Bicycle Mechanics - Decrease braking distance? (rims too smooth)

The rims on my Trek 2000 are Matrix ?Aurora? (1999/2000 model) and have been worn to a glass-like finish by the brake pads. As a result, it takes too much time to brake from an emergency standpoint). How can I rough this surface up some? I've tried sopaless Brillo pads, but the rims must not be made out of metal because they're very resistant to the Brillo. Does anyone have any suggestion? Buy new rims really isn't an option (now or for a long time) so I;ve got to work with what I've got. Buying some materials to help complete the job would be OK as long as it wouldn't cost me mor than about $30.

Thanks for your help.

Have you tried new brake pads? Surely this would help some.

-Ryan

sandpaper maybe, im not down with my grit specs, but choose something that wont leave big grooves but will actually rough up the surface

Wet/dry sandpaper around 150 grit will work fine. I use it dry and you just need to do enough to break the glaze. You can also dress the brake pads with sand paper. If the pads are worn past the grooves go ahead and replace them as well.

Originally posted by BikerRyan
Have you tried new brake pads?
I second this advice. Rubber hardens with age. News pads will help.

You shouldn't be having to use abrasives on your rim. Maybe some alchohol to get rid of oil and old rubber. Try the new pads, and take it from there.

I agree with roadbuzz.. scrubbing your rims with abrasives isn't a good idea.

I had a pair of old 27" rims i put on my beater, with very smooth surfaces that the old pads seemed incapable of creating friction on. I just cleaned the rims with a degreaser, rubbed them dry, and put a pair of big soft rubber bmx brake pads on the calipers; now i am back to popping endos at stoplights!

Sandpapering the rims is no biggy, for best result use a sanding block and sand with a small circular motion so the scratches are very random in relation to the braking direction. Also sand or file the surface of the pads, if you take off the glaze your braking action will improve greatly.

Try new brake pads first. I am very partial to KoolStops.