dododo1

you could use an old rear mech!

new pads, and grind your rim.... i personally would stay away from the tar. unless you need it as a back up on a ride!

practice makes perfect! And assume you cant do something till you get it three times in a row, well at least that's what i go by.

I've recently made the change, and i can already see an improvement in my riding within weeks. Plus things seem smaller compared to a bigger bike! But am still tempted by a 24", as its got to be the best of both worlds!!

try phat pad, I've never had a problem with them on a ground rim! and there supposed to be just as good on a smooth one too. www.phatworks.co.uk

if you get new pads, They genrally tell you in the specs what rims they work well with!! or again maybe a bleed.