Rear breaks - stupid question

LeDomestique said:

Why are read road breaks always behind the seat stays?

Access is easier
cable routing might be better
tradition
the brake hanger bolt is stronger in push than in pull

LeDomestique said:

Wouldn't they be more effective in front ?

Why would they? As far as the wheel is concerned it doesn't matter where the brake is located, only the amount of friction it can generate.

LeDomestique said:

Why are read road breaks always behind the seat stays?. Wouldn't they be more effective in front ? (between the seat post and the stays).

There are legacy issues ... and, the convenience of the location for the RACE/shop mechanic (or, you) is undoubtedly a persisting reason.

The outboard postion makes alternate caliper-types easier to facilitate -- e.g., the yoke used on "center-pull" brakes has clearance when the rear caliper is outboard regardless of frame size.

More (?) than a dozen years ago, Santana mounted a pair of center-pulls BELOW the chainstays ... seemed quite attractive, but what a pain that had to be to work on!

Undoubtedly, there are latent "advertising" issues, too ... it's definitely hard to see the caliper being used if it is tucked between the stays & seat tube.

If you want to locate your rear caliper inboard, you can ... but, the recessed nut will NOT be recessed.

LeDomestique said:

Why are read road breaks always behind the seat stays?. Wouldn't they be more effective in front ? (between the seat post and the stays).

I agree with dabac about the push being more efficient than pull. If the steering and space available weren't an issue at the front, the front brake would be better behind the fork (I think that is why for disc brakes, the caliper is behind the fork leg - be it motorcycle or mtb).

BRAKES

case closed then...

thanks