Originally Posted by Andy_K

Now back on topic, I've got an '82 Trek 614. I'm using 27 inch wheels on mine and it still requires longer reach from the brakes than you get from most brakes from the big three component makers these days. Standard brakes now max out at 49mm of reach. I'm using Tektro R539s on my Trek with 27 inch wheels. These brakes have a range of 47-57mm reach and I think I'm about in the middle of that range. With 700c wheels I'd be at the end and I might even need the longer reach R559's.

The 700 and 900 series Treks from that year were sold with 700c wheels, but if you've got 27 inch wheels now you probably have a 400, 500 or 600 series frame and so I would guess that you're brake reach issues would be comparable to mine. As I noted above, there are good brakes available that will make this conversion work for you, but you'll need to look for them. The other thing you should be aware of is that you probably need nutted brakes (as opposed to recessed) or you will need to have your frame drilled out for recessed brakes. I recommend looking for nutted brakes since that is an option for the brakes with the reach you need anyway.