>>1502534I don't think you should buy a LHT if you don't want to do literally that -long haul trucking-
those bikes are really really solidly built to take a lot of gear. For shorter tours where you can get away with less, and casual riding, that translates to an overly stiff and heavy bike.
I would get a cross-check instead. You can still tour on it, but it will be more fun to ride unloaded. Or a Fuji Touring. Or any number of other slightly less serious bikes.
And no, I would definately go 700c over 26" given the choice. Your quality tyre and wheel selection will be vastly superior.
