need to use a specific type of brake pad
So experience. On my 1st touring bike I changed the brake pads after 30000 km. The alesia I had was damaged when a car crashed into into it (after 10000 km where was no need to changed the brake pads)
Off Topic:
On tour I don't brake quite often. On my Canada tour for instance I only broke with my front brake, because I had to adjust my back brake and I don't had time for that...
Thomas