Bicycle Mechanics - Kool Stop Salmon vs normal pads

has anybody used the kool stop salmon pads? is there any difference with the salmon pads vs the normal colored ones? sheldon says yes, but anybody eles? and why?

My understanding is that the salmon pads are better in the wet.

In my experience, the kool-stop (and formerly, Mathauser) salmon-colored pads are noticeably "grippier" than the typical hard black blacks that come on shimano knock-off pads. I've read that the magic ingredient in the salmon kool-stops is actually iron-oxide (i.e., rust) but don't know any "why" beyond that. Whatever reason, they do a better job applying friction to the rim. Better enough in fact that I've also encountered problems where putting kool-stops in place of old cheap pads leads to squealing problems where there weren't any before. Of course, the bike also stops better, but if it's yowling all the way down the hill it can be a tough call to make. (Truing the wheel and toe-in does help, but doesn't always solve the problem).

This is an interesting one.

From reviewing Koolstop's website, it almost looks as though whether or not the salmon is actually a different compound depends on which type of brakeset you're using. It seems as though in some versions, it's no more than a color difference, while in others, it's a wet/extreme conditions (salmon) vs. dry/normal conditions (all the others).

Look that way to anybody else?

http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/

AS far as I know, the salmon "color" of Koolstops is an update of the iron oxide Mathauser pads, and it is a different makeup than the other colors of koolstops. The vanity colors are their standard compound with colors. Any reference to 'salmon' by Koolstop is referring to their updated Mathauser-based formula. (thanks, Sheldon)

This is an interesting one.

From reviewing Koolstop's website, it almost looks as though whether or not the salmon is actually a different compound depends on which type of brakeset you're using. It seems as though in some versions, it's no more than a color difference, while in others, it's a wet/extreme conditions (salmon) vs. dry/normal conditions (all the others).

Look that way to anybody else?

http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/


that is what confused me. i belive sheldon, but i was just wondering if anybody eles has tried the normal black ones vs the salmon ones. everybody carrys the "black" ones. and they are the same price as the salmon ones.................... confusing.

I have black, gray and salmon Kool Stops on three different bikes and I can't tell any difference at all. I have the salmon ones on the one bike that I would ever consider taking out in the rain, but I never have. From what I've read, I would expect the salmon pads to perform better when wet. Supposedly, the salmon color comes from iron oxide.

i believe the mathauser compound was developed prior to alloy rims(?) but don't quote me on that...and they may have been had a more noticable difference on steel rims. I have some salmon coolstops (oldsidepull brakes) on a steel rimmed schwinn, and there is a definite difference between standard and salmon pads on steel rims, at least I've noticed a big difference...

I use the DUAL COMPUND pads...they have been working great in all types of weather!

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/koolstop/eagle2-dual-smooth.jpg

I switched from the gray Kool Stops to the salmon ones in the mid 1980's. There was a marked improvement in stopping effectiveness in the rain on both steel and alloy rims. I have used nothing but the salmon Kool Stops since then.

D

I've used the salmon pads on many rainy rides. They work great in the wet. However, they seem to wear faster than regular black pads.

I've used the salmon pads on many rainy rides. They work great in the wet. However, they seem to wear faster than regular black pads.

If the salmons are a softer compound, then the equation more grip = quicker wear, that would make sense, but I wonder if they would wear faster under equal conditions, or whether it's more the fact that riding in the rain brings a lot of grit and grime to the equation, wearing both pads and rims faster.

Have not tried the salmon pads but I'm convinced that the KoolStop black pads are better in all respects than any of the Shimano pads.

Al

If the salmons are a softer compound, then the equation more grip = quicker wear, that would make sense, but I wonder if they would wear faster under equal conditions, or whether it's more the fact that riding in the rain brings a lot of grit and grime to the equation, wearing both pads and rims faster.

I've used both salmon and black pads in identical conditions. The salmon ones wore out in about 4 months of heavy use, the black ones in 7 or so. Salmon ones would lock me up even in the soaking wet, though, and brake pads are worth replacing.

I'm using the Kool Stop MTB pads:

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/koolstop/mtb.jpg

... in my Shimano cantis. I like the dual compound, and the shape of these pads seems to put a bit more material on the rim sidewall.

they if they are different, kool stop needs to change their marketting tactics. most users would just think its a color thing.

still havent made up my mind over black or salmon. haha, salmon is just hard to find. the black pads are everywhere.

they if they are different, kool stop needs to change their marketting tactics. most users would just think its a color thing.

still havent made up my mind over black or salmon. haha, salmon is just hard to find. the black pads are everywhere.
The salmon pads are available in most shops around here but then it rains a lot (like right now).

Here's an online source. SALMON (http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=554441555428&d=single&c=Repair%20Parts&sc=Brake&tc=Pads-Road&item_id=KS-DURASA)

Dogbait

The Salmon kool stops are about all you see around these parts. I have my last pair of the finned Matthauser pads on my Specialized Expedition touring bike. It will be a sad day when I have to replace them with the kool stops. Somebody should make some (of the matthausers) up just for us old timers. Don

If you guys like nice pads, mtb'ers seem to all use disc now :rolleyes: Jagwire.

Some nice lookin' cartridge pad holders for road too. http://www.jagwire.com.tw/

Have not tried the salmon pads but I'm convinced that the KoolStop black pads are better in all respects than any of the Shimano pads.

AlHeh, heh.. I've melted a set of Shimano pads on a fast downhill. Was wondering what that grinding noise was as I got to the bottom, it was the bolt under the pad! Anyway, going to a set of salmon KoolStops did away with the melting pads on downhills and stopping in the rain improved too (mostly in initial bite and modulation since I could always lock up the tyres in the rain, even with the Shimano pads). :)

Rust and salmon are 2 different colors, maybe 2 different compounds.

Makes you go hmmmm.....

The Salmon kool stops are about all you see around these parts. I have my last pair of the finned Matthauser pads on my Specialized Expedition touring bike. It will be a sad day when I have to replace them with the kool stops. Somebody should make some (of the matthausers) up just for us old timers. Don

rivendell still sells them, and any LBS can get them through united bicycle parts in oregon. FWIW koolstop makes the rubber compound for them (http://www.bikepro.com/products/brakes/brakepads/scott_math_pad.html ), although i think the matthauser hardware does look better.