Shimano BR-M550 Replacement Pads

[sukuinage]

Hi, the only place I've found for these is:

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brake-blocks/shimano-atb-brm550-cantilever-brake-blocks-81c-9802/?geoc=US

I'm in Germany so was trying to source components from here and was also wondering whether I could get something compatible and better from Koolstop or someone similar. Does anyone have an idea? I've seen a post on here on the same subject but it's quite dated so I was wondering if there is more recent advice?

https://forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=64855

I see one of the suggestions on there is replacement with mini V's - I'd consider that - clearance needed for 50mm tyres (26 inch wheels) and Bluemels 65mm guards. I've got Campagnolo Ergos fitted so also a consideration.

[hamster]

Conventional V-brake pads will work just as well, although you probably need to use the thickest spacers between pad and brake.

[Brucey]

BR-CX50 or BR-CX70 brake blocks, with an adaptation, will fit and work in your brakes. The adaptation is to make the spacer the correct length and to use a bolt that is the correct length too. This will work because these brake block holders have a female threaded fitting, so can be spaced to any width (there are three standard widths for these brakes, so that they can be fitted to differently spaced bosses and used with different rim widths etc. If you can find BR-CX70 type, you need only ever buy inserts ever again; the inserts are the 55mm type that fit shimano road brakes too.

In point of fact the BR-CX70 holders are basically a set of road type brake blocks, but fitted with different spacers and bolts. It wouldn't be difficult to adapt a set of road holders to make them do the same job, so that would be worth a go.

cheers