Brake Pad Compound Guide: Which One Should You Choose?
Not sure which brake pad compound to choose? This guide breaks down the four compounds we offer and helps you pick the right one for your riding style.
Quick Summary
| Compound | Best For | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Sintered | Year-round riding, wet conditions, e-bikes | Longest lifespan, best wet performance |
| Gravity | Bike park, enduro, aggressive trail | Strong initial bite, maximum power |
| Trail | All-mountain, XC, general trail riding | Best modulation, balanced performance |
| City | Commuting, casual riding, urban | Quietest operation, smooth feel |
Sintered (Metallic)
Sintered pads use metallic particles bonded together under high pressure and heat. They're the most durable option and excel in wet, muddy conditions.
Choose Sintered if you:
- Ride year-round in the Pacific Northwest or similar wet climates
- Have an e-bike (heavier bikes wear pads faster)
- Want maximum pad life and don't mind a slightly longer bed-in period
- Prioritize consistent performance in all weather conditions
Trade-offs: Slightly more rotor wear, can be noisier than organic compounds, requires proper bed-in.
Gravity (Aggressive Organic)
Gravity compound is our most aggressive organic pad. It delivers powerful initial bite and excellent stopping power for demanding descents.
Choose Gravity if you:
- Ride bike parks like Whistler, Coast Gravity Park, or similar
- Do enduro racing or aggressive trail riding
- Want maximum stopping power on steep, technical terrain
- Prefer a pad that bites hard right away
Trade-offs: Wears faster than sintered in wet conditions, best suited for dry or bike park conditions.
Trail (Balanced Organic)
Trail compound offers the best balance of power and modulation. It's our most versatile pad and works well for most riders.
Choose Trail if you:
- Ride a mix of XC, trail, and all-mountain terrain
- Value precise modulation and control
- Want quiet operation without sacrificing performance
- Are unsure which compound to choose (Trail is the safe bet)
Trade-offs: Less durable than sintered in consistently wet conditions.
City (Soft Organic)
City compound is our softest, quietest pad. It's designed for low-speed control and silent operation.
Choose City if you:
- Primarily commute or ride urban paths
- Want the quietest possible braking
- Ride at lower speeds and lighter braking loads
- Prioritize smooth, progressive feel over raw power
Trade-offs: Not recommended for aggressive mountain biking or steep descents.
Do I Need Finned Pads?
Finned pads (also called "ICE Tech" style) have aluminum cooling fins that dissipate heat during long descents.
Consider finned pads if you:
- Ride long descents (15+ minutes of continuous braking)
- Do shuttle runs or lift-accessed riding
- Have an e-bike (regenerative assist creates more heat)
- Experience brake fade on your current setup
For most trail riding with typical climb-then-descend patterns, standard pads are sufficient.
Can I Switch Between Compounds?
Yes! You can switch between organic and sintered pads. However, we recommend:
- Clean your rotors with isopropyl alcohol when switching compound types
- Properly bed in your new pads (20-30 moderate stops from speed)
- Consider using a fresh rotor if switching from sintered to organic for best results
Still Not Sure?
Use our Brake Pad Finder to get a personalized recommendation based on your brake model. Or contact us - we're happy to help you choose the right compound for your riding.