Cleaning Aluminum Brake Track

[alfordjo]

I went for a ride this weekend and got a lot of road grime all over my bike...including the brake tracks.

What should I clean the brake track withs? I guess also my brake pads?

[Oo0cH]

I always use some steel wool to rub on the brake track and sand down the brake pads very lightly. Be careful as the steel wool can also cause some sidewall wear if you're blunt like me. Also make sure you sand down the brake pads perpendicular.

[Ozz]

You are talking rim brakes, right?

Soap...water....blue Scotch-Brite No Scratch sponge (https://smile.amazon.com/Scotch-Brite-Non-Scratch-Scrub-Sponge-6-Sponges/dp/B0043P0IAK/ref=sr_1_7?_encoding=UTF8&keywords=blue+scotch+brite+pad&qid=1582658285&sr=8-7)

No need to overthink it......

[cdimattio]

I use the Mavic Abraisive Rubber Rim Stone.

Some may be turned off by the word 'abraisive' but it works with a minimum of fuss and will last a lifetime. Standard description below:

Product Description
The Mavic Abrasive Rubber Rim Stone is made to take off the dirt, gunk, and grime that accumulated on your rim surface over time. When your braking surface is clean it is more efficient and thusly, ensuring a safer ride.

[bigbill]

When I commuted in Hawaii, just about every day had some rain along with the red mud that chewed up brake pads and rims. I'd put the bike up in the stand and use soapy water and a brush to scrub the rims and sidewalls. Everything rinsed off. I did this once a week. Don't get it in your hubs.

[AngryScientist]

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is pretty good for this, IMO.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81QW20WR7pL._AC_SL900_.jpg

[alfordjo]

Looks like a lot of choices. I like that.

[LegendRider]

I use the Mavic Abraisive Rubber Rim Stone.

Some may be turned off by the word 'abraisive' but it works with a minimum of fuss and will last a lifetime. Standard description below:

Product Description
The Mavic Abrasive Rubber Rim Stone is made to take off the dirt, gunk, and grime that accumulated on your rim surface over time. When your braking surface is clean it is more efficient and thusly, ensuring a safer ride.

The Mavic product is great. You can save money and use the Sandflex medium sanding block which is the same thing.

[Tony T]

I use Scotch-Brite (green)

[Hindmost]

I would start with detergent and warm water, same thing you might clean the rest of the bike with. If you've got a case of sticky tar then bring out your favorite degreaser or solvent. Mild abrasives are a last resort to restore worn surfaces.

[robt57]

You are talking rim brakes, right?

Soap...water....blue Scotch-Brite No Scratch sponge (https://smile.amazon.com/Scotch-Brite-Non-Scratch-Scrub-Sponge-6-Sponges/dp/B0043P0IAK/ref=sr_1_7?_encoding=UTF8&keywords=blue+scotch+brite+pad&qid=1582658285&sr=8-7)

No need to overthink it......


Dawn Blue for soap. I use even more destructive ScotchBritePad when redressing some that may be pretty far along.

[eddief]

https://www.amazon.com/Sandflex-Sanding-Block-3-Pack/dp/B000GACU1Q/ref=asc_df_B000GACU1Q/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167133658256&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12496312266688800649&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032311&hvtargid=pla-305908212469&psc=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0N3d5zv_s0

[Ken Robb]

I use the Mavic Abraisive Rubber Rim Stone.

Some may be turned off by the word 'abraisive' but it works with a minimum of fuss and will last a lifetime. Standard description below:

Product Description
The Mavic Abrasive Rubber Rim Stone is made to take off the dirt, gunk, and grime that accumulated on your rim surface over time. When your braking surface is clean it is more efficient and thusly, ensuring a safer ride.

These work very well. I buy them at a tack shop where they are sold to polish hooves of horses and cost a lot less than a bike shop wanted for the same item with a Mavic label. As was already stated they last a very long time so I would buy them anywhere I could find them without traveling very far. Heck, I suppose Amazon probably sells them too.

[pdmtong]

I use Scotch-Brite (green)

^ this... and be aware of where you are on the rim else you will eff up the decals.

[robertbb]

DT Swiss has something similar to the Mavic one. Cheap and works extremely well. Don't forget to clean the pads too...! (and switch to pads that are better at not picking up grime and abrasives... SwissStop BXP are awesome)

[Velocipede]

I use Scotch-Brite (green)

I use green as well when cleaning rim brake rims.

[Oxford_Guy]

DT Swiss has something similar to the Mavic one. Cheap and works extremely well. Don't forget to clean the pads too...! (and switch to pads that are better at not picking up grime and abrasives... SwissStop BXP are awesome)

Another big vote for Swissstop BXP Flash Pro and Race Pro (for earlier Campagnolo) pads, they run clean (especially useful if you run tan wall tyres) and stop very well.

I have also used the Mavic rim track cleaner and found it works well: https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Mavic/Abrasive-Wheel-Rubber/