Originally Posted by
gerv
But maybe I'll just get 4 pairs from biketoolsetc. I'd hate to have 42 brake pads left over after I discover I don't like them
Yes - I'm afraid that would be the outcome. I remember those pads pictured - the cheapies - They were everywhere in the 1970's and 1980's. Squealing, howling, out-of-alignment, and generally no fun. Those in the know bought Mathauser brake-pads made by Scott Mathauser. These later became the Kool Stop pads we know today. The component that gives them their legendary stopping-power, and their 'salmon' color, is finely powdered ferric oxide - rust. Actual rust you'd find on old iron pipes. They work very well at stopping you. Over the handlebars if not careful.