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Most manufacturers distinguish between two types of Brake padsmetallic linings, also known as sintered linings, and organic linings. The metallic pad mixture consists of sintered metal granulate that is pressed under high pressure. Organic pads, as the name suggests, consist of organic friction materials, usually Kevlar, heat-resistant resins, fillers and binders.
Conclusion: Which brake pad is right for you?
Anyone who spends a lot of time on the brakes, day in, day out, and often for long periods of time, will benefit from metallic pads. Sintered pads are also advantageous for those who ride a lot in wet conditions in winter, for example. Everyone else is better off sticking with organic pads. Although they wear out more quickly, they generate the best braking performance in normal operation without generating extreme heat, can be more finely controlled and are also very quiet. Ergo: Organic pads are the better all-round solution, metallic pads are more of a specialised tool. - Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Sintered linings: Low wear and heat resistant
Sintered pads (metallic) are very hard. As a result, they usually last significantly longer than organic pads and cope better with heat: they "fade" (decrease in braking performance at extremely high temperatures) later and generate more consistent braking performance on long, very braking-intensive descents.
In addition, sintered pads generally work more reliably in the wet. However, they are often noisy (squeaking/gurgling) - both in dry and wet conditions. And the biggest disadvantage: The metallic pads are dependent on high temperatures in order to develop optimum friction values. In normal operation, the braking performance is therefore somewhat weaker.
If you want to get maximum durability and heat resistance out of your disc brake, sintered pads are usually the better choice. If you like it quieter and also want to achieve an optimum braking effect away from the limits, organic pads are usually the better choice.
Organic brake pads: Easy to dose & quiet
Organic pads are softer and therefore wear out more quickly. They also do not dissipate heat as effectively as metallic pads and wear out sooner on long, steep descents. On the plus side, there is less noise and more braking power at normal operating temperatures as well as better modulation.
If you value optimum initial bite and maximum braking performance away from the limit, organic pads are the better choice.
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Max Fuchs
Editor
