I've finally put enough miles on the bike to wear the brake pads down. Are brake pads just brake pads? I don't want top end - but I am not sure what I am buying at all. My brakes are Orbea Alu - but I can't find any info regarding replacement pads? Will Shimano pads do?

Cheers

A.

Orbea Aqua T23 ( 2011 ).

As long as the replacement pads look like and are the same size as your old ones when they were new.

What brand are you brakes? Pics?

Shimano are fine. Salmon colored Kool-Stop pads seem to work especially well, and aren't especially expensive. Just make sure you get the right kind of post. Threaded with a nut for side-pulls, center-pulls, and smooth post for cantilevers.

Road brakes generally take one of two types of replacement friction pads:

1 "Shoes" that are self contained single piece assemblies with the friction material and holders in one inseparable unit that are replaced by bolting them to the brake caliper slots
2. Slip-in pads that are used with permanent pad holders. The old pads are pulled out and the new ones slip-in and are retained by a set screw or cotter pin.

The slip in pads come in a couple of models. Shimano, Tektro and some others use one style and Campy a different one. A visit to a bike dealer should get you the proper type.

+1 on the Kool Stop Salmon pads or shoes. They are among the best and reasonably priced.

Thanks guys - again, a simple question elicits a lot of detail. Brakes aren't just brakes then - side pull, centre pull, cantilevers.....

Will check tonight, if it's obvious what I need then I'll take the advice and go for Kool Stop, if it's not obvious then they'll be a pic postage here.

Thanks again.

Right, along with V-brakes, disc brakes and a few other designs that aren't as common or are obsolete such as roller cams and U-brakes. There are several shoe and pad designs specific to the type and make of brake. If you give us more info as to the type of bike you have and the type and model of brake, you can get better advice.