I recently switched to the 26" camp. Seriously, Mountain stuff is arguably more durable, but definitely more affordable. Also, While we may not travel to the ends of the earth, a much needed 26" tire or tube is certainly easier to find no matter where you are in the world, especially after the mountainbike boom in the Nineties. I love road bikes and 700c tires, but 26" is popular for touring bikes in other countries for a reason-practicality.