Originally Posted by
Doug64
IMO--I don't think there is any advantage to 26" wheels. I have a high quality set of 700c wheels that are probably stronger than most stock 26" wheels. I also don't plan on using a tire wider than 32mm for touring. They are a good compromise between weight and comfort.
My tourer has clearance up to 700c x32mm so that is what I use for tracks and trails. I have ridden much rougher terrain than in those pics by Doug64. There are times when I would have preferred wider tyres but so far, nothing has stopped me riding. Wide 700c is just as useful as wider 26". I think the main decider between 700c and 26" is availability in various countries.
26" provides a lot of advantages for smaller riders on smaller frames and would say that anyone under 5'3" should not be riding 700c.