Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Alittle issue after putting on this new wheelset

Well I didnt really even think about it when i bought the wheelset, but since it is painted and I use a front brake, the brake doesnt really grasp very well to stop me suddenly.. Kinda sucks going down hill


Anyway to fix this? I cant afford a new wheel, Should I use alittle sand paper and ruff it up a bit

bike in question

http://i53.tinypic.com/4v1f81.jpg

How come it looks like the picture was taken through a periscope?

Anyway, I have a couple suggestions. Basically you'll want to make the brake function as well as you possibly can, short of buying a new wheel. Set the pads correctly, or maybe buy some new high quality pads. Clean the rim with soapy water or alcohol. Sanding the braking surface might wreck the paint, but I've never had to do this so I'm not sure. Hope this helps.

Keep riding. That paint will eventually wear off.

How come it looks like the picture was taken through a periscope?

Anyway, I have a couple suggestions. Basically you'll want to make the brake function as well as you possibly can, short of buying a new wheel. Set the pads correctly, or maybe buy some new high quality pads. Clean the rim with soapy water or alcohol. Sanding the braking surface might wreck the paint, but I've never had to do this so I'm not sure. Hope this helps.

look closely... the brake tracks are painted.

I would suggest using the pads least recommended, which would be some shimano pads. They're very hard and abrasive compared to some of the popular choices like koolstop salmons and will cut through the paint in no time.

How come it looks like the picture was taken through a periscope?

Anyway, I have a couple suggestions. Basically you'll want to make the brake function as well as you possibly can, short of buying a new wheel. Set the pads correctly, or maybe buy some new high quality pads. Clean the rim with soapy water or alcohol. Sanding the braking surface might wreck the paint, but I've never had to do this so I'm not sure. Hope this helps.

haha its a fisheye.. i am sorry

http://i52.tinypic.com/fdeeea.jpg

thats better

I can only second what Scrod said. Give it time. Ride it.

+1 for just ride. I have a set of black dp18s and the paint starts to come off after a few rides.

thanks guys.. wasnt sure what to do after I was going down a really steep hill and needed alittle quick brake before I hit the intersection.. Ill keep riding it and wearing it in.. Glad to know it will actually get better though

if ur brake pads are old/uneven u might want to sand it down and clean it up too.

some 400 or 250 grit wet sand paper should do the trick (sanding the wheel wet), if you don't want to wait for the brakes to scuff up the surface. It will take the shine off the paint and give your brakes something to bite into. Easy fix.

dont even worry abotu sanding
just make sure they are adjusted correctly (ie super close in this case) and ride
im currently breaking in my fuji track pro non machined wheels for a front brake

You're all going to die.