TLDR - ONYX Brake Pads

I usually roll with organic (resin) pads for that quick bite, but I’m a fan of all brake types-each one has its own feel depending on how you ride. Just don’t forget to break them in with smooth, controlled stops until they’re gripping just right!

Best Choice for Different Uses

  • Casual Riding / City Commuting: Organic or Semi-Metallic (quieter, smoother braking).
  • High-Performance / Racing: Sintered or Ceramic (heat-resistant, durable).
  • Off-Road / Mountain Biking / Heavy-Duty: Sintered (handles extreme conditions well).
  • Luxury / Premium Feel: Ceramic (low noise, minimal dust).

ONYX Brake Pads

ONYX RCR, brake pad choices are similar to standard motorcycle and e-bike pads, with options tailored for performance and durability. Brake pads come in several material compositions, each with distinct performance characteristics.

Breaking in Brake Pads

“Breaking in brake pads” (aka bedding in or burnishing) is like teaching your brakes to dance with the rotor. It’s all about easing into it-gradual stops from a moderate speed to lay down an even friction layer. No hard stops, no slamming-just smooth, controlled braking until they’re dialed in for max performance!

Organic (Resin)

Material: Made from a blend of fibers, rubber, glass, Kevlar, and other materials bound together with resin.

Organic Pros

  • Quieter operation
  • Gentle on rotors, leading to less wear
  • Good initial bite (responsive braking)

Organic Cons

  • Wears out faster than other types
  • Can overheat and fade under high-stress braking (e.g., heavy downhill use)
  • Less effective in wet conditions

Semi-Metallic

Material: A mix of metal shavings (steel, iron, copper) combined with resin or other bonding agents.

Semi-Metallic Pros

  • Excellent braking performance across a range of temperatures
  • More durable than organic pads
  • Better heat dissipation, reducing brake fade

Semi-Metallic Cons

  • Noisier than organic pads
  • Can wear rotors faster due to metal content
  • Requires more force to achieve the same stopping power as sintered pads

Sintered (Metallic)

Material: Made by fusing metallic particles under high heat and pressure without using adhesives.

Sintered Pros

  • Best performance in extreme conditions (wet, dry, hot, or cold)
  • Long-lasting and highly durable
  • Excellent heat dissipation, reducing fade

Sintered Cons

  • Noisier than organic and semi-metallic pads
  • More abrasive, leading to faster rotor wear
  • Can take longer to “bed in” for full braking performance

Ceramic

Material: Made from a dense ceramic compound mixed with copper fibers.

Ceramic Pros

  • Extremely quiet operation
  • Longer lifespan compared to organic and semi-metallic pads
  • Minimal brake dust production
  • Good heat resistance and fade resistance

Ceramic Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not ideal for extreme heavy-duty or performance applications (less initial bite)