Hayes MX5 Organic Kevlar & Ceramic Disc Brake Pads – Precision control, rotor protection
Technical descents, muddy trails, or a sudden downpour mid-ride—when you’re out on the bike, you don’t want to worry about your brakes. You just want them to work. These Hayes MX5 disc brake pads feature an organic compound enriched with Kevlar fibres and ceramic additives to deliver exactly that: immediate, responsive stopping power without the annoying squeal. Fully compatible with the Rockrider 520 and a wide range of Hayes braking systems.
Note: Please verify your exact caliper model before ordering. Refer to the compatibility table below.
Why choose these pads? (Key benefits):
- Kevlar + Ceramic compound — Kevlar absorbs mechanical stress, while ceramic dissipates heat, helping your brake discs last longer.
- Consistent wet-weather braking — The organic compound maintains excellent grip in mud and rain, essential for real-world MTB riding.
- Zero squeal — Optimised geometry eliminates the vibrations that break your focus during technical descents.
- Reinforced steel backing plate — Resists deformation even under intense, repeated braking, ensuring the pads maintain their shape.
- Wide compatibility — Designed for Hayes SOLE, MX2, MX3, MX4, MX5, GX2, CX, and Rockrider 520 systems with no modifications required.
- Minimal rotor wear — The gentle compound extends the lifespan of your rotor, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Performance and Details
The blend of Kevlar fibres and ceramic particles in the friction compound isn’t just marketing—it has a direct impact on the feel at the lever. Braking becomes progressive and highly controllable, avoiding sudden, jerky lock-ups. This is exactly what you need when the speed picks up and the trail gets tight.
The reinforced steel plate prevents the pad from warping under repeated thermal loads—a common issue with cheaper pads after long descents. The dimensions of 27.1 x 20.8 x 4 mm ensure a precise fit in the caliper, with no play or need for extra adjustments.
| Parameter | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| Friction material type | Organic with ceramic and Kevlar fibre additives |
| Backing structure | Reinforced steel plate |
| Pad dimensions | 27.1 x 20.8 x 4 mm |
| Primary compatibility | Hayes MX5, MX4, MX3, MX2, SOLE, GX2, CX |
| Compatible bike (example) | Rockrider 520 and MTB models with Hayes systems |
| Wet weather performance | Yes – compound optimised for damp and muddy conditions |
| Noise level | Low – quiet operation |
| Rotor wear | Minimal – rotor-friendly compound |
| Heat transfer to caliper | Reduced – thermal protection via ceramic additives |
Package Contents
- 2 x Hayes MX5 disc brake pads (complete set for one caliper)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these compatible with the Rockrider 520?
Yes, provided your Rockrider is equipped with a Hayes braking system. Check your caliper model—if it is from the Hayes MX or SOLE series, these pads will fit directly without any modifications.
How do these differ from sintered (metallic) pads?
Organic pads with Kevlar and ceramic offer more progressive, quieter braking and are gentler on your discs. They perform exceptionally well at moderate temperatures, making them ideal for cross-country and trail riding. Sintered pads are better suited for extreme heat (enduro, downhill), but they tend to wear rotors faster and can be noisier.
How long is the bedding-in period?
Between 10 and 20 progressive stops are sufficient to reach peak performance. For the first few kilometres, avoid emergency braking to allow the compound to bed in properly to the disc.
Do they perform well on muddy trails or in the rain?
Yes. The organic ceramic compound is formulated to maintain grip in wet or muddy conditions, ensuring you don’t lose stopping power when the weather turns.
Gallery
T***** ***e** B**** –
Perfect fit for my MTB. They have great stopping power and don’t squeak like the old ones did.