Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - brake pads upgrade

i got the tektro r310 (http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1085) brakes and am wondering what pads i should upgrade to for better braking performance? stupid question but will sram/shimano-compatible brake pads/shoes fit onto these tektro calipers? i know a lot of you guys bought these same brakes, let me know if you've upgraded the pads on these. thanks.

KoolStop Salmon pads are pretty much the best. Some people have had them "squeel" when they brake (I haven't had this experience), but they also have a dual-compound model that according to Sheldon should help with that.

KoolStop Salmon pads are pretty much the best. Some people have had them "squeel" when they brake (I haven't had this experience), but they also have a dual-compound model that according to Sheldon should help with that.

+1 on the Kool-Stops. Trektro stock pads aren't very good.

Koolstops are the first changes I make to any new bike. Well, seat height, then kool stops.

Actually if you want to improve your braking by a great deal then I recommend a two step process. First you should buy some replacement pads that come with a cartridge type pad (handily enough Kool Stop makes one of these, and it even comes with replacement pads kind of looks like these (http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/index.php#Anchor-Z-Chromium-32006)). Second replace the pads with Dura Ace cartridge pads. There you go, now your braking is super long lasting and quite effective even in the wet.

Kool-stop pads, the Salmon/Black compound for dry/wet mix and you will stop on a dime! I ran this setup on my road bike and you can lock up the wheels if you're not careful and no squeal at all just perfect grip every time.

getting salmon refills for my dura ace holders would be cheaper, but would the mountain salmon complete pad provide better performance? if the mountain salmon complete pad is better, would a dura ace holder brake be compatible with the mountain salmon complete pad?

I would stick with the road holders/pads over using the Mt bike completes.

wait....

did this really happen in ssfg? someone had a brakes question?! NOT related to 'how to ride no-brakes'

perhaps humans really are evolving....

getting salmon refills for my dura ace holders would be cheaper, but would the mountain salmon complete pad provide better performance? if the mountain salmon complete pad is better, would a dura ace holder brake be compatible with the mountain salmon complete pad?

The mountain pad won't fit in the Dura Ace holder. They are completely different shapes, although the material is the same. I can't imagine that a mountain pad would offer any noticeable difference to a Dura Ace pad. In fact the Dura Ace pads are a bit thicker, so they might even last longer.

Yeah you should upgrade your brake clipers & pads.. So you can find great condition brake clipers included Pads on ebay which steal a deal & save your $$$$..

G'LUCK! ;)

If your brake(s)/bike didn't come with DA holder(s), what is the best (least expensive) option for Kool Stop pads.

I have brake pads that look like this
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3223048529_bd1a79c0e4_o.jpg

Buy salmon koolstops... with the holders.

you can buy a complete koolstop shoe with eccentrics, holders, and salmon pads. if for some reason you can't locate this in your area, buying a complete shimano brake (105 or better) will have the nicer hardware... and likely be lighter than the tektro.

i know the mountain pad wont fit in the dura ace holder. i asked if the mountain complete pad is compatible with a dura ace holder brake, not the holder itself.

it seems like the consensus here is that the refills are better than the completes, but sheldon says the mountain pad is the best pad as long as your brakes are compatible. he said of the refills that the mountain pad may be better.

i know the mountain pad wont fit in the dura ace holder. i asked if the mountain complete pad is compatible with a dura ace holder brake, not the holder itself.

it seems like the consensus here is that the refills are better than the completes, but sheldon says the mountain pad is the best pad as long as your brakes are compatible. he said of the refills that the mountain pad may be better.

Pfft.

He's wrong. Just get teh dura holder with salmons.