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OK, unless you’re on a track bicycle, then bike brake pads are absolutely a fundamental accessory! Humble but incredibly important, bicycle brake pads provide friction to slow down either the wheel’s rim or the disc attached to it.
Since 1998, BBB has designed and developed a terrific range of cycling accessories. Inspired by their experience as former pro cyclists, Chris Koppert and Frank Moons founded BBB to provide riders with quality, relevant kit. And when it comes to bike brake pads, quality is key!
Buy local and support local
Did you know when you make a BBB bicycle brake pad purchase with us, you’re actually supporting a local store? That’s right - the money you spend goes into a local economy and not to an offshore multinational. So, thank you for your support!
Buy now, pay later
AfterPay is a terrific service that enables you to make your purchase and get it now but pay it off in smaller instalments over time. It’s a win-win solution for all!
Frequently asked questions:
Are there different types of bike brake pads?
There are two main types of bike brake pads:
Rim brakes - commonly found on BMX, road and city bikes. This is the more traditional form of braking that relies on the wheel’s rotating rim to serve as a braking surface. The pads are located at the ends of the brake’s arms and are activated by pulling the brake lever. This triggers the cable to squeeze the brake pads against the rim, thus causing the bike to slow. Rim brakes are available in either calliper or cantilever form.
Disc brakes - established in MTB design, disc brakes are now increasingly more common also in road bikes. The disc brake relies on a circular metal disc that is mounted to the wheel hub. The disc rotates through a calliper, which contains the brake pads. Breaking occurs by squeezing the brake lever, which in turn presses the pads onto the rotor.
There are two choices when it comes to brake pad material:
Organic or resin - made from high-density ceramic, organic pads typically provide great stopping power and are slower to heat up when you’re speeding downhill. However, they can wear out reasonably fast in wet conditions.
Sintered or metallic - use a copper metal compound that can mean they heat up faster than their organic counterparts (and make a bit more noise as well). However, on the plus side, they will see you through those wet conditions longer.
When should I replace my bike brake pads?
Typically you will begin to feel when it is time to replace your bicycle brake pads. You will find yourself applying increasing pressure to the brake lever yet experiencing a delayed or compromised slowing reaction from the bike. One look at the pads should tell you it’s time - they will undoubtedly exhibit visible signs of wear and tear, with grooves appearing on the surface.
How much does a bike brake job cost?
The cost of BBB brake pads ranges from X to X. However, unless you are a bike mechanic or know what you’re doing, then you will want to take this to your local bike dealer to replace. The cost for doing so depends on the relationship you have with your local bike dealer (top tip: always make friends with your local bike dealer!). However, in addition to the actual pads themselves, you should also get your rims inspected for any wear and tear, as the motion of braking does impact the metal surface over time as well. When it comes to cycling, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and get these things checked regularly!
Is it OK to just replace bike brake pads?
For the reasons outlined above, we recommend you take your brake pads to your local bike dealer to replace and get the bike checked over at the same time.
Contact us about bicycle brake pads
We’re here to answer any questions you have about bike brake pads, so don’t hesitate to contact us!
