A bicycle hand brake assembly designed to include minimal parts in order to reduce risk of failure of the entire brake system as a result of failure of one of the parts. The assembly includes first and second brake arms disposed on either side of the bicycle frame. Each of the first and second brake arms defines a lower end which is pivotally mounted to the bicycle frame on either side of a wheel. A brake pad mount is mounted to each of the first and second brake arms for mounting a brake pad thereto via mounting screws such that it may be replaced in the event of failure, or may be reversed to improve clearance and/or generate a varied braking force. The first brake arm defines an upper end terminating above an upper end of the second brake arm, and at an approximate center line of the assembly. The second brake arm terminates at a point approximately above the lower end thereof. A first brake cable slot is defined by the upper end of the first brake arm for receiving a portion of the brake cable. The second brake arm defines a second brake cable slot for receiving a portion of the brake cable. Both the first and second brake cable slots are configured to be in alignment when the assembly is mounted on a bicycle, thereby allowing the brake cable to be routed directly from the first brake arm to the second brake arm without requiring any bending thereof. This arrangement eliminates cable guides, linkages and cable hangers, reduces cable function, eliminates moving parts and improves clearance while generating improved braking force.