Folding Bikes - What is the ideal wheel size for you? (Poll)

What would you say would be the ideal wheel size for your ideal folding bike (or mini-velo)?

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Wow, (at this point) the majority of voters seem to have gone for the 20 inch wheel... which has surprised me.

I have been toying around with the idea of perhaps building my own folding bike... and one of my initial preconceptions was that the 20 inch wheel may be too big.

Is ride quality the main reason for this?

I don't think there is a single ideal wheel size.

However, if I could only have one wheel size for a folder (in addition to a nonfolder) then it would definitely be sub 12" because the larger the wheels are the more likely you'd be able to replace the folder with a nonfolder.

On the other hand, if I could only have one wheel size for all my bikes then it would have to be 16" because this size can almost cover the entire range of uses.

^ Yes, the ideal wheel size is definitely a subjective choice...

On paper, I too would've thought that the 16 inch wheel would be the ideal compromise between weight, compactness of fold, and ride comfort. But it's a revelation to see that the 20 inch wheel is still on top of the poll. There is another thread about a home made mini-velo and it was also interesting to see that he started from a 20 inch bike, which gave me the idea to start this poll.

...and thanks for your insight in the matter makeinu! :)

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I`d say 20" but maybe not for the right reasons? This is what I am used to, easyest to find (buy or dumpster), and my impression is that for rough roads (potholes or dustroads) and winter riding with some snow and so on that 20" is better than 16",

I`we got an old Dahon 16" and I am not riding it much for several reasons. Heavy, difficult to fold and unfold. A bit "soft" to ride (hinges and stuff flexing). Maybe if I had a different 16" bike and used bus and train alot I would think different.

I would like to see a poll that asks more questions of each person. As well as wheel size, type of use seems like it would make a big difference. If someone just puts it in their car or apartment, a larger wheel might work OK but how about transit riders? I just ordered a downtube mini for buses.

I would like to see a poll that asks more questions of each person. As well as wheel size, type of use seems like it would make a big difference. If someone just puts it in their car or apartment, a larger wheel might work OK but how about transit riders? I just ordered a downtube mini for buses.

Yeah, I think 20" is the most popular choice here because the most popular reason to own a folder is to be able to easily stick a bike in a car trunk...for which 20" wheels probably are ideal.

I ride a vintage Phillip's 20 fixed gear conversion that very rarely gets folded and if it does it is because it is getting put in the boot of a car...

I run 406 wheels and tyres.

I would like 16" for ease of packing in suitcase for air travel but 20 for all else.

Any one know more about the 18 inch wheel? It seems to be a proprietary item for the "Birdy?" Is this correct?

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Any one know more about the 18 inch wheel? It seems to be a proprietary item for the "Birdy?" Is this correct?

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18" is a bit of a misnomer ... Birdy wheels are ERTO 355, 355mm diameter.. so more like a 16" wheel.. Moulton 17" wheels are ERTO 369, 369mm .. it's a lot more accurate to talk about wheel rim diameters using the metric system... 16" wheels encompass ERTO 305 349 355( to my mind's eye) common 20" wheels ERTO 406 451 .. common 24" ERTO 507 520 ( as used on Airnimal bikes, save the Rhino).

I like my 20 inch wheel dahon.
but I love my 14 inch wheel bazuki, too. regardless the short wheelbase.

^ 14 inch wheel?!??

I didn't even know that size existed! :eek:

YES, they are more common in densely populated areas like Japan or Taiwan, such as Flamingo FD-14, BICKERTON Classic, STRiDA mini, Oyama QS1401A, and Aezda N17-20, etc.