Chi-james and sixty-fiver- those bikes look fantastic! Is that a brooks saddle on the white-tire mountain bike?

Anyway, nice to know I'm not the only one- tire options are one reason I could deal with a 26" bike, as well as cheap and near-universal tubes, brake systems, rim and spoke repair, etc.

A few more questions- I'm used to 700cs and apart from my 20" folder they're all I've ridden for over three months now. I am pretty skilled at even BMX-style curb hops and such on my 700cs, will the 26" wheels be that much of an adjustment?

Second, tire options- I need something that can do mild off-roading, general bad weather duty, and still get me to around 15mph on a clear day without excessive rolling resistance. What sort of tread pattern/tire width should I be looking for with these uses?

Third what about clips/straps for pedals? What kind of shoes are necessary to ride with them and are they worth it for a singlespeed as well as a fixie?