User submitted reviews
Review by Andrew S.Work great as replacment pads. by Andrew S. (WesternBikeworks.com Staff)Cycling EnthusiastPortland OR.9 of 23 customers found this review helpful.Always use these, they work great!
Reviewed 9/14/2009Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Andrew S. was helpful/No, review by Andrew S. was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Always use these, they work great!
Review by Chicago JBest Brake Pads for the Money!!by Chicago JCycling EnthusiastChicago, IL11 of 12 customers found this review helpful.I have been riding over 30 years, and have a taste for top dollar product only if they functionon. In my experience through out the years, the Kool Stop Dura Salmon Pads are the best pads for the money hands down. I often hear or read the most common question of which is better SwissStop or Kool Stops. Well that is a little bit of a complex answer. Both are the best pads in the business, yet there are differences. Kool Stop grabs almost instantly with great power in the dry with no fade under heavy application, and in the rain they stop very well except they have a couple second delay before grabbing and then again very quick strong power delivery. This can startle or even cause lock ups and skidding for some not expecting it. The Swissstops have far better modulation, which means no instant grabbing, rather very smooth initiation and then grab progressively stronger with more lever application. The other nicety is that in rain the Swissstops have no delay rather instant application even when wet, lending to a more predictable braking. For overall stopping power black pads from KS are close in my opinion to SS, but still not their equal, rather the Kool Stop Salmon(wet) vs. SwissStop GXP(Blue-wet) is a clearer winner as the SwissStops have better over braking power and much better modulation. The other key notes in both brakes is that neither cause any wear to aluminum rims, and also last about the same under similar use. The final thing to note is their cost vs performance, here is where the divide comes in as KS are far cheaper and more readily available than SS. So in final I run SS on my road race bike, and KS on my cyclocross rig, as they both certainly have their place.
Reviewed 7/21/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Chicago J was helpful/No, review by Chicago J was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I have been riding over 30 years, and have a taste for top dollar product only if they functionon. In my experience through out the years, the Kool Stop Dura Salmon Pads are the best pads for the money hands down. I often hear or read the most common question of which is better SwissStop or Kool Stops. Well that is a little bit of a complex answer. Both are the best pads in the business, yet there are differences. Kool Stop grabs almost instantly with great power in the dry with no fade under heavy application, and in the rain they stop very well except they have a couple second delay before grabbing and then again very quick strong power delivery. This can startle or even cause lock ups and skidding for some not expecting it. The Swissstops have far better modulation, which means no instant grabbing, rather very smooth initiation and then grab progressively stronger with more lever application. The other nicety is that in rain the Swissstops have no delay rather instant application even when wet, lending to a more predictable braking. For overall stopping power black pads from KS are close in my opinion to SS, but still not their equal, rather the Kool Stop Salmon(wet) vs. SwissStop GXP(Blue-wet) is a clearer winner as the SwissStops have better over braking power and much better modulation. The other key notes in both brakes is that neither cause any wear to aluminum rims, and also last about the same under similar use. The final thing to note is their cost vs performance, here is where the divide comes in as KS are far cheaper and more readily available than SS. So in final I run SS on my road race bike, and KS on my cyclocross rig, as they both certainly have their place.
Review by MariaSThese brake pads work.by MariaSCycling EnthusiastRaleigh NCI have been using the Kool Stop Salmon brake pads on my bicycles for almost 20 years now. I haven't tried any other brand/type because these pads work so well in wet and dry conditions and they last a long time. I keep the pads clean using some rubbing alcohol and a scrubby if necessary.
Reviewed 7/18/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by MariaS was helpful/No, review by MariaS was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I have been using the Kool Stop Salmon brake pads on my bicycles for almost 20 years now. I haven't tried any other brand/type because these pads work so well in wet and dry conditions and they last a long time. I keep the pads clean using some rubbing alcohol and a scrubby if necessary.
Review by DonWABetter than Shimanoby DonWACycling EnthusiastPalatine, ILThe bike came with Shimano pads but i found them to be noisy and rough on my expensive rims. I swapped the original pads for these. Great choice. Braking is every bit as good as the originals and the noise is gone. I find the Kool Stops treat my rims much gentler. A great plus as I hate to prematurely wear out the rims because the brake pad material was too hard.
Reviewed 6/25/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by DonWA was helpful/No, review by DonWA was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
The bike came with Shimano pads but i found them to be noisy and rough on my expensive rims. I swapped the original pads for these. Great choice. Braking is every bit as good as the originals and the noise is gone. I find the Kool Stops treat my rims much gentler. A great plus as I hate to prematurely wear out the rims because the brake pad material was too hard.
Review by dg363Great pads and affordable too!by dg363Competitive RacerTucson, AZReally happy with these pads. I like them better than my original Dura-Ace pads. Excellent stopping power and I'm a larger rider, close to 200 lbs. So far, they've lasted well. Excellent value too.
Reviewed 6/30/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by dg363 was helpful/No, review by dg363 was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Really happy with these pads. I like them better than my original Dura-Ace pads. Excellent stopping power and I'm a larger rider, close to 200 lbs. So far, they've lasted well. Excellent value too.
Review by AnonymousBetter than the stock padsby Anonymousupstate SC I replaced the Dura Ace pads (3000 mi) with these pads I have now layed down a couple hundred miles on these pads. Better than the stock pad.
Reviewed 2/20/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I replaced the Dura Ace pads (3000 mi) with these pads I have now layed down a couple hundred miles on these pads. Better than the stock pad.
Review by AnonymousPremium padsby AnonymousCycling EnthusiastPortlandNot much to say. DuraAce pads. Work fine. Hopefully last a long time.
Reviewed 8/1/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Not much to say. DuraAce pads. Work fine. Hopefully last a long time.
Review by AnonymousWorks great easy fitby AnonymousPdx2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Easy to replace, moderate wear
Reviewed 5/28/2015Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Easy to replace, moderate wear
Review by SJ_SpinAddictSmoother Better Modulation Than Stock Ultegraby SJ_SpinAddictCycling EnthusiastSan Jose, CA2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I got the combo (wet dry) model to replace the original Ultegra pads. Initially the pads felt a bit mushier than the old pads but they either broke in or I got used to the sensation so it's a not an issue now. The softer feel may have been caused the by the salmon colored wet braking material. The biggest difference is that I get better modulation which is a big plus. At the moment I can't say anything about the longevity (only for less than 500 miles so far) nor very wet weather braking capability. I've not ridden these in rain but they seem to work fine in misty conditions.
Yes, I'd get these again assuming they last relatively long considering the softer material. The stock pads lasted around 7,000 miles.
Reviewed 1/15/2015Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by SJ_SpinAddict was helpful/No, review by SJ_SpinAddict was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I got the combo (wet dry) model to replace the original Ultegra pads. Initially the pads felt a bit mushier than the old pads but they either broke in or I got used to the sensation so it's a not an issue now. The softer feel may have been caused the by the salmon colored wet braking material. The biggest difference is that I get better modulation which is a big plus. At the moment I can't say anything about the longevity (only for less than 500 miles so far) nor very wet weather braking capability. I've not ridden these in rain but they seem to work fine in misty conditions.
Yes, I'd get these again assuming they last relatively long considering the softer material. The stock pads lasted around 7,000 miles.
Review by krryfxImmediately impresses with the firm grippy feel.by krryfxCycling EnthusiastMichigan1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I have put a lot of miles on my bike and it was time to replace the brake pads. After discussions, research and study, I chose these. I have put about 500 miles on them so far and they are better than anything I have ever used. Firm and soft (if that makes sense) Wet or dry, they do a great job. Will make these a regular for future use.
Reviewed 6/20/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by krryfx was helpful/No, review by krryfx was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I have put a lot of miles on my bike and it was time to replace the brake pads. After discussions, research and study, I chose these. I have put about 500 miles on them so far and they are better than anything I have ever used. Firm and soft (if that makes sense) Wet or dry, they do a great job. Will make these a regular for future use.
Review by OaktownCyclistMuch better than Shimano equivalent by OaktownCyclistCycling EnthusiastOakland, CA2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Can't beat 'em for entry/enthusiast level for those of us who don't want to spend $45 a pop for a pair of pads.
Reviewed 4/10/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by OaktownCyclist was helpful/No, review by OaktownCyclist was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Can't beat 'em for entry/enthusiast level for those of us who don't want to spend $45 a pop for a pair of pads.
Review by AnonymousGreat for wet weather!by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastVancouver, WA1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.A good wet weather brake is essential for my area. I use the salmon inserts and the grip is so good that I can lock up my wheel during the pouring rain, if I'm not careful. Easy to install.
Reviewed 1/21/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
A good wet weather brake is essential for my area. I use the salmon inserts and the grip is so good that I can lock up my wheel during the pouring rain, if I'm not careful. Easy to install.
Review by calvesofsteelSolid Responseby calvesofsteelCompetitive RacerBay Area1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I have been using Kool Stop brake pads for years now for all of my aluminum rim wheel. I also like that they are made there in the Portland area. The stopping power is positive and consistent. Wet or dry I have found the pads to work great. Testimonial, I continue to purchase these pads for the last 9 years.
Reviewed 10/18/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by calvesofsteel was helpful/No, review by calvesofsteel was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I have been using Kool Stop brake pads for years now for all of my aluminum rim wheel. I also like that they are made there in the Portland area. The stopping power is positive and consistent. Wet or dry I have found the pads to work great. Testimonial, I continue to purchase these pads for the last 9 years.
Review by Victor HBest wet weather padsby Victor HCycling EnthusiastEagle Creek,ORBest wet weather pad, so much better then Shimano. rode across the US this year and had to replace them around 3000 miles so they have good life to.
Reviewed 9/22/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Victor H was helpful/No, review by Victor H was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Best wet weather pad, so much better then Shimano. rode across the US this year and had to replace them around 3000 miles so they have good life to.
Review by MerlinGreat pads!by MerlinCycling EnthusiastPortland, ORThese have been my go to brake pads for years as early (2002 vintage) Shimano pads would actually take metal off of rims when riding in wetgrimy conditions.
Of course here in Portland, OR, I have to replace brake pads more often than my previous location, but find these work well in the rain.
I typically keep a set or two in my inventory so I'll have them when I need them.
Reviewed 6/7/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Merlin was helpful/No, review by Merlin was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
These have been my go to brake pads for years as early (2002 vintage) Shimano pads would actually take metal off of rims when riding in wetgrimy conditions.
Of course here in Portland, OR, I have to replace brake pads more often than my previous location, but find these work well in the rain.
I typically keep a set or two in my inventory so I'll have them when I need them.
Review by MerlinA solid performer.by MerlinCycling EnthusiastPortland, ORIve used these replacement pads on my dry weather bike for years. Stopping power is great and they wear very well. And they fit perfectly in the pad holders.
Reviewed 2/22/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Merlin was helpful/No, review by Merlin was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Ive used these replacement pads on my dry weather bike for years. Stopping power is great and they wear very well. And they fit perfectly in the pad holders.
Review by AnonymousGreat brake padsby AnonymousseattleThey work even in wet conditions. Love them more than Shimano pads.
Reviewed 1/15/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
They work even in wet conditions. Love them more than Shimano pads.
Review by MerlinWorks well!by MerlinCycling EnthusiastPortland, ORThese are excellent pads for dry weather. I've used them for years (not the exact same pads, of course) to replace stock Shimano pads when they wear out.
Reviewed 2/4/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Merlin was helpful/No, review by Merlin was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
These are excellent pads for dry weather. I've used them for years (not the exact same pads, of course) to replace stock Shimano pads when they wear out.
Review by AnonymousGreat productby AnonymousCycling EnthusiastPortland, ORGreat product. Works well. Easy to install.
Reviewed 4/5/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Great product. Works well. Easy to install.
Review by rgwisA good upgrade for your brakesby rgwisCycling EnthusiastVancouver, WA1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Replaced the brake inserts that came with my road bike. These inserts haven't glazed over and provide a consistent smooth touch when braking.
Reviewed 9/6/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by rgwis was helpful/No, review by rgwis was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Replaced the brake inserts that came with my road bike. These inserts haven't glazed over and provide a consistent smooth touch when braking.