You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Need a new set of brakes.
I have Hopes on all bar one bike, and after a variety of brakes (Formula, Avis), where the padlife can be measured in minutes in properly shitty conditions, the Hopes have been fantastic - 9 months plus whatever the riding conditions.
So I was going to get another set of Hopes. However I can get a pair of Shimano XT for the price of a single Hope, and given the sheer power of the Shimano, it's hugely tempting. However, if I'm going to be spending £30 every ride on pads, then it'll very quickly get dull.
Experiences?
I've had one pair of pads in my xt all summer, they last longer than hopes in my experience
The xt are fantastic brakes
Shimano XT - Ive been using them for about a year and they are excellent for the money.
No problems with pad wear at all.
XT pads in the full suss, 1 year so far. XT dual compound in the HT, 7 months less than 1/3 worn.
The organic pads I've had in my SLX brakes since the summer have lasted very well. Now that it is turning really wet and grimy the rear pads are wearing at an increased rate, but that is because they are exposed to so much dirt compared to the front wheel. I have swapped the front pads to rear and rear to front. Should get another 3 - 4 days out of those, depending on conditions.
After that I'll get Shimano metal pads for the remainder of the winter. Give much longer life in the grit and excellent performance in the cold conditions. I also prefer the slightly firmer feel they give to the lever. Might run them forever from then on, as some of my friends do.
Pad life is determined by the bedding in process and the stages of superheating they go through. Hence run new pads in the dry for a good few rides and they will tend to last longer than new pads inserted on the morning of a wet ride in the peaks!
So in short use a new set of pads each day in teh alps in teh summer to keep you going or get the oven on/blowtorch out!
Have a read about Mike winning the strathpuffer and the importance of brake pad wear [url= http://bikemagic.com/mountain-bike-events/event-features/mike-halls-top-tips-for-surviving-the-strathpuffer-24-hour-race.html ]here[/url]
Pad life is determined by the bedding in process
I know that's teh theory (been running discs for over a decade now), but I can have a set of pads that's been through 2 weeks in the Alps and still have 80% meat left, then disappear in 1 wet Peaks descent the week after I get back.
Personally I think it's to do with the clearance between rotor & pad - the Hopes sit a long way off the rotor compared to Avids & Formula, so there's not the constant abrasive grinding when wet and covered in slurry.
My experience of pad life on shimano organic pads; ridden in dry or wet conditions; last forever, ride them in wet, gritty conditions and you'll be lucky to get ~20-50 miles. Assume the sintered metal pads are much better.
I would agree with you Jon, I switched from Hayes (pads lasted c.40 miles at the 2011 Kielder 100) to Hope (Evo X2) and have currently got 1150 miles out of the original organic pads, with probably the same to go. I reckon it's got a lot to do with clearance when not braking.