After some 14 months of research and development in cooperation with Kool Stop, BP-Amoco, SGL-Hitco and numerous others, Zipp developed the world's first thermally conductive, low temperature brake pad. Many have formulated pads with cork for carbon rims, but this only serves to lower brake temperatures through a low coefficient of friction, and therefore results in poor braking performance and feel. With input from SGL-Hitco, manufacturer of the over 90% of the carbon-carbon brake discs used in Formula 1 auto racing, Zipp developed a compound utilizing a matrix of high thermal conductivity PITCH based graphite fibers, high cross-linking carbon molecules, and ultra-high performance Mesophase Pitch Graphite. Previously reserved only for aerospace and satellite usage, these materials exhibit heat transfer properties roughly 2-3 times that of copper and at less than one-fifth the weight. However, with prices nearing $800 US per pound, the weight savings and performance advantages must truly be maximized to justify their use. Zipp carefully formulated these materials which are then blended with a base resin and molded using the advanced shape tooling from Kool Stop in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Zipp is quite confident that their Carbon/Carbon pad is the highest performance bicycle brake pad in the world, whether used on carbon or aluminum rims. The Zipp pad also adds a further dimension of safety to your riding as it is one of only a handful of pads not containing abrasives, it minimizes the possibility for heat-flatting under extreme conditions with aluminum rims, as well as prolongs the life of aluminum rim brake tracks.

Zipp pads are purchased per brake caliper, so you'll need to purchase 2 for to outfit your bike. You'll need to specify whether you have Shimano or Campagnolo calipers. Simply slide the stock pad out of your current brake shoe and insert the new pad (please note that they are left and right specific).