Which Shimano Brake Pads Do I Need? A Compatibility Guide
Which Shimano Brake Pads Do I Need? A Compatibility Guide
Shimano make excellent brakes — but buying the wrong replacement pads is one of the most common and frustrating mistakes in bike maintenance. The pads that fit your brakes depend on the specific brake model, not just the fact that it's Shimano.
This guide will help you identify the right pads for your brakes in a few simple steps.
Step 1 — Find your Shimano brake model number
The model number is usually stamped or moulded onto the brake caliper body. Look for a code starting with BR-, such as:
- BR-MT200 — entry-level Shimano hydraulic disc brake (very common on budget and mid-range MTBs)
- BR-MT500 — mid-range Shimano hydraulic disc
- BR-MT420 / MT410 — Shimano Acera/Alivio hydraulic disc
- BR-RS305 / RS405 / RS505 — Shimano road/gravel hydraulic disc
- BR-M315 — Shimano Altus hydraulic disc
If you can't find the model number on the caliper, check the original bike spec sheet or search the model number on the Shimano website using your bike's groupset name (Altus, Acera, Alivio, Deore, SLX, XT etc.).
Step 2 — Identify the correct pad type
Shimano disc brake pads use a lettered code to identify the pad shape and backing plate. The most common types are:
| Pad code | Compatible brakes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| B01S / B05S | BR-MT200, BR-MT315, BR-MT420, BR-M315 and others | Most common entry/mid MTB pad |
| L02A / L03A | BR-MT500, BR-MT520, BR-MT420 | Mid-range MTB |
| J02A / J04C | BR-M6000 Deore, BR-M7000 SLX | Mid-high MTB |
| M06 | BR-RS305, BR-RS405, BR-RS505 | Road/gravel hydraulic |
| R55C4 | Shimano rim brakes (caliper/cantilever) | Road rim brake |
The safest approach: remove your existing pad, note the code printed on the backing plate, and match it exactly.
Step 3 — Choose resin or metallic
Most Shimano disc brake pads come in two compounds:
Resin (organic) pads:
- Quieter operation
- Better modulation (progressive braking feel)
- Good for general trail riding and road use
- Wear faster in very wet or muddy conditions
Metallic (sintered) pads:
- More durable in wet and muddy conditions
- Better for sustained descents and heavy braking
- Can be noisier, especially when cold
- Better choice for Peak District and North West riding in autumn and winter
Do I need resin or metallic pads? For most riders in the UK — particularly in the Peak District, High Peak, and North West where conditions are frequently wet — metallic pads offer better longevity. For lighter use and quieter braking, resin is the better choice.
Shimano B05S brake pads — the most common MTB pad
The Shimano B05S is the standard replacement pad for a wide range of entry and mid-level Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, including the very common BR-MT200.
If your bike has Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and was bought in the last five years at a mid-range price point, there's a good chance it uses B05S pads.
We stock Shimano B05S resin brake pads at Peak Bike Station — available online with free UK delivery over £18, or collect same day from Hadfield, Glossop.
Not sure which pads fit your brakes?
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Alternatively, contact us with your brake model number and we'll confirm compatibility for you.
Where to buy Shimano brake pads in the UK
Peak Bike Station stocks Shimano B05S resin brake pads online with free UK delivery on orders over £18. We're an independent bike shop in Hadfield, Glossop — a short walk from Hadfield train station on the Glossop line from Manchester Piccadilly (~50 minutes).
Can't find the right pads at your local chain store? Contact us with your brake model number and we'll point you in the right direction.
Frequently asked questions
Which Shimano brake pads do I need? It depends on your specific brake model. Find the BR- code on your brake caliper, then match it to the correct pad type. The most common entry/mid MTB pad is the Shimano B05S, compatible with BR-MT200 and many other models.
How do I know if my Shimano brakes use B05S pads? Check the model number on your brake caliper. If it's a BR-MT200, BR-MT315, BR-MT420, or BR-M315, it almost certainly uses B05S pads. You can also remove the existing pad and check the code on the backing plate.
What's the difference between Shimano resin and metallic brake pads? Resin pads are quieter and offer better feel for general riding. Metallic pads last longer in wet and muddy conditions. For UK riding — especially in the Peak District and North West — metallic pads are often the better long-term choice.
Can I use metallic pads instead of resin on my Shimano brakes? Yes, as long as the pad shape and backing plate code match your brake model. Both compounds are available in most Shimano pad types.
Do I need to bed in new Shimano brake pads? Yes — new pads should be bedded in before hard use. Apply 10–20 moderate stops from around 20mph, allowing the brakes to cool between each stop. This transfers a thin layer of pad material onto the rotor for consistent performance.
Where can I buy Shimano brake pads near Glossop or the High Peak? Peak Bike Station in Hadfield, Glossop stocks Shimano B05S resin brake pads. Order online with free UK delivery over £18, or collect same day from our shop near Hadfield train station.
Where can I buy Shimano brake pads near Manchester? Peak Bike Station is accessible from Manchester Piccadilly via the Glossop line — approximately 50 minutes by train to Hadfield. We also offer free UK delivery on orders over £18.
What if the big chain shops don't have my Shimano pad type? We stock Shimano B05S pads and can advise on compatibility for other models. Contact us with your brake model number and we'll confirm what you need before you order.
Peak Bike Station — Independent bike shop, Hadfield, Glossop. Stocking Shimano brake pads, inner tubes, chain lube and accessories for cyclists across the High Peak, Peak District, Greater Manchester and the North West.