SRAM's second-generation two-piece road calipers on Red AXS, Force AXS, and Rival AXS use a different pad shape than the earlier mono-bloc design, which means you need to confirm your caliper type before ordering replacement pads. The Disc 35 C fits these newer two-piece calipers along with SRAM's Level mountain brakes from 2020 onward and the legacy Avid Elixir series. If you're running a current SRAM road groupset, this is likely the shape you need.

The Disc C compound blends Kevlar, ceramic, brass, and resin into an organic formulation that prioritizes immediate stopping power. SwissStop rates initial bite at 9 out of 10, delivering confident braking response from the moment you touch the lever. The ceramic and brass content provides that aggressive engagement while Kevlar fibers reinforce the structure and keep the compound from wearing rotors excessively. Noise performance matches the initial bite rating at 9 out of 10 for both wet and dry conditions, so you won't announce every stop to the group.

This compound trades some longevity and heat tolerance for that sharp lever feel. SwissStop rates both characteristics at 7 out of 10, which means riders who prioritize pad life or regularly tackle long mountain descents might prefer the RS or EXOTherm2 compounds instead. But for criterium racing, cyclocross, or any application where you need the brakes to respond instantly with minimal lever travel, the Disc C compound delivers. Each set includes the appropriate return spring where applicable and requires a proper bed-in procedure to transfer compound material to the rotor surface before the pads reach full performance.