§2024-08-02

When choosing a folding bicycle for touring, the choice between 20-inch and 16-inch wheels can significantly impact your ride quality and overall touring experience, especially when paired with a Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:

20-Inch Wheels Advantages: Ride Quality:

Comfort: Larger wheels typically provide a smoother ride because they can roll over bumps and obstacles more easily than smaller wheels. This can be crucial on long touring rides. Traction: Better traction and stability, especially on uneven or rough surfaces. Speed and Efficiency:

Speed: 20-inch wheels can maintain higher speeds with less pedaling effort compared to smaller wheels. Efficiency: Typically more efficient on long rides, as they cover more ground per revolution. Gear Ratio:

Gear Ratios: With a Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub, the larger wheels can help make full use of the gear range, providing better performance in various terrains. Handling:

Stability: Larger wheels generally offer better stability, which is beneficial for loaded touring bikes. Disadvantages: Folded Size:

Compactness: 20-inch folding bikes are larger when folded compared to 16-inch models, which may be less convenient for travel and storage. Weight:

Weight: Typically, bikes with larger wheels can be heavier, which might affect portability. 16-Inch Wheels Advantages: Portability:

Compactness: 16-inch wheels make the bike more compact when folded, which is advantageous for transport and storage, especially in confined spaces like public transit or car trunks. Weight:

Lightweight: Generally lighter than bikes with larger wheels, making them easier to carry and handle. Maneuverability:

Handling: More nimble and agile in urban settings and tight spaces. Disadvantages: Ride Quality:

Comfort: Smaller wheels can result in a bumpier ride and less comfort on rough surfaces. They may not handle uneven terrain as well as larger wheels. Speed and Efficiency:

Speed: Smaller wheels may require more pedaling effort to maintain higher speeds, which can be tiring on long tours. Efficiency: Generally less efficient for covering long distances compared to larger wheels. Stability:

Handling: While more agile, smaller wheels can be less stable, especially when loaded or on rough terrain. Shimano Alfine 11-Speed Hub Considerations Performance: The Alfine 11-speed hub provides a good range of gears suitable for various terrains. On a 20-inch wheel, the range and gear ratios will be more effective for maintaining speed and handling different gradients.

Compatibility: Ensure that the Alfine hub is compatible with the folding bike’s frame and wheel size. Both 16-inch and 20-inch setups can work with the Alfine hub, but performance characteristics will vary.

Choosing the Right Size for Touring Long-Distance Touring: If your primary goal is long-distance touring with a focus on comfort, speed, and efficiency, the 20-inch wheel is generally a better choice.

Urban and Shorter Tours: For urban commuting or shorter tours where portability and compactness are more important, a 16-inch wheel might be more suitable.

Ultimately, the choice between 16-inch and 20-inch wheels depends on your touring needs and preferences. For long tours, where comfort and efficiency are paramount, the 20-inch wheel size is typically the better option. For more frequent folding, storage, and urban use, the 16-inch size may be more practical.