Best Mountain Bike V Brake Pads: Matching the Right Model to Your Routine

Best overall: the Shimano Deore and LX V brake pads, around $13 a pair, are a reliable original equipment style replacement for Shimano and most other V brakes.

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Best value: the AGPTEK Bike Brake Pads, around $14 for four pairs, are compatible with TRP, Tektro and Shimano brakes, enough to do several bikes or keep spares.

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Best for wet weather: the Kool Stop V Brake Pad Inserts in salmon compound, around $12, use a compound that riders choose for wet and muddy conditions.

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Here is how to match pads to your riding.

For Weekend and Casual Riders

Standard molded pads from a known brand or a value multipack are all most casual riders need. They are affordable, easy to fit and restore good stopping on dry trails and paths.

For Families With Several Bikes

Multipacks make sense when you maintain kids' bikes, hybrids and an older mountain bike. Most V brakes share the same 70 mm threaded pad, so one pack can cover the whole garage.

For Frequent or Serious Riders

Riders who ride often benefit from cartridge style pads, where you replace only the rubber insert, and from premium compounds that last longer and wear rims more slowly.

For Wet and Muddy Conditions

Wet weather riders should choose compounds designed for wet braking, such as salmon colored compounds, and clean rims regularly so grit does not grind them down.

These are the features that matter most.

Pad Length and Post Type

Most mountain bike V brakes use about 70 mm long pads with a threaded post. Road caliper and cantilever brakes use different shapes, so check before buying.

Compound

Standard black compounds suit dry conditions. Softer or salmon compounds grip better in wet weather. Dual and triple compound pads combine materials for all round performance.

Molded vs Cartridge

Molded pads are replaced as a whole unit. Cartridge pads keep the metal holder and slide in new inserts, which saves money and setup time.

Hardware

Good pads include concave and convex washers for alignment and toe in adjustment.

Rim Compatibility

Most pads suit aluminum rims. Carbon rims need special pads, but carbon rims with V brakes are rare on mountain bikes.

1. Loosen the pad nut and remove the old pad, noting the washer order.
2. Fit the new pad with washers in the same order, pointing the arrow forward.
3. Squeeze the brake so the pad sits flat on the rim braking surface, not touching the tire.
4. Set a slight toe in, with the front of the pad touching first, to reduce squeal.
5. Tighten the nut, then adjust cable tension so the lever pulls firmly before reaching the bar.

• Buying road caliper pads instead of V brake pads.
• Setting pads too high, which can cut into the tire sidewall.
• Ignoring rim wear from grit embedded in old pads.
• Skipping toe in, which leads to squeal.
• Waiting too long to replace worn pads.

• Clean rims with a damp cloth or alcohol after muddy rides.
• Pick out metal flecks and grit from pad surfaces.
• Check alignment every few weeks.
• Replace pads when the wear grooves disappear.

New pads are only part of the story. Replace stretched or rusty brake cables and cracked housing for a lighter lever feel, and lubricate the brake arm pivots with a drop of light oil. Make sure both arms move evenly by adjusting the small spring tension screws on each arm, so the pads contact the rim at the same time. Finally, sand off any glazing on pads with fine sandpaper and clean the rims with rubbing alcohol. A well adjusted V brake with fresh pads can stop surprisingly well.

New pads need a short break in period. Ride at moderate speed in a safe area and apply the brakes firmly several times, without locking the wheel, until braking feels strong and consistent. Avoid long, steep descents until the pads are bedded in.

Most pads have grooves molded into the surface; when they wear away, it is time to replace them. Other signs include a lever that pulls almost to the bar, loud squealing or grinding, a glazed shiny pad surface and reduced stopping power in the wet. Inspect your rims at the same time. Many rims have a wear indicator line or dot, and a concave braking surface means the rim itself needs replacing.

These are the questions riders ask most.

How often should I replace V brake pads?

When the wear grooves are gone, often once or twice a year for regular riders, and more often in muddy conditions.

Are all V brake pads the same size?

Most mountain bike V brakes use 70 mm threaded pads, but always check your existing pads before ordering.

Why do my V brakes squeal?

Common causes are no toe in, dirty rims, glazed pads or loose brake arms. Clean, realign and toe in the pads.

Are salmon compound pads better?

Many riders prefer salmon compounds for wet weather grip. In dry conditions, standard compounds work well.

Can I upgrade from V brakes to disc brakes?

Only if your frame and fork have disc mounts and your hubs accept rotors. Otherwise, quality V brake pads are the best upgrade.

The three things that matter most are the right pad type for V brakes, a compound for your conditions and correct alignment. Casual riders do well with standard Shimano style pads, families with multipacks and wet weather riders with salmon compound pads. Use this guide to choose the best mountain bike v brake pads, then check the product table above for current prices. Refresh your cables too with the best mountain bike brake cables.