Considering getting a folder for a few reasons. I've ridden ~5 years now through the winter in Chicago on 26 and 700c bikes, 2 years of which was with Nokian W106s. I know Schwalbe makes a 20" studded tire, which is encouraging.

But, how do the smaller wheels respond to the different sort of road snow conditions?

pretty similar.
except the schawlbe marathon winter in 20" really sucks in terms of rolling resistance compared to a 26" ice spiker.
Yeah, I know, it's surprising that the ice spiker 26" has better rolling resistance than a marathon winter 20".

If only nokian made a M&G W160 in 20" flavour, then the experience might be better.

In terms of snow condition abilities, the 20" marathon winter is really no different compared to its 26" counterpart. Which is to say, they're okay in snow, and fantastic on ice, but if all you get is ploughed roads, then they're terrible.


Aside from all that, my only complaint for riding 20" in the winter is how it does a number on the rims and drive train, because they're closer to the ground and catch a lot of crud.