Silly Noob Question: What are those metal clips on old brake pads for?
06-18-13, 08:00 PM
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Silly Noob Question: What are those metal clips on old brake pads for?
The title says it all: What are those metal clips that hang down at the bottom of some old brake pads called, and what are they for?
I fully expect all BF members to answer this weighty question with the utmost of seriousness.
I fully expect all BF members to answer this weighty question with the utmost of seriousness.
Last edited by jethin; 01-10-21 at 10:16 AM.
06-18-13, 08:03 PM
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They're tire guides. They make it easier to slip the wheel into place, by guiding the tire through the brake shoes. Also they prevent accidentally mopping the block out of the holder by pushing is sideways with the tire.
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06-18-13, 08:43 PM
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Thanks FB, that makes sense. A little extra precaution I guess. One more question if anyone else reads this thread and cares to comment: Do you use these on your bikes? Why or why not? I ask all this because I have a set of pads like this on an old bike and I'm wondering whether I should keep 'em on or ditch 'em.
06-18-13, 08:54 PM
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You're asking the wrong question. Since you already have these shoes, you should ask for a reason no to use them. I'm not saying they necessary and we all lived OK before Campagnolo introduced the idea back in the sixties, but no matter how much or little they help, they certainly don't hurt, so what's to lose by using them?
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06-18-13, 09:02 PM
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Thanks FB, that makes sense. A little extra precaution I guess. One more question if anyone else reads this thread and cares to comment: Do you use these on your bikes? Why or why not? I ask all this because I have a set of pads like this on an old bike and I'm wondering whether I should keep 'em on or ditch 'em.
If they're NOT Campy you might want to check the condition of the pad material.
06-19-13, 07:05 AM
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I keep them because I live in a hilly area and they're useful as cooling fins to keep the brakes from overheating on descents. 
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06-19-13, 07:11 AM
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If they're Campys - use 'em! The pad material used doesn't seem to deteriorate with time and stopping power should still be better than any equivalent pad. Plus the extra mechanical advantage you'll get from them when squeezing them to set up the cable tension can't be beat.
If they're NOT Campy you might want to check the condition of the pad material.
If they're NOT Campy you might want to check the condition of the pad material.
06-19-13, 08:39 AM
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You're asking the wrong question. Since you already have these shoes, you should ask for a reason no to use them. I'm not saying they necessary and we all lived OK before Campagnolo introduced the idea back in the sixties, but no matter how much or little they help, they certainly don't hurt, so what's to lose by using them?
FWIW, the ones I have are Shimano and the clips are removeable. The material is old but in decent shape. If I chuck 'em I'll probably just go with some new pads (Jagwire, Shimano or some such.)
06-19-13, 08:47 AM
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Actually lighter is slower on descents.
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06-19-13, 08:49 AM
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Aesthetically is a reason. It's your bike, and there's never a need to justify any decision you make about it.
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06-19-13, 09:02 AM
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They are also useful when adjusting the brakes. You grab them to squeeze the pads to the rim before tightening the cable.
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06-19-13, 11:51 AM
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Most of the newer pad holders that use slip-in replicable pads have those guide "wings" built into the holders but they aren't as large and obvious as the ones you show. BTW, Shimano replacement pads/shoes are decent, Tektro's are mediocre to poor and I don't have any experience with Jagwire pads/shoes. By far the best are Kool Stop Salmons. Swiss Stop pads are also excellent but very pricey.
06-19-13, 01:05 PM
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.......back in the day, if you didn't have those wheel guides on your calipers, you will never attain the status of "superman racer cyclist"!
06-19-13, 04:58 PM
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You don't need them. If they're Campy, send them to me. I'll send you some Shimano ones that'll look way mo' better.
06-19-13, 05:08 PM
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They look retro cool.
They can also be handy when adjusting the brakes.
As far as "guiding" the tire when installing the wheel - I never got that one. Maybe if you had the DTs and couldn't hold the wheel still...
They can also be handy when adjusting the brakes.
As far as "guiding" the tire when installing the wheel - I never got that one. Maybe if you had the DTs and couldn't hold the wheel still...
Last edited by jim hughes; 06-19-13 at 07:48 PM.
06-19-13, 06:06 PM
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Or maybe you should re-read my post and have another look at the photograph posted by the OP. I never said Campy pads last forever - I inferred that if those were Campy cork composite pads (common in that era) that they don't DETERIORATE over time. Cork has been used for brake pads since bicycle wheels were made of wood and are currently used on carbon fiber rims. Lots of rubber brake pads from that era were junk - the cork ones weren't.
