Cycling UK Forum

An old chestnut I know, but....Recently I was caught in 2 days heavy rain fully loaded with all 4 panniers and after about 40 miles, my part worn V-brake blocks had 'dissolved' completely away rendering me brakeless. OK I accept that I maybe should have fitted new blocks before I set out but this would only have increased the 40 miles to about 60. Not finding a cycle shop, I bought some replacements in Wilkinson's ( Wilco) which meant that the sun came out!! Thus I cannot tell you of the durability of Wilco blocks, except that I was very pleased to find them.

When I go to wet and steep Wales in November, fully loaded again, what would you guys recommend as suitable long lasting brake blocks for the trip?

Braking in the rain does indeed make you go though your blocks pretty quickly, but this is very quick indeed. However, wear of the blocks is lesss important than braking power and wear of the rims. In my experience the best blocks for wet weather are Koolstop Salmon. They last pretty long, are kind to the rims, and brake very well in the wet.

And take spares. They weigh next to nothing and take up no space.

Indeed. I use Magura hydraulic rim brakes, and blocks for these are often hard to get on tour.

Swiss Stop - not cheap but last brilliantly

Swiss Stop - not cheap but last brilliantly

Were they the front, rear or both?

Both front and rear. Front wore first as I tend to use that brake most. Thanks for all your input guys - most helpful.