yeah, i've been to bicycletterie JR- nice place.
i'll have to check out the koolstop brake pads...
as for the rims... i highly doubt i have aluminum rims, because the wet-weather braking on my bike is really VERY poor.
The problem i have is not a matter of bad brake setup or technique- i've spent enough time fiddling with my brakes to know when they're set up wrong, i know how to make gradual stops at stoplights and such, but i'd like to have a margin of safety in emergency situations.