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Do chrome rims stop gripping?

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WoBBLE:
Hey,

I've had 2 7kas for years now. Back one is still awesome but the front one slips whenever I pull my front brake. I've adjusted the brake, tried new pads etc (clear ones), and ultimately it's still shit. Considering the age, does chrome just wear down? There is no flaking at all, and the rim is still structurally sound.

Anyone have any experience or knowledge about this? Ideas for quick fixes?

Some people are offering hazard lites as a replacement (I run 48 spokes); how do they compare to 7kas? Modern day alternative perhaps?

Thanks in advance, my front brake is in your hands...

Tall Opinion:
As long as the chrome isn't peeling then you shouldn't have a problem. I've been running the same chrome rim in the rear for probably close to 6 years and I've never noticed a change in braking power. With clear pads and a chrome rim you should be able to lock it up really easily. Biggest things I can think of to check is making sure the pads hit the rim at the same time, make sure both the rim and pads are clean, and either try getting a new cable or squirt some tri-flow down your existing cable to minimize friction.

In regards to the 7ka vs. haz lite, they've both been around forever. The 7ka is a couple mm's wider and made out of 7000 series aluminum while the haz lite is 6000 series I believe. They're both almost the same weight but the 7ka is going to hold up to more abuse.

milhous:
Try the basics before replacing the rim. I have had rims with the chrome worn off of the sidewalls completely from braking (down to the copper layer), and even that did not affect braking much.

-Clean the braking surface on the rim with alcohol.
-Sand the pads to remove any glazing.

There could be a glazed over layer on the rim as well from old pads, so a good cleaning with alcohol should help.

WoBBLE:
Sorry to be dumb, but when you say alcohol, are we talking like whiskey or a specific cleaning chemical?

There could well be a build up on the rim (it's genuinely gutting as the rim is in SUCH good condition for 8 years old). I recently used a KFC lemon wet-wipe to clean it and it didn't make a difference :(

I just want my front brake to stop on a dime and sound like goose rape! Like the back one!

Louis:
Rubbing alcohol, like for cleaning cuts

What kind of pads & brake?

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