Originally Posted by
DogBoy
I've never understood all the debate surrounding wheel size. In the market today, there are scary light wheelsets, and tire selection on 26" are better than they are for 700c. The only difference is that a 26" wheel has slightly fewer gear-inches for the same gear ratio. I don't notice that much difference between the two personally. I think this debate has more to do with stuff in peoples head than it does with actual differences in performance.
As far as bike choices, be sure the geometry fits what you want to do. Cyclocross bikes are often set-up with geometry not far different than racing bikes. Touring bikes are set-up for more upright positions. If you really want to tour, I'd suggest making sure that the position you have while on the bike is one that you can handle for long touring days.
I think the assessment about 'cross bikes is, well, kinda wrong. Most, if not all 'cross bikes I've seen have WAY more upright positions that road racing bikes. Many come with eyelets and room for wide tires. The differences, to me, between a touring specific bike and a 'cross bike are:
1) Touring bikes tend to have longer chainstays for bigger loads
2) 'cross bikes have high BBs
3) Touring bikes tend to come stock with spacers on the steer tube to get the stem higher.
You can overcome the handlebar height objection by shimming up a 'cross bike and/or using a riser stem. Same difference at that point.
The higher BB is mighty handy in some situations. You might argue it's overkill, and for touring it probably is...but for commuting and general city riding it is sure nice being able to corner tighter without worrying about pedal strike.
The chainstays and loads thing is a problem. That one 'cross bikes have no way around if you have fully loaded rear panniers. I think bikes of this type tend to do better loaded more heavily up front, however, so putting the big panniers on a front rack with a handlebar bag and leaving the small panniers on the rear CAN easily work with 'cross bikes like the Surly Crosscheck.
Lastly, on many 'cross bikes the top tube is actually shorter even than a touring bike. This means you can find a bike with appropriate height for efficient pedal stroke, and you can easily use spacers to get the handlebar higher and be more comfortable. I wish there was a touring bike out there with a shorter TT, but I haven't found it.
The Novara Randonee is the name of the bike I like. It comes with fenders, a rack and I think even a pump and a spare spoke and spare spoke mounts.
I'd rather be riding my crosscheck, though.