How to Remove the Handbrake From a Vintage Schwinn

Older bicycles, such as vintage Schwinn's from the 1970s, are often still usable. Parts can be difficult to find, especially for French bikes from that period, but with a bit of ingenuity you'll be able to get your old bike back on the road. You must replace bent or broken brake levers, as well as any old aluminum handlebars that show any fatigue cracks, sag from the center or show any signs of bending. These parts can fail suddenly, causing a crash.

Things You'll Need

  • T-handle screwdriver
  • Cable cutters
  • Metric nut drivers
  • Straight edge
  • Bicycle grease
  • Third or fourth hand tool - specialized bicycle brake tools
  • Toe strap - improvised alternative to specialized brake tools
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the brake cable from its anchor on the brake caliper. If it shows any corrosion or fraying, simply cut it away and plan to replace it with a new cable. Pull the cable through the housing and remove it from the brake lever. Squeeze the lever and push the cable through it. Loosen the binder bolt inside the lever. This is a plain screw head, but it is usually very tight. Use a T-handle screwdriver to loosen it, then slide the lever off the handlebar.

    • 2

      Remove brake extension levers. These levers extend from the main brake lever toward the stem. Simply unscrew their mounting bolts from the brake pivots. The pivots will also have to be replaced as the threaded section will gouge your hand when riding. Remove the binder bolt from inside the brake lever body and the pivot will slide out. Replace it with a plain, unthreaded pivot, and re-install the binder bolt.

    • 3

      Re-install the levers onto the handlebars by sliding them into position. It may be necessary to nearly remove the binder bolt in order to get the levers past the handlebar bend. Use a straight edge to see that the levers are at the same height. Simply lay it across both levers and compare it with the top of the handlebar. Use the T-handle screwdriver to tighten the levers in place. An ordinary screwdriver does not have enough torque.

    • 4

      Lubricate the brake cable with bicycle grease, then re-install it by inserting it through the lever and cable housing. Thread the cable through the anchor bolt. Compress the brake pads onto the rim with a third hand, fourth hand or an old toe strap while keeping tension on the cable and tightening the anchor bolt. Work the lever a few times to stretch the cable, then check the brakes. Re-adjust the cable tension if necessary. When the brakes are fully applied, there should be a thumb's width of space between the lever and the handlebar.