What Kool-Stop International does

Kool-Stop International, Inc. is an Oregon-incorporated, privately-held manufacturer founded in 1977 and headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The company specializes in the formulation, compounding, and production of bicycle friction components—primarily rim brake pads and disc brake pads—alongside a small assortment of cycling accessories (tire levers, tire bead jacks, Presta valve adaptors) and branded apparel. Its product lines serve road, mountain, BMX, commuter, and electric bicycle segments, with compatibility engineered across major brake systems from Shimano, SRAM, Tektro, Magura, TRP, Campagnolo, Avid, Formula, Hayes, Hope, and others. Technical differentiation rests on in-house rubber compound formulation across 14+ proprietary blends (Salmon, Dual, Triple, E-Electric, Carbon/Carbon 2, CFL, Ceramic/Z Cromium, Rigida, and more), patented mechanical features (Pad-Lock washer system, angled tip plow), and forged-aluminum dual-pivot holders (Dura/Dura 2).

Revenue is generated through two channels: (1) direct-to-consumer sales via a Shopify storefront on koolstop.com offering 214+ SKUs, and (2) multi-tier wholesale distribution through regional distributors that supply bike shops and dealers across roughly 40+ countries, anchored by a wholly-owned European subsidiary (Kool-Stop Europe BV, Netherlands) and 11+ named US distributors. Apparel items carry fixed pricing (e.g., $20 for T-shirts), while most brake pad products are quote-based and not publicly priced. Customer segments include individual cycling enthusiasts and recreational riders, e-bike riders, BMX/specialty cyclists, local bike shops/dealers, and regional wholesale distributors.

The company maintains an 11-50 employee workforce across its US headquarters and European regional office, and uses content marketing (website tech guides, disc pad compatibility poster, compound descriptions), Facebook, and Instagram to reach end consumers. No external funding rounds, M&A activity, or leadership changes are disclosed in available data; ownership appears privately held. Geographic reach is global but most concentrated distribution is visible in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Name

Kool-Stop International

Legal name

Kool Stop, Inc.

Website

https://koolstop.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Kool-Stop International is a privately-held Oregon manufacturer specializing in formulation, compounding, and sale of bicycle rim and disc brake pads and accessories, sold globally through regional distributors and a Shopify DTC storefront serving cycling enthusiasts, bike shops, and e-bike riders.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Bicycle Brake Pads and Cycling Components

NAICS

Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)

SIC

Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)

akta.pro primary industry

Brake Friction & Rotors (Pads/Shoes/Discs/Drums) (IMACAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aftermarket Brake Components Manufacturing (Pads/Rotors/Calipers/Lines) (IMACANAB), General-Purpose Rubber Compounds (NR/SBR/BR/EPDM) (IMANAJAA)

Keywords

• Bicycle brake pads
• Rim brake pads
• Disc brake pads
• Cycling accessories
• Brake pad compounds

Headquarters

HQ city

Lake Oswego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct E-commerce Sales: Operates Shopify-powered online store selling brake pads, accessories, and apparel directly to consumers worldwide. Products include rim pads, disc pads, tire levers, valve adapters, and branded merchandise.
2. B2B Distribution: Sells products in bulk to regional distributors who then supply bike shops and dealers. Distribution network spans USA, Europe, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, and other international markets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Kool-Stop International manufactures and sells high-quality bicycle brake pads (rim and disc) and cycling accessories under proprietary rubber compound formulations compounded in-house. The product line covers replacement pads compatible with major brake manufacturers (Shimano, SRAM/Avid, Tektro, Magura, TRP, Campagnolo, Formula, Hayes, and others) along with holders, tire tools, valve adaptors, and branded apparel.

Product overview

Kool-Stop International is a specialized manufacturer of high-quality bicycle brake pads and cycling accessories. The company offers two primary product lines: Rim Brake Pads (including Eagle 2, Dura Road Holder, AT Threaded, V-Type, V-Type 2, Thinline, Tectonic, International Cooling Fins, and Vans series) and Disc Brake Pads (compatible with Shimano, SRAM/Avid, Tektro, Magura, TRP, Campagnolo, Formula, Hayes, and other major brands). The portfolio includes multiple proprietary compounds (Salmon, Black, Colors, Dual, Triple, E-Bike, Clear, Composite, CFL, Carbon, Carbon 2, Ceramic) formulated at their facility. Accessories include tire tools (Tire Bead Jack, Sport Tire Levers) and valve adaptors. The company also sells branded apparel. Products are distributed globally through authorized distributors in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and other regions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Rim Brake Pads High-quality bicycle rim brake pads available in multiple proprietary compounds (Salmon, Black, Colors, Dual, Triple, E-Bike, Clear, Composite, CFL, Carbon, Carbon 2, 1003CX, 1003R, Ceramic, Rigida) and holder types (Threaded, Cantilever/Smooth Post). Includes models for road, mountain, BMX, and commuter cycling disciplines.
• Disc Brake Pads Replacement disc brake pads compatible with Shimano, SRAM/Avid, Tektro, Magura, TRP, Campagnolo, Formula, Hayes, Suntour, Hope, FSA, Dia Tech, Joy Tech, and Pro Max brake systems. Available in organic, sintered, E-bike, and specialty compounds.
• Eagle 2 Pad Series Brake pad with hardened reinforced steel internal backbone, available in Threaded and Cantilever versions with compounds including Silver, Black, Red, Yellow, Blue, Salmon, Ceramic, Carbide Rims, Dual Compound, and Carbon Fiber. Features patented Angled Tip Plow and Water grooves.
• Dura Road Holder Series Forged aluminum road brake holders with dual pivot adjustment housing Dual Compound Dura Type inserts. Threaded format compatible with most Shimano-type brake systems. Features Patented Plow Tip design.
• Dura 2 TripleLite Lightweight forged aluminum holder with Triple compound insert pads, approximately 31 grams per pair. Fits most Shimano-type brake systems with thicker pads for longer life.
• AT Threaded Pads All-terrain brake pads designed for larger wheel sizes (24-29 inches) with tapered edges for tire clearance, off-center post tread design, and flat grooved bottom. Available in multiple compounds including Carbon.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kool-Stop Europe BVcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional headquarters and distributor for European markets. Located in Winschoten, Netherlands, serving as the primary distribution hub for all European countries including Germany, France, UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Spain, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Greece, Lithuania, Macedonia, and Netherlands.
• Bicycle Technologies Int'lminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUSA distributor based in Santa Fe, New Mexico serving the cycling industry with Kool Stop products
• J&B Importers Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor USA importer and distributor based in Miami, Florida distributing Kool Stop products
• Trek BicyclesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor bicycle manufacturer serving as distributor for Kool Stop products in Waterloo, Wisconsin
• United Bicycle SupplyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUSA distributor based in Ashland, Oregon serving bike shops with Kool Stop products
• Orange Sport Supply Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian distributor based in British Columbia distributing Kool Stop products in Canada
• Colmax International Ltd.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor serving China and Taiwan markets for Kool Stop products

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• SRAM: Major bicycle component group (SRAM, Avid, Zipp) with OE disc brake systems and proprietary replacement pads. Broad incumbent that competes at both the system level and the aftermarket parts level that Kool Stop addresses.
• Shimano: Global leader in bicycle components including OEM brake systems and replacement pads. While not a pure aftermarket pad specialist, Shimano's OE pads and service parts dominate the installed base that Kool Stop's compatible aftermarket pads serve.
• Tektro: Taiwanese manufacturer of bicycle brake systems (mechanical and hydraulic) plus replacement pads. Competes with Kool Stop in disc-pad fitments for its own and competitors' calipers across mid-tier road and MTB segments.
• Magura: German manufacturer of hydraulic bicycle brake systems and aftermarket pads. Shares Kool Stop's European heritage and serves overlapping bike-shop channels, including OEM and aftermarket pad demand.

Emerging players

• EBC Brakes: Aftermarket brake pad specialist with motorcycle and bicycle product lines using proprietary organic and sintered compounds. Adjacent competitor sharing compound-development DNA with Kool Stop's in-house friction formulation approach.

Direct peers

• Jagwire: Specialist in bicycle brake pads, cables, and housing with a broad global aftermarket distribution footprint. Shares Kool Stop's positioning as a non-OEM aftermarket upgrade brand sold through bike shops.
• Clarks Cycle Systems: UK-based manufacturer of bicycle brake pads, cables, and hydraulic components supplying independent bike shops worldwide. Direct aftermarket competitor to Kool Stop across rim and disc pad lines.
• Alligator International: Manufacturer of bicycle brake pads, cables, and housing with global distribution. Competes directly with Kool Stop in the aftermarket pad category, offering comparable compound ranges and rim/disc coverage.
• SwissStop: Swiss manufacturer of high-performance bicycle disc and rim brake pads with proprietary compound formulations. The closest direct competitor to Kool Stop in the aftermarket bicycle friction segment, serving the same bike-shop and consumer channels globally.
• Galfer: Spanish manufacturer of brake pads and rotors for bicycles and motorcycles, including aftermarket disc pads for major caliper brands. Direct competitor in the bicycle disc-pad aftermarket.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/KoolStop
• Instagraminstagram.com/koolstopusa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kool-stop-international-inc.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kool-Stop International