Worn freewheel, or wrong chain type?
05-21-25 | 09:48 PM
#26
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
From: Northwest Lower Michigan
Bikes: 1987 Schwinn Woodlands 24", bought new in 1988
Not unusual for the rear brake to feel that way just because of the longer cable housing allowing you to feel more collapse compared to the front brake. This will be a project for another day. When you decide to go through the brakes, don't skimp on housing. Make sure you have a way to cut it, either a dedicated cable cutter or a dremel with high speed cutoff wheel.
Got that ordered, along with a set of 4 proper Schwinn block pads with the metal casing and 4 large nubs, same as the original fronts, below. Still quick snappy action and solid stops from those.
Thanks for the tip about the inherent lack of rear brake firmness.
I did all new cables and OEM looking clear housings a year or two ago. I agree, a good way to get a nice clean square cut on both cables and housings is with a dremel, which is what I did.
Did the OEM pattern tires at the time too.
The only major deviation is the seat. My bony butt can no longer handle the skinny hard OEM seat.
