When it comes to precise braking in all weather, disc brakes are unequaled. But despite their powerful braking, these bike brakes wear out with time, more so their brake pads, and need replacing when they do. So, how long do bike disc brake pads last?
On average, organic or resin disc brake pads can last 500-700 miles, while sintered or metal disc brake pads can last 1,000-1,250 miles depending on the terrain, weather, cycling frequency, and braking habit.
Primarily, the life of bike disc brake pads depends on their type. Secondarily, it depends on the riding surface, weather conditions, how often your ride, and how you use the brakes.
So, that you can understand what I mean, let’s get into the discussion.
How Long Do Bike Disc Brake Pads Last?
To answer this question, we have first to consider the type of disc brake pads you have or want to buy. Essentially, disc brake pads fall into two major groups, depending on the material; resin and sintered.
Resin or organic disc pads are made of soft material, which is susceptible to easy wear. So, you cannot expect them to last you longer.
On average, resin disc brake pads last 500-700 miles, depending on the nature of the terrain, weather condition, cycling frequency, and braking habit.
In contrast, sintered disc brake pads are made of hard metal, which means they are naturally stronger. You can, thus, expect them to last twice as much as resin options.
In that case, sintered brake pads average 1,000-1,250 miles, again depending on the nature of the terrain, weather condition, cycling frequency, and braking behavior.
Factors that Determine How Long Bike Disc Brake Pads Last
Here are the factors that determine the average lifespan of disc brakes:
a) Nature of the Terrain
It’s a no-brainer that disc brake pads wear much faster on rugged terrains than paved surfaces. That’s because you tend to strain your brake pads more off-road than on-road.
It explains why mountain bikes’ disc brake pads wear faster than road bikes’ disc brake pads.
In that case, while sintered disc brake pads are likely to average 1000 miles or more on road bikes, they are likely to average half the mileage on mountain bikes.
b) Weather Condition
Expectedly, extreme heat is likely to reduce the lifespan of your disc brake pads. Overall, resin disc brake pads struggle the most in a hot climate and are likely to wear much faster than their sintered counterparts.
Heat causes excess friction, which wears down resin disc brake pads much quicker. So, if you live in a hot climate region, better go for sintered disc pads instead of resin options.
Note, however, that things are different when talking about extreme cold. In most cases, you won’t have to worry about your disc brake pads under chilly conditions.
However, disc brake pads wear much faster when it comes to wet conditions, regardless of the material.
c) Cycling Frequency
The lifespan of your disc brake pads also depends on how often you ride. If you are an active cyclist, perhaps a commuter or fitness cyclist, you use your brakes a lot, and that means the brake pads are likely to wear much faster.
However, a person who rides once in a while might not have to worry about the disc brake pads wearing fast.
d) Braking Habit
Some riders wear their disc brake pads faster than others when all conditions are equal (weather, terrain, and brake pad type). Mostly, it’s a case of overusing the brake pads.
For example, if you constantly press the brakes and do it often, the brake pads will wear down faster.
Also, your brake pads are likely to wear faster if you lean forward a lot when braking. That’s because you shift your weight forward, and that puts pressure on the front brake.
Sometimes, you don’t have to use the brakes when turning. You need to lower your body and arm slightly to slow you down when approaching a turn.
And if you must, then you don’t have to apply so much effort on the brakes. And when it comes to the rainy season, you shouldn’t press your brakes with so much effort. Learn to start slowly and lightly to ease the weight and pressure you put on the brakes.
How Do I Know If My Bike Disc Brakes Need Replacing?
Now that you know how long disc brake pads last, you should know when it’s time to replace them
The rule of thumb is to replace your disc brake pads when they are 1-1.5mm thick. Once your disc brake pads are that thick, their effectiveness reduces.
Remember, new disc brake pads measure about 3-4mm thick. So, a 1-1.5mm reduction shows considerable wear, which is a red flag.
Other red flags you have to watch out for include:
- Squealing sound
If your disc brakes are squeaking sound when you press the brakes, the chances are that the brake pads are worn out.
But before you can rule that the disc brakes are old, try applying an anti-squeal disc brake solution like the PV Bike Works Anti-Squeal Disc Brake Paste.
- Grinding sound
Just like a squealing sound, a grinding sound could also indicate that your disc brake pads are worn out.
- Slow brakes
The brakes are supposed to stop the bike as soon as you engage them. If they take time to do so, the brake pads could be old.
- Excessive Contamination
If there’s too much grime, grease, or rust, it could affect the performance of your disc brakes. In most cases, you only need to clean your disc brakes and pads to get rid of dirt, dust, and even grime.
So, before you can give up on the brake pads, consider using a disc brake cleaner like the Finish Line Bike Disc Brake Cleaner.
If the contamination is excessive and the cleaner doesn’t work, you can get new disc brake pads.
If the squealing continues even after applying the anti-squeal paste, then consider replacing the disc pads.
FAQs
1. How Many Miles Do Bicycle Brake Pads Last?
Resin disc brake pads average 500-700 miles depending on the road condition, the weather, frequency of riding, and braking habit.
In contrast, metal disc brakes can last up 1,000-1,250 miles, depending on the road, weather, riding frequency, and braking habit.
2. How Often Should Brake Pads And Discs Be Replaced?
The rule of thumb is that you should replace disc brake pads if they wear down to about 1-1.5mm thick. New brake pads are generally 3-4mm thick.
Also, watch out for too much contamination, which doesn’t go away with cleaning. Don’t forget, nonetheless, about the mileage, which averages 1000 miles.
3. How Long Should Bicycle Disc Brake Pads Last?
Depending on the terrain, weather, braking habit, and cycling frequency, disc brake pads can last up to 500-1,250 miles.
Organic/resin disc brake pads have the shortest lifespan, averaging 500-700 miles, while sintered/metallic disc pads have the longest, about 1,000-1,250 miles.
4. How Long Do MTB Disc Brake Pads Last?
You tend to use your disc brakes more aggressively off-road, which means more stress on the disc brake pads.
Your disc brake pads are also likely to trap sand granules and other small particles, which can wear them down.
For such reasons, an MTB’s disc brake pads are likely to wear down much faster.
On average, you can expect them to go for 100-500 miles depending on the weather, road conditions, and frequency of riding.
5. How Long Should Road Bike Disc Brake Pads Last?
Given that road bikes are used on paved roads, you don’t strain your disc brakes as much as you do when riding a mountain bike. As a result, the brake pads don’t wear that fast unless you ride often.
You can expect a road bike’s disc brake pads to last 1000-1,250 miles, depending on how often you ride, the road condition, and the weather.
6. How Do I Know If My Brake Discs Are Worn?
You can know if your brake discs are worn by looking at the performance of the brakes. If it takes time for the bike to stop after pressing the brakes, the chances are that the brake discs are worn out.
Also, watch out for rust and heavy grime as they are an indication of old disc brakes.
7. How Much Does It Cost To Replace Brake Disc Pads?
Disc brake pads go for as little as $7-$10 for someone on a budget to about $20-$35 or slightly more for someone who wants a quality purchase.
Note, however, that a few high-end models cost up to $200.
Relevant:
Closing Thought:
In conclusion, how long do bike disc brake pads last?
From our discussion, you can expect disc brake pads to last anything between 500 miles and 1,250 miles, depending on the type, terrain, weather, riding frequency, and braking behavior.
Overall, sintered brake pads have the most extended lifespan, while organic options have the shortest.