Bicycle Mechanics - Why is there an L-brackt for the brake shoe?

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Raleigh71
06-03-07, 12:31 PM
I'm rebuilding a vintage low-end 'Huffy' 10-speed mountain bike from the 1980's that has the L-bracket for the brake shoes as depicted in the photo. Seems superfluous. I was just going to trash it unless sopmebody can figure why it's there. Comments please.

roadfix
06-03-07, 12:34 PM
Perhaps a retainer to keep the pad from sliding out of the holder? Just a wild guess.
Wordbiker
06-03-07, 12:36 PM
That bracket there is a stop for the cheesy caliper brakes on those bikes. They're so flimsy that braking could very realistically rip the arms right off, so their solution was to add the "L" bracket to brace the arms against the frame. Leave them on and adjust them with a bit of clearance to the frame so they don't rub constantly. You may also practice praying for when you need to stop in the rain.

Rev.Chuck
06-03-07, 12:36 PM
It keeps the brake from flexing into the stays or fork legs.

wordbiker beat me to it