Best canti brake blocks?

[OutInTheShed]

I have a former CX 'gravel' bike, which I ride on hilly terrain.

Your opinions please on what brake blocks to try!
The front rim is fairly worn, and slightly out of true.
Not so it notices riding, but it's not perfect.

Front brake is an Avid Shorty 6.
Shimano 105 levers.

My ratty old hardtail has disc brakes, maybe I'm just expecting too much, but I'm guessing the pads/blocks are a good place to start?

I feel I'm 'running out of brakes' even in the dry when going down the hills I struggle to pedal up, I'm guessing we're talking about 1 in 6 gradient or so?
I suspect the blocks are just old and gone hard, so maybe anything new would be better?

[Pickled Piper]

If you are not bothered about brand names, the halfords (Clarks I think) blocks consistently get good reviews.

[Super Sonic]

Kool Stop.

[OutInTheShed]

Super Sonic said:

Kool Stop.

Some of those are 're-assuringly expensive'!

I've 'borrowed' a pair of the Clarks ones from a mate down the road, and stripped/cleaned/lubed/adjusted everything. It feels a lot better.

Thanks both!

[neilr]

Am i the only one to find Swisstop blocks for cantis a tad disappointing? (the black ones) I love them on my road bikes but i don't find the canti ones anywhere near as good

[dudleybloke]

Pickled Piper said:

If you are not bothered about brand names, the halfords (Clarks I think) blocks consistently get good reviews.

The black rubber ones are better than the 3 colour ones from my experience.

[OutInTheShed]

dudleybloke said:

The black rubber ones are better than the 3 colour ones from my experience.

Experience is welcome!
Better how?

I don't mind having to pull quite hard, I've got big strong hands, I mostly want to feel in control and a) not go over the bars and b) not look like something out of 'Last of the Summer Wine' as I gather speed down a long steep hill...
Not being banjaxed by the first hint of damp or mud would also be on the wish list!

Obviously it's a temptation to buy lots of stuff, convert it to disc.....
Or maybe a ££££ mountain bike would do everything I want in one bike?

I'm enjoying the hardtail around the woods and this bike for lanes and tracks though.
Two cheap bikes vs spending a lot of dosh on a compromise?

[dudleybloke]

[quote=OutInTheShed]
Experience is welcome!
Better how?
/quote]
They seem a little bit softer and grip better, not much difference between them but enough to notice.

[OutInTheShed]

Thanks, I'll get a pair to try, they are cheap enough.

Tomorrow looks like a weather window for a little ride, might improve my £/mile average!