Originally Posted by
psychling78
My wife is looking to replace her stolen touring/hybrid (a Fuji Sagres) and is looking at a 1988 Trek 900. It has 26" wheels. I'm wondering what the collective wisdom is about wheel size for touring bikes. I've only ever used bikes with 700c wheels (Fuji Saratoga and now a Bill Davidson), so I think that's best -- am I well-informed or just prejudiced? And yes, I do mean touring, not just commuting.
It's possible the bigger difference in this case that the old bike was a hybrid and the Trek is a (presumably) heavier mountain bike with heavier and
wider wheels. I wouldn't want to tour on a mountain bike - no way, but that's just my preference. I'm not willing to pay the speed penalty. If on the other hand you are going to be on dirt most or all of the time, it would be the best way to go.
Of course going to a 26 doesn't necessarily mean a mountain bike; they can be a road wheel too. Generally speaking 26" wheels are more sensible on smaller frames. They work out much better when the wheel diameter is reduced. Lots of companies have come around to their senses and do offer 26" wheel touring bikes now.
Also keep in mind that there are five extant 26" wheel sizes. The old French touring standard size 650b has become popular recently. It is sort of halfway between the old mountain/cruiser 26 and 700c.