Find the right brakes for your MTB

The Best Way to Identify Your Pads

We believe the best way to ensure you get the correct shape of brake pad for your bike is to use the brake caliper Make & Model (not the bike itself!). You can usually find this written on the brake caliper.

  • STEP ONE: Identify your brake pad

    Your brake system will require a specific brake pads for fitment and operation. For fitment and safety, the correct brake pad must be selected for your brakes. As there can be an overlap between systems, please use the filter option to find the right make & model. 

  • STEP TWO: Select Your Pad Material

    Want the pad material you had before? Then we won't bore you with the below information, don't fix something that isn't broken. We have some information below if you want to learn more or change combinations. The main point to remember with changing disc brake compounds is that you will need to replace your rotor for optimal brake performance. We will discuss this further down.

  • STEP THREE: Installation

    Install the new brake pads carefully, avoiding contact with braking surfaces to prevent contamination. Use your old pads to push the pistons back into the caliper, ensuring enough space to fit the new pads and wheel properly. Finally, secure all retention hardware, advance the pistons, and complete a proper bed-in process to achieve optimal braking performance.

Wanting To Change Compounds?

Now, if you are looking at changing up those brake pads, we can help explain what a new compound will perform like on the road or trail. The pad compound relates to the material that contacts the rotor. Compounds generally come in two flavours: Sintered: Pad material contains pieces of metal within the compound. Organic: Pad material contains various organic materials (non-metallic).

  • EBC Green Grade “Resin” Brake Pads


    Green EBC Bicycle Brake Pads feature a high-quality organic resin compound that delivers reliable performance with virtually zero disc wear. They’re an excellent all-round choice for leisure riding, cross-country, and trekking—especially on non-hardened discs. If you’re unsure which pad to choose, a resin compound is the safest option to protect your rotors.

  • EBC Red Grade “Resin Plus” Bicycle Brake Pads


    EBC Red Grade Bicycle Brake Pads use a resin-based compound that’s gentle on rotors while offering higher friction and improved resistance to heat fade. With very low abrasion, they are safe for use on both hardened and non-hardened discs without causing damage. Ideal for faster and downhill riding, they deliver stronger braking performance—but should be monitored for wear; for maximum lifespan, consider a sintered option.

  • EBC Gold Grade Sintered Bicycle Brake Pads


    Sintered copper alloy brake pads are known to last significantly longer than organic options, making them a durable choice for demanding riding conditions. Best suited for hardened rotors, they perform exceptionally well in dirt, dust, wet, and contaminated environments thanks to their high mechanical strength. While they can generate more heat—especially during downhill riding—this is rarely an issue in normal use, where they deliver long-lasting, consistent performance.

Pad compound change and rotors

During the bed-in process of hydraulic disc brakes, a thin layer of brake pad material is transferred onto the rotor. This friction between the two surfaces enables powerful braking. When changing brake pad compounds, it is crucial to replace the rotors as well to achieve optimal performance with your hydraulic disc brakes. Below is a table indicating which combinations of brake pad compounds and rotors require replacement for the best results.