Shimano resin brake pads with fins for quiet and progressive braking

The Shimano L05A-RF, also known as BP-L05A-RF, are resin disc brake pads with cooling fins, designed for Shimano 2-piston hydraulic calipers. They are particularly suitable for many road bike braking systems, as well as certain gravel and mountain bike set-ups.

This generation of pads utilises a 5th-generation resin compound. Shimano claims that they offer 50 per cent greater wear resistance than the L03A pads and 110 per cent greater than the L02A pads, whilst also delivering quieter operation and improved braking modulation.

Key features of the Shimano L05A-RF

• Shimano reference: BP-L05A-RF / L05A-RF
• Organic resin lining
• 5th-generation resin
• Integratedcooling fins
• Alloy backplate
• Narrow ‘L’ shape
• Designed for 2-piston calipers
• Quieter braking than with metal pads
• Excellent modulation
• Better wear resistance than previous generations
• Cooling technology Shimano
• Suitable for many hydraulic disc road calipers Shimano.

An excellent choice for road bikes with disc brakes

The organic pad material of the L05A-RF prioritises progressive braking and modulation. This is particularly beneficial on a road bike, where the cyclist generally seeks precise braking that allows them to easily modulate the braking force on descents, through bends or during emergency stops.

Compared to metal pads, resin pads generally offer quieter operation and a more progressive feel. Shimano specifically highlights the benefits of reduced noise and improved modulation with this new generation.

Cooling fins: a real advantage

The designation L05A-RF indicates a resin brake pad fitted with a cooling fin.

This fin helps to dissipate the heat generated during repeated braking. It is particularly useful during long descents or when the brakes are under heavy load.

Shimano combines this design with its cooling technology to promote better performance under high temperatures, an extended service life and a reduced risk of temperature-related performance loss.

A brake pad compatible with a wide range of calipers Shimano

The L05A-RF pads are compatible with a wide range of calipers Shimano. For road bikes, these include:

• Dura-Ace BR-R9270
• Ultegra BR-R8170
• 105 BR-R7170
• Dura-Ace BR-R9170
• Ultegra BR-R8070
• 105 BR-R7070
• Tiagra BR-4770
• BR-RS805
• BR-RS505
• BR-RS405
• BR-RS305

They are also compatible with several Gravel and MTB calipers Shimano, including the BR-RX810, BR-RX820, BR-RX400, BR-RX410, BR-M7110 and BR-M8110.

Please note: the L05A-RF code must match the brake caliper exactly. Do not choose a brake pad simply because it is advertised as ‘ Shimano ’ or ‘105/Ultegra’.

L05A-RF: an evolution of the L03A

The L05A-RF represents an interesting development on the widely used L03A.

Shimano It is claimed to offer 50 per cent greater wear resistance than the L03A and 110 per cent greater than the L02A. The brand attributes this improvement to a new resin-based friction material.

For a cyclist who rides regularly and wishes to extend the intervals between replacements, this development may therefore be of interest.

Technical specifications

The specifications and improvements in wear resistance are as provided by Shimano.

In summary

Shimano ’s L05A-RF organic brake pads with cooling fins are an excellent solution for road bikes fitted with compatible Shimano calipers. Their 5th-generation resin, cooling fin, quiet operation and good modulation make them a particularly versatile choice. Shimano also claims that they offer 50 per cent greater wear resistance than the L03A.