Cyclocross - Brakes are sucking (think it's just the pads) and bar tape

I recently started using my cyclocross bike (09 Fuji Cross Comp) on dirt trails now that it's gotten hotter outside and have had the need to use the brakes more often compared to the paved track I have been riding at and realized my stopping power sucks (Tektro Oryx). I have tried adjusting the brakes but I think it's the pads that suck and not the brakes themselves. I checked out Kool Stop but they have so many different variations I don't know which are the ones I need. Could someone point me in the right direction?

Also my bike came with light gray bar tape that almost looks white and it's getting pretty dirty so I want to change it. I wanted to go with some red bar tape to match the outline of the Fuji and some of the red that's on my Specialized Avatar Saddle. What do you guys think about red? Also what is some good bar tape that offers better grip?

Here is what the bike looks like but just picture a black specialized avatar saddle instead of the stock one.

http://2009.fujibikes.com/CMSTemplates/ASIASPX/ResizeImage.aspx?nodeID=15357&w=427&b=false

Here you go. Make sure to get the "Bright" red though. It's funny how these two cheap changes can make a big difference on how feel about your bike.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11106-048_KOOSP2-3-Parts-46-Brakes-and-Accessories/Kool-Stop-MTB-Brake-Pads-offer?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&offer=IN210GLB.htm&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=048%20KOOSP2

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/pfitap/fizik_microtex_bar_tape/pp.htm

You could go with the MTB pads, as ljrichar suggests. The dual compound are good for general purposes, but if you ride in the rain the full salmon are better.

If your Oryx have cartridge-style pads, it's also possible to replace just the pads with these:

http://www.universalcycles.com/images//products/medium/15111.jpg (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=15111&category=36)

In any case, I would recommend reading the "More Braking Power" thread on this forum. There are some small adjustments that can make really dramatic differences in your braking power -- making sure the brake arms are exactly parallel to the rim when the brake makes contact, for instance. These kind of adjustments generally make a bigger difference than which brake pads you are using.

Thanks for the replies. Ironically at tiresdirect the only colors they are out of stock of are the red ones. I don't really ride in the rain unless it starts to rain when I am already out and that is very rare. Most of my riding is on the road and dirt trails.

I was thinking of going with some Fizik Bar Gels wrapped with some Cinelli Gel Tape. I like the red of the Cinelli and the Bar Gels would provide a bit more absorption. Is the Sette Gel tape any good?
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15697-200_SETGL6-3-Parts-61-Grips/Bar-Tape/Sette-Gel-Cork-Tape.htm

Look for the Fizik tape somewhere else. It's great & definitely the best looking.

Look for the Fizik tape somewhere else. It's great & definitely the best looking.
They finally started selling the antique and honey brown on it's own. :swoon:

As for brakes: I too have the Oryx canti's, and found that one of the link cables sent with the bike was a bit too short. I had a longer one in the parts bin and it made a big difference. But the biggest difference, as mentioned above, is to get Kool-Stop MTB pads. Without much rain I'd say get the combo salmon/black pads.

For bar tape, I just bought the Lizard Skins tape. Sort of expensive for bar tape, but very tacky - you'd be hard presses to slip off of it unless you're bare handed and sweating up a storm - and cleans up very easily; just water and a bit with a brush. I gout it because I was looking for green, which no one seems to be making. Good stuff.