Bicycle Mechanics - 55 mm trials pads vs. 70mm mountain bike pads on canti brakes

Needing to replace some canti brake pads, so I thought I'd gets some opinions before getting the replacements. I was wondering whether a smaller 55 mm trials pads is superior to the larger 70 mm mountain bike pads for a heavier rider/bike combo. I'm a 230 lb rider. One of these bikes has 559s on a 60 lb electric, the other has 349 front 406 rear on a 35 lb recumbent. Does this matter on wet/dry, downhill vs. flat? These are the old yoke style cantis.

Which 'trials pads'? Only way to find out is to buy/try the pads you are interested in and see of they brake any better and are long lasting.

Heard good things about Eclat, Baradine, and Disco Clear Trial Brake Pads. Need to break them in though, they 'may' squeal when new. Easier on anodized and black rims (non machined rims) but braking performance is still good enough for faster one-finger lockups over more well known brands and pad formulas.

I'm speculating here but I would expect that trial pads are specified to grip quickly at low speeds. Braking modulation at high speeds wouldn't be in their design brief. I don't know really. They could be good but I suspect there may be issues.

Anthony

Which 'trials pads'? Only way to find out is to buy/try the pads you are interested in and see of they brake any better and are long lasting.

Heard good things about Eclat, Baradine, and Disco Clear Trial Brake Pads. Need to break them in though, they 'may' squeal when new. Easier on anodized and black rims (non machined rims) but braking performance is still good enough for faster one-finger lockups over more well known brands and pad formulas.

I was looking primarily at the Disco Clear Trial Brake Pads.
The issue of only 55mm vs. 70mm might also be a factor.

I'm speculating here but I would expect that trial pads are specified to grip quickly at low speeds. Braking modulation at high speeds wouldn't be in their design brief. I don't know really. They could be good but I suspect there may be issues.

Anthony

That sounds plausible since trials bikes are usually at low speed. Anyone know if high speed and weight would be a weak spot for the trials pads/ Also, is rain an issue?

Many canti's came with 'symetrical' 55-65mm pads and if there was room/clearance, people used the longer 'asymmetrical' 70mm MTN pads as replacements.

Can get '4 pairs' of Disco's Cantilever trial pads for $14.96, so it isn't that big of a cash investment and may be worth a tryout. But I don't expect them to last very long. They are designed/marketed for max braking for short periods of time and under any condition. Don't know of anyone that uses them for daily use:
http://www.discobrakes.com/?s=0&t=2&c=53&p=478&

Ashima is a relatively new company, has some nice rim brake pad designs, and claim their pads need no toe-in. Their disc brake pads are highly regarded. Might be a better choice IF you want to try something different:
http://www.ashima.com.tw/products.html

Many canti's came with 'symetrical' 55-65mm pads and if there was room/clearance, people used the longer 'asymmetrical' 70mm MTN pads as replacements.

Can get '4 pairs' of Disco's Cantilever trial pads for $14.96, so it isn't that big of a cash investment and may be worth a tryout. But I don't expect them to last very long. They are designed/marketed for max braking for short periods of time and under any condition. Don't know of anyone that uses them for daily use:
http://www.discobrakes.com/?s=0&t=2&c=53&p=478&

Ashima is a relatively new company, has some nice rim brake pad designs, and claim their pads need no toe-in. Their disc brake pads are highly regarded. Might be a better choice IF you want to try something different:
http://www.ashima.com.tw/products.html

The ashima design appears impressive.
How do they compare with Kool Stop Eagle 2s?