Originally Posted by
TTON
I'm looking into getting a folding bike and would like to know what the main differences between riding on 16" and 20" wheels are? I've riding 20" wheels before (but not on a folding bike) but not 16".
Basically, are 16" alot slower than 20" wheels? Meaning do I have to work alot harder to go the equivalent speed if I were on 20" wheels (all other things being equal)? Are they ok in going down steep hills?
Originally Posted by
TTON
...... I noticed the lack of steering stability with 20" wheels so the issue would be greater magnified with 16" wheels, correct?
16 inch wheeled folders usually have a smaller fold than 20 inchers. Size shouldn't make a difference on speed;
gearing, type of tire would have more of an effect. In this video; I'm on a 16inch wheeled folding bike passing
bikes with bigger sizes; 20, 26, 700, etc.:
Have gone up and down steep hills many times with my Brompton; 9W, River Rd., Little Red lighthouse, etc.
Never had an issue. Stability will be affected more by head tube angle/rake and maybe wheelbase. I feel in
control when riding my folder with 16 in. wheels: