Cleaning the braking surface on rims

is there a specific technique or chemical that is particularly good for cleaning the black braking-residue crap off rims? will installing a NoBrake prevent further soiling?

Just wash it off with waster, detergent and a sponge. It comes off easily - no need for funky chemicals (don't even need detergent if you put some elbow grease into it or use a scourer).

?? joke, right? what do you think strong solvents will do to the rubber in your tyres?

use a pencil eraser. Or soap and water, or HTFU.

he asked for chemicals.

Obviously some wirewool would do perfect, and help shine up your rims too.

but propanol, acetone etc is whats commonly used by bike mechanics to clean braking surfaces, they strip oil residues etc off too, and cause no harm to tyres that I know of.