If my bike is a 700c / 28" (blasted interchangeable terminology) and I want to replace the wheels, should I start googling 700c wheels or is there something more specific that will reduce the trial and error?

Thanks,

M.

You have pretty standard 700c wheels, which is the starting point for getting correct wheels for,your bike. 700c is a designator for standard road bike rims the diameter of which is slightly smaller than older style 27 inch rims. The other common designator, and a more descriptive one, that you'll see is the ISO standard 622mm. In any case, if you buy 700c wheels, they will work with your bike. Beyond circumference, you'll want to pay attention to the interior width of the rim, which determines range of tire widths you can run, and depending on the type of bike, there may be limitations with regard to how wide a tire you can run. See attached for more info. https://sheldonbrown.com/tyre-sizing.html

Is the bike a road bike or hybrid/29'r?
The rear spacing is different between the two. 130 vs 135mm OLD spacing.
Add that the rear may be a Freehub or Freewheel.