26" to 700c conversion?
I have a hybrid type tandem that I've converted to a 26' wheel roadie which I'm thinking about changing to use 700c wheels. I've got a Velocity 36 hole rim with a 9 spd Ultegra rear hub that fits ok, I just need a set of Ultegra long reach calipers then it should all work. The front is a 36 hole Velocity rim with a Ultegra hub also, and I can swap out the 26" fork for a suitable 700c one. I have a set of Shimano 105 triple shifters, 9 spd long cage RD and a 9 spd Ultegra triple crank set, so my questions are these.
1: Would the Ultegra hubs be strong enough?
2: Would the long reach calipers have too much reduced braking capacity?
(If I use a 700c fork, a normal reach caliper can be used, if I use the standard one then long reach is the one I have to use).
3: The spokes are strong stainless steel, but is 36 hole enough in 700c rims?
(My riding is mainly taking a VI guy on 2 hr rides, but we're hoping to do longer Audax rides in the future, so we're not touring or racing.)
I have too many other bikes to start spending big $$$ on a good tandem right now, that will come later I hope, but for now is this project feasible or just plain silly?