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Ritchey Pads

Average Rating 4.19/5
# of Reviews 78
MSRP $ 24.00
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Description: Ritchey Logic Pads
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    Submitted by John a Weekend Warrior from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Date Reviewed: February 12, 2007
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Price Paid: $10.00
    Purchased At:bike Nashbar (1997)
    Strengths:Kool "Whale Tail" design, Softer compound, Stops faster & Less rim sidewall marking when compared to stock pads.
    Weaknesses:Pads still cause a squeaking sound even if they are clean or dirty or set-up correctly or even in-correctly.
    Similar Products Used:Stock cantilever pads on a 1994 Raleigh Matterhorn & 1996 GT Ricochet.
    Bike Setup:1996 GT Ricochet - on this bike to this day, since purchasing them back in 1997.
    Bottom Line:I purchased these in the funky red colour, when compared to my bikes matte peacock blue colour. There shaped like that of a Humped Back Whales tail fin & or like that of late 1990's Porsche 911 Turbos rear wing. The pads are of a softer compound then what came with the stock Shimano Acera X brake arms. They stop faster & mark up your rims a lot less. They still make squeaking sounds in any or all cycling situations. Compared to my Hayes (HFX 9 XC) - they make your bike stop on a dime, but only give back 3-4 cents.
    Bottom Line: I still use them to this day, when ever my 2001 Trek Fuel 90 Disk is in for service. It teaches me that you can't always do last second hard braking & to think ahead. I learned this lesson when a child ran out infront of me (crossing a waterfront bike path) and my front wheel nearly made contact.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by marxtrain a Weekend Warrior from Asheville, NC
    Date Reviewed: November 5, 2003
    Favorite Trail:Cove Creek (so far)
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Price Paid: $10.00
    Strengths:Awesome stopping power, effortless braking ability
    Weaknesses:haven't discovered yet
    Similar Products Used:Sticky fingers, Diacompe
    Bike Setup:'03 Iguana, stock..... check the specs at Giant-bicycles.com
    Bottom Line:Just screwing around in the yard I find them to have awesome stopping power. I was extremely impressed that qick. No way they can let me down on the trail. Supreme braking ability. Easy to endo with. Stop with minimal finger effort. I bought the blues for extreme conditions and they look mighty darn cool on the bike! Can't wait to get them wet and to test the longevity...... I like 'em! 5 flammin' chilis fer shur!!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Erik a Cross Country Rider from Sweden
    Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001
    Favorite Trail:Hometown
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $18.00
    Purchased At:Sportson
    Strengths:The Blue pads are supreem in the wet and mud.
    Weaknesses:A little expensive for a students budget.
    Similar Products Used:Shimano, Backyard Pads, Other Richies
    Bike Setup:Crescent Balder, Michelein Comp s, Mavic 517.
    Bottom Line:The BLUE pads stop quicker than any other pad on the market when your rims are wet and mudy. Are better than the Red pads. You have to be willing to trade a little "dry condition braking" to get superb "wet braking". Dam good pads for muddy XC riding.

    Five Burning "Road Bikers" for these pads
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Gerr Hulme a Weekend Warrior from Atlanta
    Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001
    Favorite Trail:Colorado Trail.
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Price Paid: $10.00
    Purchased At:REI Flagship store in Denver
    Strengths:Finally, after numberous other pads, brake boosters, toe ins, new Avid brakes, etc; no more front wheel noise. These pads stop all the braking Squeal, (even without proper toe-in.)
    Weaknesses:None
    Bike Setup:Raven, Spinergy front wheel, Lockout (had the noise on any wheel I tried.)
    Bottom Line:Stopped all my front wheel squeal with braking.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Kent a Cross-Country Rider from Brighton,MI
    Date Reviewed: October 11, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    POTTO
    Duration Product Used:
    more than 3 years
    Strengths:
    they react almost the same wet, muddy or dry
    Weaknesses:
    none found
    Bike Setup:
    GT RTS-3
    Bottom Line:I use the red logic pads on many lower Michigan courses.Many conditions to test these brakes...wet grimy dark mud in spring rides, dry dusty hardpack in summer, snow and ice in winter.These brakes work great for all conditions.The best choice for Michiganders.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by 3 Sigma a weekend warrior from Lakewood
    Date Reviewed: December 4, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I recently tried the Ritchey Red Pads on my Avid Arch Supreme brakes. These pads are AWFUL! They made my Avid brakes perform as if they were old cantilevers. After attempting to adjust the Ritcheys (toe-in, alignment, etc.) and having no performance increase, I replaced them with the Avid Wranger Pads. What a difference. My braking performance is back!!
    Stay away from the Ritchey Red Pads.
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by john a downhiller from md
    Date Reviewed: November 12, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    i ride freestyle bmx and wanted one finger breaking so i could bust big on technical lip and street tricks. i heard these pads were the bomb so i got them. i am now VERY DISAPOINTED. i don't ride in the rain or mud so i don't know how they handel bad conditions but in otherwise perfect conditions where all break pads should kick but these did not. i used every toe, sand down, and rough up technique i knew and nothing worked. the only thing that i can think of is that they don't work well on rims that are chrome plated as mostly all good BMX rim's are including mine. they may perform greate on unfinished rims or under adverse conditions but under the conditions that i am performing i would not recomend them.
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by steve a weekend warrior from Maryland
    Date Reviewed: November 4, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I recently put these on my touring bike to replace the OEM Shimano pads. What a difference! Now, I can actually stop without too much planning. The Shimano pads felt like they were carved from a block of granite, but still streaked my rims. Unlike an earlier post, I've had no problem in the rain. Having machined rims really helpds here.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Guido Kerssens a cross-country rider from the Netherlands
    Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Maybe some people won't agree (due to set up????), but...........
    Red Ritchey Logic pads (no V-brake) are really great. In this wet land I am using the same pads for more than three years now.
    Do I use my brakes? Okay not much but have you ever stopped for Amsterdam traffic?
    I have been riding them in the Dolomites and still they look quite alright.
    Next weel I'm going to the Cevennes in France and I'm not going to use new ones, cause they are still fine.Ritchey, please keep making these babies for us, the old fashioned cantilever users.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Greg a weekend warrior from Point Mugu, CA
    Date Reviewed: September 21, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    If you like spoungy pads these are for you. I got a set on my Avid braks and they were mushy until I put some XTR pads on. Watch them when you squeeze your brake levers, you can actually see pads flex and compess. I toss them right away. Other than that I have no problem with Ritchey. Except his magazine adds.
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Pete a cross-country rider from Milton, Ont, Canada
    Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I replaced my LX pads with Ritchey black pads. What a difference! The Ritcheys have excellent stopping power, wear well, and so far (8 months) haven't worn my rims. They also work well (for me) in mud and wet, at least as well as I would expect under those conditions. My only complaint is the price ( about $12CDN per pair in Canada), about twice as much as Kool Stop (which I will try when the Ritcheys wear out). 5 chili's, minus 1 chili for the high price.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Kris a from AK
    Date Reviewed: July 24, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I put these BLACK brake pads on my bike for a wonderful tour of British Columbia(1800 miles). They work great when it is NOT RAINING, but in the RAIN THEY STINK. I COULD NOT SLOW MY FULLY LOADED TOURING BIKE(5O KILOS) DOWN AT ALL OVER AT LEAST 150 FEET, VERY DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!!!
    Overall Rating:2

    Submitted by Ken Mitton a weekend warrior from Boulder, CO
    Date Reviewed: July 10, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    A must if you want to stick with cantis.Used the Blacks to replace some stock pads---huge improvement. Great for commuting in the rain, and dry fire roads and singletrack. I won't ride a bike without them. The oversize format seems durable and long-lasting, and I haven't had problems getting my wheels off (1.9). Try the Reds for more serious stuff.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Judd Austin a cross-country rider from Castro Valley, CA
    Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Hey! How come no one is complaining about having to deflate your tires to get off the front wheel off if you run over a 2.0 with these pads?! I can name five people with three different forks, all with the same problem. Good pads,much better than stock. A solid upgrade but they don't compare to V-brakes.
    Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Felipão a weekend warrior from Brazil
    Date Reviewed: June 1, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Ahhhh,my set of red Ritchey pads!!!So sweet,so good....the best I ever used.The black ones are stinky,cause they dont work on mud and water,but the Red ones....are incredible...works anywhere,in any condition and lasts!!!!!I was riding six days per week,in muddy conditions and my pads are like new!!!In one word:SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!the best pads your money could buy!!!!!!!!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by pikabike a cross-country rider from Colorado
    Date Reviewed: May 28, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    These are the best brake pads I've ever used, period. They're long lasting, stop well, reasonably priced, and widely available. No grabbing, no squealing, or any other bad beahvior. Kudos to Ritchey for realizing how important it is to pay as much attention to the small, low-glamour parts as to the sexy, show-off stuff.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Bill Snodgrass a weekend warrior from San Jose, Ca
    Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Ritchey Red Logic pads REALLY work! Good feel, great power and no squeal
    when rode hard. Strongly recommend them!! Haven't had much wet/mud
    experience but I'll bet they work there also. I tried Kool Stops and
    they worked during normal stuff but when they got really loaded, like
    about a mile down a 15+ deg hill, about 1/2 way down I had to modulate front/
    rear brakes to keep them from screeming at me.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by norm a cross-country rider from Atl, GA
    Date Reviewed: May 5, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    These pads work well in all conditions, they are durable (I have gotten about 5 months out of the pair I have now) and they dont squeal. they are on the big side, but that is not much of a problem. if you need new pads, try these out, you will not be dissapointed.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by stoppin sooner a cross-country rider from Spartanburg, SC
    Date Reviewed: April 27, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I've had a pair of the Ritchey blacks on my bike for a couple of weeks now and don't have any real complaints. I replaced an old pair of Shimano LX pads that got eaten up on a muddy ride and the difference is night and day. The Ritcheys do well in mud and water and don't squeal like a stuck pig when they're wet.They were easy to install and aren't showing a whole lot of wear even after a couple of very muddy rides. My only gripe is a minor one: the pads are so big that when I take off the front wheel, I have to pry back the pads with my fingers to slip the wheel through. So if something that minor bothers you, stay away. Otherwise, these pad are great and you can get them for about $12 a pair mail order.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Klymer a cross-country rider from Flagstaff, AZ
    Date Reviewed: April 17, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I've been riding these pads since I bought my bike in 95... changed to new ones because I won them at a race and I'm confident the old ones were still ticking just as good... they never wear out... only one complaint, the large size of the pads can result in a slightly untrue wheel rubbing the tire against these tough babies resulting in sliced sidewalls and ultimately a loud POP!
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by jeff a cross-country rider from austin, tx
    Date Reviewed: April 2, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    This review is for the red V-brake pads. Simply put, they blow. Badly. They were shot in two rides. One muddy, one not. I got much better wear from my stock Shimano XT/XTR pads.Only thing that saves them from one poop, is that they absolutely refused to squeal. So they get two poops.
    Overall Rating:2

    Submitted by Mud a from California
    Date Reviewed: April 2, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I had a different experience with the red pads.It being the year of El Niño I have only used these pads in Mud and have been impressed by their stopping power. Sure, they are going to have to be replaced after this session, but I like it when my breaks work, and I like it even better when they work in the rain.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by alpine1 a weekend warrior from virginia
    Date Reviewed: April 2, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Just replaced a set of LX pads for the Ritchey blacks and WOW!!!! what a difference. I recommnened anyone using LX pads to run to your local LBS and get a set. The only problem I have is these things are huge and barely allow me to get my tire past them.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by bones2 a cross-country rider from Wilmington, NC
    Date Reviewed: February 23, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Call it love at first bite. On Saturday I replaced my nub worn Diacompe 747S brake pads with black Ritchey Logics ($9.95 pair from Nashbar plus their ridiculous s&h fee). Then I went for a ride. I sure did a lot of flat spotting my back tire and I'm just glad I didn't put them on front, too. OUCH! Then on Sunday it was out to our trusty local trail to see just how much water was left over from our last El Nino blast. Guess what: the black pads work as well wet as they do dry. With all of the rear only braking we mountain bikers do, it sure is nice to know there is such a well designed pad out there. I appreciate the Ritcheys toe-in nub, their tire saving cross-section, and the cute little dropped ears for setting rim center. All of these features make installation a snap. I am not sure I can see a reason to even try another pad. Five hot ones for Ritchey!!!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by brown a weekend warrior from Thousand Oaks, CA
    Date Reviewed: February 21, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I switched the Shimano pads on a Trek 7000 (all rigid) for Ritchey Logic Black non-V brakes. The blacks are softer vs.the reds for non-v sets. I weigh over 250 lbs and just completed a 30 mile ride in the mud from a 1500 ft altitude with a 1.5 mile 30 degree decline (speeds of 30 mph) to the sandy ocean shores. They braked well on the descent, with water over the crank, and in mud to the rims!!!! For ten dollars a pair the buck stops with Ritchey Logics.

    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Ryan a cross-country rider from Maryland
    Date Reviewed: February 21, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I have these brakes on my bike. They are the best brakes I have ever used. Even though my bike does not have v brakes on it with the richey pads it sure does seem like it. I have had no problems with squeeling and I ride in every possible condition and they stop in every possible conition.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by rob s. a cross-country rider from san bruno, ca.
    Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Just got my Ritchey Reds as a Christmas gift from my brother and they are
    great ! Last weekend was the first big test for them. After a whole week of rain in our area, the trail I usually take was still muddy and wet with big puddles stretching from one end of the path to the other. These pads took the wet with ease, with only a little brake fade but still having the stopping power.
    Definitely 5-stars !
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Tony a weekend warrior from Pennsylvania
    Date Reviewed: January 22, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Just installed my black Logic Pads. So simple (I love the nubs) had front and rear installed in 30 minutes (would have been less but Seinfeld was on). Took a spin around the yard afterward and couldn't believe the braking power these pads have. Nearly endoed on the first pull. Its almost unbelievable, one finger braking from cantis, for a while I was researching and debating the upgrade to V's but no longer. I was probably going to spend about $80 for the levers and brakes but thanks to Ritchey I use that $60 for some thing else. Five hot ones for the awesome pads!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Mislav a from Zagreb,Croatia
    Date Reviewed: December 4, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I ride on Ritchey brake pads year and a half.The front brake is Shimano Alivio 97 canti with triangle cable hanger and brake booster.I use this because the pads goes on inner side.The rear brake is XT-V with treaded version of Ritchey Logic brake pads and triangle cable hanger and brake booster.Yes I make my V-brake works like big arm canti.If I use one finger on brake levers (AVID SD 2.0) it brakes in second,if I use two fingers it feels like I have ejection seat under me.This pads arent cheap but with such a great performance and long use life the price is OK.If you think to upgrade your bike with better brakes,but the question is V-brake or Ritchey??'.....GO FOR RITCHEY!!!!!!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Seb a weekend warrior from Bath, England
    Date Reviewed: November 11, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I've got Richey pads on the front of my Kona, and Eagle claws on the rear.
    The Richeys work perfectly (not to mention Quietly) in all conditions, the Eagle Claws are OK in the dry but in the wet the're useless (and make an 'orrible noiset!)
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Jordan a cross-country rider from New York
    Date Reviewed: September 24, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I was thinking about putting xt v brakes on my bike but I tried them out but my ritchys work so much better. I also didn,t want to get the v brakes cause I have avid levers and I couldn,t get rid of em for the brakes
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Pete a weekend warrior from Mississauga
    Date Reviewed: September 10, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Great Pads that last a long time. Even after sanding my rims a couple of times
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Eric a cross-country rider from Pittsburgh,PA
    Date Reviewed: September 10, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Just got the Ritchey Reds, You can not believe how well these pads work.
    I was considering getting V brakes, don't need'em these pads work that well.
    You got to try them.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Sorin Srbu a cross-country rider from Uppsala/Sweden
    Date Reviewed: September 6, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Looks like mr ritchey did it again. These pads are truly awesome, especially the reds. Got blacks in front and red in the rear. The blacks bite like hell (no probs doing a stopie from all speeds, even considering a soft front damper) in dry conditions but loose some in wet. The reds bites always.Get these if you need some new pads and forget about shimano...The only disadvathge is the price, in sweden they are one of the most expensive pads available. 8-/
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Bubba a cross-country rider from Southern Illinois
    Date Reviewed: September 3, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I've tried them all, but the richey reds are the best. They excell in wet and grimey conditions that make the rest wimp out.
    Actually, I mostly run the red KoolStops. They are a better value, but the Richey is still the best performing.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Dick Hertz a cross-country rider from Holden
    Date Reviewed: July 27, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    These pads are awsome. I was going to replace my LX's with v-brakes but after I put these pads on there was no need to. They are huge and so easy to set up correctly. Thanks Tom for great pads. F U Shitmano for lousy LX pads.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Shane Jones a cross-country rider from New York
    Date Reviewed: June 27, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I put the red Ritchey's on and they work great! Great power and modulation
    they were a little expensive ( 32$) for front and rear but what they hell
    they work flawless. I had Shimano brake pads before but i will stay with
    Ritcheys for now.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Diego a racer from Mexico City
    Date Reviewed: June 26, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    These are the best pads ever made! They're extremely ENORMOUS, so I have to
    cut a piece with a shopknife. I don't find any difference between the black
    ones and the red ones...I own the red ones and they don't stop extremely good
    in wet conditions, but they stop at least.anyways they don't compare with Shimano's pads: shimano's
    don't even stop with wet rims. Shimano's pads suck compared with Ritchey ones.Ritchey pads rule!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by jerry a weekend warrior from NY
    Date Reviewed: June 26, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    The best upgrade you can do for $12.00 a pair. I replaced the the old t-55s that came with my trek 850 with the ritcheys, and its amazing how quick my bike stops now. easy to install too. go get em'!!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Havoc a cross-country rider from California
    Date Reviewed: May 12, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Excellent pads! Compared to all the rest I've used (STX, LX, XT, XTR, Gray Matters, Scott/Mathausers, Eagleclaws 1&2, Aztec 1, and a branch in the wheel), the Ritcheys are by far the best design. Easy to set up, no ridiculous offset, curved to match the rim, light weight, stiff, long wearing, glaze proof, and stickier than baby shit. The only thing that can be improved is to widen the water grooves as dirt and mud get trapped in there on occasion. This is generally not a problem in So Cal though.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Joey a weekend warrior from Malaysia
    Date Reviewed: April 12, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I replaced my brake shoes (Alivio's) with the Ritchey Logic Red pads and the improvement was tremendous. It's big surface and curved design allows easier installation and adjustments. A bit pricey though.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Greg Wang a cross-country rider from Berkeley, CA
    Date Reviewed: April 10, 1997
    Bottom Line:


    If you think brake pads probably don't make a difference, you haven't tried these. Ritchey makes excellent aftermarket pads. Two colors for different riding conditions. I have the black ones and they work so much better than my old pads and haven't worn. A well made product truly worthy of 5 stars, even though it'll cost you $30 to cover the front and rear of your bike.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by JR Fisher a cross-country rider from Blacksburg, VA
    Date Reviewed: April 5, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    These things will stop you on a dime and a few cents back!! They Rule! I feel so comfortable with these stopping some wicked descents! They do however wear a little fast. Yeah, well.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by AJ a weekend warrior from Brigham City, UTAH
    Date Reviewed: March 30, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Definitely a great stopper !! Ritchey claims that the Red and Black are for different situations, like one is for wet conditions. HOGWASH. They both behave flawlessly in all situations and the red ones look lots cooler on your rig
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Paul Maher a cross-country rider from Grand Haven, MI
    Date Reviewed: March 7, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I don't know what the heck I had on before, but these red ones are a great improvement. I mean, if your going for a great stop, and a very cool look, put these on the front and back. I have never stoped better in my life. The soft rubber lets you lock the wheel up great for those way-to-fast downhills, and you can to really cool burnouts with them. To bad they work on rims with Tioga Pyscho's on them. I wore down those tires in a month. Man do those tear up in the asphault. I suggest you buy them, dispite the name KOOL STOP all over the bottom.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by John Scott a cross-country rider from Vancouver BC Canada
    Date Reviewed: January 19, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Althought these Ritchey pads are manufactured by Kool Stop and the Kool Stop standard pads are cheaper it is worthwhile paying the extra money for these Ritcheys. The problem with the standard Kool Stops (see my review) is that they are dead straight. Everybody knows a rim is in the shape of an arc!! So for a brake adjustment fanatic like me a pad which has a slight arc shape will adjust easier than a dead straight pad. I installed Ritcheys on my rears and got 5 times the wear out of them than the standard Kool Stops just because I could adjust them so the whole pad stayed on the rim. With the straight pad I challenge anyone (with old fashioned cantilever brakes) to get all of the pad on the rim. If the front and the back of the pad are on the rim then the middle is rubbing on the tire sidewall. SPEND THE EXTRA BUCKS FOR THE RITCHEYS AND MAKE YOU LIFE EASIER.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Dale a cross-country rider from Minneapolis, MN
    Date Reviewed: November 12, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    Hey! Look at the under side of your expensive you-get-what-you-pay-for? Ritchey Logic pads (you don't have to wait until you endo to do this). What do you see? Can you spell KOOLSTOP? Yes folks, the fameous Ritchey $24 pads are manufactured by our friends at KoolStop, makers of the best $8 pads on the planet. I've got Red Logic's on the front, and KoolStops on the back of my commuting Rockhopper A1FS, and Koolstops front and rear on my wife's bike. Man was I stupid for spending the $$$ on the Ritchey pads. They look cool and they work very well (the change from Shimano pads was dramatic) but the KoolStops are are essentially the same pads for 1/3 the cost!! One more thing. I've got to move the Logic's to the rear and put the KoolStops up front. The front wheel is a real hassle to get past those oh-so-cool Ritcheys.Five stars for function, and minus 2 stars on price. Kool. Stop.
    Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Andy a weekend warrior from marin
    Date Reviewed: November 11, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    The stopping power on these pads is fantastic. Now that it is rainy season here (or about to be), I would recommend running the softer Ritchey red pad. My only complaint is the fact that the size of this pad is truly ENORMOUS... nonetheless an awesome pad.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Chris Lowe a cross-country rider from San Francisco
    Date Reviewed: November 9, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    Probably the best pads for the money. They don't squeel and haven't worn out too quickly. About as good as pads get.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Darin Chester a weekend warrior from W. Sacramento, CA
    Date Reviewed: November 5, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    These pads brake like a Cal Trans worker! No problems at all with intense wear, and are built like a Mack truck. I reccommend them.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Michael Lobosco a cross-country rider from NYC
    Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    I was looking for a cheap way to improve my already good braking with Onza H.O. brakes. I had Kool Stop 2 pads which worked well. I changed to Ritchey Red pads with the hopes of even better braking. I must say I am very disappointed. They work no better than my old pads and cost $10.00 more. I know that this is not a lot of money, but it is over 100% more than Kool Stop 2. My advise is either try the black compound or the Kool Stop 2. I wish I could return them.
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Tim Fox a cross-country rider from St Louis, MO
    Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    These pads last a very long time and work very well. Much better than Shimano
    pads. The only thing bad to say is they are expensive. I thing they're worth it.

    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Brian Anderson a weekend warrior from Bowmanville, Ontario
    Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    Ok, so I liked the toe in's and all that. I'm happy with the red pads,
    and I'll probably buy another pair or maybe the black ones.
    I finally used them in mud and noticed that while braking on downhills,
    the pads started to smell like getting your teeth drilled. Maybe it was my rims,
    but has anyone else noticed this?
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Paul S. a cross-country rider from Newhall, CA
    Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    I recently found the stockpade on my C-dale F700 not adequate and looked at the
    reviews here and spoke with a number of people to decide which pads to try.


    After installing the Ritchey's ( four days ago) I found that these were a quantum improvement,
    even considering my starting point.


    Expensive but when I jammed them on at 45 mph on a looong 4 mile road decent and I went from 45 to
    20 f'n fast, I'm convinced.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Kenneth L.Torres a cross-country rider from NYC
    Date Reviewed: July 24, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    I installed the red ones in front and the black ones in the back. Most of the
    time I use my front brakes and they work excellent. I do alot of riding in the
    city and control and stopping power is a must, especially when dealing with
    heavy traffic during rush hour. My brake pads have come thru in very sticky
    situation. I give them 5 stars.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Jack Desmond a racer from USA
    Date Reviewed: July 15, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    I have had these for two seasons and they are still not worn out. My old LXs wore out in one month. Ritchey pads are great.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Phil R. a weekend warrior from Des Moines, IA
    Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    A far superior pad to the crap the is standard with Shimano brakes. I have a red (wet weather) set in front and a black (all-weather) set in the rear. In conjunction with my Onza HO brakes, they stop in any condition. Good stuff!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Thomas Canaday a cross-country rider from Aurora, Co USA
    Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    I bought these thinking they would outperform the Shimano XT brake
    pads. Well I was disappointed all the red color is pretty cool.
    I would not suggest anyone buy these unless you find that on some
    clearance table like I did.
    Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Erik Su a cross-country rider from Ithaca, NY
    Date Reviewed: June 18, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    Ritchey pads work well in any condition. However, as with any purchasing
    decision, one has to see if less expensive products also work just as well. I
    have to admit, I can't tell much of a difference between these and Kool Stop Eagle
    Claws. And Kool Stops are much cheaper. The only reason I have Ritcheys is
    because they came with the bike, but I will not spend the extra money on these
    when it comes time to replace.
    Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Lee a weekend warrior from California, USA
    Date Reviewed: June 18, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    Ritchey black brake pads, came on a 1995 bike.


    Good:
    Good stopping performance in dry or wet conditions. They were
    used with Mavic M400 rims, which do not appear to have any special
    sidewall treatment (although one can say that they now have machined
    sidewalls after a few wet off road rides).


    Bad:
    Somewhat expensive as an aftermarket item.


    Other:
    They say Kool Stop on them, and many sources tell me that they
    are made of the same compound that the less expensive and easy
    to find Kool Stop Eagle 2 pads are made of. I'll probably try
    the Eagle 2 pads when the Ritchey pads wear out.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Rod Randall a cross-country rider from Western Australia
    Date Reviewed: June 18, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    A bit squishy, rather wide so hard to align on narrow
    braking surfaces and once the little knobs have worn off
    very hard to align. If the ends were more rounded
    and the middle not so wide, maybe they would be easier to align.
    But then maybe I'm being picky, once set up properly
    they stop well under wet or dry conditions. Koolstop performance
    but the price?
    Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Dan K. a from truckee
    Date Reviewed: June 18, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    I used these for 2 years before I got the v's. Set up was super quick and power is great!! They even work nicely on hard anodized rims. In 2 years of riding and racing they pads still held up super! If I didn't own v's I'd make sure these were on my next set of brakes. And they're only 12 bucks a pair!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Mike a weekend warrior from San Diego, CA
    Date Reviewed: June 15, 1996
    Bottom Line:




    Excellent brake-pads overall. Super easy to install with the toe
    in guides.
    Stopping power is first rate. You can get these for around $12/pair through
    mail order.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Scott (Treeboy) Schlachter a cross-country rider from Los Gatos, CA
    Date Reviewed: June 14, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    I've run Koolstops, and Shimano M-sytems before (and the old-style Shimano's),
    and these are the best I've used so far. My only complaint: they're almost
    too fat; this helped to cause a tear in the sidewall of my rear tire when they
    got a little out of adjustment. Still, they are the best braking pads I've
    used yet, and they don't seem to wear down excessively fast either. Just have
    to constantly make sure they don't get out of adjustment (which is probably
    a good thing to check routinely anyway).
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Eric Silberg a from Rockville, Maryland
    Date Reviewed: June 14, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    These pads are great! The really boosted the stopping power of my LX brakes. Right now I have the red
    ones, and I haven't put too many miles on them, but they do have a tom o' stopping power. The only dowside
    is that they are pricey.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Lloyd a cross-country rider from Livermore, CA
    Date Reviewed: June 13, 1996