Originally Posted by descartes
[snipped...] what are the benefits/tradeoffs of going for the 56cm [...snipped...] with 700cc wheels versus 26"? [...snipped]
Hi, 700c is slightly better for racing and light commuting and touring due to their higher rotating momentum (wheel tends to turn by itself more easily once overcome the initial spin inertia). When I say light, I mean light, that is, just a small bag with the basic stuff. Beyond that weight limit, well into full laden, self-supported touring, 26" wheels (559 cm rims) are better because they are stronger (all the component of the wheel being equal in quality compared to 700c) and at the speeds that one will reach in a full laden rig, one won't take advantage of the higher rotating momentum of a 700c wheel.
All the best.
Antonio.