Originally Posted by
atnyc
Majority folding bikes Ive seen around use 20 wheels. Ive ridden the Brompton and one other (a Chinese knock-off, forgot the brand) They all have 20 wheels.
While in theory the 24 wheel would roll more efficiently and go over bumps and cracks more smoothly. Has anyone ridden one with 24 wheels and can compare to 20 wheels to share your experience?
I have the option to get one with 24 wheels, or one with 20 wheels for the same cost. Im not sure which one to get. The 24 one could potentially have better ride quality and faster, but its quite a bit heavier and bulkier, which will be harder to carry around once folded.
No shop around me has any 24 wheel folding bike to test ride on.
Well... 24's are faster. This is true Better with bumps...
generally, yes
You WILL sacrifice the size of your fold. No getting around that with current designs, so if your clearances are even REMOTELY close with storage space in your home, on a train, in your car, then a 24" folder is likely a bad choice.
All things are compromise.
Need the small fold AND a smooth ride, you can do it with 20" thicker tires..... but it'll be slower
Speed is everything? 24' or 26" or even a non folder
Bromptons fold REALLY small, and have rudimentary rear suspension.
(been a while since since I've ridden one so I don't know if you can tune them to be smooth and fast)
I'm on a 20" bi-fold with armored tires because puncture protection is my primary concern, fold size is a close second.
I added a custom suspension seat post and suck up the 2-5mph speed loss (schwalbe marathons)
((tried 1.25" at 100+ PSI and got the speed back but the ride was violent))