700c 32 tires vs 26-inch

[Catrin]

Well one thing to consider is that if you end up with one bike that takes 700C tires, and another with 26" you have to double your inventory of spare tires and tubes and keep track of them. That reason alone makes me want to standardize on 700C. Never a chance of grabbing the wrong size tube to stuff in my bag only to find out later when you have a flat that the tube is the wrong size.

This would happen anyway due to the size difference between my Trek and the Jamis (should I go that route) - though that is a good point.

Catrin, I have not been following your Bike Search Epic...so can you remind me what kind of riding you intend to do with your new bike?

You really cannot go wrong with either bike, assuming the fit is good.

It does kind of feel like an epic search I am certainly learning more about bikes and what I want in this process. I greatly appreciate everyone's advice! I imposed a 3-week waiting period on myself, to force myself to examine my options. Next week I finally get to order my new touring bike!

I need versatility - a bike that I can take touring, and also handle mountains/fire roads/and commuting when I feel like it. I pretty much settled on the Long Haul Trucker some time ago, but I wanted to really compare it with a similar bike before ordering it. I do like the Jamis as well.

I will work with the fitter at the LBS to help determine which of the two are the better fit - have given up on trying to test ride either of them. I would take the smallest size in either and no one seems to stock those sizes. Understandable.