Originally Posted by
Schwinnsta
Other than the cable would be longer, nothing is changed. The brake sees the same force. The cable is longer so there could be a very small amount of cable stretch, but it is too small to be felt. You are lifting the brake handle the same amount. That upward force stays the same. The lever arm is still the same (center of brakes to the arm of brake). If it would give you enough clearance for the fender, go for it.
I'm sorry but from what I know about my brakes that isn't true, so I had to do some research to find the answer, I think I have it here:
http://sheldonbrown.com/canti-trad.html And here:
www.sutherlandsbicycle.com/Chapter11.pdf (you have to look this up since I can't post a PDF file, but see chapter 11 page 11