Beaker

OK, with some heavier downhill braking recently, I've got some stubborn to remove buildup on my rims -- I've stock Shimano pads on my 105 calipers, w/open Pro's. I've tried water based cleaners as well as Finish line Ecotech degreaser without shifting much. Anyone got any magic tips for getting the rims clean again?

Szczuldo

WD40 seems to loosen it enough, with aluminum rims I'm sure you are safe using a solvent as well. But in the end whatever you choose to do require plenty of elbow grease and a strong grip.

MadCowMoo

Yep WD40 and a green scrub pad.

KevinF

I use rubbing alcohol / witch hazel on a scotch-brite pad. Seems to work pretty well, plus it evaporates without leaving any residue.

deadforkinglast

Simple green and fine steel wool. Always works for me.

johnny99

I use an old toothbrush and water. No need for chemicals.

bigtea

How often do you clean your bike? I mean really clean it... removing all of the dirt and grime, cleaning/lubing the chain, cleaning the wheels?

Szczuldo

remove all the grime after a workweeks worth of commuting and then after both saturday and sunday rides. I don't want dirt build up. Lubing the chain is a weekly process, and the chain gets cleaned whenever I start seeing too much gunk. Make sure you get your downtube after long rides, the tar and other gunk from the road can be hell to take off from there if left untreated.

Medpilot

I just cleaned my wheels (rims) last week for the fist time. It took me about 45 min. scrubbing very hard with some steel wool. They came out looking brand new, but I was thinking there has to be an easier way. I've only been out twice and they are back to looking dirty again. I just put some salmon Kool Stops on my brakes today. Hopefully that will keep them looking clean.

Terex

Mavic makes a cleaning block.

PeddlingPilgrim

if i just do a quick wipe down with water and a towel, on the wheel rims after every ride or every other ride... no build up occurs and i don't have to spend hours cleaning. and i ride almost every day.

otherwise simple green.

bigtea

I do the same. I've never, ever had build up on the rims because I wash my wheels every week (and my bike) with soap and water.

AngryScientist 

wow, good question that i did find a magic answer to. pick up a mr clean magic eraser, they work awesome. i stole one from my wifes cleaning supplies, and it removes all types of residue from everywhere on the bike great, including the rims.

jamiewilson3

A little aluminum polish will return the rim to like new. Available at autoparts stores.

brian416

+1, polish works great and is pretty quick with the small surface area on rims

Beaker

Thanks -- some good suggestions there, I'll try 'em in order of convenience.

I try to keep my rims fairly clean, on the assumption that a cleaner rim offers a better braking surface, I normally wipe down the rims after pretty much every ride, it's just recently that I've had deposits that won't shift. The frame I try to wipe down once/twice a week and the chain gets a degreasing every 200miles or so.

Apologies for butchering the English language in my original post, I've no idea WTF happened there.

MIN 

goo-b-gone and then isopropyl alcohol. less manual labor this way.

HolyInstantRice

This is magic. Makes rims look brand new, and certainly more efficient than steel wool.