Bicycle Mechanics - How do you clean CNC-machined brake surfaces?

Is there a proper and wheel-safe way to clean CNC machined braking surfaces on wheels without scratching the wheel? The wheel is a Bontrager Race with silver braking surface...is non-abrasive metal cleaner OK?

Thanks, Al

Hey Al,

I also have a couple sets of Bonti Race wheels. Think you'll like them. They've been good wheels for a reasonable price. I like to use Scotchbrite pads if they are really dirty. They are just agressive enough, without damaging the finish. If it's only a like film or oil, etc., a rag dampened with mineral spirits (paint thinner) works just fine, too. Or, Simple Green. However, for a more agressive cleaning, Scotchbrite pads work real well. OHB

soap, water, and a nylon bristled scrub brush. no need for all sorts of fancy chemicals that'll do who-knows-what to your tires.

scratches? don't worry about them. you'll be fine.

steel wool works just fine

0000 steel wool and Nevrdull work for me. But face it....those pretty lines in the rim won't stay there forever if you're using rim brakes. Get som grit and mud working and they'll get worn right out of there anyway. If you bought it to ride it instead of always having it look showroom ready it shouldn't be a huge concern.

^^^^^
steel wool works like a charm...followed up with a little simple green

Rag + muck-off is fine. Doesn't damage tires either.

Hate to ruin these beautiful new wheels but luckily my other bike is the only one that's going to see rain or mud :) :) And the CNC'd braking surface will wear out eventually, eh? I'm sorry to hear that. They look and brake sweet, it's going to be a bummer to see them get worn out.

Old Hammer, what other quality wheels have you used on road bikes? This is my second set of road wheels and first time using a presta valve.

I'll suggest a completely non-abrasive cleaner that I and many others have used for years: NeverDull. It is a metal cleaner and polish. I've used it on my motorcycle aluminum and chrome parts. I've used on both sets of my Mavic rims. Since this product has become much better know and popular than it was 20 years ago, you can now buy it at many discount dept stores and auyto parts stores.

Al,

We also have a tandem with black Mavic 40 hole A719 rims with Hugi tandem (disc brake) hubs and DT straight gauge spokes. Everything's black. These are really a good looking and tough set of tandem wheels. My LBS tells me they have actually had better service from these hubs than with Phil Wood tandem hubs. Hard to believe, but that's been their experience. Mavic makes great rims in my opinion, and the A719s for a tandem are really stout. Because these wheels are equipped with disc brakes, I don't have to worry about buggering up the rim braking surfaces. I also have a spare set of Bontrager Race lights (700C) for my road bike. My, and my wife's Treks are equipped with Bonti Race wheels (700C). As I said, the Bontrager wheels are good ones, too. I like the bladed spokes, they make truing a bit easier. So that's my collection... OHB

windex and compressed air.