Adding room brakes to a '59 Schwinn

[Mingo]

Hello!
I've got a '59 Schwinn that I usually ride with a coaster brake. I blew that out finally and all I have on hand to replace is a 6 speed hub. All bueno, but I can't stop now.

My frame has the flat fender mount and a caliper brake would need crazy reach to get to the rim. I really want to keep it 6 speed at this point just because I have the wheel already. In the end, cost will determine if I go back to a coaster. I'm DIY ready!

Any input is cool, thanks!

 

[RustySprockets]

The only thing I can think of that MIGHT come close to fitting would be a BMX cam brake, like the old Odyssey Pitbull. Those brakes do not come cheap!

 

[Captain Awesome]

https://ratrodbikes.com/threads/bolt-on-kit-for-v-brakes-on-an-old-cruiser-frame.108124/

 

[ingola]

Mount it on the backside of the mount give you more reach

 

[Wildcat]

That frame was made for hand brakes. Here's examples.

The difference is they came with S7 rims, a normal 26" like yours is slightly smaller in diameter so it needs longer brake arms. They make long reach brakes but I'm not sure if they would work. You would have to measure the distance.

I made a plate to take up the difference on a different bike, but the same idea. It needed more space. I could adjust it up or down. Yours would be simpler, only needing one plate.

Make a small plate that bolts up to the backside of the existing mount, with a hole drilled an inch or so lower for the brake to bolt up to. Yours doesn't need a lot of space, so a 2" x 2" plate would work. Two holes 1.25" apart vertically would do the trick. The top hole bolts to the frame and the bottom is for the brake. The metal would need to be strong enough to take the stress of the brake. 3mm would be a good thickness. Then a normal hand brake should fit.

 

[Mingo]

@RustySprockets - that's super helpful, thanks! Another eBay search to save.

@Captain Awesome - to the rescue. Solid gold, thank you, sir!

@Wildcat - I'm loving the down and dirty dyi, I've got a metal shop at work, I'll see if I can find any scraps.

Thanks!

 

[twojs.bike]

Porkchop BMX sells long reach brakes. Called 1080s. I have used them several times to solve this issue. I believe tektro also makes long reach brakes. I find you lose a bit of mechanical advantage with long reach brakes. It seems long brake levers help. Might be my imagination though.

You can put rear derailleur on there too. There is a cable stop that screws into that hole in the front of the dropouts.

 

[twojs.bike]

 

[Mingo]

Dude, way to make it look easy. Showoff.

 

[Son of Kradus]

I find you lose a bit of mechanical advantage with long reach brakes. It seems long brake levers help. Might be my imagination though.

its just a straight leverage principle, the pads are now further out on the arm, even though only 10-20mm, more pressure on the lever to get the same pinch power! its not a lot but as you said, noticeable to some!

 

[Wildcat]

Bigger pads will help too. I used a pair of longer pads from v brakes and got more stopping power.

 

[JA331]

Try to find some 80’s mtb levers like these. Plenty of leverage. Changstar or Dia-compe. I got these off a cheap parts bike. Also, use a fresh cable.

 

[ratridefan]

Hello!
I've got a '59 Schwinn that I usually ride with a coaster brake. I blew that out finally and all I have on hand to replace is a 6 speed hub. All bueno, but I can't stop now.

My frame has the flat fender mount and a caliper brake would need crazy reach to get to the rim. I really want to keep it 6 speed at this point just because I have the wheel already. In the end, cost will determine if I go back to a coaster. I'm DIY ready!

Any input is cool, thanks!

Make and weld a bracket like this or use clamp ons for canti's.