^^^
Sounds like you forgot to adjust your computer to the correct tire size.

i bet a 29" tourer would be real comfy, but for loaded-down heavy touring, 26" wheels are THE best choice IMO. shorter spokes=stronger. And 26" tubes/tires/wheels still can be found everywhere.

I just got back into bikes a few months ago after decade..got the Kona back in December and It's alway a joy to ride! I never thought about getting a 29er before...saw the Sawyer a few weeks ago and I said I got to get me one. I've had it 2 weeks now and love it! I got it basically to replace my Electra Cruiser for the beach. I was riding through yards, ditches etc, anywhere I wanted to go! It is a hoot to get on and ride...talking bout feeling like a kid again! I'm 5'91/2 and got the 17.5" and its just perfect. The Big Apples 60s I ordered just came in last night but I had to leave for work (4 weeks) And I remember the package saying they were 28". I got a 26" beater 4300 I got to ride for 4 weeks now.

It's a trade-off. Maybe 29er wheels would be more comfy in-city than 26's, but for all the stoplights, stop-signs, and traffic I actually have to stop for, I feel like I'd spend all my time spooling them up only to have to decelerate again. I recently switched from Continental Gatorskins in 1 & 1/8th for a nominally* 1.5" Panaracer T-Serv up front. I don't know if it is the PSI difference (120 vs 70) or the width, or the clearly supple rubber content of the Panaracers, but they are quite cushy in comparison. I'm now happy with this for a front tire. I was worried the lower pressure tire would bog down some under load, but even with two heavy Ortliebs on the front rack full of a weeks worth of work clothes and lunches, it still rides nice.

I agree about touring wheels. I don't expect anyone to ever make an old-skool geometry MTB in 29 inch to tempt me! I'm quite happy with my long chainstay '88 Timberline.

* I say nominally because these run small. I bought the 1.75's knowing this and although I haven't measured them, eyeballing them puts them at either 1.5 or 1.6, which is right about where I wanted them.

Offroad, I've rode 26" and 29" tired bikes back to back. At 5'7", I like 26" tire mtn bikes better, offroad. The 29r didn't suck, but I just felt more comfortable and in control with the smaller-wheeled bike. For me, I think it was all about geometry and moment of intertia -- steering and being able to spin the smaller wheels up quicker.

On-road. commuting, I'd not use mtn tires. Period. Another touted benefit of 29r tires is larger (longer) contact patch -- riding on road with knobbies, I imagine this translates into even more resistance.

With current crop of 29r bikes, you usually get a lockout on the fork, so if you need "One Bike to Rule Them All", a 29r would be a perfectly adequate, albeit heavy commuter with just a swap to smoother, hybrid tires. Otherwise, get what bike you want for offroad and stick with something made for the road to commute with.

I like 26" wheels -- next mtn bike I build will have them; current drop bar commuter has them. Lots of tire choices.

I wasn't referring to the max speed difference, but your statement regarding a 2-3 mile increase in average speed due to lesser rotating mass of tires (sorry, should have quoted). A 2-3 mph gain in average speed over any substantial distance is not "slightly higher," but a huge gain in speed. Unless you are going from really heavy, fat knobby tires to really light, skinny road racing tires, you will not see a 2-3 mph gain in average speed. There are factors other than lesser rotating mass that account for efficiency gains, including lower rolling resistance and lower wind resistance. Keep in mind also that "29er" rims will not accomodate such a wide range, from heavy knobby to light racing tires.

In my case, yes they do. I run the wheels between my Karate Monkey, and my Cross Check.

Interesting, and awesome. Just checked and yeah the Cross Check has 132.5mm rear spacing.