My Rivendell is 52cm, and has actually 559 wheels (like mtb 26"s). Part of the iconoclastic charm of a Grant Peterson bike--he says you have to have those size wheels to avoid toe overlap and also have room for fenders.

Yeah, it is kind of a cult I've not had another good road bike, so I have no basis for comparison, but it's always felt just great to me.

One downside is that I have to carry my own tubes, and it was a chore to find tires that were 25s (Continental Gran Prix makes them).