Organic (Resin) vs Metallic vs Ceramic Bicycle Brake Pads: Which Brake Pads are Right for You?
When you think about upgrading your bike’s performance, you might picture lighter wheels and components, Di2/eTap shifting, or making everything more aero. But one of the most important and overlooked components is your brake pads.
The type of brake pad you choose can affect stopping power, noise, durability, and even rotor wear. The three most common categories you’ll hear about are organic (resin), ceramic, and metallic brake pads.
While there is no right or wrong brake pad type, the best one for you depends on your individual riding circumstances! So which is best for you? Let’s break them down.
Organic (Resin) Brake Pads
Organic brake pads are typically made of soft organic fibers such as rubber and carbon compounds, which are bound together with resin.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very quiet during braking
- Good modulation
- Minimal wear on rotors
- Less brake dust
- Easy to bed-in
Cons
- Doesn't last as long
- Susceptible to brake fade during long periods of hard braking due to a lower operating temperature range.
- Performs poorly and wears out quickly in wet/grimy/dirty situations
Suitable for
Cyclists who like the quiet, predictable and modulated braking, who do not often encounter adverse weather conditions or live in very hilly areas.
Examples of Organic (Resin) Bicycle Brake Pads
Shimano
L05A
B05S
J03A
Metallic (Sintered) Brake Pads
Metallic or 'sintered' brake pads consist of hardened metallic particles fused under high heat and pressure. Typical metals used are nickel and copper.
Sintering is the process of fusing the metals under high heat and pressure to make a hard and durable brake pad.
Pros
- Able to operate in high temperatures - less susceptible to brake fade, suitable for long/fast descents
- Works well in adverse weather conditions - more consistent braking quality
- Extremely durable
- Excellent braking power
Cons
- Noisier when braking
- Rotors wear out quicker
- Harder to bed in
- More brake dust during braking
- Slightly harder to modulate compared to organic pads.
Suitable for
MTB, all-weather commuters, road cyclists, eBikes and cargo bikes, and especially those that frequently cycle through mountainous terrain.
Examples of Metallic Bicycle Brake Pads
Shimano
M060-MX
K04S
Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads typically consist of ceramic fibers and fine copper fibers embedded within them. The types of ceramic fibers include alumina-based ceramic fibers, silica-based ceramic fibers, zirconia-based ceramic fibers, and composite ceramic fibers.
Pros
- Quiet when braking
- Strong braking
- High resistance to brake fade
- Less brake dust
- Stable performance over a wide range of conditions
- High durability
Cons
- Higher cost
Suitable for
Riders seeking a reliable brake pad option for all conditions.
Examples of Ceramic Bicycle Brake Pads
Shimano doesn't make ceramic brake pads. However, there are third parties that make them.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Organic Pads | Ceramic Pads | Metallic Pads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise Level | Very quiet | Quiet to moderate | Loudest (can squeal) |
| Braking Feel | Smooth, progressive | Consistent, slightly firm | Strong, can feel “grabby” |
| Durability | Short lifespan | Long lifespan | Longest lifespan |
| Heat Resistance | Low (can fade on descents) | High | Very high |
| Wet/Mud Performance | Poor to fair | Good | Excellent |
| Rotor Wear | Gentle on rotors | Moderate | Higher rotor wear |
| Cost | Usually cheapest | More expensive | Moderate |
| Best For | Road/commuting in dry conditions | All-round, endurance, mixed riding | MTB, downhill, harsh conditions |
Final Thoughts
Brake pads make a huge difference in how your bike rides and feels. Choosing the right material for your circumstances will bring about the best enjoyment for you. Since brake pads aren't the most expensive parts on your bike, you could try one type after the next!
❗If you do choose to use a different material pad on the existing rotor, please remember to lightly sand the rotor and wipe with isopropyl alcohol before bedding in the new pads. This is to remove prior brake pad material, which will interfere with the new bedding-in process. Read more about how brake pads work
👉 Ready to upgrade your ride? Check out our Bicycle Brake Pads, engineered for riders who demand performance in every condition.