Extend clearance for a 28mm tire I tried upgrading to some 28mm but as you can see clearance is very tight. In some spots, the tire doesn't fully clear the brake (Tektro R350). The fork barely has enough clearance.

Is it worth trying to get an extra mm or 2 with a different brake? I searched around and I saw Tektro has long-arm options, but it's not the arm-length that's limiting, it's the shape of the top of the brake itself. Any brake recommendations? (already read this post - I'm hoping to stick with Tektro or any other fairly inexpensive option, and I only need the front brake.)
In some spots, the tire doesn't fully clear the brake


I take this to mean that the wheel isn't straight, and the tire rubs at certain points in its rotation. If you spend some time truing the wheel, you might be able to get it straight enough that it doesn't rub. The advantage of this approach: you don't have to buy anything.

Another option: keep an eye out for cheap cyclocross forks with cantilever mounts.