Disc Brake Pads Explained: Organic Vs Sintered Vs Semi-metallic
All disc brakes, whether hydraulic or mechanical, operate in the same way, by pushing two disc brake pads against the sides of the rotor to slow or bring your bike to a halt.
As with most things in cycling, however, even a seemingly simple, consumable component such as disc brake pads come in a variety of options.
Over time the pads on your bike will get worn down, so you need to check regularly for pad wear before replacing them.
You can also change and upgrade your pads if you’re not happy with the braking performance, with different pads better suited to different conditions.
Bit what disc brake pads do you need for your bike? Here’s everything you need to know, including how disc brake pads work, when to replace disc brake pads, and the different materials available.
How do disc brake pads work?
A disc brake pad is made up of a block of braking material bonded to a metal backing plate. The metal plate adds structural rigidity to the braking surface and holds it in position within the brake caliper.
When you apply a bike’s brakes, pistons in the caliper push the pads against the spinning rotor, which is attached to the hub of the wheel.
There’s usually a metal spring to stop the pads from rattling in the caliper when the brake isn’t on, though some designs, such as Magura’s MT7 mountain bike disc brakes, use magnetic pads and pistons and do away with the springs.
The friction between the pad and the rotor generates heat and also slowly wears down the layer of braking material in the pad.
The metal plate helps remove heat from the brake and some will have fins or other features to help dissipate heat faster.
With prolonged hard braking, it’s possible for the pads to transfer enough heat into the caliper to boil the hydraulic fluid in the pistons, resulting in brake fade and causing the brakes to become less effective.