Originally Posted by BFisher

There are big differences in performance between the stock Shimano black brake pads with the molded in tire guide shape and the pads with holders that you get at the upper level, like Ultegra. I received the former with my Sora R3000 group and the performance was lacking. An inexpensive upgrade to Ultegra pads made a very big improvement. They are excellent pads that can be used on a wide variety of calipers. Kool stops are great, but there are other excellent choices out there.