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Cleaning Braking Surfaces

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  • December 18, 2015 at 10:31 am #25171
    BobbyG

    I’ve just bought some new SwissStop brake blocks but before I stick them on the bike I wanted to give the braking surfaces of my Mavic Kyseriums a clean.  They’re probably covered in GT85 etc from all the post-winter-ride cleaning I’ve been doing 🙂

    Any recommendations of what can be used to remove any dirt/grime/teflon??!  I though about using some white spirit on cotton wool but wasn’t sure if it might attack the wheels/tyres in some way.

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  • December 28, 2015 at 7:52 am #864075
    0
    Jharrison5

    Swiss stop make this: http:/
    Swiss stop make this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/swissstop-swissclean-rim-cleaner/rp-prod42618
    It seems to work for me.

    December 26, 2015 at 10:51 pm #864073
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    leftback

    White spirit should not be

    White spirit should not be used, it leaves a small amount of oily residue. I normally use clear liquid kitchen cleaner with a dishcloth on my alloy rims, then rinse off with water. If I was being fussy I would probably use lemon degreaser liquid and a worn scotchbrite pad, then water. If I was going to use spirits it would be methylated spirit, easy to get hold of.

    December 23, 2015 at 8:59 pm #864071
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    DaveE128

    I’d choose meths over white
    I’d choose meths over white spirit as the latter leaves a residue.

    December 23, 2015 at 11:45 am #864069
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    CommotionLotion

    I got some “Old Spice” for

    I got some “Old Spice” for Secret Santa last year and if it hadn’t been for a timely intervention I’d’ve got more for Secret Santa this year !  

    Thanks for the tip.

    December 22, 2015 at 9:31 pm #864067
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    BobbyG

    This wins, end of thread 

    This wins, end of thread laugh

    December 22, 2015 at 4:02 pm #864065
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    adyshort

    I use all the bad aftershave

    I use all the bad aftershave I’ve been given over the years and wipe the rims down with that, Tai Winds from Avon is one I found in the loft last year which must be 30 years old although it does make my bikes, and shed, smell like a tarts handbag.  It’s basically a cheap way to get alcohol, actually perfumed degreaser is a good idea for kickstarter – anyone?

    December 20, 2015 at 11:21 pm #864063
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    rnick

    I use a quick squirt of

    I use a quick squirt of fenwicks foaming chain degreaser.  Spot of elbow grease & the rims are free (briefly) of the black crud.

    December 20, 2015 at 9:48 pm #864061
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    rjfrussell

    Disc brakes are the answer, I

    Disc brakes are the answer, I think.  

     

    *Dons tin hat*

    December 20, 2015 at 9:19 pm #864059
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    hampstead_bandit

    isopropyl alcohol is the best

    isopropyl alcohol is the best 😉

    December 20, 2015 at 8:54 pm #864057
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    BobbyG

    Many thanks, white spirit it

    Many thanks, white spirit or vinegar it is then!

    December 19, 2015 at 6:34 pm #864055
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    matthewn5

    +1 for vinegar. Quick,

    +1 for vinegar. Quick, effective and cheap.

    December 18, 2015 at 11:11 pm #864053
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    Simon E

    Try some white (or spirit)

    Try some white (or spirit) vinegar on a clean rag or cloth and some elbow grease.

    December 18, 2015 at 6:32 pm #864051
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    BBRAP

    IPA (iso propyl alchohol) not

    IPA (iso propyl alchohol) not the beer cheeky. Will degrease most things without leaving a residue or causing damage.

    December 18, 2015 at 5:42 pm #864049
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    kildafornia

    Hi, this is from Reynolds:

    Hi, this is from Reynolds:

    “Cleaning carbon rims: You will need a clean gray scotch-brite pad (most hardware stores will stock gray, ultra-fine-abrasive pads) and Acetone to best clean your wheels. First, clean the brake track along the top 13mm of rim circumference. Remove all discoloration, smears and ‘tacky- feeling’ areas. Focus on the rough feeling patches or those with obvious discoloration and very-very lightly scuff with the scotch-brite pad in the direction along the circumference of the rim. Please be careful not to use excessive pressure when cleaning your wheels as it is easy to remove more than surface contamination and damage the braking layer molded into the rim.”

    -source doc (PDF) https://www.reynoldscycling.com/uploads/reynolds.carbon.wheel.cleaning.pdf

    Mirka pads are identical to scotchbrite, but easier to find and cheaper on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Acetone is nail polish remover.

    December 18, 2015 at 11:21 am #864047
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    sergius

    I tend to put some degreaser

    I tend to put some degreaser on a rag and use that.

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