Originally Posted by Zonker
Any (further) comments on 26" inch wheels vs. 700C? Does it make more or less of a difference on a tandem?
Two interesting reads on the subject:
http://www.co-motion.com/26or700c.html
http://www.precisiontandems.com/artbillwheelsize.htm
Personally, if you can look past the 'image' issues that equate 700c wheels to lightweight racing bicycles and the status quo, 26" wheels make a lot of sense in much the same way many average cyclists are discovering "compact drive" (i.e., 50t x 36t and 48t x 34t chainring combos on 110mm cranks) are more practical than the ubiquitous 53t x 42t OEM set-ups that came on their road bikes.
However, there's another aspect of practicality that a buyer must consider and that is -- despite logic that suggests 26" wheels are quite practical -- the vast majority of tandems ridden on the road at least here in the US are 700c machines. Therefore, finding a high-quality 26" road tire and narrow tubes can be a real challenge, whether its at a bike shop, from Etailers, on a SAG vehicle, or from a fellow cyclist. Looked at another way, if you do opt for 26" wheels you must plan ahead and be prepared to be fully self-sufficient by carrying sufficient spare tubes or patches and at least one spare tire. Moreover, when touring it would make sense to not only have an extra tire on your tandem but to also keep one or two more in your luggage "just in case".