Formula R1 Brake Pad Advice

[Robbow]

So my new GT has the Formula R1 brakes on it, and besides a little squealing I am very happy with the way they work.

 

BUT, they are eating pads. The first set did just over 500km's and now the second set is vanishing equally as quickly.

 

Currently they are the genuine organic pads, which I assume is the same as the originals. But for R500 for F&R thats crazy.

 

Does anyone have any experience with them? Cheaper alternatives.

[Ramrod]

I had the same except i hated the noise they made. Tried organic, metal and nearly everything i could get my hands on. Ended up giving them to a friend.

[Skylark]

Metal should last a lot longer than organic, R550 every 500km is a pita, I'd try generic pads, often not much between them and originals, some are even better

[KenG]

I use the metal pads and get much better mileage than 500km. I use generic that I got from Concept cycle ray in Waterfall, R 95 /set.

[droo]

Metal pads will last longer. And stay off the brakes, they only slow you down anyway...

[tunariaan]

Those are *** brakes, flippen expensive but just too noisy

I have tries everything but nada..

[Robbow]

I use the metal pads and get much better mileage than 500km. I use generic that I got from Concept cycle ray in Waterfall, R 95 /set.

 

Thanks, that sounds much better.

 

You dont know what the brand is by any chance?

[ians H2Sport]

I use the metal pads and get much better mileage than 500km. I use generic that I got from Concept cycle ray in Waterfall, R 95 /set.

Used the same pads and had no issues with them. Great value for money

[ians H2Sport]

Thanks, that sounds much better.

 

You dont know what the brand is by any chance?

I have a new set at home which you can have. Let me know if you in the Hillcrest or Waterfall area over the weekend.

[Halmar]

I love my Formula's, had R1's on my previous bike and now C1's on current bike.

Previous bike, around 7000km's on say 3 sets, may not even be that much.

 

Wet weather just chows pads, same as with your drivechain...

Over heating causes 'carbonization', Sand them a little to get the burnt spots off. Could be these that makes the noise touching the rotor.

 

Obviously also check that your calipers are aligned perfectly with your rotor and that your rotor are not warped. Not that I have experienced this with Formula rotors yet.

 

If you are heavy, I have a 180mm rotor in front to distribute heat better.

I have a 160mm rotor on rear but only 30% braking happens at the back IF you have good traction.

 

Swisstop pads are expensive but last longer, think they were close to R400 at CWC.

But I got R99 generics there that works just as well.

 

Hope you get them sorted out...

[Spoke101]

I got R1's yes they can be a pain to setup.

 

1. Clean every thing with isopropyl alcohol.

2. Lightly sand pads and rotors on a flat surface.

3. Clean every thing with isopropyl alcohol again.

4. Then bed them in properly.

5. Don't drag your brakes, Brake hard and then let go.

 

Try get your self a set of Quaxar Carbon Metallic pads for R100 or harder wearing Carbon Sintered for R160

 

Edit: Typo

Edited May 30, 2014 by Spoke101

[openmind]

So my new GT has the Formula R1 brakes on it, and besides a little squealing I am very happy with the way they work.

 

BUT, they are eating pads. The first set did just over 500km's and now the second set is vanishing equally as quickly.

 

Currently they are the genuine organic pads, which I assume is the same as the originals. But for R500 for F&R thats crazy.

 

Does anyone have any experience with them? Cheaper alternatives.

These are awesome brakes, I've had the original R1's for four years and love them - reliability, power, modulation and light-weight all second-to-none. I use only organic pads - the metal ones make the brakes squeal like pigs. A mate of mine prefers the metal pads (they last longer) and lives with the squeals - he calls his brakes his "Italian ladies" (they sing like opera divas). I suggest you stick to organic and just suck up the pad cost. The performance is worth it. You could also pick better lines and lay off the brakes a bit

[Robbow]

Thanks for all the info and offer of pads.

 

I am already running 180 rotors front and rear having learnt my lesson with previous bikes and 160 rotors.

 

One of my riding partners has the same brakes and is 25kg+ lighter than me and is getting no further on the pads, so clearly not just my riding style.

 

95% of my riding is in the Howick/Karkloof area, so plenty of technical singletrack, rocks, roots etc. So I am sure if it was more gravel travel I would go further.

 

Will do some homework to find Quaxar Carbon Metallic pads and give them a try.

[Jaco-fiets]

Normally a pain to get hold of the original R1 pads anyway. Will try these Quaxar you speak of