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pads for drag brak

Paul Cooper2023-03-13 12:54:22
Looking for advice on best pads for the drag brake. Shimano blue pads in holders worn flat, so I have bought these two options. My feeling is to replace the shoes in the holders fir the drag brake, and use the shoe set for the front rim brake.
Paul Cooper2023-03-13 12:59:16

Meant to say Drag Brake!

Can't edit it myself

Stuart Hunter2023-03-13 13:08:07
Either option is fine, Shimano brake pads work, although there are better alternatives, I prefer removable, brake pads myself, when you say drag break, do you just mean Rear rim break? Do you have a third brake for example, a drum brake or disc brake?
Paul Cooper2023-03-13 14:14:07

Thanks.

Which brand do you recommend? Bought Shimano to fit the holders, and the other ones were on same display. 

Yes this is a rear drag brake, on the rim, controlled using a thumb switch device by the stoker. There is a separate rear hydraulic disk brake, and front rim v-brake, both controlled with conventional brake levers by pilot. 

Incidentally the rear disk is dragging since I got the bike out after the winter, not been used for a few months, hopefully it will free off, as we are off on a trip for a few days- any hints anyone?

 

Stuart Hibberd2023-03-13 14:44:47

Just checking if you have ceramic rims as the blue pads (swisstop) are usually for this type of rim. Your tandem sounds like it is a Thorn.

If you have ceramic rims then do not use the black pads shown in your photos. I tried this once and the front pads only lasted for 20 miles, we then had to walk down the hill to the pub then ride home very carefully afterwards.

Swisstop pads here https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brake-blocks/swissstop-blue-brake-pads-for-deore-lx-xt-xtr-brakes-inc-pins-for-ceramic-carbide-css-rims/

Shimano also to pads for ceramic rims here https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-xtr-xt-lx-deore-dxr-ceramic-brake-pads/rp-prod1236

 

Paul Cooper2023-03-13 16:42:06

It is a Thorn

Not sure how to tell if they are ceramic?

They are aluminium wheels, but the rim does seem rough

Paul Cooper2023-03-13 16:43:48
Photo of the rim
Stuart Hunter2023-03-13 16:51:54
 I would use Swisstop if I could get hold of them, I normally use fibrax, different pads for different conditions, wet dry and mixture of both.
Stuart Hibberd2023-03-13 17:32:39

Its probably going to be either a Mavic or a Ryde rim if its ceramic.

Here's the mavic sticker.

Stuart Hibberd2023-03-13 17:35:53
And the Ryde sticker
Stuart Hibberd2023-03-13 17:46:31
When you say the pads are worn out they don't start off very thick and they wear very slowly. Picture is of a brand new Swisstop Ceramic pad.
Paul Cooper2023-03-13 18:31:48
No stickers but it is second hand
Paul Cooper2023-03-13 18:40:03

Front one even thinner

 

Stuart Hibberd2023-03-13 23:56:30

In conclusion it looks like ceramic rims with Swisstop pads.

As I said don't use regular pads as they wear out extremely fast.

The pad in your picture looks about half worn.

Paul Cooper2023-03-14 16:43:04
Thanks!