Just got my hands on some shimano xt M8020 brakes.
I'm looking at getting some spare brake pads. Does any of you chaps have recommendations for replacement pads. Do I have to get pads with the cooling fins?
IMHO Finned pads are a bit unnecessary most of the time, when I'm sploshing through puddles in Wales and it's 5c do I really need some tiny fins cooling my brakes? Nah. Even forgetting the temp and conditions, I'm not much of a brake dragger and don't get to descend long enough for them to really get that hot.
Last summer though, high 20s for months, no rain and a day doing run after run in the Alps I was probably glad of them.
If you want cool(look)ing fins, you could get Uberbike ones, then you only need to replace the inserts each time.
I just tend to buy whatever's cheap - eg [url= https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/nukeproof-shimano-saint-zee-trp-quadiem-slate-pads/rp-prod129817 ]Nukeproof on CRC[/url] for about £8
Why do you need spares? Just replace when needed, surely? However, I've been using uberbike race matrix for ages on my two pot xts, and really like them and they are very decent value. Recently upgraded to a zee up front with the metal finned pads, and a basic shimano for pot out back with non-finned metal pads, and both seem very good.
Thanks for the replies so far.
I'm looking at getting spare pads as the ones that came with the brakes are resin and past experience tells me they won't last long.
It's dry, they'll last ages 😉
Why do you need spares?
Avoidance of downtime silly.
Finned pads do help. They make a difference between fade/no fade on a few of the bigger UK descents in the summer, and were notably more stable in Spain on the big stuff, but they don't make your brakes 'better' in normal UK temperatures.
I have Disco brakes non-finned sintered in mine for the winter filth. Popped them in from new to save the finned resin pads for more appropriate conditions.
I used to use discobrakes, various types, sintered etc, which were fine for most riding.
however, switched to shimano sintered and they're so much better in terms of overall power and consistent braking.
not sure EBC have the shimano 4 pot versions yet though, they would be another recommendation.
Same as Saint pads, I'm sure all the makers have them in their line.
Thanks for all the replies.
Looks like I can use pads without the fins so will be cheaper 👍
