Pacific Northwest - brake life

quick question. What is the average life for front and back brackes? I have about 900 miles on mine and the back one's need to be replaced. I do ride a lot of hills in Seattle and i have a tendancy to go slower rather then quicker down them. Is this about average for brakes. Thanks.

There is no average lifespan for brake pads. Especially in Seattle, where you've got hills and wet conditions picking up road grit, sand, cinders, etc. Then there's the question of how hard you brake, what brand of pads (compounds differ in lifespan) and how much you and your rig weigh... The list goes on.

I'd be lying if I said I got 900 miles consistently out of a pair. If it's been wet and gritty, I might go through a pair in 500 miles. During the summer, I might get 1500 on a pair.

Depends entirely on what brake pads you have! (and somewhat on how wet and gritty your conditions are) My first set of cheap stock rear pads wore out in a year, but the replacement koolstop pads have been on the back for the last 3 years now and they still have a year or two of life in 'em. My front koolstop triple compound pads will probably last until the rubbers start to decay, since I don't use those much.

Thanks guy's, Just wanted to get a rough indea. Clifton as you know it has been very wet and i have been on the bike for a good portion of that. I appreciate the quick response. Looks like i may be running out to get new pads. I will look into investing a little more money into them. These are the pads that came with the bike (Fuji). Thanks again. Brad

In the winter I generally go through about 1 - 2 sets of brake pads a month, maybe 150 - 400 miles or so. I always carry a set in my mess bag just in case a set wearing down catches me by surprise.

I did just switch to Kool Stop Salmons, and they seem to be holding up a little better. Grit, wet and hills eats brake pads. Just remember to clean your rims and brake pads regularly; it'll help the pads to last a little longer but mainly it'll save you from going through your rims.

Thanks vaticdart. I just didn't know that the pads would wear down that quickly. Good idea to keep an extra set. Thanks.

You don't state what type of brakes you have, but V-brakes have thinnner pads than cantilever or caliper brakes so won't last as long. Our tandem with cantilever brakes has close to 3,500 miles on it and the pads are still good. We don't, however, ride it much in gungy weather and when we do I clean the rims and pads after the ride.

My nice road bike has about 3500-4000 miles on them and I expect them to last another 2000 or more. It's been in the rain more than a few times, but I'm good about keeping things clean.

If you're wearing out a set of pads every 400 miles, hopefully you have cheaper rims.

My nice road bike has about 3500-4000 miles on them and I expect them to last another 2000 or more. It's been in the rain more than a few times, but I'm good about keeping things clean.


+1 My road bike has 4,000+ miles on the original brake pads. Although I did not notice any loss of braking ability, this thread prompted me to have my LBS look at them today. They said the pads are fine and should last a while yet. Being in Oregon, I end up riding in the rain frequently. I use my brakes mainly on downhills and for slowing/stopping at intersections, traffic etc.