Originally Posted by
alhedges
I don't mean to be contrary, but I think you need to try out some more 20" folders. I think a larger folder is too large for daily multi-modal commuting and you will regret buying a larger than 20" wheeled bike. The best solution might actually be to get a 16" pure commuting bike and a 24" weekend bike. (If you are car free, it's nice to have two bikes anyway, in case one is in the shop or has a flat in the morning.)
The Tern Eclipse P9 does not fold any larger than a 20" Dahon or Tern bikes. I met this person who upgraded from his own Dahon Mu SL to a Tern Eclipse had exactly the same requirements as the OP. The Eclipse P9 is nicer and much better than I thought. I had my Mu SL when we met at a Bike meetup event and did the comparison. He bought it because it has to fold and not be any larger than a 20" bike to be used in a metro line and has a quick fold which the Eclipse P9 addressed. He wanted some faster than his former Mu and the P9 with the larger wheels using the same gears provides the slightly better comfort than my Mu SL with Big Apples and a Thudbuster ST! I found 16" wheels too rougher on roads compared to riding on 20" or 24" on the P9.
Last edited by pacificcyclist; 07-31-13 at 04:40 PM.