Phil Sieg wrote:
"I've just picked up a set of 26" wheels with Cerchio Ghisallo wood rims. I've searched the archives on the subject of brake pads and there didn't seem to be a consensus. Now it's a new year, maybe there are a few more data points.
So what works that's not /unobtanium/ or nearly so? Fibrax with the felt inserts? Felt pads from exercise bikes (but will they actually stop you)? Brake pads for carbon fiber rims?
Or is the better question what pads stop you and give you the longest period between needing to refinish the rims? Are any of the Kool Stop pads a viable option?"
I seem to remember that cork is the right stuff for wood rims, although nothing works very well. Heat build-up is a real problem with wood (like carbon?). I'll try to tap some non-CR list old hands for more info.
Dave Ross
Portola Valley, CA USA
(where we have many quercus trees but not the ones to make cork pads)