Hey touring forum, I'm looking for a new frame for the upcoming season. I plan to do the Transam. I have a bunch of good touring parts for a 700c bike that i want to use. - from my current rig.

The problem is; I love the LHT, it seems to be the by far best bang for your buck frame. But I don't want to ride 26". Which frame should I get? salsa seems nice?

Trek 520 54cm. Better than the LHT in my opinion. But I recommend trying out some bikes before you buy. I test road the 520, LHT, and Jamis Aurora Elite before getting my 520 frameset. Loved its ride and fit. Also liked the Aurora. With the LHT I was stuck with test riding the 26" 54cm, which put me off somewhat.

Doesn't the LHT come in 26" and 700c?

Only 56 and above.. everything below is 26"... Reason I did purchase one .......................... twice.

This year you can get any size in 26" as well as getting a 56cm or larger in 700c.

Isn't that what I typed? I like 700C and ride a 54 in Surly sizing... = no go. I don't want to ride 26" wheels.

Why? Does it make that much of a difference?

I already have 700 Handbuilts that are going on my new ride to replace my wrecked/trashed ride. So for me it's also a matter of swapping better parts over and I just like 700's... Is it rational? I think it is but much of it may be in my head. My roadie is also 700 so being able to parts swap things like wheel sets and so forth matters to me.

Nothing wrong with the LHT. It just doesn't work for me.

I also don't like bar end shifters....

So in answer to the question you ask.... Yes.

Novara Rondonee. Arguably an as good if not better bag for your buck frame than the LHT and rides on 700c.

Okay, you certainly have a right to your opinions and preferences, and it would be disrespectful of me to advise you to change them. However, would it be wrong for me to advise you to consider changing them? I've had some long-held preferences and prejudices for cycling gear, but have tried some of them out just to see: Brooks saddles, the LHT, Bob trailers, clipless pedals, etc. Sometimes I've confirmed my opinions; other times I've done a 180 degree shift.

If it was me I'd go with the LHT and 26" wheels. It's a great frame, 26" wheels are inherently stronger (I've had a tour ruined by breaking spokes and it's something to be arduously avoided), and with the right tires I don't think it would affect the ride all that much.

If I confirmed my opinion that 700's were better I'd sell the LHT and buy something else.

That's what I'd do. (My wife complains that I spend too much money on bicycling stuff, but it's valuable personal research. You have to try stuff or you'll never know, right?) But far be it from me to suggest that my opinions are more worthy than someone else's.