Bought a nice new white road bike for the 14 mile commute to work just before new year.
I've used it every day for last two weeks (I'm in London where snow = slush). I was dismayed to see when I cleaned it at the weekend that around the brake area – but also along seat and chain stays a horrible black spotty residue that is like tar and very hard to get off. It's on both wheels and is almost like the black spots you get from hot brake dust on car alloys. It wipes off but only with lots of finger pressure grease. I can only assume it from the brake pads which came with my Boardman Team carbon. Has anyone seen this before? Iv'e ridden MTB's for over 15 years and never seen anything like it. The ony other source could possible be the tyre eating my new crud race gaurds (or vica-vers) but nothing seems to be rubbing.
How do I clean it off? It seems like something spirit based might work but I dont want to knacker the paint or frame.
Also – If its the pads – what recommendations for all purpose stoppers for SRAM Rivals please? Someone told mee Swissstop but at £22 a pair they seem a bit steep. I can buy new Rival shoes and pads for that.
Any help welcome!