Small wheels require an adjustment in terms of time. When I switched from 700c to 20", I thought the bike was squirrely at first. Then, when I switched from 20" to 16", I had the same experience (although I did adapt faster). What starts out as squirrely becomes "nimble" and "responsive" once you are used to it. I wouldn't go back to larger wheels - they now feel cumbersome and heavy. Btw, I think my BF Pakit with titanium seatmast and stem mast and steel frame is the perfect combo of rigid and flex. No need for thudbusters even with the 16" wheels. I will be curious to see if a fully titanium bike feels too flexy...
Originally Posted by
Gibsonsean
Thanks Jipe. Interesting points. Maybe i should give a Brompton more time. I don't have much experience of riding smaller wheeled bikes so your insight is appreciated. I guess with lower weight and radius smaller wheels are easier to accelerate, an advantage in stop start riding. Larger wheels take more to get going but maintain more momentum and provide more stability (relatively) at speed?
The relative lack of top notch tire choice in ETRTO 507 is a downer.
Are SS frames not still heavier than Ti equivalents?
Helix does have mounting points on the steering tube and we've seen a design for a universal mount that appears to allow full steerage inspite of the fork design. Clever fender and rack designs too which work with the fold. Designs only so far.