Originally Posted by
chagzuki
I like my 20" Dahon a lot but 20" wheels are significantly harsher than larger wheels. My riding style has adjusted a great deal to compensate for this but at some point, when I have the storage space, I'll probably buy a road bike. Anyhow, I'm looking forward to (and assuming that) Big Apple Liteskin tyres will be available soon; I'd like to switch to a 2.35 at the front to absorb shocks better.
I'm not perfectly comfortable on my small wheelers either, but a road bike is not more comfortable and a mountain bike is heavier than a dedicated suspension (not to mention compromises carrying capacity, fine tuning fit, etc).
I just don't understand why people say that small wheels involve compromises when it seems pretty clear that it's the large ones which involve compromises. I tried to believe for a long time that the large ones were somehow better, but it just isn't true (even without considering folding).