I know I'm gonna take some abuse for this,
but if it keeps you safer, it's worth it.
I have ridden a Raleigh 3speed as basic around
town transport for probably 30 years. The first
upgrade I always make is to swap out the brakes
for something in a forged alloy sidepull like a
Dia Compe with the correct reach.
The brakes these came with as original equipment
are simply not up to the job. So give it some thought
and make up your own mind.
Changing out the pads will certainly help some,
but if you want real braking (and I submit to you
there may come a time when it seems critically
important to you), you need to bite the bullet
and swap out the brakes.
If the Schwinn has some kind of alloy sidepull -
as many did -- you should be good there.
