Hybrid Bicycles - Replacing Brake Pads

I need to replace the brake pads pads on my Cannondale Quick 5 (v-brakes). I am aware of the different types, etc. but am wondering if there is a particular brand that my be better than others in terms of wearability, etc. Looks like a relatively simple item to replace, but as always many manufacturers and designs.

The bike is used mostly on pavement and occasionally gravel rails to trials.

Any suggestions?

I prefer my life vs pad life.

Kool Stop salmons will be easier on your rims,and work better in the rain. You def want your pads to wear instead of the rim;much easier and cheaper to replace. If you get the cartridge style pads then future pad swaps will be easier.

Big thing about V brakes:make sure you note the order and orientation of the various washers on the stock pads. It will make installing the new pads much simpler. I slide the outer washers off and set them down in their order,and leave the inner washers on the pad shaft. Then I situate the new washers the same way as the old ones. Also remember the pads need to be 'toed-in',ie,the leading edges need to be closer to the rim than the trailing edges. Plenty of info on how to properly do this out on the web at Park Tools and other sites.

I tried a number of brands, some were damaging my rims. Koolstops have thus far been the best I have used. I have the slim-line ones on at the moment but also plan to try the BMX ones. If you want any measurements let me know.

Kool-Stop Salmon. BEST rim brake pads.

[/discussion]

I actually like the Shimano brand V-brake pads too. they don't last a real long time, but they work quite well. they come in 2 grades, the ones that say 'wet operation' are a little harder on the rims. the normal ones are quite soft. I do find I need to clean my rims every few 100 miles to take off the black rubber accumulation, I use a clean rag with a bit of odorless thinner or isopropyl alcohol.

I find v-brakes with their long thin pads need very little toe-in, less than I've used with caliber or cantilever brakes, just barely a touch to keep them from squealing.

also reminds me, I want to get some better v-brake arms, the no-name ones that came on my cheap new bike are /not/ as rigid as the Shimano Alivio ones I've used on previous bikes. I can probably leach the alivios I put on my old cruiser as I'm not riding it, and put these cheap ones on there.

Thanks for the responses, I figured that the Kool Stops would be highly recommended. I'll give them a shot, thanks again.

Looks like I am going to try the Kool Stops. By measurements, do you mean the physical pads I would be replacing which are 2 3/8" looks to me.

I would just get the whole V-brake style pad assembly and not mess with trying to replace just the pads.

http://www.koolstop.com/images/ks-tltdl.jpg