rim cleaning tips

[Renard]

Degreased chain etc. last night. When I went out had seriously lost braking power at the back. Any tips, apart from the obvious, for cleaning rims/ blocks?

 

[mr Mag00]

you may have got cleaning agent on the rims. i have heard of a substance that rubs on the rims and makes them kinda tacky, im sure somebody will link to it here, but i have also heard ppl using an ordinary stationary cupboard rubber works wonders

 

[008]

My LBS recommended using a thinner like white spirit to clean the rims... been using it ever since without any problems.

 

[fossyant]

Soap and water usually, or when really nasty - car alloy wheel cleaner - works a treat, spray on, wash off..

 

[ak88]

degreaser? I use Viro-Sol - smells nice as well.

 

[summerdays]

What about a baby wipe ... would they be any good?

 

[Chris James]

Baby wipes aren't really man enough for the job IMO.

I have used white spirit in the past although I worry about whether it will affect the tyres. Meths is pretty much ideal if you have any.

 

[Disgruntled Goat]

This will work a treat:
http://www.detoxyourworld.com/acatalog/enema.html

 

[k-dog]

Baby wipes aren't really man enough for the job IMO.

You're right.

I was in Makro recently though and they had big industrial wipes in a plastic container that might be good.

I tend to just use a rag on my finger and some white spirit though - does the job.

 

[Disgruntled Goat]

I tend to just use a rag on my finger and some white spirit though - does the job.

Must smart a bit.

 

[skwerl]

nail-varnish remover
white spirit is quite oily and can leave a bit of a residue

 

[Perry]

Just go to Google and type, "Rimming"

 

[Joe24]

I use some washing up liquid and hot water. I've got a scrubbing brush and i just scrubs the dirt off.
I used to attach a bit of towel to the spokes that went over the rim so i didnt get any oil or other crud on when i was clening/oiling the chain. Dont bother now though.

 

[monnet]

I use eco-tech degreaser every now and then and most of the time just wipe the rims down carefully with a bit of unoily rag. You can also get rim brushes, like a pummice stone for rims which are pretty good, if a little expensive.

Joe, don't use washing up liquid on your bike - it's full of nasty corrosive salt, just like the stuff you spend hours cleaning off your bike after winter rides when the gritters have been out.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Isopropyl alcohol. Available from Maplins. Leaves no residue.

See http://tinyurl.com/6kmkb3