Powered by Outside

Zee Pad Recommendations

PB Forum :: Bikes, Parts, and Gear
Zee Pad Recommendations

 Post Message | Latest Comment
Author Message
flag TShaq
Posted: Aug 22, 2017 at 4:24 Quote
Hey All,

Just picked up a 2012 SX Trail and I'm already in love.

Was used, but overall in great condition and I really just need to replace the brake pads and rotors.

Already picked up a set of 200mm(front)/180mm(rear) centerline rotors. Got a really good deal: $30 for both, pretty much a 2 for 1, and couldn't turn that down even if they became spares.

My real question: what brake pads would you guys recommend for a Zee caliper (haven't had a Zee caliper before)? I used to run an organic up front and a sintered out back, but I think I might just go all sintered all around this time (generally different riding purpose for this bike). I weigh 185 after a week of travelling on business and 175 after a week of normal life. Only reason I add this here is that I probably could have run a 180mm(front)/160mm(rear) no problem, but I'm not crazy into saving small amounts of weight on this bike just yet. Want to get to know her a bit the way she was meant to be (and again, great deal on those rotors!).

Also, if you could check this formula for me: 200mm front rotor/180lb. average weight/probably not riding too much DH = maybe resins would last a little longer? I'm just getting funky into it now.

Note: I have read quite a bit of reviews on the sintered pads starting to howl like a wild monkey looking for a mate after a little while (saw 100 miles listed a few times as the howling point) and that riders have ultimately gone back to resin with great results and ultimately better longevity due to not having to replace (because of the crazy howling).

Also, if anyone has some Zee pads for sale that they want to get rid of let me know as I always like to help this forum out with purchases prior to LBS/Amazon.

Thanks!

TShaq
flag Ploutre
Posted: Aug 23, 2017 at 2:44 Quote
I believe stock Zee pads are organic (which is one of the difference with the Saints, which come with metallic pads), and these days, organic pads still last quite longer than they used to. Either will probably be fine. I usually go sintered front and rear, but I'm heavier than you, and therefore tend to brake a lot more (and I tend to drag the brakes to limit the speed I go at)

If you want to change brand, my preference goes to Galfer pads (Advanced for a good mix between power/longevity, Pro for more power at the expense of a faster wear). For a week of riding in the Alps/Mountaineous areas, the PRO version doesn't last the week on the rear, but front has 40% left. I'd still pick these over other brands, outstanding power and resistance to heat.
flag switch900
Posted: Aug 25, 2017 at 12:27 Quote
I've been using the XON brand for my Zees. To be fair I have Zee caliper on the rear and Saint Caliper on the front with Saint levers (so I run Saint pads front and back on both the calipers). I don't know much about the brand but I get them from a mobile bike mechanic that I think gets them from Asama bikes. I assume they are Chinese and they don't say if they are sintered or organic but I assume they are sintered (metallic). Braking is excellent. There is no squeal and durability is fantastic. Best part is that I'm paying half the price of the Brake Authority ones at MEC. I've got them mated to the Shimano Ice-Tech rotors.

http://www.xonbikes.com/
flag superman-4
O+ FL
Posted: Aug 25, 2017 at 12:35 Quote
I'm running the Shimano Saint/Zee H-type (finned) , metallic.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ca/en/shimano-saint-zee-h-type-disc-brake-pads/rp-prod124951

Hard to go wrong for $37 cdn. They last me just under a whole season. Never tried the organic's, but never had a single problem with the metallics. Only ever got noise/squealing once (due to contamination) - I hit the pads/rotor with a blowtorch and that took care of it. Love these brakes (Zees) - incredible power, perfect lever feel, minimal fade. Can do a lever bleed in 5mins. Running Shimano rotors (8" freeza fr, 7" icetech rr).
flag sdken
Posted: Aug 30, 2017 at 8:23 Quote
I've never howled on me, when switching pad material on the same rotor, make sure you clean up the rotors. Metal pads are the way to go.
  • Previous Page
  • Next Page

 


Copyright © 2000 - 2026. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.008690
Mobile Version of Website