Hi all, I'm looking for a folding bike that is light, fast, and looks like a real bike. Having a hard time getting jazzed about the 20" wheels, and would prefer full-size. I am, however, open to your input on this matter. Do the 20" bikes perform as well as the 26"? I am not a competitive rider, but I'm in very good shape and I like to go FAST. I got rid of my LeMond steel raod bike because it was taking up too much space in my condo, and I felt it was too delicate for crappy Los Angeles roads and the demands of urban riding. I want something with a puncture resistant tire and something I am less reluctant to ride than I was my road bike. I'm willing to pay a premium - an expensive bike is a lot cheaper than buying a larger home.

Thanks, Max

Might I suggest the Airnimal Chameleon. Tyres are a bit smaller, at 24" but it's designed totally for road use and is high specced right up to 105 level.

A lot of people will say 'there's nothing wrong with 20" wheels' in a moment, and they're right, but if you've already made your mind up this is about the best on the market.



https://www.airnimal.eu/Chameleon/

Thank you for your reply. Can you espouse the merits of 20" tires for me? What are the disadvantages of them, if any?

Also, can you recommend a dealer for the Airnimal?

Max

Calhoun Cyle sells the Airnimal Joey.

www.bikefriday.com

In the FAQ section on their website they discuss 20" wheels. You can go extremely fast on some of their models...but they're not cheap.

One disadvantage is that potholes and road dips are more jarring on a smaller wheel.

Thanks all for your feedback. Tonight I walked to Safety Cycle in Hollywood, picked up a Dahon JetStream 8 speed, and rode it home. I think it is excellent so far, but time will tell. If there are minor compromises in performance with this bike (relative to a full-size), I think they are more than offset by the thril and convenience of folding the thing up in seconds, carrying it upstairs, and stowing it in the guest bedroom closet. I was also very confident on this bike tonight, riding through Hollywood at rush hour. I would have felt uncomfortable and anxious on my LeMond, but on this one I could jump curbs when necessary, and ride on rough terrain without worrying about a flat. It is also plenty fast for my needs. This weekend I'm going to take it up some canyon roads in west LA and see it how it performs!

Great choice! I have a 2005 Jetstream P8 and love it. You should join the forum over at the Dahon site.