Are disk brake pads interchangeable?

[I Are Baboon]

I have Avid mechanicals. Can Shimano or Hayes mechanical brake pads be used with them, or do I have to get Avid-specific pads? I've used Aztec brake pads and I think they SUCK. It's all my LBS sells though and the Avid brand pads seems to be difficult to find (Jenson does sell them). Just wondering if Hayes or Shimano pads will work.

Thanks

[DßR]

No, can't do that. They're all different shapes.

EBC probably makes Avid pads, try them? Tell your LBS to get off their duff and order up some genuine pads from Avid?

Hell, if they're bein stupid about it, order from JensonUSA guilt-free, that's what I usually do.:)

[I Are Baboon]

Are those EBC pads any good? I've seen them online but have not heard too much about them.

I figured the pads were not interchangeable. They are the only disk brakes I've owned though, so I was not sure. Thanks for the feedback. :monkey:

I did not order from Jenson becaue they don't have the elbow pads and gloves the wife wants. I want to get this all from the same place if I can. :D

[DßR]

EBC's are kind of a mixed bag - I had some Reds (DH compound) that were insanely powerful but so soft that they only lasted a few rides, then tried some Greens (all-rounders) and the pad compound popped off the backing after one ride; I then heard from a bud that it happens to the Greens a lot.

Some people love 'em though. I doubt I'll buy 'em again......

[johnbryanpeters]

I used EBCs on my Magura Julies for a while and had no problems with them.

J

[I Are Baboon]

Originally posted by johnbryanpeters
I used EBCs on my Magura Julies for a while and had no problems with them.

J

Cool, I'll give them a try. If they suck, I'm going to send you a bill for $20. :p

[Mike B.]

IAB, you should give the Kool Stop Avid pads a try. I've got two sets of Avid mechs, one set with 165s and one set with 185s and I've switched both over to the Kool Stops. Modulation is better and they wear as well as the stock pads.