Originally Posted by
exile
It is my understanding that 26" wheels will get up to speed quicker however 700c wheels will maintain speed easier. If I am wrong feel free to correct.
When I was testing different touring bikes I felt the 700c bikes felt quicker than my 26" LHT. However we are talking different bikes with different tires and such.
The circumference of a 700c with skinny tires is about the same as a 26" with wider tires. What actually matters is the overall weight of the wheel with tubes, tires and rimstrip (if needed). My 700c wheel alone actually weighs about the same as the 26" wheel. The weight savings comes from the much lighter tire and tube on the 700c wheel.
For my setup, 23mm tires and tubes weigh about 700 grams, whereas 26" tires and tubes weigh around 1400 grams. 700 grams (1.5 lbs) of rotational weight is substantial enough to notice a difference in acceleration and climbing. If you run typical 29er tire on a 700c wheel, you lose the weight advantage, and end up with a heavier, slower overall wheel.