Sintered brake pads for normal touring
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 138
From: StL, MO. USA
Sintered brake pads for normal touring
Hey all...
Probably asking this question too late, as I have already ordered my pads...but anyway.
I've heard mixed reviews of 'sintered' brake pads vs. semi-metallic/organic material.
Some say that sintered pads are better 'all around' and are better when running polished rotors (as they don't discolor the polished contact area). Some others say that the sintered pads should only be used in high heat 'race' applications...
Anyone seen (firsthand) the real difference?
I figure they will be fine for 'normal' riding, and the opinions I've been given are just heresay...and based on 'extremes' and/or theory.
Thoughts?
Probably asking this question too late, as I have already ordered my pads...but anyway.
I've heard mixed reviews of 'sintered' brake pads vs. semi-metallic/organic material.
Some say that sintered pads are better 'all around' and are better when running polished rotors (as they don't discolor the polished contact area). Some others say that the sintered pads should only be used in high heat 'race' applications...
Anyone seen (firsthand) the real difference?
I figure they will be fine for 'normal' riding, and the opinions I've been given are just heresay...and based on 'extremes' and/or theory.
Thoughts?
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Republic of Texas
Hey all...
Probably asking this question too late, as I have already ordered my pads...but anyway.
I've heard mixed reviews of 'sintered' brake pads vs. semi-metallic/organic material.
Some say that sintered pads are better 'all around' and are better when running polished rotors (as they don't discolor the polished contact area). Some others say that the sintered pads should only be used in high heat 'race' applications...
Anyone seen (firsthand) the real difference?
I figure they will be fine for 'normal' riding, and the opinions I've been given are just heresay...and based on 'extremes' and/or theory.
Thoughts?
Probably asking this question too late, as I have already ordered my pads...but anyway.
I've heard mixed reviews of 'sintered' brake pads vs. semi-metallic/organic material.
Some say that sintered pads are better 'all around' and are better when running polished rotors (as they don't discolor the polished contact area). Some others say that the sintered pads should only be used in high heat 'race' applications...
Anyone seen (firsthand) the real difference?
I figure they will be fine for 'normal' riding, and the opinions I've been given are just heresay...and based on 'extremes' and/or theory.
Thoughts?
as heavy as our bikes are all stops are high heat.
just rinse your wheels off a little more often
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
Few folks use brakes on tourers hard enough to notice/make much difference. 'sintered' pads will wear rotors more and require more pressure when cold than organic pads. They do last longer and work better when hot. I use semi-metallic on the front and organic on the rear.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,893
From: Oklahoma
I liked the way the EBC pads worked but the whole time they were on the bike, the brakes made a fluttering or rapid light popping sound similar to a cicada sound. It was relatively low volume while riding and got louder when the brakes were applied. The frequency varied with speed. My theory was that the ventilating holes in the rotor made a popping sound as they went between the two pads. I tried beveling the pads on the entry side and it made no change. The only thing wrong with my theory is that neither factory pads nor Lyndall pads make the noise using the same rotors. I hope yours run quietly.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
I liked the way the EBC pads worked but the whole time they were on the bike, the brakes made a fluttering or rapid light popping sound similar to a cicada sound.
The only thing wrong with my theory is that neither factory pads nor Lyndall pads make the noise using the same rotors. I hope yours run quietly.
The only thing wrong with my theory is that neither factory pads nor Lyndall pads make the noise using the same rotors. I hope yours run quietly.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Huh. Thought mine was unique with that sound. Decided if I was going to nickname it, it would be cidada. Mine started when I replaced the rotors, which I did shortly after replacing the pads. No noise with the new pads on the old rotors (that I recall). Lots of noise with the new rotors, but only when the brakes are applied.
I was able to substantially reduce the cicada noise when I cleaned the caliper pistons and bled the brakes. Some of the pistons were a bit sticky, which pushed the pads unevenly and may have slightly cocked them against the rotor. The bit of air in the calipers may or may not have contributed to the uneven piston pressure.
In any case, getting the pistons to move freely and equally has helped reduce the noise.
I was able to substantially reduce the cicada noise when I cleaned the caliper pistons and bled the brakes. Some of the pistons were a bit sticky, which pushed the pads unevenly and may have slightly cocked them against the rotor. The bit of air in the calipers may or may not have contributed to the uneven piston pressure.
In any case, getting the pistons to move freely and equally has helped reduce the noise.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
We don't have cicadas over here in the UK, but I have had some brakes that purr loudly! Brakes used to employ a high asbestos content, which was considered anti-social, so brake manufacturers have come up with various alternatives over the years. I suspect there are many more options than plain sintered and the rest.
As for using brakes, perhaps none of you have climbed the Alps or Vosges Mountains, two up complete with the kitchen sink, but I can assure you that going down the other side puts a serious strain on our brakes - even my floating rotors all round and a total of 16 pistons. Don't even think of touching them.....
As for using brakes, perhaps none of you have climbed the Alps or Vosges Mountains, two up complete with the kitchen sink, but I can assure you that going down the other side puts a serious strain on our brakes - even my floating rotors all round and a total of 16 pistons. Don't even think of touching them.....