I'll be transfering parts from the 700C one I've got and will report back on handling differences.

How about some photos with at least the wheelset on, bars and such, would greatly appreciate.

Should the overweight go for the 26"s? Are they really more strong than 700c?

Did you crack the frame or something or just trying something different/new?

The clear reason for 26 inch wheels is the availability of parts in remote places. Appropriate 700c wheels are strong enough (700c wheels are used on 29'er MTBs).

True, but as far as LHT's that are purchased as complete bikes: 700c and 26" truckers come with the same rims (other than the diameter, of course), the same hubs, and the same number of spokes. In this situation, the 26" wheel is inherently stiffer and stronger. Is the 700c version suitable for loaded touring? Of course. But if you are really pushing limits regarding weight, the 26"wheel is the better choice.

I've got one of these as well. Waiting for parts to come in to build it up.

Paul

Cool, looking forward to the report!

How much "stiffer and stronger"? 5%? 10%?

26 is a bit stronger.

If you are pushing limits with 700c, you are pushing limits (a little less) with 26! One's margins should be nowhere neear the limits (if it is, you aren't using the right equipment).

(Carry less crap! You'll be happier!)

The strength issue appears to be minor. The clear/unambiguous advantage of 26 inch is parts availability in remote areas.

I'm not trying to offend your 700c sensibilities, just pointing out that all other things being equal, a 26"wheel is stiffer and stronger. There's a pretty good difference in diameter, so I don't think it's insignificant, either, if a very strong, stiff wheel is necessary. I like 700c wheels. I like 26"wheels. Ride on.

I don't care what people use. People can use whatever they like. The small strength difference doesn't seem to matter much in practice.

Note that Santana tandems likes 26 inch wheels because they are stronger (the link might be a bit old).

https://www.gtgtandems.com/tech/700-26.html

https://www.cbss.ca/tip7.htm

trying something new. I had a custom sport/tour bike made 15yrs ago with 26" wheels, it was my "after the apocalypse" bike. It was actually more of a road bike (531 tubing, road bike angles) that could carry some stuff but not really optimum for very heavy loads. What it did is get me to appreciate light 1.5" tires for fast riding and smashing through bumps. I got a Kona Ute expecting it to be the truck for big grocery loads but I'm dissatisfied with how it rides and like how the LHT handles a big load, although smaller load than the Ute so I'm going to turn the 26" LHT into my tour/truck bike.

I'm overweight but not enough that 26" wheel makes a difference, I just like fat tires when carrying lots of groceries so I got a slightly wider Rhyno-lite rim with 1.75 tires.

Where's the Pics?

it's a bare frame right now, and I've never posted a pic before, internet addicted and ignernt.

The bottom bracket height on the 700 with 35mm tires is about the same as the 26" with 1.5" tires. I put on 1.75" Panaracer Pro-Serv tires and and it's a smidge higher with standover height a smidge higher. Starting to feel silly I've done this as I'm building the bike up. "yep, it's a LHT". With the wheels you can almost imagine it's a much taller bike. More room for the Jandd frame bag that fits on my other 26" bike but not on the 700c bikes. Have to cut the steerer and get the rest of it together before I can report on the ride.