You would need to get v-type or road caliper brake pads for you relevant bikes to learn about brakes, check out Sheldon brown http://sheldonbrown.com/brakes/index.html. You can also have a look at the Koolstop product page, you can see the difference between threaded and non-threaded pads/ holders (all in the photos are non-cartridge, threaded) http://www.koolstop.com/english/rim_pads.html the Park Tool site has info on how to do the work & what tools are needed http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...ice-and-repair

if you are going to ask for recomendations for whcih type of pads, the standard BF answer is Koolstop Salmon