Most of the time I end up confused at the market while choosing between brake pads. I guess most of you can relate to me in this case.
Because there are plenty of options for almost everything! And it gets very nerve-wracking to zero on a single product.
So, which one is worth your preference if it’s sintered brake pads vs kevlar?
Sintered is very good for racing compared to kevlar. Because sintered need to warm up themselves. On the other hand, kevlar is good for the street and has no noise issues. But Sintered has a huge squealing issue. Also, it performs poorly in cold conditions. Whereas Kevlar is good for all conditions.
I know you’re not here for a mere preview. So to help you with your decision we’ve specially catered a thorough discussion.
So let’s discover the surprises!
Quick Comparison
Whether it’s a comparison between Shimano 12-speed and 11-speed or two brake pads, key differences are always there. And right now, I’m exactly going to highlight all the differences but briefly.
Let’s see what we can find out-
| Features | Sintered Brake Pads | Kevlar Brake Pads |
| Temperature | Doesn’t work well in cool temperatures | Work moderately good in all temperatures |
| Durability | Long-lasting | Less durable |
| Track Type | Good for racing | Good for street application on cruisers |
| Issues | Have noise issue | Don’t have a noise issue |
| Price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price |
Well, who doesn’t love some extra treat, right? That’s why I’m giving you something more. That would be another comparative graph chart for your better understanding.
Hope you got a brief and clear idea about all the different features of these two pads. Nonetheless, we’re here to quench your thirst for more information.
Let’s move to the head-to-head detailed battle-
Sintered Vs Kevlar: Head-to-head Combat
So, now, we’re going to go in jiffies of all the features we’ve discussed already. I’m pretty sure you’re gonna love all the plot twists.
You see, along with the finest coaster hubs, there are plenty of brake pads as well. So if you’re not gonna be familiar with the different features it’ll be confusing for you.
So here we start-
Material:
On one hand, Sintered is a metal pad. And on the other kevlar is a combination of friction substances.
So if you’re thinking about sintered brake pads vs semi-metallic, then know that they’re quite similar. However, sintered has a mixture of copper and electroplated steel.
This is why Sintered can deliver a promising braking capacity. Also great performance but at high temperature. They don’t actually perform great at relatively chilled temperatures.
However, kevlar pads might not offer the best performance if I compare them to the other pads. But they do perform very smoothly at different temperatures.
So, it actually depends on your condition. If you reside in a high-temperature area you’re good with Sintered. But if it’s a combined weather area then it’s safe to go with Kevlar.
For me, in this case, keval gets the upper hand here.
Winner: Kevlar
Durability:
When it’s about durability no one actually wins the race. Normally, you might think Sintered lasts longer than kevlar.
In this case, their material is somewhat responsible. As Sintered is metallic it should be less affected by external conditions than Kevlar.
However, it’s also true that Sintered produces heat faster than Kevlar. So, on long rides, it can really ravage your brakes because of overheating.
On the other hand, Kevlar might not be as fast as Sintered but lasts longer. Because they can handle the heat better. Therefore, at least they have a little more perceptivity.
Also, by adding kevlar fiber to your organic pads you can make them more durable.
So, if you bed your kevlar pads accurately they should work fine in all conditions.
Winner: Kevlar
Noise Issue:
When I saw organic and sintered comparison I noticed, sintered has a major squealing issue. Mostly it depends on if they’re actually hot or damp.
Another reason is sintered pads are manufactured by a tougher material than Kevlar. So, Sintered can be really heavier on rotors. As a result, Sintered pads make more noise than kevlar.
Nonetheless, do you know how to fix squealing brakes? Easy! You can stop them from making noise by sanding and burning in the rotors. For more information watch the following video-
However, according to my experience, kevlar only makes noise if the shims aren’t greased accurately. So, whenever my kevlar squeals I grease the shims with the following greases-
Another reason that I faced is when the rotors needed a little lubrication. But let me tell you in that case, you should use silicone lube only!
So, my point is, it’s very unlikely to have noise issues with Kevlar pads compared to Sintered. If something like that happened with Kevlar I either found my coaster brake problems or other parts issues.
Winner: Kevlar
Track Type:
Well, Sintered isn’t much prone to burnishing. That’s why these pads are really good for racing tracks or applications.
Although Sintered has some teething issues. It bites the muddy track more easily than Kevlar. Kevlar on the other hand has a great primary bite.
So in my opinion, Kevlar can serve both of the words. But they’re the best for street applications.
Nonetheless, I wouldn’t suggest kevlar for gritty regions like Houston, Kansas. In this case, Sintered pads are a must-have. Because Sintered in this condition got the best grip and feel.
Winner: Tie
Price:
Both Sintered and Kevlar are on the same level when it comes to their pricing. These pads usually cost around $10-20.
However, sintered requires additional accessories. Hence, it ends up more expensive than kevlar.
Normally, as sintered pads need a warm-up, you should add an aluminum front and rear set. Some sets I had a good experience with are-
- Tourney Bike Rear– super easy to maintain
- Mohegia bike rear– very durable aluminum alloy material
So, these accessories which cost around $20-30 sintered can make you spend more.
Winner: Kevlar
So, Wanna Know Which One I Would Suggest?
If you’ve already gone through the whole discussion you might already got the hint. However, it was my personal experience. I would suggest you trust your own gut.
Analyze your situation then get one of these according to your demands.
However, for your convenience, I’m jotting everything down to one place again. Take a look-
I’m hoping you made a decision already between these two brake pads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which pads should I get for towing?
I’ve always preferred Bosch BC905 QuietCast Brake Pads for towing. Because this one got the best stopping power.
How to choose the right bike brake pad?
For that, you’ll need to check your bike’s caliper size. Because different calipers have various processes of clasping the pads in one place.
Bottom Line
I’ve tried to include everything about sintered brake pads vs kevlar. Have you chosen one already?
Again don’t forget to take a 360° perspective into your consideration. This will eventually help you to get the one which is perfect for almost every situation.
Adios!
