User submitted reviews
Review by NC biker
The Salmon brake pads work great on mountain rides... even in dry weather. Even though they wear faster than the black pads, the extra stopping power is welcome on technical descents.
Review by Cycle_rod
These new pads easily slip into Shimano Dura-Ace brakes. Quick and simple fix to worn-out pads.
Review by Steven S
I go through about one set of pads per season on each of my bikes. While the salmon pads do wear a little faster than black or dual compound, these provide the best braking, even on dry rims.
Wet weather braking power is fantastic, even with cantilevers. I have slowly moved all of my bikes to cartridge holders, which is much more economical in the long run. I keep a couple of extra sets n my toolbox so I can swap out a bike at any time.
Review by Tahoe One
I ride 500-600 miles per month...and change brake pads twice a year regardless of wear... I think pads dry out or become glazed...and I like the modulation or feel of new pads. The Kool Stops feels softer than Shimano replacement pads...which I like...and you cannot beat the price
Review by Avid Cyclist
If you ride in wet weather, you need this salmon softer pad. It does make a significant difference compared to the standard stock-black (harder) pads that come on the bicycle. I run these pads year-round, and replace them more frequently because of the soft composition. But, I like the grab around the rim that the soft pads provide.
Review by Anonymous
The design of Kool Stop brake inserts make it a snap to replace worn out pads. They provide good stopping power. The only negative is they seem to wear out a little fast (the orange ones more than the black pads of course - but overall they wear a little quickly).
Review by Anonymous
I have been using Kool Stop Salmons for years. They are easy in the rims, work when wet or dry and last a long time.
Review by Anonymous
salmon color, nice, but don't seem to work as well as hoped on non-machined rims in the rain. I will wait to see if the new rims need more break in time. About double the force on the levers is needed on my commuting bike when it's raining. I am also wondering if their compound has changed from years ago.
Review by AMP
Salmon pads work extremely well in various conditions, so i installed a set prior to 'Cross season. The install takes just a few minutes and the pads will last through the end of the year.
Review by Wester Flyer
If you live anywhere as rainy as Portland OR, don't leave home without Kool stop dual color pads. The work wet or dry.
Review by Nate Todd
Works good
Review by Anonymous
Great Brakes!!!! Way better stopping power than the ones I had.
Review by Mtbjkv
I found the compounds used in these pads exceeded oem parts. Quiet and sure, plus they seem easier on rim surface.
Review by Anonymous
Bought the dry (black) pads. Easy to install. Quiet, great modulation and stopping power. Very happy!
Review by Anonymous
Exactly as described. Easy to install. Firm stopping power.
Review by rob214
works okay but not as great as I had hoped for, just a bit better than stock
Review by dvm2003
This is the first time I have used Kool Stop on my road bike and have been impressed. They work well in wet conditions and have no rim chatter. I would definitely buy again.
Review by sygibson
Great all-around brake pads for mixed conditions riding. Can't speak to longevity on them yet.
Braking feel is nice, smooth, and progressive, no grabby feeling, confident stopping power.
Review by IMFlying
... but I have to say, these are excellent brake pads. I was talking to a bike mechanic and he recommended them. Then I did some research online and saw that reviews were uniformly positive. My first bike ride with the pads was on a rainy day on Mt. St. Helens in Washington state. I could not believe how well the (salmon) pads worked on the steep wet roads. The pads seem to wear a bit faster than some other pads I've used but for the extra stopping power and increased safety and performance I think any slight cost differences are nothing. Now I'd feel negligent buying any other pads.
Review by keneke9
These are great replacements for DuraAce pads on my touring bike. Grip is positive and no fading even with a moderate load on a downhill. They don't wear down as fast as the Shimano pads. Also using the wet & dry pads during the rainy season. Stopping power while touringcommuting are not as demanding compared to training on my road bike so these work perfectly!