My 16" wheels are fine for asphalt or concrete, but not great on other surfaces, like the packed dirt and gravel on the C&O Canal towpath. My bike is fine for my current 7 mile commute to work, was acceptable for the 10 mile trip from my previous domicile. I've ridden longer pootles, but I wouldn't want a 15 mile commute on it - a pootle is more relaxed, take a break when you want, don't have to ride the whole distance at one go.