26 in vs 700cc tires What does everyone think of this article?

[dsutherland]

http://familyonbikes.org/blog/2011/04/26-vs-700c-for-a-touring-bike-the-definitive-answer/

 

[tyred]

Seems a little over-dramatic to me.

If you are going somewhere out of the way I guess it is probably a good idea to do your homework, otherwise I would prefer the larger size as they roll better in my experience (lights touch paper). Personally 26 * 1 3/8" is my preferred wheel size but cycle manufacturers clearly disagree with me (at least until they need to create a new fad to sell more bikes).

 

[outlash]

When someone titles their article 'the definitive answer', you know it isn't.

 

[NorthernDave]

So you can't get 700C wheels outside the USA and Canada?

Hmmm...let me just check both my bikes...

 

[Ajax Bay]

I think this thread would better be domiciled in the 'Touring and Expedition' sub-forum.

I think that, having judged that 26" would be best, she/they then compromised and took two 700c wheeled bikes. And regretted it. And says that 26" is best/"definitive".
After several thousand miles the 700c wheels started failing (we don't really have an insight into the road surface choices they made from Alaska down) And that was down to poor wheel quality. Given they had a tandem handmade I am a bit surprised that the same attention was not afforded to the 700c wheels she knew were a 'weak point' (because their diameter was generally less available). And this affected her family's route (because they couldn't go really out-of-the-way).

She may be right (26" is preferred) but individual's and group's circumstances are different: for some 26" will be best, for others the 700c option would be optimum.

 

[raleighnut]

Hard to comment on an article from 2007 but I'd have thought Surly built 26" wheel touring frames back then.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I've seen 700c tyres up to 52mm, not getting the issue there. Perhaps, the choice of wheels was incorrect for purpose

 

[Smokin Joe]

Yanks eh, what do they know.

 

[dsutherland]

So, The big question still remains, How available are sizes like 700c tires in develpoing countries?

 

[Ajax Bay]

Think the issue is more availability of wheels, rather than tyres which you'd be carrying a spare (folding) per bike if touring like this.

I think this thread would better be domiciled in the 'Touring and Expedition' sub-forum as you'd be more likely to get a set of answers drawn from in country of touring knowledge (some current) across the world.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

A reasonable suggestion. The thread has been moved over

 

[GrumpyGregry]

29-ers rims/wheels are the future. Or not. Depending on what the marketing guys want to sell us in 2016.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Thanks, Phil.

Linked below is a good article, written in 2011, which covers this topic better than the OP article and makes recommendations.

http://www.cyclingabout.com/700c-vs-26-inch-wheel-size-for-touring/

Taster: "The simple answer is that all wheel sizes work well if you use good quality components.

Why go 26 Inch?
– The tyres and tubes are easier to find in developing parts of the world
– 26inch wheels use shorter spokes than 700c to build a stronger wheel
– 26inch touring frames generally have greater tyre clearance for fatter tyres
– There are more wide (2+ inch) touring tyres available in 26inch
– 26inch wheels are MTB tyre compatible, for off road adventures
– A 26inch bikes lowest gear is effectively smaller than a 700c due to the smaller wheel size

Why go 700C / 29 Inch?
– Less rolling resistance than 26inch, as the contact patch on the road is longer and narrower
– Larger than 26inch, therefore they roll over holes and depressions on roads in a smoother manner
– There are more slick and city tyre options"

 

[dsutherland]

Nice Thanks

 

[Gravity Aided]

Road surfaces make the argument here. I feel a lot better on gravel roads and poorer surfaces on 26", and better roads I like 700c.