A 28 is very capable cross country. It smooths out the bumps which
allows you to attack hils with more speed, and you are less likely to
stall. Therefore, you can often get away with shorter cranks than on a
smaller wheel. Strange but true.
I have done a lot of cross country on a Coker, with some quite steep
inclines and declines. It is very capable off road.
Where you do lose out with the big wheel is in slow fiddly sections.
The big wheel is less responsive to sudden changes of pedal pressure
(fore and aft balance) and to steering input.
You therefore get this strange situation where a Coker or 28 will fly
over rough ground and up hills that would be hard work on a typical 26,
but once you lose momentum, the "flying machine" becomes a lead
balloon.
On a 26, you are a jockey; on a Coker, you are a mahout.
An crank size? I bought my 28 with a standard 32 (or 35?0 mm tyre and
110 mm cranks. I did a lot of serious cross country on it. Only the
hills were a problem. I now have the 28mm almost slick tyre and 110
mm cranks. Only the traction is a problem off road.
Whatever you ride will suit some styles and route. The variables are
wheel size, tyre section and crank length. 3 variables - one
compromise.
--
Mikefule
"The good life is the life inspired by love and informed by knowledge."
Russell
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