The Shimano J04C Metal Brake Pads are the ultimate choice for riders who demand consistent, fade-free braking performance in the most challenging conditions. Featuring Shimano’s advanced Ice-Technologies, these pads are equipped with integrated aluminum cooling fins. These fins work as a heat sink, radiating heat away from the pad and rotor surface to significantly reduce brake fade and extend the life of your braking system.
Constructed with a high-friction sintered metal compound, the J04C pads provide a powerful initial bite and exceptional durability. Unlike resin pads, these metal pads are engineered to excel in wet, muddy, and gritty environments, making them the gold standard for gravity-focused mountain biking, e-MTB, and long-distance alpine touring.
Ice-Tech Cooling Fins: Integrated aluminum radiator fins wick heat away from the caliper and rotor, reducing surface temperatures by up to 50°C.
Sintered Metal Compound: Provides massive stopping power and a firm, consistent lever feel, even under the high temperatures of a long descent.
Wet-Weather Performance: Metal pads maintain their friction coefficient in mud, rain, and grit far better than standard resin alternatives.
Superior Durability: The hardened metal construction offers a significantly longer wear life, making them more cost-effective for high-mileage riders.
Reduced Brake Fade: By managing heat effectively, these pads prevent "spongy" lever feel and ensure predictable braking from the top of the mountain to the bottom.
Wide Compatibility: Designed to fit a broad range of Shimano 2-piston calipers, including XTR, XT, SLX, and Alfine series.
| Feature | Specification |
| Model Number | J04C |
| Pad Material | Sintered Metal |
| Backing Plate | Stainless Steel with Aluminum Fins |
| Braking Power | 5/5 (High) |
| Modulation | 3/5 (Direct) |
| Durability | 5/5 (High) |
| Anti-Fade | 5/5 (High) |
Gravity & Enduro Riders: If you are tackling steep, sustained descents where heat buildup is your number one enemy.
E-Bike Owners: Perfect for the additional weight and speed of e-MTBs, providing the raw friction needed to slow down high-momentum bikes.
All-Weather Commuters: Ideal for riders who don't stop for rain or mud; these pads won't dissolve in gritty winter conditions like resin pads can.
Noise-Sensitive Riders: Metal pads are naturally louder than resin, especially in the wet. They may "chirp" or "squeal" until they reach operating temperature.
Rotor Compatibility: Ensure your rotors are marked "Wide" or "Metal Compatible." Using these on "Resin Only" rotors will lead to rapid rotor wear and poor performance.
The J04C Metal Pads are a serious performance upgrade, but they require a proper "bedding-in" procedure to reach their full potential. Find a safe, flat stretch of road and perform 10–15 firm stops from about 25km/h down to a walking pace (don't lock the wheels!). This transfers a layer of pad material to the rotor, which is essential for quiet and powerful braking. Also, keep an eye on those cooling fins—they look great, but if they get caked in thick mud, give them a quick spray with water to ensure they can still breathe and shed heat!
