High cost of Campag & Shimano brake spares.

+1 for bbb brake blocks £5.50 from lbs work jst as well as high end ones

+1 for BBB for Veloce brakes. My original campagnolo veloce pads (the ones all moulded together without separate shoes) squealed like a pig and offered no confidence on big descents.

The BBB's are silent with loads of modulation feel and positive braking.

A bit like cleats - one of the most overpriced lumps of metal available. I recently bought a pair of M520 pedals in Evans for £17.99, complete with cleats. The price for the cleats alone - £17.99.

I found that initially as well when getting into road cycling. Having tried Ultegra, DA, Kool Stop Salmon, Tiagra, Revolution (Edinburgh bikes) and Swissstop green I found little to no difference between the Shimano blocks nor with the Salmons TBH in terms of longevity or power/modulation.

The Swissstop though while feel similar if slightly better do last a VERY good amount of time so for me they are 100% worth it. They are insignificantly more expensive than others and actually come with own cartridge holders so you can get into that system straight away. Considering how much longer they last I would go with them.

I suppose it's a bit like razor blades. They wear out quickly and you need to replace them so the manufacturer has you over a barrel and can demand high prices.

Rob

Agree with Russyparkin's comments about swissstop. Personally, I notice a difference in braking power and control when I use them, particularly in the wet. And they last well also.

IMO an extra few ££ is well worth it for the extra performance. Brakes is not something I want to skimp on!!

i have used a varying selection of pads, would say swissstop are worth the cash.

halt gooey are cheap but wear out really fast,its about feel half of it though,
i have some uber bike pads in the winter bike and they were £6 for 2 sets (8 pads) they are ok but there is no 'feel' where as the the campag pads they replaced felt nice and lasted well.

i would go swissstop black for winter swissstop green for 'summer' if you have none cartridge ones fitted currently buy the halt goeey with shoes, £18 f+r and when the pads wear stick the swissstops in as swissstop shoes are on par with ultegra/campag pads prices

I do agree though I wouldn;t go super cheap with blocks- I once had to get some in Wilkinsons for about £3 and they only lasted about a week (100miles). I find the BBB ones are good value and work well.

I agree with getting the cartridge style system of brakes and shopping around for replaceable pads especially this time of year when you tend to go through pads quicker. I will use swiss stop during the spring and summer months and a cheaper brand like Clarks during the autumn and winter.

I can't agree that a pair of Asda or Primark jeans are the same quality as say a pair of Diesel, replay, Levi's or G-star jeans, they are not even nearly close with the quality of denim and fit etc.

Or not comparing apples with apples. When did you first buy your Weinman pads, 1980? 105 pads have replaceable inserts as do current Veloce. The old style Veloce one piece pads can be changed for cartridge systems and Clarkes pads can be sourced for either of these at about £6 a pair.

You are simply paying for the brand I'm afraid, Its a bit like fashion.

I can walk into a designer shop and buy a pair of jeans for £200 because they have a "top" name label on them

Or I can walk into Primark or Asda and get just as good quality jeans for under £20.

Its all marketing, you'll notice when you get brakes or rims, they will recommend a couple of types that will be suitable with your set up, they won't mention then 20 other types that are just as good, because they are not part of their branding.

I wouldn't pay that much for blocks anyway.