Kool Styop Dual Compound

[lewis noble]

Hello guys

I recently replaced the Shimano brake pads  (in XT brakes) for Kool Stop Dual Compound - first impressions is that the Kool Stops are quite a bit better.

But I was surprised at the small clip thingy that you put into the assembly to stop the pad working out - it was quite a bit larger than the original, and even when pushed in as far as it will go, it looks a bit near the tyre for my liking. 

I have set up the brakes again from scratch, so I think there is enough clearance to allow for pad wear etc., but I wonder if others have been concerned about this?

I guess the clips are essential, of course, though I am not planning to ride long distances backwards in the near future . . . .

[Aushiker]

I used the same pads but don't recall any issues with the pins so cannot help you I am afraid. Good pads but

Andrew

[Danneaux]

Hi Lewis!

The Kool-Stop pad retention pins are a smidge larger than the Shimanos, but should clear the tire sidewalls nicely when everything is in place. The clearance can look much less when viewed head-on than it does looking down the length of the pad.

It is also possible to re-use the Shimano retention pins. Don't forget to put the loop at the bottom so the L-bend retains the pin at the top.

The clips come into play when one stops while climbing a hill, applying the brakes to keep the bike in place. It doesn't take much of that for the pads to work rearward a bit at a time. This wouldn't be so much of an issue except they are socketed forward again on ordinary braking and these cycles eventually make them fit more loosely in the holders, leading to chatter and noise. I once had some MAFAC 5-spot tandem pads shoot rearward out of their holders while on an uphill stop; it can happen, and is a nuisance to deal with. Old Dia-Compe open holders used to sometimes include little L-shaped brackets to keep the pads in place.

A related thread is here: http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-821281.html

Best,

Dan

[lewis noble]

Thanks for replies - and Dan, yes, I can see the possibility of the pads gradually becoming looser if they are left unlocked.

Taking another look at the bike, I reckon the shoes / pads were originally centred a bit 'high', and I have now set everything up very carefully, a little nearer the centre of the rim, toe in checked etc.  A fiddly job but worth it - the brakes are even better than ever now!!

This is on my Ripio, which I enjoy greatly - and yes, I will be writing about it . . . . .

Lewis

[il padrone]

Maybe you have the fastening clip in the wrong way? They are asymetrical - try rotating it to give better clearance. It's always going to be a close thing (especially if you have fat tyres on narroweer rims) but I've alway been able to keep them clear of the tyre. A few mms (with brake application) is all you need. Also watch how it goes as the brakes wear. But 2mm is as good as 20mm in this situation. I've never had any tyre rub or damage from the replaceable V-brake pad clips, and I have these on several bikes.