--- title: "Frequently Asked Questions" meta: "og:description": "Frequently asked questions from Aztec." "og:title": "Frequently Asked Questions" "twitter:description": "Frequently asked questions from Aztec." "twitter:title": "Frequently Asked Questions" description: "Frequently asked questions from Aztec." --- # FAQs ## **Need Help? We've Got Answers ** Explore common questions about Aztec products, retailer support and product-specific advice. ## **Aztec FAQs** Common questions about Aztec brake pads, rotors and replacement braking components. ### **What types of brake pads does Aztec offer?** Aztec offers both organic and sintered disc brake pads to suit different riding styles and conditions. Organic pads typically provide quieter braking and better modulation, while sintered pads offer increased durability and performance in wet, muddy and demanding riding conditions. ### **Are Aztec brake pads suitable for mountain bikes?** Yes. Aztec brake pads are widely used on mountain bikes, offering reliable stopping power for trail, enduro, downhill and cross-country riding. Their range includes options designed to perform in challenging off-road conditions. ### **How do I find the correct Aztec brake pads for my bike?** Aztec brake pads are designed to match specific brake calipers from leading manufacturers. The easiest way to find the correct replacement is to identify your brake model and use the Aztec compatibility guide or product descriptions to match the correct pad shape. ### **Does Aztec make brake rotors as well as brake pads?** Yes. In addition to brake pads, Aztec produces a range of disc brake rotors and braking components designed to deliver reliable braking performance for road, gravel, mountain bike and commuter applications. ### **Are Aztec brake pads suitable for e-bikes?** Many Aztec brake pads are suitable for electric bikes, where increased bike weight and higher average speeds place greater demands on braking systems. Riders should always check compatibility with their specific brake model before purchasing. ### **Why choose Aztec replacement brake pads?** Aztec replacement brake pads are trusted by cyclists because they offer dependable braking performance, broad compatibility with leading brake brands and excellent value for money. They are a popular choice for routine maintenance and brake upgrades alike. ### **How often should bike brake pads be replaced?** Brake pad lifespan varies depending on riding conditions, terrain and mileage. Riders should inspect brake pads regularly and replace them when the braking material becomes worn to ensure consistent stopping power and rotor protection. ### **Are Aztec products suitable for road and gravel bikes?** Yes. Aztec manufactures braking components for road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrid bikes and mountain bikes. Their extensive range makes it easy to find replacement brake pads and rotors for a variety of cycling disciplines. ## **Contact FAQs** Helpful answers for choosing compounds, checking fitment and knowing when to replace braking components. ### **How do I choose the most suitable disc brake pad compound?** Dry conditions, quiet braking, and rotor-friendly performance: Choose Organic pads. Wet, muddy riding and long-lasting durability: Choose Sintered pads. Heavier bikes and increased braking demands: Choose the Aztec e-bike compound. See the article at the following link for more detail. [Aztec disc brake pad compounds](https://www.aztecbrakes.co.uk/articles/aztec-disc-brake-pad-compounds). ### **How do I work out which brake pad will fit the brake system I use?** Search the Freewheel website with the braking system name as a key word, you should be able to find the matching brake pad shape from the images found here. Every product has a diagram which details the shape and dimensions of each brake pad available. Measuring the brake pad you are replacing will help confirm you are choosing the correct product. ### **Are Aztec rotors compatible with all types of brake compounds?** Yes, all Aztec rotors are made from high quality stainless steel suitable for all types of bicycle brake pad compounds. Some brands have resin only rotors which use a softer stainless steel alloy - these types of rotors are not suited to metal or sintered brake pads. ### **How often should I replace brake pads and rotors?** Aztec have an extremely handy tool - the Shark tool - a centre lock lockring tool which has a wear gauge for both rotors and brake pads by brand. For rotors simply offer up the gauge on the Shark tool while the rotor is attached to the bike. For brake pads you will need to remove the pad from the calliper. You should always check you have sufficient brake pad material before any ride, especially following a ride in wet weather. ## **Aztec HexVent Floating Rotor** Product FAQs for the Aztec HexVent Ultra Lightweight Floating Rotor. ### **What are the benefits of a floating brake rotor?** A floating brake rotor is designed with a separate braking surface and carrier, allowing the rotor to better manage heat expansion during braking. This can improve braking consistency, reduce the risk of rotor warping and deliver more reliable performance on long descents and demanding rides. ### **Why choose the Aztec HexVent Ultra Lightweight Floating Rotor?** The Aztec HexVent Ultra Lightweight Floating Rotor is engineered to reduce weight while maintaining braking performance. Its vented design helps dissipate heat efficiently, making it an excellent choice for riders looking to improve braking control without adding unnecessary weight to their bike. ### **Is the Aztec HexVent rotor suitable for mountain bikes and gravel bikes?** Yes. The Aztec HexVent Ultra Lightweight Floating Rotor is suitable for a wide range of riding disciplines, including mountain biking, gravel riding and road cycling. Its lightweight construction and effective heat management make it ideal for riders who demand consistent braking performance across varied terrain. ### **What is the advantage of a 180mm brake rotor?** A 180mm rotor provides increased braking power and improved heat dissipation compared to smaller rotor sizes. This makes it particularly beneficial for heavier riders, aggressive trail riding, long descents and bikes carrying additional loads, helping maintain consistent stopping performance in demanding conditions. ## **Aztec Shark Rotor Wear Tool** Product FAQs for the Aztec Shark Rotor Wear Indicator and Lockring Wrench. ### **What is the Aztec Shark Rotor Wear Indicator and Lockring Wrench used for?** The Aztec Shark is a 6-in-1 workshop tool designed specifically for disc brake maintenance. It combines a rotor wear gauge, lockring wrench, rotor truing fork, pad wear gauge, piston press and hex key extension, helping cyclists perform multiple brake servicing tasks with a single tool. ### **How does the Aztec Shark help maintain disc brakes?** The tool allows riders and mechanics to check rotor and brake pad wear, straighten bent rotors, reset hydraulic brake pistons and remove or install Centre Lock lockrings. Regular brake maintenance can improve braking performance, reduce noise and help extend component life. ### **Is the Aztec Shark compatible with different brake brands?** Yes. The rotor wear gauge is compatible with disc rotors from Aztec, Shimano, Hope, SRAM and Magura, while the pad wear gauge is designed for Shimano brake pads. This makes it a versatile tool for servicing a wide range of modern disc brake systems. ### **Who is the Aztec Shark Rotor Wear Indicator and Lockring Wrench designed for?** The Aztec Shark is ideal for home mechanics, workshop technicians and cyclists who perform their own bike maintenance. Its compact multi-function design helps simplify disc brake servicing without the need to carry multiple specialist tools. ## **Aztec Road System Inserts** Product FAQs for Aztec Road System brake pad inserts. ### **What are Aztec Road System Inserts used for?** Aztec Road System Inserts are replacement brake pad inserts designed for use with compatible road bike cartridge brake pad holders. They provide a cost-effective way to restore braking performance without replacing the entire brake pad assembly. ### **Are Aztec Road System Inserts suitable for carbon and aluminium rims?** Aztec offers different brake compounds designed for specific rim types. It is important to select the correct insert for your wheelset, as pads designed for aluminium rims should not be used on carbon braking surfaces and vice versa. ### **Why replace brake pad inserts instead of the whole brake pad?** Replacing only the brake pad insert reduces waste and can be more economical than replacing the complete cartridge system. It also allows cyclists to quickly refresh braking performance while retaining existing compatible pad holders. ### **How often should road bike brake pad inserts be replaced?** Brake pad inserts should be inspected regularly and replaced when the wear indicators become less visible or when braking performance begins to decline. Frequent riding in wet or gritty conditions may accelerate brake pad wear and require more regular replacement. ## **Aztec HexVent Disc Pads** Product FAQs for Aztec HexVent Disc Brake Pads. ### **What brake systems are Aztec HexVent Disc Brake Pads compatible with?** Aztec HexVent Disc Brake Pads are designed for Shimano flat mount disc brake systems, including Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105, Tiagra, GRX and other compatible Shimano road and gravel brake calipers. Always check your brake model before purchasing to ensure compatibility. ### **What are the benefits of Aztec HexVent Disc Brake Pads?** Aztec HexVent brake pads feature cooling fin technology designed to improve heat dissipation during braking. This helps maintain consistent braking performance on long descents, reduces brake fade and can extend pad life in demanding riding conditions. ### **Are Aztec HexVent brake pads suitable for gravel riding?** Yes. Aztec HexVent Disc Brake Pads are ideal for both road and gravel cycling. Their braking compound and heat management design provide reliable stopping power across varied terrain, making them a popular choice for endurance rides, bikepacking and gravel adventures. ### **Why choose aftermarket Aztec brake pads for Shimano brakes?** Aztec brake pads offer excellent performance, compatibility and value. Designed to match the fit and function of original Shimano pads, they provide dependable braking performance while often offering a cost-effective alternative to OEM replacement pads.