What is the point of clear brake pads? Some people say that they will keep the paint from turning black on non-machined rims while others say they will turn black regardless due the nature of friction (bunch of science jargon I don't remember.). Have you used them? What'd you think of em'. Marketing gimmick or useful investment for the life of painted rims?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/XPOSURE-You-...item2eb9439d81

the black stuff that cakes itself on the rim is mostly dust.

what's the point in having lot's of color choices for any part? It's all cosmetic, makes you bike look good / be unique.

Typically clear pads are for either trials riding, or for painted rims w/o a machined brake track.

You can better see what you run over ?

rational practicality -- practically, ? Nothing.. a Gimmick , someone got the factory to make them.
and paid them to do it, sensibility is optional if someone paid them enough.
if they are supplied on your bike change them, if you are shopping, keep looking elsewhere

why would someone expect a painted rim to have a blemish free service life? folly.

Remember Pepsi Clear??.......
Same idea, all marketing gimmick at work here. I doubt if it wont end up depositing some dark stuff on your rims as everyting pretty much burns the same way when friction/heat is present.

Chombi

My brain has just finished blocking that terrible era out my life... gee thanks Chombi.

Coolness factor 1,000 PTS!

Kool Stop claims their clear pads are their most grippy compound and should only be used when instantly locking the wheel is something you actually want to do.

It is somewhat sexual, and related to man's quest to be the leader.
With clear brake pads, others will be in awe of your stuff
and chicks really dig it. Guys with clear brake pads score often.

Those clear pads are a super soft compound. They're supposed to give better braking on painted or powder coated rims. I read a review BMX Plus! magazine wrote on Odyssey's clear brake pads. They worked as advertised, but squealed like banshees, no matter how much toe in they put on them. On any rim with a proper brake track they described the braking as "digital" with no modulation. They even tried them on a cheap a department store bike, and they grabbed forcefully enough to bend the cheap steal calipers.

The real news, of course, is that there are freestylers who still run brakes.

clear brake pads make a ton of noise

They look AWESOME!

"Flubber" The rival to "Silly Putty"

So your competition can't tell whether you're slowing or accelerating.

"999" post count??....Aha! Herb Cain, stop surfing and get back to work on your campaign!! I knew I recognized that style of writing!


Chombi

Thanks everyone. I was looking for a way to avoid those black scuffs on painted rims. Guess It's black or machined rims for me.