Odyssey Springfield U-Brake and Lever Kit - Easy Brake Upgrade

Our review of the Odyssey Springfield U-Brake and Lever Kit finds it best suited for riders who want a straightforward, value-minded rim braking upgrade. The kit bundles the popular Springfield U-brake, a hinged Springfield lever with short pull and one spring design, and a Linear-style cable plus pads so a complete installation is possible without hunting parts. For riders replacing worn hardware or fitting a secondary bike, the biggest reason to buy is convenience: the kit contains all necessary hardware and matched components for reliable stopping without extra shopping.

Key Features

• Complete kit: Includes the Springfield brake, Springfield lever, Linear cable and Odyssey Ghose pads so installation is ready out of the box and no additional parts are required.
• Easy assembly: The brakes are designed for straightforward setup, letting a competent home mechanic install and adjust them quickly.
• One spring design: The single spring configuration simplifies pad centering and reduces the parts you need to tune during installation.
• Hinged lever clamp: The hinged clamp on the lever makes handlebar mounting and removal faster and less fiddly than split-clamp designs.
• Short pull lever: The short pull lever yields a responsive feel suitable for riders who prefer firmer lever action and quicker modulation.
• Lightweight package: At around 190 grams for key components, the kit adds minimal weight while improving braking performance.

Who It's For

The Odyssey Springfield kit is ideal for BMX and urban riders who use rim brakes and want a matched set of parts that work together without compatibility guesswork. It is especially useful for riders upgrading a bike on a budget or rebuilding a wheelset with a new brake setup.

Riders who rely on disc brakes, require hydraulic systems, or need highly adjustable competition-level brake hardware should look elsewhere; this kit is focused on simple, mechanical rim braking rather than racing-grade or hydraulic performance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All-in-one package saves time and cost when replacing brakes and lever on a rim-braked bike.
• Hinged lever clamp and short pull deliver easy installation and confident lever feel.
• Includes pads and cable so no separate purchases are necessary for a complete install.
• Lightweight components keep added mass low while improving stopping power.

Cons

• Designed for rim brake setups only, so it is not compatible with disc brake systems.
• Not a hydraulic solution, so riders seeking ultra-fine modulation or long-travel lever feel may prefer other systems.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Odyssey Springfield U-Brake and Lever Kit is a practical, cost-effective choice for riders needing a matched rim-brake upgrade with minimal fuss. It offers easy assembly, a responsive short-pull lever and all necessary parts in one package, making it good value for hobbyists, commuters and BMX riders who want reliable stopping power without extra purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the kit include brake pads?
Yes, the kit includes Odyssey Ghose pads so you have pads ready for installation.

Is this kit compatible with disc brake frames?
No, the Springfield kit is designed for rim brake setups and will not replace disc brake hardware.

Can a home mechanic install this kit?
Yes, the kit is designed for easy assembly and includes necessary hardware, making it suitable for competent home mechanics.