Marin Muirwoods 26 inch version - question
 

My son's steel frame nice bike got stolen - someone cut a ulock and got it. I'm trying to replace it with something that will let him ride long rides/tour and keep up with relatively fast group rides (17 mph in rolling hills for 28 miles or so). He is a teen and a strong rider. I've seen reviews for the marin muirwoods 26incher that has some people saying they've toured on it and that it is really good quality. I know that 26 inch wheels are inherently stronger, but have never owned a 26incher.

Will this bike allow him to keep up with group rides - or will it be a unitasker only good for long rides at a moderate pace? I've googled this and have found a variety of opinions. I know there are lots of LHT 26 inch riders here, so I thought this might be a good place to get 1st hand opinions.

Thanks for thoughts on this bike in general as well.

http://www.marinbikes.com/2011/bike_...?serialnum=207