Brake Pads for Zipp Wheels

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2012-08-07 8:54 AM

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Subject: Brake Pads for Zipp Wheels

I have some used Zipp wheels that I bought on BT some time ago and had not been riding them much.  I just decided not to "save" them any longer and just ride them.  Where I ride them is hilly and there are a lot of downhills that end in a sharp turn with sand and gravel on the road.  To be safe, I basically just clamp on the brakes and creep down the hill.  I've gone through a set of Zipp carbon/carbon pads in nothing flat. 

I am going to order some replacements today.  I am concerned about the heat buildup under my riding conditions so I am going with the Zipp brand pads. The Zipp carbon/carbon are no longer available.  There are basically two choices. I can get the new Zipp Tangente cork pads, which are supposed to last a bit  longer than carbon/carbon or the Zipp Platinum which are supposed to give better braking.    The cost of the pads is high ($75 for cork, $80 for Platinum.  Ouch.  The carbon/carbon were about $50). Does anybody have any experience with the cork or platinum brake pads?

Or, I can just go back to good old aluminum rims and good old cheap rubber pads that last for years.

TW



Edited by tech_geezer 2012-08-07 9:10 AM

2012-08-07 9:21 AM
in reply to: #4350711

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Subject: RE: Brake Pads for Zipp Wheels
What about SwissStop Yellow?
2012-08-07 9:27 AM
in reply to: #4350777

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Subject: RE: Brake Pads for Zipp Wheels

BrianRunsPhilly - 2012-08-07 10:21 AM What about SwissStop Yellow?

There have been a lot of articles in biking forums about the poor heat dissipation from SwissStop Yellow leading to rim failures.  Zipp recommends against them.  SwissStop and Zipp teamed up to develop the Zipp Platinums.

2012-08-07 9:56 AM
in reply to: #4350795

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Subject: RE: Brake Pads for Zipp Wheels
tech_geezer - 2012-08-07 10:27 AM

BrianRunsPhilly - 2012-08-07 10:21 AM What about SwissStop Yellow?

There have been a lot of articles in biking forums about the poor heat dissipation from SwissStop Yellow leading to rim failures.  Zipp recommends against them.  SwissStop and Zipp teamed up to develop the Zipp Platinums.

Good to know, I need new carbon brake pads too and was considering them. So are the Zipp pads really that good? They are definitely pricey! Any recommended alternatives?

2012-08-07 10:25 AM
in reply to: #4350886

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Subject: RE: Brake Pads for Zipp Wheels
BrianRunsPhilly - 2012-08-07 10:56 AM
tech_geezer - 2012-08-07 10:27 AM

BrianRunsPhilly - 2012-08-07 10:21 AM What about SwissStop Yellow?

There have been a lot of articles in biking forums about the poor heat dissipation from SwissStop Yellow leading to rim failures.  Zipp recommends against them.  SwissStop and Zipp teamed up to develop the Zipp Platinums.

 

Good to know, I need new carbon brake pads too and was considering them. So are the Zipp pads really that good? They are definitely pricey! Any recommended alternatives?

Brake pad materials and rim resins are evolving because of the rim failure problems.  The SwissStop are known for good stopping power (better than cork), but not sufficient heat dissipation under some limited conditions. The problem with rim failure really only exists for moderately heavy riders (~>190 lb) going down long steep descents (20%) and riding the brakes. I don't think my riding conditions are quite that severe but I want to be conservative in choosing the pads. I weigh 160 lbs and encounter typically -13-15% grade for 0.25 mile or so for my steep descents.  On some of these descents, I hold on the brakes the whole way down because of the road conditions at the  bottom of the hill.

There is also a rim wear issue so the brake material needs to be softer than the ceramic braking surface of the carbon. Zipp pads were studied for rim wear too.

For me, it is mostly a cost thing whether or not to keep riding the Zipp wheels.  In my own shallow, bike snob way, I just liked the way this particular bike looked with the Zipp wheels.  I'll get over it. I am leaning toward just going back to the aluminum rims for this particular bike.

2012-08-07 12:52 PM
in reply to: #4350711

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Subject: RE: Brake Pads for Zipp Wheels

I have used SwissStop Yellow from day 1 on my 2010 Zipp 808 tubular wheel set.  I am a 170lbs rider and raced a lot of hilly courses.  I can say the SwissStop Yellow pads are doing well on my Zipps.  Wet weather is a different story. 

2012-08-07 4:58 PM
in reply to: #4350711

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Subject: RE: Brake Pads for Zipp Wheels
I have ridden all 3 Zipp pads on Zipp carbon wheels.  My experience with the carbon pads was similar to yours...they wore out quick and I don't live in particularly hilly area.  They also dusted much more than say Shimano Dura Ace pads on an aluminum rim.  When I went to get new pads at the beginning of the year they were not available and I ended up getting a set of both the cork and the platinum to try (I was never really satisfied with the carbon pads).  I have ridden both.   Both seem to be holding up better than the carbons (which probably only lasted less than 1000 miles for me).  The Platinum's have the best stopping power.  However, I think the corks modulate better.  The corks are better than the carbons IMO.  I have ridden the corks in the wet they work better than the carbons did.  Have not ridden the platinums in the wet.  Both new pads are less tall than the carbons and will require some brake adjustments.  Bottom line I like both better than old carbons.
2012-08-08 9:26 AM
in reply to: #4351942

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Subject: RE: Brake Pads for Zipp Wheels

bet - 2012-08-07 5:58 PM I have ridden all 3 Zipp pads on Zipp carbon wheels.  My experience with the carbon pads was similar to yours...they wore out quick and I don't live in particularly hilly area.  They also dusted much more than say Shimano Dura Ace pads on an aluminum rim.  When I went to get new pads at the beginning of the year they were not available and I ended up getting a set of both the cork and the platinum to try (I was never really satisfied with the carbon pads).  I have ridden both.   Both seem to be holding up better than the carbons (which probably only lasted less than 1000 miles for me).  The Platinum's have the best stopping power.  However, I think the corks modulate better.  The corks are better than the carbons IMO.  I have ridden the corks in the wet they work better than the carbons did.  Have not ridden the platinums in the wet.  Both new pads are less tall than the carbons and will require some brake adjustments.  Bottom line I like both better than old carbons.

Thanks, Bet.  You did the comparison test!  I have Bontrager cork pads on another bike (my new Trek).  They have kind of a spongy feel.   I suspect they are similar to the feel of the Zipp cork pads.  I think I will try the Zipp Platinum pads based on your review.

TW 

 

2012-08-08 9:27 AM
in reply to: #4351395

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Subject: RE: Brake Pads for Zipp Wheels
tasr - 2012-08-07 1:52 PM

I have used SwissStop Yellow from day 1 on my 2010 Zipp 808 tubular wheel set.  I am a 170lbs rider and raced a lot of hilly courses.  I can say the SwissStop Yellow pads are doing well on my Zipps.  Wet weather is a different story. 

Thanks.  Does the bold refer to wear life?

TW

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