How do you carry spare disk brake pads?

[Titiritero]

If you need to swap out worn pads on the trails you'll also need a tool to push the pistons back in first as nice and thick new pads won't simply slot back in.

I've never done it myself yet, but from what I've seen just using a plastic tire lever should be enough to push pistons back. And I also carry tire levers with me, all three of them!

 

[mattr]

Yeah. Tyre levers can work.
Some disc pistons really don't like being pushed in off centre though (Shimano!) and they'll crack/shatter. So, careful using tyre levers!
Also. It's far far better to take an existing part worn pair of pads out and have them as your spares rather than trying to fit box fresh pads in the middle of nowhere, in the pissing rain then trying to get them bedded in on unfamiliar terrain.
That was my "usual" trick when I bought new pads for my race day tool kit, do a couple of hard training rides on them, then put them back in the tool box. So if I do need them, they are right ready to go.

 

[d8mok]

It’s not like pads suddenly wear out instantly.

Don’t you maintain/clean your bikes?

probably best to Chuck a spare chain , tyre , cassette , chainset , grips in the pack too

Personally I carry as little as possible when riding. As likelihood you won’t need it. A multi tool and a form of puncture repair is enough. Anything else that may go wrong once every few years you can either buy from a lbs or get a taxi home

 

[CassidyAce]

Not expecting anything in particular, but I know I'm lazy and I won't be checking the wear on my pads until it's too late. .Since disk pads are so small and there's plenty of room in my toolbag, I thought better to carry a spare set with me instead of checking from time to time, which for sure I'll forget to do.

If I were you, I would get into the habit of checking your bike regularly. 'Until it's too late' means what? Not being able to brake in time? Having an accident? Hurting yourself? Hurting other people? Children? Dogs? It's not better to carry a spare set with you instead of checking from time to time. It's better to check. Apologies if that sounds a bit abrupt; it's just the way it is.

 

[Kona-Ian]

I carry a spare tube, tyre levers, 2 small cans of tyre weld.
Compact Topek bike pump, 3 small multi tools, torx, star and allen.
Bottle cage with water.
Think that's about it.
Ah, and some stick on patches.

 

[mattr]

It’s not like pads suddenly wear out instantly.

Depends.
I've seen them go from brand new to 2/3rds gone in a single race.
If i'd lined up with perfectly serviceable, half worn pads, i'd have been without brakes for laps 5 and 6... which would have been fun.

 

[d8mok]

Depends.
I've seen them go from brand new to 2/3rds gone in a single race.
If i'd lined up with perfectly serviceable, half worn pads, i'd have been without brakes for laps 5 and 6... which would have been fun.

I don’t doubt in a race situation it’s possible. However surely when competing in a race you wouldn’t be stopping to change pads anyway mid way.
Early this year I ran completely worn pads for a couple of weeks as I couldn’t get spares for ages. I didn’t die.

 

[Kona-Ian]

Obviously depends on compound, if racing you would need a hard wearing compound.

 

[mattr]

I don’t doubt in a race situation it’s possible. However surely when competing in a race you wouldn’t be stopping to change pads anyway mid way.
Early this year I ran completely worn pads for a couple of weeks as I couldn’t get spares for ages. I didn’t die.

I've had to stop to change V-pads before now (20 years ago though!) I guess it depends how the race is progressing and what the course is like as to if it's worth risking losing time replacing pads, or not being able to slow down at a critical moment.

Obviously depends on compound, if racing you would need a hard wearing compound.

No, you need a compound that suits what you are doing!

 

[mk one]

I carry a spare set, in the front caliper