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?

First query, yes. Most strong solvents would work pretty well, the acetone in nail varnish remover is particularly good.

Second query, also yes.

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).

srong solvents..

?? 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.

I tried HTFU but it didn't work.

what fred and hippy said.

also, if you have painted rims, avoid strong solvents.

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.

If someone asks for instructions on how to kill themselves do you run out and find them?

Commonly used by bike mechanics? None of the mechs I've known/seen have come close to cleaning people's rims.. maybe in the Tour.. not in a bike shop.

Also, isn't acetone a solvent when applied to rubber?

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.

he asked for techniques or chemicals - i.e. basically anything.

I've only ever heard of pro mechanics using alcohol to clean grease off rims, which is an entirely different thing altogther, and needs to be done as an exception, not a rule. Acetone? never. Wire wool? not in a million years. you'll end up smoothing off the surface.

Thought maybe you're a professional rim polisher :-P

dishwashing scrubby sponge and this...

sorry, when I said chemicals I meant tame household cleaning products, not anything that might damage tyres and the like. I had assumed a light detergent or degreaser plus cloth and elbow grease, was just wondering if there were any 'trade secret' type suggestions. I'll stop asking obvious, spacky questions now...

These, plus nothing:

Water, bitch!

was just wondering if there were any 'trade secret' type suggestions.

propanol is one of those 'trade secret' type suggestions, but as others have emphasised is unecessary unless you happen to have got grease all over your rims.

Post #53 on this thread would work.

Water, bitch!

Nope, frenulum face.

Tootbrush and fairy innit...

that's what I said, scrubby one side, soft the other, just like my arse, think about it, you know you want to

You will also note that I said 'scourer' in my post waaay up there and bmmf has also posted an image above. Now think about my furry arse.. :P

gah, I really shouldn't post having just got home from South Beers, it's not good for all concerned

You will also note that I said 'scourer' in my post waaay up there and bmmf has also posted an image above. Now think about my furry arse.. :P

I do, I can't help it, as much as I'd rather think of anything else, trying to write a dissertation, your arse is all that's there, lurking, stalking, haunting me, sneaking up at every turn! Why won't it end, what is the answer? Beer, that's the answer. HTFU!

scowler?

Tried any of the mtb cleaning products like Muc-Off...I'm sure they'd be good for the job?

Mavic do this;

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Mavic-Mavic-Softstone-Rim-Cleaner-7152.htm

Which works a treat by all accounts.