1988 Schwinn brake compatibility question.
04-15-11, 09:17 PM
#1
Scrub
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1988 Schwinn brake compatibility question.
First post on the forum, so howdy howdy! 
I'm currently rebuilding a 1988 Schwinn Caliente and I'm looking to upgrade the brakes on the bike. The bike currently has the 1988 dual pivot sidepull caliper brakes, and I'm looking to go to something like this: https://cgi.ebay.com/NR-Shimano-600-U...#ht_746wt_1097
I'm questioning my logic in swapping to something like those brakes, because I'm not sure if that center pin will slide all the way through the mount hole on my frame. I've read the Sheldon Browne article about finagling the shorter pin on an older frame, which is what initially caused the self doubt (I didn't realize that they had gone to a shorter center pin).
Has anyone made a swap like this? Any constructive criticism would be much appreciated!
Cheers,
Cobra
I'm currently rebuilding a 1988 Schwinn Caliente and I'm looking to upgrade the brakes on the bike. The bike currently has the 1988 dual pivot sidepull caliper brakes, and I'm looking to go to something like this: https://cgi.ebay.com/NR-Shimano-600-U...#ht_746wt_1097
I'm questioning my logic in swapping to something like those brakes, because I'm not sure if that center pin will slide all the way through the mount hole on my frame. I've read the Sheldon Browne article about finagling the shorter pin on an older frame, which is what initially caused the self doubt (I didn't realize that they had gone to a shorter center pin).
Has anyone made a swap like this? Any constructive criticism would be much appreciated!
Cheers,
Cobra
04-15-11, 11:14 PM
#2
Insane Bicycle Mechanic
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First post on the forum, so howdy howdy!
I'm currently rebuilding a 1988 Schwinn Caliente and I'm looking to upgrade the brakes on the bike. The bike currently has the 1988 dual pivot sidepull caliper brakes, and I'm looking to go to something like this: https://cgi.ebay.com/NR-Shimano-600-U...#ht_746wt_1097
I'm questioning my logic in swapping to something like those brakes, because I'm not sure if that center pin will slide all the way through the mount hole on my frame. I've read the Sheldon Browne article about finagling the shorter pin on an older frame, which is what initially caused the self doubt (I didn't realize that they had gone to a shorter center pin).
Has anyone made a swap like this? Any constructive criticism would be much appreciated!
Cheers,
Cobra
I'm currently rebuilding a 1988 Schwinn Caliente and I'm looking to upgrade the brakes on the bike. The bike currently has the 1988 dual pivot sidepull caliper brakes, and I'm looking to go to something like this: https://cgi.ebay.com/NR-Shimano-600-U...#ht_746wt_1097
I'm questioning my logic in swapping to something like those brakes, because I'm not sure if that center pin will slide all the way through the mount hole on my frame. I've read the Sheldon Browne article about finagling the shorter pin on an older frame, which is what initially caused the self doubt (I didn't realize that they had gone to a shorter center pin).
Has anyone made a swap like this? Any constructive criticism would be much appreciated!
Cheers,
Cobra
What's wrong with the existing brakes? Not enough stopping power? Sticky action? I bet they'll be 100% improved if you just replace the cables, housings, and brake shoes.
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Jeff Wills
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Jeff Wills
Comcast nuked my web page. It will return soon..
04-15-11, 11:31 PM
#3
Constant tinkerer
I wouldn't be too sure. The Caliente was Schwinn's bottom bike, still using an adapter claw for the rear derailer, stem shifters, etc. I'm willing to bet it used longer reach brakes than the short reach Shimano units from the ebay ad. Measure your reach before you buy. https://www.sheldonbrown.com/calipers.html#reach
If you are able to make use of those Ultegra units, they are very nice and will work much better than the flimsy calipers that are probably on your bike now. Although your brakes can probably be made to stop the bike effectively, just not feel as nice or solid.
If you are able to make use of those Ultegra units, they are very nice and will work much better than the flimsy calipers that are probably on your bike now. Although your brakes can probably be made to stop the bike effectively, just not feel as nice or solid.
04-16-11, 07:06 AM
#4
Scrub
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Thank you both for your replies!
Whoops, I misdiagnosed what kind of brakes I had.. Thank you for the correction, Jeff. In answer to what is wrong with the existing brakes: Nothing. I inherited the bike after it had been ghetto converted to a fixed gear, and the bike currently only has the front brake as a result of this conversion. The front brake works great, and really just needs new pads after I put a new cable on it that I had lying around.
I'll definitely read the Sheldon article you referenced, FastJake. It looks like I would be better off finding a cheaper alternative to the Ultegra units I was looking at. I can probably scavenge a rear brake that is similar to the front for way cheaper, and still accomplish what I need to for this rebuild. Thanks for the help!
Whoops, I misdiagnosed what kind of brakes I had.. Thank you for the correction, Jeff. In answer to what is wrong with the existing brakes: Nothing. I inherited the bike after it had been ghetto converted to a fixed gear, and the bike currently only has the front brake as a result of this conversion. The front brake works great, and really just needs new pads after I put a new cable on it that I had lying around.
I'll definitely read the Sheldon article you referenced, FastJake. It looks like I would be better off finding a cheaper alternative to the Ultegra units I was looking at. I can probably scavenge a rear brake that is similar to the front for way cheaper, and still accomplish what I need to for this rebuild. Thanks for the help!
