Originally Posted by folder fanatic
"The 20 'inch wheel folder is just better in almost every regard. It's provides a stable, comfortable and fast ride without sacrificing gears unlike its 16 inch cousin. I could not recommend a 16' inch wheel folder unless the person wanted to enter the bus on a frequent basis (multimode transport). Since very few people do this, I believe that 99% of all folding bike purchases should be for a 20' inch model. In fact, in all my days, I've never seen anyone bring a 16' inch wheel folder inside a bus." -Dahon.Steve
Um, maybe you have seen a 16" inch wheel folder on a bus. I take my Brompton with me on the cabin of a bus, very crowded trains, etc.-hidden in it's bag. In fact I selected the Brompton over the Piccolo because it's folded size wins hands down. Plus it's suspension system is built right into the frame. The folded size is ideal when you go into crowded establishments-try to manuver a larger folder through tight crowds of unyielding people without poking them with the pedals or frame parts. Then add a problem of being a smaller person and you will begin to see why 16" wheels win for some situations. I also have a Boardwalk for more distant little or no multimode use or taken in a indoor crowded areas. For that, it works well. I no longer have derailleurs for many reasons. I prefer hubs since I am not a high performance rider anymore.
I still stand by original statement. I've taken my Dahon Piccolo inside the cabin of buses with no problem. In fact, I've heard many Bike Friday owners do the same with similar results. It's a myth that you cannot take a 20' inch wheel folding bicycle inside the cabin of the bus. Most bus drivers will not make any distinction between a bicycle with either size wheel.
The bus is the only situation where one would prefer a 16 inch folding bicycle over a 20'inch wheel but this is just my personal fear and may not be the actual case. In reality, it often depends of the driver of the coach who may not like bicycles of any make.