dur4ce

What do you all use to clean the braking surfaces on your Al wheel? Mine are getting a little grody, and I'm not sure what to use to clean them, but not diminish stopping power. Thanks!

-Steve

RatherBeBiking

If you're willing to run it over with a wet q-tip, i find that's a good way to work out the dried in grout in the ridges.

kevinmcdade

I just cleaned one of my wheelsets and used a Scotch Brite pad, soap and water. Cleaned up pretty quick and did not affect the stopping power.

johnny99

A moist paper towel does a pretty good job.

Enthalpic

To clean rims I just use a damp rag and a bunch of elbow grease. Don’t forget to clean the pads too, if they are glazed use a file… or replace ‘em.

DXchulo

I've heard of using alcohol, but I tried it and it wasn't so magical. Now I just use dish soap and an old toothbrush.

It's best to clean them often before they get too bad, but that's easier said than done.

johnny99

Yes, much more important to clean the brake pads than to clean the rims. If you ride in wet conditions, a lot of grit can get stuck in the pads and that will mess up your rims.

SaabFan

I use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. I find it cuts through the crap better than anything else, and since it's so volatile it evaporates right away - no need to rinse off soap residue.

dekalbSTEEL

I use Pedro's Special Road Rim Grime Remover. Sure, it's $18.95 for a 2oz bottle, but I think it's worth it.

Especially on my POS Xero XR-1's

cycle17

I use a scotch brite pad and soap and water on the braking surface and always check the pads as well. I find that 9 out of 10 times the pads need to have grit and debris picked out of them and then be carefully filed flat again with a fine flat file. Then the bike stops like new!

EdZ

I use Fast Orange pummice hand cleaner. Put a little on a rag and rub the brake surface. It cuts the grime and the little pieces of pummice clean inside the grooves. Make sure you whipe it well afterwords with warm water on another rag.

jimblairo

I have a stone that is used for the edges on skis a couple of times a year to remove the scores on the braking surface. I find it improves pad wear.

haimtoeg

I use this: https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=W1016

Slice2

$33.44 U.S. for what looks like a glorified eraser? Wow! What's so special about it? How well does it work?


I just use blue shop towels, but I stay pretty much on top of it so it's short work. If they're really bad, then some Simple Green.

Central_Rider

I usually use soap and water with a shop rag. I was thinking of trying those Mr. Clean magic erasers. Anyone know if they work?

FIVE ONE SIX

very fine #00 steel wool at the start of the season, and rubbing alcohol as needed.

Bobby Lex

+1.

Bob