Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering and Shipping

Where do you ship from?

We ship from British Columbia, Canada within 1-2 business days.

How much is shipping?

Free shipping on all Canadian orders. Orders under $100 ship via lettermail. Orders over $100 ship express with tracking.

Do you ship to the USA?

Yes! We ship brake pads and accessories to the US via USPS. Total delivery time is typically 7-12 business days. All duties and customs fees are prepaid by us, you won't get hit with any surprise charges at your door. What you pay at checkout is what you pay.

Will I get charged customs or duty fees?

No. We prepay all duties and customs fees on US orders. Your package arrives with zero additional charges.

What currency do you charge in?

All prices are in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Your bank or credit card will convert automatically at the current exchange rate. This often works in your favor, our $69.99 CAD pads are roughly ~$50 USD.

How long to arrive?

Canada: 3-7 business days. BC/Alberta: 2-3 days. Ontario/Quebec: 5-7 days. USA: 7-12 business days via USPS.

Compatibility

How do I know which pads fit?

Use our Brake Finder tool on the homepage or check your caliper model number.

Not sure what brakes I have?

Email hello@loamgoat.com with a photo.

Which compound should I run?

Gravity – Our most popular compound. Organic-based with high metal content. Aggressive bite and wet-weather performance close to sintered, with better heat management on long descents. Quieter than sintered. What most North Shore riders run year-round.

Trail – Organic compound with excellent modulation and the quietest operation. A genuine all-rounder for mixed trail conditions and the best starting point if you are new to pad selection.

Sintered – Maximum durability in deep mud and sustained wet. Best raw longevity. Does transfer more heat into the system on long descents than organic-based compounds.

Will aftermarket pads void warranty?

No. Using aftermarket consumables like brake pads does not void your brake warranty. The manufacturer warrants the caliper and lever hardware, not the pads. This is standard consumer protection in both Canada and the US.

Do pads include springs?

Yes! All orders include return springs.

How many pads per package?

2 pairs - covers front and rear.

Installation

Do I need to bed in new pads?

Yes! 20-30 gradual stops from moderate speed.

How often to replace?

When material is under 0.5mm or you notice reduced stopping power.

Returns

Wrong pads?

We exchange free if unused. Email hello@loamgoat.com

Satisfaction guarantee?

Yes! Contact us within 30 days.

Do you accept returns from the US?

Yes, same 30-day return policy. You are responsible for return shipping.

Choosing the Right Brake Pads

What's the difference between sintered and organic brake pads?

Sintered pads are made from metal particles pressed together under heat. They last the longest in wet and muddy conditions and are the most durable option for heavy use. Organic pads are softer, quieter, and feel more progressive at the lever. At Loam Goat we make two organic compounds: Trail and Gravity. Trail is the all-rounder with excellent modulation for mixed conditions. Gravity has a higher metal content than Trail, so it bites harder in the wet and handles heat better on long descents, while still keeping heat in the rotor rather than pushing it into the caliper and brake fluid. For most North Shore riders, Gravity is the move. Sintered is the call if raw pad longevity in deep mud is the priority.

What are the best brake pads for wet weather riding?

Sintered compound, hands down. Organic pads lose bite quickly when wet and wear through in a fraction of the time. Our Gravity compound is the sweet spot for most North Shore riders: aggressive bite with better heat management than standard sintered. If you ride year-round in rain, mud, or snow, sintered or Gravity pads will save you money in the long run because you won't be replacing them every few weeks.

Are aftermarket brake pads as good as OEM?

Quality aftermarket pads perform on par with OEM. Larger brake brands like Shimano have their own manufacturing, while smaller brands typically contract third-party factories, many of which also supply aftermarket companies. What matters is the compound quality and the backing plate fit. Loam Goat pads are tested on real trails and held to consistent tolerances. A well-made aftermarket pad in the right compound will outperform an OEM pad in the wrong compound every time.

What brake pads should I get for my e-bike?

Sintered or Gravity compound, plus bigger rotors. E-bikes are heavier and faster, which generates more heat and more pad wear. Standard organic pads burn through quickly. Gravity is our preferred pick for e-bikes doing long descents as it keeps heat in the rotor rather than the caliper. Sintered wins on raw pad longevity in deep mud. Pair either with at least a 200mm rotor up front. Many of our e-bike customers run 203mm front and 180mm rear.

Do I need finned brake pads?

Finned pads help with heat dissipation on long descents but aren't necessary for most riders. If you're doing sustained 10+ minute descents (bike park laps, alpine rides), finned pads reduce brake fade. For typical trail rides under an hour, standard pads work fine. We stock finned options for Shimano 4-piston and 2-piston setups where heat buildup is most common.

What brake pad compound should I choose for trail riding?

Trail compound. It's designed for all-around mountain biking with good modulation and reasonable pad life. Sintered is more durable but can feel grabby for riders who want precise control on techy sections. Gravity compound splits the difference with stronger bite than Trail but better heat management than sintered. For most trail riders doing 1-2 hour rides in mixed conditions, Trail compound is the place to start.

How do Loam Goat pads compare to MTX Red Label and Gold Label?

We get this one a lot from riders switching over. Here's how they line up.

MTX Red Label RACE lines up with our Trail compound. Both are organic-based with smooth modulation and quiet braking. It's what we recommend for most riders on most trails.

MTX Gold Label HD lines up with our Gravity compound. Both step up heat resistance and bite for aggressive descents, e-MTB, and wet conditions. Gravity is our pick for North Shore riding when it gets steep and nasty.

If you've been running MTX and liked how they felt, the matching Loam Goat compound will feel familiar right out of the box.

How do Loam Goat pads compare to Kool-Stop?

Kool-Stop runs a simpler lineup of organic (semi-metallic) and sintered. If you've been on their organic pads, our Trail compound is the closest match: quiet, smooth modulation, good for mixed trail riding. For riders who want more bite and heat resistance, especially on e-bikes or long descents, our Gravity compound is the step up. Gravity gives you stronger initial bite and better fade resistance than a standard organic pad, without the noise and rotor wear of a full sintered.

How do Loam Goat pads compare to Galfer Pro and Advanced?

Galfer's lineup is all semi-metallic, tuned for different uses. Here's how they line up.

Galfer Standard lines up with our Trail compound. Both are the daily-driver pad, built for general trail riding with reliable modulation.

Galfer Pro and Advanced both line up with our Gravity compound. Pro gives you aggressive bite and heat resistance for bike park and hard descending. Advanced is the wet-weather specialist. Our Gravity covers both jobs: strong bite, good heat management, and tested year-round on North Shore trails where wet is the default.

How do Loam Goat pads compare to Trickstuff Standard and Power?

Trickstuff only makes organic pads, so their lineup maps cleanly onto our organic-based compounds.

Trickstuff Standard lines up with our Trail compound. Both prioritize smooth modulation and long pad life for everyday trail riding.

Trickstuff Power and Power+ line up with our Gravity compound. Both step up bite and fade resistance for bike park and aggressive descents while staying organic-based. If you're running Trickstuff Power and looking for a direct swap, Gravity is the match.

Can I mix sintered and organic pads front and rear?

You can, and some riders prefer it. A common setup is Gravity or sintered up front for maximum stopping power, and Trail compound in the rear for smoother modulation. It is not going to damage anything. Keep in mind that your rear pads will wear faster if you are running a softer compound back there. We see this most often with riders who want strong braking up front but find aggressive compounds too grabby in the rear.

How many pairs of brake pads do I need?

One set from Loam Goat includes 2 pairs of pads, enough for both your front and rear brakes. Each pair has two pads (one for each side of the rotor). So when you order one set, you're covered for a full brake refresh on one bike.

Brake Pad Maintenance

How long do mountain bike brake pads last?

It depends heavily on riding frequency, trail type, weather, rider weight, and compound. There is no universal answer. A lighter rider on dry summer hardpack is going to get a lot more mileage out of a set than a 200lb rider doing laps in wet November mud. Generally speaking: sintered and Gravity last the longest in mixed and wet conditions. Trail compound wears faster but still performs well in normal use. Organic pads in sustained wet and grit wear out fastest. If you ride the North Shore year-round, expect to be replacing pads more often in fall and winter than summer.

How do I know when my brake pads need replacing?

Check the pad material thickness. If the pad compound (not including the metal backing plate) is less than 1mm, it's time to swap. A new pad starts around 3-4mm of compound on top of the backing plate. A useful shorthand: when the pad looks thin or you can feel the backing plate through the compound when you press it, don't wait. Other signs: longer stopping distances, a grinding or scraping noise (metal on metal means you've gone too far), or the lever pulling closer to the bar than usual. Get in the habit of checking every few rides, especially if you ride in wet conditions.

How do I bed in new brake pads?

Find a safe stretch of road or smooth trail. Get up to about 25 km/h and apply the brakes firmly but not hard enough to lock the wheel. Repeat 15-20 times for each brake. You should feel the bite increase with each stop. Bed-in transfers a thin layer of pad material onto the rotor surface, which gives you consistent braking. Skip this step and your pads may glaze, squeal, or feel inconsistent for weeks.

Why are my new brake pads squealing?

Usually one of three things. First, the pads aren't bedded in properly. Do 20 firm stops from speed and the noise usually goes away. Second, the rotor is contaminated with oil, chain lube, or fingerprints. Clean it with isopropyl alcohol and a clean rag. Third, the caliper isn't centered over the rotor. Loosen the caliper bolts, squeeze the lever to center it, then retighten. If the squeal persists after all three, contact us and we'll help troubleshoot.

Can I fix contaminated brake pads?

Sometimes. Light contamination (fingerprints, spray lube overspray) can be fixed by sanding the pad surface with 120-grit sandpaper and cleaning the rotor with isopropyl alcohol. Heavy contamination (brake fluid leak, chain lube soaked in) usually means the pads need replacing. Pad material is porous and absorbs oil deep into the surface. If sanding and a proper bed-in don't fix the squeal, new pads are the faster and cheaper fix.

Do I need to replace my rotor when I change brake pads?

Not usually. Rotors last much longer than pads. Replace the rotor if it's below the minimum thickness stamped on it (usually 1.5mm-1.8mm), visibly warped, deeply scored, or contaminated beyond cleaning. If your rotor is in good shape, just clean it with isopropyl alcohol when you swap pads.

Contact

hello@loamgoat.com - Response within 24 hours.