My problem is... the brakes don't work... I'm gonna steel wool the rims and the pads just to roughen it up a bit. It's VERY scarey coming down the hills and not being able to stop.
I would check with the LBS before scratching up your rims. That might do more harm than good.

I know when my brakes have been "iffy"... or loose... it was because the tension wasn't tight enough. It's a simple adjustment and your LBS can show you how to do it.



Please check with your LBS before you scratch up your rims. I'm not an expert though... and maybe you know something I don't know... but there might be another reason why your brakes are not gripping hard enough.

Good luck!