Shimano Brake Pads: Compatibility Guide for B, D, G, K & L Types | RideARK
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Ultimate Guide to Shimano Brake Pads: Types, Compatibility & Performance (B, D, G, K, L Pads)
Shimano Brake Pads Explained: Choosing the Right Type for Your Ride
Whether you're flying down a technical descent or cruising your local trail, your brakes are your most important safety component. Shimano brake pads are engineered to deliver outstanding performance, but knowing which type to choose can be confusing. That’s why we’ve broken down the Shimano pad types – B-Type, D-Type, G-Type, K-Type, and L-Type – to help you find the right match.
At RideARK, we specialise in high-performance brake pads compatible with Shimano systems, engineered to match your riding style and terrain.
What Are Shimano Brake Pad Types?
B-Type Pads
- Mounting: Retaining pin and spring
- Commonly Used In: Older post-mount calipers and mechanical disc brakes
- Ideal For: Recreational riding and casual trail use
Compatible Calipers: Shimano Alivio BR-MT200, Deore BR-C601, MT Series BR-MT400, BR-MT500, Trekking Series BR-T615, BR-T675
Shop Shimano B-Type Brake Pads
D-Type Pads
- Mounting: One-piece with integrated fins (Ice Tech)
- Commonly Used In: Shimano 4-piston calipers
- Ideal For: Enduro, downhill, e-bike use
Compatible Calipers: BR-M8120, BR-M8020, BR-M7120, BR-M6120, BR-M5100, BR-M820, BR-M810, BR-M640, BR-MT520, BR-MT420, BR-U8020
Shop Shimano D-Type Brake Pads
G-Type Pads
- Mounting: Standard 2-piece pad with spring
- Commonly Used In: Shimano 2-piston calipers
- Ideal For: All-mountain and trail riders
Compatible Calipers: M9000 Series, M8000 Series, SLX, DEORE, ALFINE, 105 R7000, Cyclocross, and more
Shop Shimano G-Type Brake Pads
K-Type Pads
- Mounting: Designed for Shimano's newer road/gravel calipers
- Commonly Used In: Shimano flat-mount brakes
- Ideal For: Road, gravel, and cyclocross
Compatible Calipers: M9100, R9270, R8170, R7170, R7070, RX810, RX400, RS305 and more
Shop Shimano K & L-Type Brake Pads
L-Type Pads
- Mounting: Like K-type but with cooling fins (Ice Tech)
- Commonly Used In: High-performance road calipers
- Ideal For: Competitive road racing, long descents
Resin, Sintered or Semi-Metallic: Which Compound Is Best?
- Resin (Organic): Quiet braking, less rotor wear, excellent modulation
- Sintered (Metallic): Powerful in wet/muddy conditions, high heat resistance
- Semi-Metallic: Balanced power and longevity, great for mixed weather
Choose based on riding conditions, braking style, and bike weight.
Best Shimano-Compatible Brake Pads from RideARK
- Long-lasting durability
- Fade-resistant heat performance
- Quiet, powerful braking
- Includes stainless springs and bed-in instructions
Why Choose RideARK?
- UK-Designed & Tested
- Pro Compounds for Every Brake Type
- 24-Hour Tracked Shipping
- Friendly, knowledgeable support
Quick Compatibility Chart
| Pad Type | Caliper Type | Riding Style | Cooling |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-Type | BR-MT200, BR-C601, BR-MT400, BR-MT500, BR-T615, BR-T675 | Recreational | No |
| D-Type | BR-M8120, BR-M8020, BR-M7120, BR-M6120, BR-M5100, BR-M820, BR-M810, BR-M640, BR-MT520, BR-MT420, BR-U8020 | Enduro, DH, E-bike | Yes |
| G-Type | BR-M9000, BR-M9020, BR-M987, BR-M985, BR-M8100, BR-M8000, BR-M785, BR-M7100, BR-M7000, BR-M675, BR-M666, BR-M6100, BR-M6000, BR-M615, BR-S7000, BR-S700, BR-R7070, BR-CX77, BR-RS785, BR-R785, BR-R517, BR-R317, BR-U8000, BR-M5100 | Trail, All-Mountain | No |
| K-Type | BR-M9100, BR-M9110, BR-M8110, BR-R9270, BR-R8170, BR-R7170, BR-R7070, BR-4770, BR-U5000, BR-RX810, BR-RX400, BR-RX820, BR-R9170, BR-R8070, BR-RS805, BR-RS505, BR-RS405, BR-RS305 | Road, Gravel | No |
| L-Type | Road calipers with fins | Racing, Descents | Yes |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Shimano brake pads is key to unlocking your full braking potential. Whether you're seeking confidence on alpine descents or smooth braking on winding roads, RideARK offers compounds and pad shapes that match every Shimano system.
Not sure which pad you need? Contact our support team – we're happy to help.
Ride Strong – RideARK
About the Author
RideARK Tech Team – This guide was created by the RideARK team, specialists in high-performance braking systems. With years of experience riding and testing across the UK's toughest trails, we design our pads to meet real-world demands. Whether you ride road, trail, or enduro, we’ve got the braking solutions to keep you in control.