I thought the reason some touring bikes are offered with 26" rims is because worldwide that size of tire remains the most available. I'll admit I haven't shopped for tires in that size lately. Maybe something has changed in recent years, with global supply shortages and a constantly evolving industry? If someone were to ask me, "What size of wheel should I take for a bike trip around the world, considering I'll likely have to replace tires somewhere along the way, quite possibly in a third world or developing nation?" I would recommend 26". But again, I've not kept up with it.