The most important distinction in brake pad selection is rim material. Aluminum rim pads use a rubber compound optimized for alloy surfaces — they grip well in the wet and wear predictably. Carbon rim pads use a softer, heat-tolerant compound specifically formulated to work with carbon fiber without generating the heat spikes that delaminate rim sidewalls. Never use aluminum rim pads on carbon rims. Within carbon pad options, compounds vary in modulation, wet-weather performance, and noise characteristics — brands like Reynolds Cryo-Blue, Corima, and Zipp Tangente cork are specifically tuned for both performance and carbon rim protection.

This collection spans the full range. At the premium end, Corima’s four-pack carbon pads, Lightweight’s replacement set, and Zipp’s Tangente cork pads address riders with high-end carbon wheelsets who need the correct compound and reliable supply. Reynolds’ Cryo-Blue power pads are a well-regarded option across multiple carbon rim brands. Frame-specific pads — including OEM replacements for Cervelo integrated brake systems — cover bikes where standard aftermarket pads don’t fit the caliper geometry. Disc brake pad options for road and mountain round out the collection.

Browse all brakes and brake levers at RA Cycles, or explore the full bike wheels selection to find the right wheelset to pair with your new pads.