Sticking U Brakes
 

I'm building up an old Schwinn Suburban into a singlespeed and having a problem using the old u brakes (the originals for the bike) -- once I brake, they don't release. Anyone have any advise? I've never worked on U brakes in any form before.

Well, everything I know I learnt here:
http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_u-v.html#ubrake
and I've managed to get a u-brake go from completely stuck to smooth.

An old Schwinn Suburban would not have U brakes. Could you be talking about centerpull brakes? U brakes are found on mountain and bmx bikes.

It's almost always a cable issue when brakes won't release.

U brake??
 

I agree, I thought old Suburbans ran centerpulls? Do your breaks mount to two studs on the seat stays or to one bolt on a bar running between the seat stays? U-brakes didn't come along till the mid 80's I think?

i will try a general answer since they could be either sidepulls or centerpull. track the problem down by starting from the brake levers and working your way to the brake arms. both handles able to have full hand range without any abnormal resistance? how new are the brake cables and housings? need to get new ones? is the mounting bolt that holds the brake arms to the frame tight but not as to be making the arms bind or not want to move? check to make sure the springs on the brake arms are not damaged or weak. id guess either a stuck brake cable or bad spring on the arms.

replace springs and cable