Cycling: Shimano Metal Brake Pads, Are They Better than Their 3rd Gen Resin?

Musiclover on 13/11/2023 - 23:33
Last edited 13/11/2023 - 23:33

I have read a lot on the internet but still a bit hard to decide: are Shimano metal pads better than resin for all weather riding?

I use 4 piston calipers and have a choice of N03A (resin) and n04c (metal) brake pads. I found N04C very cheap so the price difference is not relevant. I never used metal before and I am concerned about noise, rotor wear and the fact that it may not reach full power until the pads are warm. I do ride rain or shine but I do not ride in the mountains with extreme descents.

I noticed it is a polarising topic and one of those silly little holywars like tubeless vs tubed, rims vs discs etc. I would be happy if it is not much of a difference or if metal is at least not worse than resin.

I can just try of course but don't want to mess up the rotors especially if it is worse.

Sports & Outdoors Bicycle Accessory Shimano

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 13/11/2023 - 23:37
    -2

    Yes

  • AngoraFish on 14/11/2023 - 00:20
    +2

    Metal brake pads are the best all-round option. They will last longer and perform better in the wet.

    Resin is mainly for enthusiasts, in that it might give you a little bit more control, be a bit less noisy, and reduce some of the wear on the rotors, but you'll be fiddling with your bike more often as resin break pads will need to be replaced more frequently.

    Regardless, at the end of the day rotors are almost as disposable as brake pads. Even if metal wears out your rotors a bit more quickly the cost of replacing both over a few life cycles shouldn't be more than a $30-40 difference.

  • Pelicannn on 14/11/2023 - 00:37

    If you’re not riding more than your average green/blue run your requirement for metal pads is very low. Unless that is, you’re on an eMTB and maybe you’re also pushing over a dollar in weight with very long descents and constantly on the brakes.

    I ride blue/blacks on an eMTB, 100kg with gear and have no issues pulling up on Code RS 4 pots with Galfer resin pads. I’d argue my XT’s on the old MTB are far superior to these Codes on my new bike and as such I’d say you’d be fine with resin.

    FWIW, I personally feel much more confident on a lower performance pad than a high performance metal pad that squeaks and shudders under use. Personal preference of course, but I feel like I ride faster with resins. Maybe that’s because they don’t brake me as well haha but a well oiled bike can do wonders for confidence.

  • Euphemistic on 14/11/2023 - 05:12

    You’ve answered your own question. The price difference is not a concern. Metal os potentially a concern. Stick with what you’re comfortable with.

  • Drakesy on 14/11/2023 - 11:29

    Resin if you're not a fat boi
    Metal if you're a KFC enthusiast.

    Easy.
    Not that metal pads in Australia are going to be pushed overly hard given we don't have 1 hour long downhill runs.

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