Fulcrum Zero NITE Wheelset used with regular pads.

[Jeff N.]

I've been riding on a set of Fulcrum Racing Zero "Nite" Wheels, with the so-called "Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation" treatment, and have been using regular 'ol DA-9100 brake pads instead of the recommended BLUE Fulcrum pads. I see no ill effects in braking, rim wear or pad wear in spite of several hundred miles of normal riding. My question: Just how important is it to use the recommended pads with these and other similar wheelsets? -Jeff N.

[Mzilliox]

i think part of the reason they ask you to use "different" or specific pads is they dont want you to use your old pads from your alu wheels (maybe some pieces of alu in the pads themselves) that may damage their coatings. If you are using the same pads all the time with these, and are happy with braking, i would assume all is well. I say this only because i read it on the BOYD website or blog i think a few weeks ago when i was researching ceramic brake tracks, not because i know for certain.

[fignon's barber]

I've got over 2 years of riding on Shamal Milles (same wheel) using the blue pads and the coating is absolutely perfect. There's not much price difference between the blue pads and regular ones. Why risk? If you start to see wear in coating using non-blue pads after a few months, it's too late.

[Jeff N.]

Originally Posted by fignon's barber

I've got over 2 years of riding on Shamal Milles (same wheel) using the blue pads and the coating is absolutely perfect. There's not much price difference between the blue pads and regular ones. Why risk? If you start to see wear in coating using non-blue pads after a few months, it's too late.

Mostly because I dislike colored (other than black) brake pads.

[pdmtong]

Originally Posted by Jeff N.

Mostly because I dislike colored (other than black) brake pads.

I find that hard to believe given you like lots of color in your builds.

[beeatnik]

Originally Posted by Jeff N.

Mostly because I dislike colored (other than black) brake pads.

Jeff, I like your, um, style.

[Jeff N.]

Originally Posted by pdmtong

I find that hard to believe given you like lots of color in your builds.

The build is pretty much all black. Maybe I'll just spray the blue pads black

[eric01]

Black sharpie on the visible parts of the pad

[pdmtong]

Originally Posted by Jeff N.

The build is pretty much all black. Maybe I'll just spray the blue pads black

if you really want PEO pads and you really want black then spend the $80-100 for four for the mavic exalaith variants or try to find some vittoria nero pads.

or just use blue and seek intervention elsewhere.

Blue has nothing to do with my vanilla but I it's easy enough to look past that color violation

[simonov]

Wait, are you really not using the supplied pads because of the color? They give you pads because they've determined that's the best option for the wheels. My Fulcrum Nites coating looks like crap, even with using the supplied pads. I wouldn't risk it with something else. Plus, if yours ever do get streaks and you want to pursue a warranty claim, I'm pretty sure they'll ask if you used their pads.

PS - my Mavic and DT versions of coated rims show no wear or streaking. Much better than the Fulcrums.

[Jeff N.]

Originally Posted by simonov

Wait, are you really not using the supplied pads because of the color? They give you pads because they've determined that's the best option for the wheels. My Fulcrum Nites coating looks like crap, even with using the supplied pads. I wouldn't risk it with something else. Plus, if yours ever do get streaks and you want to pursue a warranty claim, I'm pretty sure they'll ask if you used their pads.

PS - my Mavic and DT versions of coated rims show no wear or streaking. Much better than the Fulcrums.

I'm now using them, color notwithstanding.