintered L04C-MF, a metal pad with a robust steel-aluminum backing plate - both with Ice-Tech cooling fins for Flat Mount.
* Note when using non-group discs: Sintered pads should only be used with robust brake discs, while organic mixtures are compatible with most discs. Always check the disc manufacturer's specifications, as incorrect combinations can impair braking performance and damage the braking system.
Organic pads < EXOTherm2 < Sintered pads
However, if you primarily ride in dry conditions and would like a bit more braking power, you should take a closer look at the SwissStop EXOTherm2 brake pads that we reviewed. These are Shimano road-compatible pads with a more powerful and durable compound, also cooled by an aluminum backing plate with cooling fins.
SwissStop EXOTherm2
Just like the Shimano original pads, the SwissStop ExoTherm2 pads, thanks to their aluminum backing plate with integrated cooling fins, dissipate the heat generated during braking much faster to the surrounding air than conventional brake pads (with steel backing plates or without cooling fins). This effectively counteracts overheating of the braking system and significantly reduces the risk of brake fading.
Both the ExoTherm2 compound and the complete brake pads have been manufactured for several years in Mendrisio in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland to ensure high quality and safety standards. Although no exact details about the composition of the pad material are known and the brake pads are listed under the "organic" category on the SwissStop website and in all online shops, they resemble sintered pads a little both visually and functionally. Therefore, we would describe the material as a kind of "hybrid.
SwissStop Disc 34 EXOTherm2
Article Number | P100005317 (EAN:7640121223631) |
Compatible Pad Types | Shimano K03S, K02S, L03A, L02A, L04C |
Compatible Brakes | Dura Ace BR-R9270,BR-R9170, Ultegra BR-R8170,BR-R8070, 105 BR-R7070, Tiagra BR-4770, GRX BR-RX810,BR-RX400, BR-RS805, BR-RS505, BR-RS405, BR-RS305 |
Pad Compound | EXOTherm2 (Hybrid Resin) |
Weight | 17 grams (19 g with screw and pin) |
Scope of Delivery | 1 pair of brake pads, return spring, pad retaining screw, safety pin |
Price (RRP) | € 41.90 |
Switch from Shimano to SwissStop
For the test of the ExoTherm2, we replaced the already half-worn organic Shimano L05A-RF brake pads on our Merida gravel bike and cleaned the used discs with brake cleaner. The conversion was quick and easy - new return springs, pad retaining screws, and safety pins were included in the package.
Workshop Tips & Tricks
When should you replace the brake pads?
Check the condition of the pads regularly, or every few rides, through a visual inspection. Remove the wheels to get a good view of the pads in the caliper. The pads should be replaced when they are about 85-90% worn. If longer tours are planned, it is advisable to replace the pads as a precaution. You should also replace the pads if they are contaminated with oil or dirt, as thorough cleaning is often difficult.
What tools do you need to replace the pads?
In most cases, an Allen key, a tool for spreading the pads, and a little technical understanding are sufficient. However, always follow the recommendations of the brake manufacturer. To reset the brake pistons, it is best to use the old pad and a pad spreader. Then remove the old pads, clean the brake, and insert the new pads.
How do you maintain your brakes and pads?
Many brands offer special cleaners for disc brakes, which can be used mainly for the brake discs but also for the pads. Use a lint-free cloth to clean the pads, and generally avoid detergents, as they leave residues that can lead to squeaky brakes. Use separate cleaning tools for the brakes to avoid contamination.
Special caution is required when lubricating the pistons, as mineral oil and DOT-based disc brakes require different lubricants. It is better to wipe the pistons superficially with brake cleaner than to lubricate them incorrectly and damage the seals.
Shimano vs. SwissStop
Shimano L05A RF | SwissStop EXOTherm2 for Shimano | |
Model | L05A RF | SH-011 |
Compound | Organic (Resin) | Organic (Resin) |
Backing Plate Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Cooling Fins | Yes | Yes |
Braking Power Level | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Modulation | 10/10 | 9/10 |
Durability | 7/10 | 8/10 (theoretical, not tested) |
Noise "dry" | 9/10 | 8/10* |
Noise "wet" | 7/10 | 5/10 |
Pad Thickness (new)** | 2.3 mm | 2.1 mm |
Weight Set (new) | 17 grams | 17 grams (19 g with screw and pin) |
Scope of Delivery | 1 pair of brake pads, return spring | 1 pair of brake pads, return spring, pad holding screw, safety pin |
RRP*** | € 28.50 | € 41.90 |
* The SwissStop pads were used with worn discs. At the rear, they were absolutely silent under dry conditions from the start, but at the front, there was a loud noise when braking hard. The noise disappeared after bedding in.
** Pad thickness measured with calipers.
*** The RRPs are purely statistical values, as both pad sets can be purchased online for almost half the price.
In practice
Before the bedding-in (under dry conditions), the rear pads functioned promptly, inconspicuously, and absolutely silently. At the front, however, there was a loud noise, coupled with an unusually strong initial bite and a braking performance that was almost too much of a good thing. We suspect that the discs first had to adapt to the new pads.
After the proper bedding-in, the noises disappeared completely (in dry conditions), and the braking performance settled at a "normal," but still very high level, both front and rear.
Properly breaking in disc brakes (Copyright by SwissStop)
Step 1: On a moderately steep descent, let the front and rear brakes drag alternately for 20-30 seconds.
Repeat this process two to three times.
Step 2: On a steeper descent, let both brakes drag alternately for 10-15 seconds each and end the braking with an almost complete stop.
Repeat this process again two to three times.
Pro Tip: Break in the brake pads for the rear brake on the front wheel. Exactly as described above. Then mount the pads on the rear. Let them drag briefly two to three times on a flat road. Caution: Before swapping the pads, be sure to let them cool down sufficiently - risk of burns!
In direct comparison with the organic original pads, the SwissStop EXOTherm2 impressed in dry conditions with a stronger initial bite and higher braking performance with good modulation. When braking on long, steep descents and at speeds over 80 km/h, there was comparatively almost no "brake fading," meaning no loss of performance due to heat. Subjectively, it even felt like the hotter the brake system got, the better they performed.
In wet conditions, the braking performance was indeed more consistent than with organic pads, but the EXOTherm2 stood out negatively due to loud squealing. Particularly, the front brake squealed as loudly as it does with sintered pads.
Conclusion
SwissStop Disc 34 EXOTherm2 | |
---|---|
Model Year: | 2024 |
Test Duration: | 1 Month |
Price: | € 41.90 RRP |
+ | High braking performance |
+ | Very temperature stable |
+ | Longer durability (theoretically) |
+ | Modulation |
- | Louder when wet |
- | Expensive |
BB Verdict: | Good compromise between organic and sintered pads. |
The tested "hybrid" pads represent a real evolution compared to the organic original pads, but they are not a universal upgrade. Those who are mainly traveling in everyday life under dry conditions and value the best modulation as well as the lowest noise level are still well advised with the cheaper, organic Shimano L05A RF.
However, those who only occasionally ride a road bike or gravel bike in wet weather and focus particularly on braking power and stability in heat (high speeds, long descents, heavy rider or a lot of luggage) might be better served with the SwissStop Disc 34 EXOTherm2. Additionally, the higher purchase price might partially amortize due to the supposedly longer durability.
In wet, cold, or extremely high braking temperatures, we would continue to reach for the sintered Shimano L04C-MF.