I'm thinking of getting LHT Deluxe built but if I do I'll have to go with the
26 inch wheels, is there any reason I shouldn't make the change from 700c?

So you'll get S&S couplers and a 26"-wheeled frameset in the LHT Deluxe. Surly did their research well before launching this bike as 26" wheels only. I don't own one but if you want S&S couplers, 26" wheel is the most optimal size for the special travel case that meets the 62" linear inches required by all airlines. This especially true with wider touring tires. I have read numerous times here how the 26"-wheeled LHT's handle beautifully. The Deluxe LHT means you get to take it anywhere in the world -- 26" wheels replacement parts are ubiquitous everywhere in the world. It's like having a device with a universal voltage AC adapter. So, all in all, a win-win proposition in my book.

I built up 2 LHT's this past fall for my wife and myself. I decided on 26" for a few reasons. One when we go back overseas to tour my understanding is 26" is a much more common size to find. Also we have 700C on our Co-Motion tandem with S&S couplings. I built the travel cases and the 700C wheels were a bit challenging to get in. The last reason I wanted the option of wide tires. We will be riding across the US, starting in Apri, and I am running Schwalbe Marathon Supremes 26x2 tires. Maybe a bit over kill but they provide a very comfortable ride.

The only disadvantage I can think of is that you'll have to mail order / stockpile 26" slick tires if there's no LBS that stocks them.

As Chris noted, most 700C tires need to be dismounted before packing to meet the 62" airline regulations, or to allow TSA to open the suitcase without screwing up the rest of your careful packing job.

I have two 26 inch touring bikes (one with S&S, one without), the narrowest tires I have ever ridden are 40mm. Have toured on trips that were mostly gravel and other trips that were almost exclusively on pavement. On gravel I use 2.0 width (50mm) tires and narrower tires (40mm) on pavement trips.

I have a 700c LHT, I run tires anywhere from 28 to 37mm wide. Never wider. I was unhappy with this bike on gravel so I bought a 26 inch wheel touring bike for gravel trips. This bike is now my pavement only bike.

Generically, a 37mm wide tire for a 26 inch bike is considered a narrow tire. And generically a 37mm wide tire on a 700c bike is considered a wide tire. So, think about your riding, what width tires will you want. I think a 26 inch wheel bike is great on pavement and on gravel, but I am less happy about a 700c bike on gravel.

My above comments are specific to loaded touring where I am hauling camping gear on the bike.

I use a vintage Bridgestone mountain bike for running errands around town, that is 26 inch. Those errands are all on pavement, but I paid $5 (USD) for that bike, I prefer to use that around town where the chance of theft is real.

I have not traveled yet with my S&S bike, only built it up last spring. But I bought the S&S backpack case, not a hard case. The Co-Motion web site had a good discussion of why they recommend a soft case for S&S bikes.

Thank you all for the encouraging response to my question, I'll get the shop on it tomorrow.

+1) if you only have domestic US tours on the highway 700c will be OK,


want to go off the beaten track ?


central & south america MTB's have had world wide popularity and so tires can be found.