Originally Posted by
ClydeClydeson
Yes. If the brake pads can be adjusted 4mm down then 700C wheels will fit no problem. This will sometimes allow you to fit a tire of a couple mm wider as well.
Keep in mind that the further the pads move from the pivots on the brake calipers, the less braking force you will get from any given amount of hand force at the levers.
I didn't think of that with the braking force. Makes sense. I would think going from chromed steel to aluminum would help bring up the braking force a good bit. I notice all my aluminum wheel bikes stop a lot better than these old steel rims. The steel rims make brakes almost non existent if a little bit wet. I've learned to stay off this bike when there's any moisture on the ground.