TPC Semi-Metallic Disc Brake Pads – Shimano M975, M800, M776, M665, M595, M545, M535

Older Shimano brakes are getting harder to find pads for. Shops stock whatever fits current bikes, and a 2010 XT or an SLX from the same era quietly falls off the list. These are the replacements for that generation, and there's no reason a working brake should be scrapped because nobody stocks the consumable.

What fits

Shimano BR-M975, M966, M965, M800, M776, M775, M765, M665, M601, M596, M595, M585, M545 and M535, plus BR-R505, BR-T665 and BR-T605. That covers a lot of XT, SLX, Deore and Alfine brakes from roughly 2007 onwards, and the trekking callipers fitted to a great many hybrids and tourers.

Not sure which pads your brake takes? Read our disc brake pad fitment guide.

What they're made of

Semi-metallic friction material on a steel backing plate, built around a wear-resistant resin carrying Kevlar and copper fibre. They're rated for middle and high temperatures, and the heat dissipation is what keeps wear down rather than just making them feel good on the first run.

Keeping an older bike going

A brake from this era is usually fine mechanically. The seals last, the levers last, and what actually wears out is the pad. At this price it's worth keeping a spare pair in the toolbox rather than discovering mid-service that the part is discontinued everywhere.

Fitting

One pair per calliper. Order two if you're replacing front and rear together. Bed them in with ten or so firm stops from moderate speed before your first proper ride, easing off before you come to a halt each time, so the material beds evenly onto the rotor.