Disc Brake Pad Material Comparison: Resin vs Sintered Metal vs Semi-Metallic

Disc Brake Pads: The Unsung Hero of Braking Performance

Disc brakes have become mainstream on road bikes, but many riders never think about pad material after buying their bike. In fact, the brake pad is the most critical consumable in a disc brake system, and different pad materials produce very different braking experiences.

The Three Main Pad Materials

1. Resin Pads (Resin / Organic)

Resin pads are made from a mix of organic fibers, rubber, Kevlar, and other materials bonded with resin.

Characteristics:

• Brake feel: Linear and refined, easy to modulate precisely
• Noise: Quiet, rarely squeals
• Rotor wear: Gentle, causes the least rotor damage
• Heat dissipation: Poorer, prone to overheating and fade during prolonged continuous braking
• Lifespan: Shorter, wears relatively quickly
• Wet performance: Moderate, requires a longer “wet braking distance” to bite

2. Sintered Metal Pads (Sintered / Metallic)

Sintered pads are made by sintering metal powders such as copper, iron, and steel under high temperature and pressure.

Characteristics:

• Brake feel: Direct and powerful, stronger initial bite
• Noise: Louder, can squeal especially in wet conditions
• Rotor wear: Greater, accelerates rotor wear
• Heat dissipation: Excellent, can withstand longer sustained braking
• Lifespan: Longer, good wear resistance
• Wet performance: Excellent, braking power fades less in rain

3. Semi-Metallic Pads

Semi-metallic pads combine the properties of resin and sintered pads, typically containing 30-65% metal content.

Characteristics:

• Brake feel: Between resin and sintered
• Noise: Moderate
• Rotor wear: Moderate
• Heat dissipation: Good
• Lifespan: Moderately long
• Wet performance: Good

Overall Comparison of the Three Materials

Comparison Item	Resin	Semi-Metallic	Sintered Metal
Braking power (dry)	★★★	★★★★	★★★★★
Braking power (wet)	★★	★★★★	★★★★★
Feel refinement	★★★★★	★★★★	★★★
Noise control	★★★★★	★★★	★★
Heat dissipation	★★	★★★★	★★★★★
Pad lifespan	★★	★★★★	★★★★★
Rotor lifespan	★★★★★	★★★	★★
Price	★★★★	★★★	★★★

Taiwan’s Climate and Pad Selection

Taiwan’s climate characteristics have a major influence on pad choice:

North Taiwan (rainy and humid)

Taipei and Keelung see over 160 rainy days a year, with frequent wet-condition riding.

• Recommended: Sintered metal or semi-metallic
• Reason: More stable wet braking power, less likely to see braking distance balloon due to moisture

Central and Southern Taiwan (drier and hotter)

South of Taichung, summers are hot and relatively dry.

• Recommended: Resin or semi-metallic
• Reason: In dry conditions, resin pads already perform well and are quieter

Mountain Descents (prolonged braking)

Regardless of region, mountain descents are a severe test for any pad.

• Recommended: Sintered metal
• Reason: Heat dissipation is key on long descents; resin pads are prone to overheating and failing after sustained braking

Matching Rotors with Pads

Pad choice should also account for rotor material:

• Stainless steel rotors (most common): All three pad types work
• Aluminum alloy rotors: Resin pads recommended; sintered pads will over-wear the rotor
• Floating rotors: All three types work, but sintered pads require attention to heat dissipation between the carrier and braking surface

Important reminder: When switching to a pad of a different material, it’s recommended to also replace or at least sand the rotor surface. Different materials leave different transfer layers on the rotor, and mixing them can reduce braking performance or cause noise.

Choosing Pads by Brand

Shimano

• B05S-RX: Resin pads, standard for road disc brakes
• D03S: Resin pads, for 4-piston calipers
• D02S: Sintered metal, for 4-piston calipers
• K05S-RX: Resin pads, for 2-piston calipers
• K03Ti: Sintered metal, for 2-piston calipers

SRAM

• Organic pads: Standard choice
• Sintered pads: Enhanced braking power

Aftermarket Options

Taiwan’s market also offers a range of aftermarket pads:

• SwissStop: Swiss brand with an excellent reputation for quality
• Galfer: Spanish brand with multiple material options
• Jagwire: A great value-for-money option

When to Replace Pads

Signs that pads need replacing:

1. Thickness check: Must be replaced when pad material thickness drops below 0.5mm
2. Reduced braking power: Noticeably weaker braking or requiring more hand force
3. Persistent noise: Ongoing metal-on-metal scraping sound (not the temporary noise caused by moisture)
4. Visual wear indicator: Some pads have a wear indicator line

Pad Bedding-In

Newly installed pads must go through a bedding-in process, which is critical to braking performance:

1. Find a safe descent or flat road
2. Accelerate to about 25-30 km/h
3. Apply steady, moderate braking force to slow to about 5 km/h (do not come to a complete stop)
4. Repeat 15-20 times
5. Let the pads cool
6. Repeat 5-10 more times with firmer braking force

Purpose: To evenly transfer pad material onto the rotor surface, establishing a stable friction interface.

Pad Maintenance Notes

• Avoid oil contamination: Pads and rotors must never come into contact with grease or oil; once contaminated, they are almost impossible to restore. Avoid spraying cleaning agents onto the disc brake area when washing your bike
• Regular inspection: Visually check pad thickness every wash or every 500 km
• Carry spare pads: Bring spare pads on long trips or multi-day events
• Avoid squeezing the brake lever with the wheel removed: With the wheel off, do not squeeze the brake lever — once the pistons are pushed out, they are very difficult to reset

Summary

Recommendations for riders in Taiwan:

• General riding (mostly flat roads): Resin pads are sufficient — quiet with good feel
• Frequent mountain riding or northern Taiwan’s rainy regions: Semi-metallic or sintered metal, for braking safety
• Racing or high-intensity use: Sintered metal, for maximum braking power and durability
• Not sure? Choose semi-metallic: Balanced performance across the board, the safest all-round choice

Remember, brake pads are a consumable — inexpensive but critical to safety. Regular inspection and timely replacement are your best protection.

Related Reading

• Bedding In Hydraulic Disc Brake Pads: The Correct Way to Break In New Pads
• Choosing Brake Pads for the Wuling Descent: Sintered Metal vs Resin vs Carbon Compared
• Choosing a Road Bike Braking System: A Complete Comparison of Disc Brakes vs Rim Brakes
• The Final Showdown: Disc Brakes vs Rim Brakes — Which Should You Choose for a Road Bike in 2026?