Originally Posted by
energyandair
In what way do you feel the small wheels limit your manoeuvrability?
One of the things I like about mine is that bike I find it easier than a larger wheel bike to manoeuvre in very tight spaces.
At sidewalk speeds a folding bike is maneuverable, but at quicker speeds you don't get the same range of motion. I usually ride my Gios, which has wonderful geometry and very precise handling and maneuverability. I know I can't expect a folding bike to compare, but I've put tens of thousands of miles on road bikes, and my reflexes are more in tune with their habits. It's quite easy to flick left or right on a road bike at speed and get a yard or more of lateral motion, whereas on a folder I don't get as much.
But I haven't ridden my Gios since I got on the Birdy, which says something for how much I like it. My riding plans for today have been upset by rain, so I'll be stuck with using the train...