Muddy Brown's Blog: Fresh Goods Sunday - SwissStop EXOTherm2 (Disc 34) disc pads

23 May 2021

Fresh Goods Sunday - SwissStop EXOTherm2 (Disc 34) disc pads

I bought these replacement disc pads quite a while ago for my Cannondale Synpase Neo bike but the original Dura Ace finned pads have lasted a very long time and the bike does not do that many miles now so will not need replacing for a while.

The standard Shimano pads on the Specialized Creo was the none finned type in the Ultegra brakes. So I thought I might as well swap them over to these fancy SwissStop finned pads. Its the first time I have ever used SwissStop disc pads as the rrp is just eye watering compared to any other manufacturer of disc pads. Swapping the pads only took minutes as the original pads had only been used for just over a month or so, so were not showing any signs of wear and the pistons did not need pushing back to allow the new pads to be fitted. The fins are much bigger than the Shimano equivalent and seem lighter in my hand but I did not weigh them as a comparison. The bedding in procedure (see below) is very comprehensive and takes some time to go through the various stages. So far they have not squeaked, squealed etc in use and they have had some dry, wet and gritty rides. The stopping power is on par with Shimano and I cannot feel any braked fade under heavy braking on long descents. One thing I have noticed that after a few weeks of not using the bike the pads needs a few goes of braking to get them pad up to the high performance. It feels like they glaze over when not using them all the time. As for the performance I cannot feel much difference compared to the much cheaper Shimano ones but time will only tell if they last as long or even longer.

RRP £34.99 and I paid £28.00 inc p&p from Merlin Cycles

Manufacturers blurb -

Characteristics

Maximum pad life. Minimum brake fade.
EXOTherm2 combines an extremely durable, smooth modulating pad compound with a cooling fin equipped back plate which provides consistent, powerful braking in all conditions.

pad wear rate is much lower than competitors
smooth, consistent brake performance
lightweight at 22 grams per pair (Disc 28 EXOTherm2)

Attention: pads must be bedded in to achieve optimal performance

Step 1. On a gradual downhill slope, drag each brake for 20-30 seconds, alternating between front and rear. Repeat 2-3 times.
Step 2. On a steeper slope, engage and drag the brakes for 10-15 seconds then increase lever pressure until the bike slows almost to a complete stop. Repeat 2-3 times.
Pro Tip: The front pads will have been heated more than the rear. To achieve optimal performance, exchange the front and rear pads then repeat Step 2.
CAUTION before replacing or exchanging brake pads it is essential to let all parts cool.