Brake pad replacement for Dia Compe/Suntour Alpha 5000 holders?
 

I have a pair of Suntour Alpha 5000 branded Dia Compe brakes, which have some metal pad holders. They are in good shape and appear to allow for pad replacement, plus look nice with the brakes. I cleaned up the pads in there but they are still too hard, and are need of replacing.

I was wondering if anyone knew what pad inserts might work for these holders? Standard modern road pads are too small and not the right shape. Perhaps some variety of Kool Stop?

thanks!


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...944f6984b.jpeg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fe976819c.jpeg

I use KoolStop pads on all of my vintage bikes. Inserts when they fit and their basic Continental pad when they don't. While KoolStop don't seem to make a direct replacement for DiaCompe, it looks like some of the other inserts may work. I'd recommend asking them directly: techinfo@koolstop.com

Thanks for the reply. I've just emailed them at the address you shared, to ask about pad compatibility.

Just wanted to follow up here, in case anyone stumbles upon this in the future—I found compatible pads.

I emailed KoolStop, and they replied saying they thought the Campagnolo Delta C Record pads would fit, model KS-CDSA. I measured to see how close it was, and it seemed pretty close. I ordered them, and they do indeed fit. Awesome. I had a heck of a time getting them in, but they are in. See attached photo.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e19ea0353.jpeg

Good Deal

Is that a New Rose '87 Bianchi Sport SX?

It is! Great eye. Well I know it is a 1987 Bianchi Sport SX. I did not know the color's name, so I'll take your word for it that it is called New Rose :)

I've been overhauling it for a friend. The bike is nearly complete. Still need to tend to a few things—rear brake cabled up, different tires, different brake levers, likely new bar tape (any color suggestion besides black?).

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a4259db14.jpeg

If direct replacements aren’t available from Kool Stop, I measure the mounting area of the old pads and compare to their pad’s measurements shown online. I buy the one that fits the closest, then trim off any unnecessary bits. FYI - their Weinmann X pads fit the curved holders for Weinmann 405 holders with just minor trimming.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...62ab9957a.jpeg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...022ab7177.jpeg

Nice bike. Simple elevation process and wild guess! Sadly the Alpha 5000 group wasn't around long and the '87 Sport SX was probably one the more popular models with it. It came in black or New Rose and Tange decal and fork crown look just like the one I used to have. Despite having an apartment full of Columbus tubed thoroughbreds I still miss that bike