Hi all,
I've read a lot of threads indicating that changing steel rims to aluminum rims is a guaranteed improvement. I recall one saying braking power could even increase by 4 times!
Mostly common consensus is that wet braking will go from none to reasonable?

I recently converted the front wheel of my 1974 Peugeot ue-08 (or some model like that) from the original chrome steel run with rim grooves, to a 27" x404 aluminum rim.

I was disappointed to discover the braking performance is pretty much the same as my steel rim.
In fact, the rear wheel, which is still steel, has better dry braking than the front...

I'm trying to figure out if this is just a reality of the mafac brakes I'm using? Or perhaps that I screwed something up....like that aluminum wheels are directional or something silly like that (in did try both directions with no improvements).

I tried cleaning the rim with a little vinager and water, but that had little effect.

It may be worth mentioning that I am using the original cable housings with new brake cables and standard horizontal brake levers (recycled from some old bike - I can't ride with dropped bars anymore - back issues: ( )
The pads are the same as the ones used on the steel rim. They are standard rubber pads, not cool stops or anything special like that.

Up next I am considering a little bit of sanding - the pads first, the rim next.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Cheers!