Bicycle Mechanics - poor stopping power

My late 90s stumpjumper seems to have lost its braking power. The front rim is pretty oxidized, but the rear is newer and quite clean. Would brake pads be the best place to start? Or brake cables?

The leverage is quite good, since the pads sit close to the rim. Thanks!

new cables/ housing
Green Scotchbrite pad on rims
new pads ( I like koolstop Salmons and Avid Rim Wranglers)

green scotchbrite? To clean the rims I assume ... would that be better or worse than an aluminum cleaning solution?

I have a personal thing about harsh chemicals so I really couldnt tell you anything about this "aluminum cleaning solution"
Green scotchbrite works great. I jam it between the brake pad and the rim and ride around the block, and my rims are nice and purdy.

green scotchbrite? To clean the rims I assume ... would that be better or worse than an aluminum cleaning solution?

scrotchbrite with aluminum cleaning solution.....

I usualy use the scotchbrite with alcohol......

New brake pads....

I have a personal thing about harsh chemicals so I really couldnt tell you anything about this "aluminum cleaning solution"
Green scotchbrite works great. I jam it between the brake pad and the rim and ride around the block, and my rims are nice and purdy.

That's a great idea, I'll give it a try.

Koolstop pads should solve this problem. If not... post back.

I have a personal thing about harsh chemicals so I really couldnt tell you anything about this "aluminum cleaning solution"
Green scotchbrite works great. I jam it between the brake pad and the rim and ride around the block, and my rims are nice and purdy.

Just clean your rim braking surfaces. Rubbing alcohol works great, but citrus cleaner or Simple Green are fine, too. Use any of these in combination with a scotchbrite pad and your rims should be good. Pads can sometimes get glazed and will need a little roughing up with sandpaper or emery cloth. Clean the rim surfaces and rough up the pads and you should be good to go.

OK, I fixed it.

Cleaned the rims pretty thoroughly with dish soap and water, then scrubbed with fine steel wool. Replaced the brake pads ... now it stops on a dime. Thanks for the pointers -

good to hear it!