Decoding the SRAM pad you need
Every SRAM pad box lists three things, and all three have to match.
The caliper family. Road and cross-country calipers (Level, Elixir, DB) take a different pad shape from the trail and enduro ones (Guide, G2, Code, Motive). The name is usually printed on the caliper.
The piston count. 2P and 4P are different pads. A 4-piston caliper has a longer pad to cover the extra pistons, and there is no adapting one to the other.
The compound and backing plate. SRAM label these as organic or metal, on aluminium or steel backing. Aluminium sheds heat faster and saves a few grams; steel is tougher and cheaper.
Organic, metal, quiet or powerful
SRAM go further than most and label pads by intent, which is genuinely useful.
- Organic / Quiet — the pad to choose if brake noise irritates you. Smooth
- progressive bite, gentle on rotors, fades sooner when it gets hot
- Organic / Power — more initial bite from the same quiet-ish compound
- Metal / Heavy Duty — for long descents, heavy loads and wet grit. Lasts
- much longer, noisier, harder on rotors
For most road riding here, organic is the pleasanter pad. For repeatedly descending off the mountain with a loaded bike, heavy duty metal earns its keep.
Bed them in before you need them
Fresh pads only reach full power once a thin, even layer of pad material has transferred onto the rotor. Ten firm stops from moderate speed on a quiet road does it. Skipping this is why a new set can feel weaker than the worn ones you just took out.
Also see Shimano disc brake pads and the full brake pads, rotors and hose kits range. Not sure what you have? Find us in Hout Bay and we will look.
