Originally Posted by
BarracksSi
I haven't found a local shop that stocks Kool Stop pads, so I'll have to get them online. Should I use the all-salmon pads (which is all that Harris Cyclery seems to sell) even if I don't ride in the rain? Is the dual black-salmon compound really the "best of both worlds"? And, do I just order for compatibility with Shimano road brakes to fit my 105's (still wanted to ask, since they always say Ultegra/Dura Ace)?
I only use all-salmon pads and find that they stop very well, rain or shine. I personally haven't observed any this "glazing" that some have described, nor have I noticed these pads abrading my rims more than any other pad (I'd always heard that they were [I][I]easier on rims than most). Do to their relative softness, they do wear out kind of fast, but I figure this is a small price to pay. The black-and-salmon pad is probably fine, too. Whatever you use, remember to keep those rims scrupulously clean and sand the pad surface every now and again.