26" wheels on a surly straggler frame

I just wanted to throw this out there before I do anything, just incase it's a terrible idea...

I've recently picked up a surly straggler, which is basically a disc brake cross check. I'm planning on doing some touring further afield where 26" wheels and big tyres would be an advantage. Currently it's fitted with 700c wheels running CXP33 rims. They're 15mm wide rims I think.

The maximum tyre I can really get on these is a 28c, maybe a bit more. I'm considering a new wheel build so can fit fatter tyres, carry shitloads of weight and maybe even have a dyno-hub. Is there any reason I can't fit 26" wheels?

On Surly's site FAQ they talk about this on a long haul trucker: "No. Each LHT has geometry and braze-on/ brake boss mounts that are specific to the wheel size intended for the frame you purchase. So, if you buy an LHT 26", use 26" wheels. If you bought an LHT intended for use with 700c's, well then use a 700c wheelset. They are NOT interchangeable. " ...I guess the disc brakes remove the brake drop/braze on issue from the equation. The pedal/ground clearance, looking at the geometery, would be reduced to about 85mm or something in that region.

However, it's currently running 23c tyres on 700c rims: wheel diameter = 622 + 23 +23 = 668mm.
If I run 50c tyres (or bigger!) on 26" rims: wheel diamter = 559+ 50 + 50 = 659mm.
...So I should only really be dropping 10mm or so in theory. Obviously the fatter tyre probably has more give as I travel over rougher terrain.

Any thoughts? Have I missed any obvious drawbacks?

Why not rebuild your wheels with wider rims? You can easily fit 700x50c/29x1.75 and probably even go for 29x2.0 tyres in there with a bit of clearance left over...

I keep getting told all the stories about 26" tyres and tubes being more readily available a long way from home, although I'm not convinced how much of a problem that will be. That and I'm looking into getting a dyno-hub anyway.

I'm also hoping to try out some cyclocross and the CXP33 wheels are probably well suited to that, although I could make sure whatever rim I replaced them with was too.

The usual 26" for touring train of thought is that in obscure parks of the world, 26" (being well established for a long time) would be more readily available.
If you are planning on touring the globe, i would suggest getting a bike/ frame specific to the needs you want.

If you are planning on touring in more developed parts of the world, just ride it 700c/ 29" and you should be able to get spares (29ers are now so mainstream they have been outdated with 27.5")

Just make sure you fit some tried and tested tyres and tubes for longevity/ grip/ p_nct_re resistance. (also take a few spare spokes, easily taped to the chainstays)

Generally, it's going to be used somewhere I could easily get 700c tyres. I would probably pack some folding spare tyres and tubes if I was going further afield. However, being due a break from work, we've been looking at touring in Chile which is what got me thinking about 26"/ dyno / massivefailures.

You're right about getting a suitable frame: I was looking for a 26" LHT originally but the straggler was cheap and pretty awesome.

I guess I'm probably over thinking this. I should probably just tweak the bike, pack my bags with spares and go...

So straggler build is nearly complete and I have some 26" disc wheels with 2" big apples around. I shall report back shortly...

... If anyone but me wants to try this...

Go for it, I'd like to see. I have a 700c disc bike I've considered putting 26 on. I'm pretty sure it would work out crap on my bike.

In practice if you go on your tour, I think it would be more sensible to take a bike that feels good to ride, nothing bodged with dodgy ground clearance.
Good tyres last so long and you have such a huge choice of lightweight folding 700c tyres you could pack.

If you genuinely believe its going to get rough, take a mountain bike.

i´m from chile and don´t worry you can buy 700c or 29 tyres. it´s not so hard to find

I always found it a bit strange that you couldn't.

Thank you!

Even if you put massive tyres the wheel will still be smaller. And of course these tyres wouldn't be inflated to road pressure so it will be even lower, being loaded and all.
I'd test it and get shorter cranks if necessary

How did you get on @El_sabor?

I was planning to try something similar. How did it work out @El_sabor?