the stock pads suck. the compound seems way too hard, like they were designed with longevity as a much greater priority than performance. they're also noisy, and i would guess they'll chew up rims fast. i'd rather replace brake pads than rims.
i was just discussing this with a friend at a lbs and he thinks the best solution is the kool stop pads that replace the holders as well. the ones i have just slot into the original holders.