Sanding rims radially for braking power

[Biking Kitsune]

Has anyone else heard of scrubbing rims radially (in the same direction the spokes run, from the hub to the tire) with scotch-brite pads to increase braking power? That or using sugar syrup to make the rims 'tacky' for more advanced grabbing in wet weather? (my 2 cents, don't use the last one in dry weather unless you're *very* careful with it... and I would be hesitant to put it on my front wheel at all. (endo!!!)

[Veronica]

I scrub my rims when I change my brake pads to get all the brake "crud" off.

V.

[JanT]

I scrub the rims with a scotch-brite or similar pad whenever I do the "big" cleaning of the mountain bike. When I get out the Simple Green and attack the gears, etc., it's usually time to get the brake residue off the rims. Sometimes it's the loss of braking power that forces me into the big cleaning. I'd say I do it every 2-3 months, depending on how much I'm riding. It makes a difference for me.