My 2013 Fuji Touring has Tektro cantilever brakes. They're working OK but it is very difficult to disengage the brake assembly to remove the tire. When the cable is properly tensioned I have to squeeze with both hands to get enough slack to get the cable loose, when I adjust to give myself some more slack the brakes have too much play in the levers. I'm a big guy so upgrading to better brakes is probably a good idea anyway. Can anyone make a suggestion for an upgrade?

What type of shifters and/or brake levers are you using as that is paramount as to your options? There are higher end canti's or depending on your shifters, you might consider V Brakes with travel agents or mini V's (but often you will experience the same problem that you have now with mini V's)

I have bar end shifters, not sure of the brake levers but I'll check.

While there may be better brakes out there, you shouldn't be having the problem that you're having with your Tektro cantis. I have Tektro Oryx brakes on my touring bike and I have no trouble removing the link wire and the brakes themselves work great. I assume that you have Tektro road levers as well...

Does your brake lever have a quick release? For many, it's a cylinder that slides to one side or the other to permit extra cable travel.

look at TRP CX9 brake set and TRP CX8.4 brake set for short pull levers

Install inline barrel adjusters on your brake cables. They should provide enough adjustment to make it easier to remove[ the wheels. If you replace the brakes it is a good time to do it.

The barrel adjuster for my rear brake is visible. With the interrupter brake levers, I don't have enough room for one on the front brake.

Did you try moving the brake pads out more. Adjust the position of the pads on the cantis.
Cantilever Brake Service | Park Tool
I like cantilever brakes. Takes some effort to adjust them properly. Worth the extra trouble.

Waht about these
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...6&category=670
[h=4]Shimano BR-T780 XT V Brake[/h]

I've got the Paul touring brakes and Shimano Dura-ace brake levers.The brakes were about 75 bucks a set. They're the best brakes I've ever had.

+1 on the Pauls. I run Touring cantis and neo cantis and they are great. Worked well with Campy Veloce Brifters and now work well with the Paul Canti-lever. The angle of the straddle wire makes a big difference in feel , good dissertation on that is here. SheldonBrown

I had the same complaints as the OP. I got two sets of Avid Single Digit 5 brakes (about as low end as you can get), new take offs, for $20 off eBarf. Put salmon KoolStop pads on the front and feel good to go. I can lock up front or rear brakes on dry pavement and control them in less desirable conditions to prevent lock up. If a wheel can be made to skid---that's more braking than you need----the trick it to have control to prevent it. Fade and failure down long steep grades is another matter. (Avid FR-5 levers.)

Very easy to adjust and no problems removing wheels.