My Bianchi Eros might get the same makeover. I have 6000 miles on it. I could not fit 32mm tires on it. I want to ride anywhere when we are out on our camping trips. I am considering a new touring bicycle, but I rather want a 1x11 drivetrain. I have been plagued by dropped chains on the front derailleur forever. My 1x11 dream would be 400% range, starting at 22 gear inches.
I am surprised that you had to dimple the chainstays to make room for the tires. I was thinking that typical long reach brakes would be adequate to fit 700x35 tires and I would go with that. The chainstays are a bit further apart as you move aft on the chainstays, so that inherently gives the tires a skosh more room.