20or 16?
10-21-17 | 11:42 PM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 694
Likes: 224
I am more of a value guy. I ran a bike shop for 30+ years and sold it to my son. I really like my 20" folders. I put Schwalbe 1.1" tires on my Dahon Mu d10. It is certainly much much harsher ride than the 2" tires it came with. The speed difference is significant also---way faster. I live in Montana --the 4th largest state in the US---I doubt any shop in the state has an 18" or 14" tire or tube in stock. But every one of them will have 406 tires and tubes.
I ride in the dark early mornings a lot. I ride my 26" mountain bike converted to an e bike at night with 2.1 smooth tires. I'm worried about bumps I don't see at night.
But as a tire seller I am totally into 406. The variety and price of 451 and the 16" and 18" tires are so limiting. All three of my folders are 406. (Swift, Mu d10, IGH 8 Mu).
Broken Pelvis man--12boy----Heal up---my mother broke her pelvis several years ago. The most connected bone in the body. Your torso moves with muscles and leverage from the torso and your legs also.--
I ride in the dark early mornings a lot. I ride my 26" mountain bike converted to an e bike at night with 2.1 smooth tires. I'm worried about bumps I don't see at night.
But as a tire seller I am totally into 406. The variety and price of 451 and the 16" and 18" tires are so limiting. All three of my folders are 406. (Swift, Mu d10, IGH 8 Mu).
Broken Pelvis man--12boy----Heal up---my mother broke her pelvis several years ago. The most connected bone in the body. Your torso moves with muscles and leverage from the torso and your legs also.--
Yeah, 406 is the most versatile of the lot.
18" isn't too bad with choices for slicks, knobby, puncture resistant, wider tires.
Not as much in selection, but rather adequate (provided the bike frame can take them).
451 is certainly the worst and its the limiting factor on my Bike Friday Pocket Rocket being mainly for road event uses.
MTB with the plush tires and suspension is certainly the best choice in case of bumps/holes/uneven roads.
Hope your pelvis has healed up well.
10-24-17 | 10:11 PM
#27
**thusi*st
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 219
Likes: 5
From: Boulder, CO
Bikes: Specialized Touring Expedition '1984, Volagi Liscio, Dahon Visc D18, Dahon Visc SL, Schwinn Moab
Lots of great input here everyone. I jump between 16 (305) and 20 (406) wheeled bikes. The 16's travel super easy and they work nicely in the city. The 20's ride bigger, carry gear with racks better, and can still travel. I suppose if I could only have one, I would go with the 20" Visc D18. I really like my compact 16" too though and they are both in the quiver.
03-18-18 | 11:23 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 546
Likes: 200
From: Baltimore, MD
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Hello,
Looking at 16"
Wife and I did a vacay to Florida for a week, flew Southwest, between us we could have checked four bags for free. She suggested I take a bike, but unless I performed intensive surgery, none of my folders could get under the 62inch bag limitation.
So, been seriously looking at Bromptons, but put off by price(initial/repair/upgrade) and would prefer ubiquitous in a common resource (like a bicycle) over "hand made".
Then stumbled on the chain drive DownTube Mini. I already have a FS9 that has stood up well over extensive abuse (I'm 6' and 230lbs) for 10 years.
Any user input here? Unfortunately, it isn't like it's in a showroom anywhere close by.
Note: before I bought the FS9, I bought a Kent 16" Magnesium folder, that was an absolute "clown" bike. Besides which the gear inches ranged from 1 to 9, or so it seemed. I (or any family member who tried) would get exhausted trying to get to walking speed. Don't want to get burned again.
Looking at 16"
Wife and I did a vacay to Florida for a week, flew Southwest, between us we could have checked four bags for free. She suggested I take a bike, but unless I performed intensive surgery, none of my folders could get under the 62inch bag limitation.
So, been seriously looking at Bromptons, but put off by price(initial/repair/upgrade) and would prefer ubiquitous in a common resource (like a bicycle) over "hand made".
Then stumbled on the chain drive DownTube Mini. I already have a FS9 that has stood up well over extensive abuse (I'm 6' and 230lbs) for 10 years.
Any user input here? Unfortunately, it isn't like it's in a showroom anywhere close by.
Note: before I bought the FS9, I bought a Kent 16" Magnesium folder, that was an absolute "clown" bike. Besides which the gear inches ranged from 1 to 9, or so it seemed. I (or any family member who tried) would get exhausted trying to get to walking speed. Don't want to get burned again.
03-18-18 | 04:22 PM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 792
Likes: 20
From: New England
Bikes: Brompton M6R, Specialized Tricross Comp, Ellsworth Isis, Dahon Speed P8
Just a quick eyeball, but DT Mini specs look like they're well over 62" too. Even the Brompton specs at ~57" can barely make the 62" airline requirement when you consider the additional space taken up by the case and padding.
Have you considered partial disassembly of your FS9 like the removing wheels, pedals, tire deflation, etc.? I have a 20" Dahon Speed P8 that can fit into a standard 62" Samsonite Oyster with partial disassembly and basically everything on quick release, except tire inflation.
I understand Southwest is super accommodating to the Brompton Mafia crew... they regularly take them as carry-ons.
https://bromptonmafia.com
Have you considered partial disassembly of your FS9 like the removing wheels, pedals, tire deflation, etc.? I have a 20" Dahon Speed P8 that can fit into a standard 62" Samsonite Oyster with partial disassembly and basically everything on quick release, except tire inflation.
I understand Southwest is super accommodating to the Brompton Mafia crew... they regularly take them as carry-ons.
https://bromptonmafia.com
03-18-18 | 05:16 PM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,540
Likes: 454
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: Now: HPV Gecko FX 20 w/ assist.. Old: Trident Spike 2 recumbent trike w/ e-assist
I added a 16" pakiT to my 20"NWT. I've found for day to day city riding, errands, and exercise the 16" works wonderfully. However, I have learned the hard way that 16" wheels cannot take the same terrain differences that 20" wheels can. Without thinking I went over a section I regularly take on my NWT with zero issues, and the 16" wheels jammed and I fell. Bruised knee (protecting the bike) and ego but no issues otherwise. Lesson learned - they are not interchangeable.
03-18-18 | 07:30 PM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 546
Likes: 200
From: Baltimore, MD
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Have you considered partial disassembly of your FS9 like the removing wheels, pedals, tire deflation, etc.? I have a 20" Dahon Speed P8 that can fit into a standard 62" Samsonite Oyster with partial disassembly and basically everything on quick release, except tire inflation.
Thank you
Last edited by mirfi; 03-18-18 at 07:34 PM. Reason: add pic
03-22-18 | 08:09 AM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 546
Likes: 200
From: Baltimore, MD
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Duh,
The moment when there is a sudden realization that something you would never question, was so wrong.
Profound statement number 1
The diameter of 20 (406!?) inch rims are 16 (406mm) inches.
Profound statement number 2
With tires deflated they can fit into a suitcase 17inches wide.
Mirfi
The older I grow the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom. H. L. Mencken
The moment when there is a sudden realization that something you would never question, was so wrong.
Profound statement number 1
The diameter of 20 (406!?) inch rims are 16 (406mm) inches.
Profound statement number 2
With tires deflated they can fit into a suitcase 17inches wide.
Mirfi
The older I grow the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom. H. L. Mencken
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
quicksilver2099
Folding Bikes
35
07-27-17 08:38 AM
