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8 miles on a mini is no problem, depending on your height; I'm 6' and have had to make some modifications. The only one directly related to height is a "butt buddy" which raises the seat an additional 2". I also have a dynamo hub built into the front wheel; 12v halogen headlight in permanent "lights on for safety" position; shorter crank arms just 'cuz I like them that way; better grips, better saddle, better pedals (since the stock pedals broke after 1500 miles or so). I've also made many changes that didn't last long; I tried a Hebie Chainglider chainguard, but eventually gave up on that. I've worn out several sets of tires, two tires, two headlights, one taillight, and so on.

Fenders are not a problem. I got mine from Sunrise Cyclery on Long Island; they are a silver colored plastic. Sunrise now has a different set of fenders for 16" wheel, which are black, but I presume they're equally good. By the way, you can also get Wald chromed steel fenders from Bikepartsusa.com; heavier but presumably tougher. My rear fender is now cracked, and I expect to have to replace it pretty soon.

Depending on lots of factors, such as your shoe size, I don't recommend a rack attached to the frame. I bought the steel rack Dahon sells for the Curve, and attached it with a little difficulty (including a couple zip ties) but no problems there. It interfered with the fold only to a minor degree. But it was quite useless! Your heel will hit anything that hangs out over the side of a rack even by an inch. I also got a quick-release rack that goes on the seatpost; that's a lot better, and I use it occasionally. On a day-to-day basis, however, I use a messenger bag. strap over my shoulder, so it hangs behind my lower back while I ride. It's not my first choice, but it actually works very well.

It may be that a 20" wheel folder has better rack options; I don't honestly know.

With a 16" wheel folder, with the seat post extended pretty high, there's a lot of room between the seat and the wheel. So much, in fact, that you can hang a pretty big grocery bag there. I do that a lot-- it works best if your seat has a groove down the middle, which mine doesn't.

I believe there's also a pretty good front rack option; Nashbar sometimes has a rack that attaches to the brake studs. I haven't tried, since I 'spect it would interfere with my headlight, but I hear it fits.

I haven't tried a Dahon or Downtube 20"er, but I put my mini on the overhead rack on the train every day, and I am pretty sure a 20"er would not fit up there. I'm pretty sure you could take a 20"er on the DC subway and leave it on the floor, between your feet or something.

Bottom line, a 20"er may work for you, and may have some advantages, but I'm fairly confident I'm better off with the 16" wheel.

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