Originally Posted by
thirdin77
I posted this q in this forum because I thought it would have the best audience.
I've got a 26" hybrid- basically a rigid mtb with slicks- and I like having a tough, durable bike for errands and fitness. I've begun to wonder if my 26" wheels are "slower" than an equivalent bike with 700c wheels, though.
The question- if you compare two hybrid bikes, one with 26" wheels and the other with 700c, all things being equal including their flat handlebars, frames/rigid forks and gearing, with the tires being of the same width/weight/pressure and the wheels having the same spoke count, which one would roll with less resistance? In other words, which one would be "faster"?
Last, I understand that with flat handlebars, both bikes will not be aerodynamic so the rider & bike aren't going to set any land speed records.
Taking your question head on, that is assuming a 'hybrid/mtb' riding position,and assuming that you equalize the gearing, roughly same speed for the same effort. One of the best discussions of this I've seen is by Andy Blance on the Thorn (UK) website: yes, 700c has a slight advantage in rolling resistance over 'bumps' BUT 26" with, say, wider 1.5 tires at lower pressure have less rolling resistance over ever-present small road surface imperfections -- probably pretty much balances out. 700c 'wins' at sustained, 'racing' speeds due to aerodynamic advantages and other factors (e.g. narrow tires at high pressures), 26" at more usual touring/fast touring speeds due to comfort (wider tire, lower pressure), relative wheel strength, and (importantly) ability to accelerate slightly more quickly. As others have said, figure out your priorities, best fit, and choose accordingly.