Not much difference. I recently rode part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and was concerned my gearing might not be low enough with 26 x 32 and 21.1 gear inches. On previous touring bike I had 24 x 32 for 19.5 gear inches. I found the 26 x 32 worked well enough for 15%+ grades with camping gear, etc. On the steepest sections I was riding about 5 to 6 mph; any lower gearing I would probably have to walk the bike.