Originally Posted by
Wilfred Laurier
Something else to keep in mind about switching from 27" to 700c is that the further away from the brake pivot you move the brake pads, the less braking power you get for any given amount of force you put into the lever. For a 'short pull' brake, the 4mm movement will cut your braking power by about 10% compared to what you would get with 27" wheels.
That's correct but not a show stopper (or wheel stopper, pun intended). I converted an '83 Trek 400 from the stock 27" rims and a freewheel rear hub to 700c rims with a 8/9/10-speed freehub rear wheel. The original owner had upgraded the OEM Dia Compe 500 single pivot brakes factory brakes to long reach 105 dual pivot brakes and these would adjust down the required 4 mm. Braking power didn't suffer noticeably.