Kevlar, ceramic, brass, and resin combine in the Disc C compound to create an organic pad that prioritizes immediate stopping power. SwissStop rates initial bite at 9 out of 10, the highest among their disc pad compounds, which translates to confident braking response the moment you pull the lever. The ceramic and brass content in the formulation contributes to this aggressive engagement while the Kevlar fibers and resin binder keep the compound from being harsh on rotors.

The Disc 34 shape fits Shimano's flat mount road calipers across the entire current road lineup, from Dura-Ace down through Tiagra, plus GRX gravel brakes. The same shape also works with Shimano's high-end mountain calipers including XTR, XT, and SLX flat mount versions. TRP, Tektro, and REVER flat mount calipers round out the compatibility list. If you're running Shimano-style K or L series pads, these are direct replacements.

Wet and dry noise performance both rate at 9 out of 10, so the compound stays quiet across conditions. This matters if you're commuting year-round or racing cyclocross where water, mud, and grit test brake systems continuously. The trade-off for that strong initial bite comes in longevity and heat tolerance, which SwissStop rates at 7 out of 10 each. Riders who prioritize pad life or regularly descend long mountain passes might look at the RS or EXOTherm2 compounds instead. But if you want the sharpest lever response SwissStop offers in an organic formulation for Shimano road calipers, this is it. Each set includes the appropriate return spring and requires proper bed-in procedure to transfer compound material to the rotor surface.