Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 2,491
From: Fairplay Co
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Yes your rims are cheap but using softer brake pads as mentioned above should help. Also making sure your wheels are relatively true to minimize braking stress on the rims should help some.