Interesting.. Its a variety of U brake with a center bolt Mounting Plate . and a direct Pull mechanisim, rather than a center pull.


Braking comes from Pad friction on the rim.. that will certainly press the Brake pads against the rim

Do you consider an Up grade of simply Just the brake pads? looks like V brake type pads will work..

Kool Stop Company brake pads are well regarded.

replace the cables and Housing Die drawn cables are slick so lower friction..

U brakes are Typically a center pull , the cable pulls from above . but as a result needs a cable housing anchor above the brakes like the other center pull brakes, Cantilevers .


Measure Reach its the distance between the mounting hole and the Rim center where the brake pads grip.
that is the important information to know if you want something else.

It's a Long Reach ..

Another Plate adapter that bolts on via another upside down U adapter will take V brakes .. but that is going to be rather expensive. for all that

you want to put $200+ into this ? you can reach that amount rather quickly.