How far is the difference between large and small bike wheels? | Testing 8 different bikes from Dahon K3, Brompton, Birdy to road bikes | There's a surprise at the end!

Today we will conduct an interesting bicycle test. You may ask, what boring thing are we testing? In fact, many cycling enthusiasts are discussing the difference between riding a bike with small wheels and riding a road bike with big wheels. People often say that larger wheels have better inertia, so you can ride further with just one pedal stroke. So, how far can we ride?

People often wonder how much difference there is when riding bicycles with different wheel sizes. Folding bikes with small wheels are compact and save space, but it requires more effort to pedal and it's harder to reach high speeds. Road bikes with larger wheels are often said to have better inertia and can go further. But how much of a difference is there in reality? Jollymap will conduct a simple test for everyone this time. We will use a slope and let the bikes roll down without pedaling at all, relying purely on the natural momentum of the bike, to see how much difference there is in the distance traveled with different wheel sizes. Although this test is not highly scientific, besides the difference in wheel size, each bike has different design configurations and maintenance routines. Also, the road surface is not perfectly flat, and there are some slight ups and downs. But overall, it can demonstrate the difference in the inertia of different-sized bikes. And most importantly... it's fun, in line with the spirit of "doing boring things seriously" this time.

To find the answer, we will use the simplest method, at the cost of our lives, by riding several different bikes and rolling down a slope in front, using the power of one leg to pedal it up, starting from the middle position of this long slope. We won't use the brakes at all in the middle, only relying on the natural force to accelerate it. Now we see it starting to accelerate, it has already reached a speed of about 10 kilometers per hour, rushing down. We look forward to seeing how fast and how far it can ride. We will start the test from the smallest 14-inch folding bike and go all the way to the largest road bike. We want to know the top speed and the distance they can travel, and through this comparison, reveal their characteristics.

Dahon K3 14-inch Folding Bike Test: Lightweight, portable, astonishing speed and distance!

The first participant in this test is the Dahon K3 14-inch Folding Bike. This bike is in its original state, without any modifications. First, let's weigh it to provide more reference data. Now, let's put it on the scale and see how much it weighs. This bike weighs approximately 7.8 kilograms. So, let's get started!

Hmm, it's 20 kilometers now, and it's already reached 22 kilometers. This K3 is faster than I imagined. We really want to know how far it can ride. It has passed 300 meters and hasn't stopped yet, it's truly surprising! It seems that this test is a huge challenge for my balancing skills. Okay, we're approaching the front, why are there road signs set up? Anyway, we have reached the destination. Now let's check our timer, it's exactly 400 meters, the distance is just right.

This test provided us with the most satisfying results. The performance of the Dahon K3 14-inch Folding Bike folding bike was outstanding. Despite being a compact folding bike, its speed and travel distance were astonishing. In our test, it reached an impressive speed of 22 kilometers per hour and easily handled a distance of 400 meters.

Dahon K3 Plus 16-inch Folding Bike: Lightweight, portable, extremely fast

Now let's introduce the second folding bike. This model is the Dahon K3 Plus 16-inch Folding Bike, in its original configuration without any modifications. Let's first weigh it, this original folding bike (including the kickstand) weighs only about 9 kilograms. Now, let's focus on its performance. The K3 Plus allows you to pedal easily with one leg, making your commute more convenient. Now, let's experience its high-speed performance together! Are you ready?

The K3 Plus has a swift speed, reaching 20 kilometers per hour in just a few seconds, and it can even accelerate to 28 kilometers per hour, approaching a speed of 29 kilometers per hour. We also tested its endurance and it has traveled 360 meters, easily surpassing similar models.

In comparison, the K3 Plus has a slightly larger frame, a few centimeters larger, but this difference is not very noticeable. Of course, the two bikes may differ in terms of daily maintenance. In summary, let's review this test. The K3 Plus traveled a distance of 406 meters, showcasing its lightweight, portability, and high-speed advantages.

Brompton 16-inch: Lightweight, fast, and has a speed advantage

Let's introduce the third folding bike, the Brompton. This model is a 2013 edition folding bike, retaining its original wheelset with 16-inchwheels. The Brompton is known for its compact foldability and portability. Let's weigh it to provide more information. The Brompton weighs approximately 10.6 kilograms, including the kickstand.

Now, let's see how it performs on the slope. The Brompton accelerates quickly, reaching a speed of 20 kilometers per hour within a short time. It maintains a steady pace and reaches a top speed of 27 kilometers per hour. The Brompton's performance is impressive, and its smaller wheels don't seem to hinder its speed.

As we reach the end of the slope, the Brompton has traveled a distance of 380 meters. Although it has a slightly shorter distance compared to the previous bikes, it still showcases its lightweight nature and agility.

Birdy 18-inch wheelset: Lightweight and fast, astonishing top speed

Let's introduce the fourth folding bike, the Birdy, which is a standard version of the third-generation Birdy. It features an 18-inch wheelset and weighs only 9.5 kilograms, making it even lighter than the Brompton.

Now, let's compare the Birdy with the previously introduced K3 Plus. Are you ready? Let's go! The Birdy demonstrates astonishing speed, reaching 30 kilometers per hour in a short time and maintaining a speed of over 20 kilometers per hour for a distance of over 300 meters. Its incredible top speed leaves a deep impression. The Birdy's lightweight and fast characteristics were fully demonstrated in the test. Its lightweight frame makes the ride smoother and truly impressive.

Tern D9: 20-inch wheelset, fast and stable

Next, let's introduce the fifth folding bike, the Tern D9, which features a 20-inch wheelset, a popular size among folding bikes. The Tern D9 weighs approximately 11 kilograms. Now, let's experience its features together.

When starting, stepping on the pedals, the Tern D9 quickly accelerates, creating an exhilarating feeling. On the road, it easily reaches a speed of 12 kilometers per hour, and its top speed can reach 23 kilometers per hour, even close to 30 kilometers per hour. This bike's inertia performs remarkably, making the ride stable and smooth.

Finally, let's stop and check the odometer. The total mileage reached 484 meters. With its 20-inch wheelset and fast and stable characteristics, the Tern D9 becomes the top choice for folding bike enthusiasts.

Mountain Bike: 27.5-inch tires, front and rear suspension

Now, let's turn to introduce the sixth bicycle, a mountain bike loved by many cycling enthusiasts. Compared to regular folding bikes, riding a mountain bike provides a more comfortable experience. This mountain bike is equipped with 27.5-inch tires with a width of 2.5 inches, offering better traction and stability.

Additionally, this mountain bike is equipped with front and rear suspension systems, effectively reducing the impact of uneven road surfaces. During the ride, we accelerated to 25 kilometers per hour and continued to speed up, but ultimately couldn't exceed a speed of 30 kilometers per hour. This could be due to the larger tire size increasing the friction with the ground, preventing the downhill speed from reaching the expected 30 kilometers per hour. However, the width and traction of this mountain bike's tires still provide a stable ride, easily handling various road challenges.

During the test, we successfully passed the sections with Little Bu and the K3, but on the steep slope of the K3 Plus, the rough characteristics of the tires increased the downhill speed. In the end, we stopped and checked the odometer, and the total mileage was 440 meters. This mountain bike with 27.5-inch tires and front and rear suspension brings more fun and challenges to riders.

Vaast U/1 700c Urban Bike: Lightweight and convenient urban commuting choice

We have reached the seventh product to introduce, the Vaast U/1 700c Urban Bike. Compared to other road bike wheelsets, this Urban Bike focuses more on riding comfort. Let's first measure its weight, which is approximately 10 to 10.5 kilograms.

This large-wheeled 700c Urban Bike makes us anticipate its rolling performance. In the test, we started by giving it a push with one foot and quickly reached a speed of 32 kilometers per hour.

This bike performs remarkably well, smoothly passing various obstacles along the way. After a rolling distance of over 650 meters, it still maintains stability, balancing even at slow speeds. Finally, we stopped and checked; it rolled for 701 meters. The lightweight and convenient nature of this 700c Urban Bike makes it an ideal choice for urban commuting.

Vaast Carbon Fiber Road Bike: Lightweight and agile rolling performance

Let's take a look at the eighth product, a road bike manufactured by Vaast, featuring a carbon fiber frame. First, we measured its weight, which is approximately 8 kilograms, making it incredibly lightweight. This 700c road bike is equipped with Vaast's top-of-the-line carbon fiber wheelset, which piques our interest in its rolling performance.

During the test, we started by giving it a push with one foot and quickly reached a speed of 30 kilometers per hour. Continuing to accelerate, it ultimately exceeded a distance of 700 meters while maintaining a speed of 20 kilometers per hour.

This Vaast carbon fiber road bike performed exceptionally well, rolling a distance of 838 meters. This data showcases its impressive rolling performance and reflects the impact of a low drag frame on rolling distance.

LocoBike Shared Bicycle: Rolling Distance Test Results

This time, we test rode a LocoBike shared bicycle from Hong Kong to see how far it can roll and how it compares to other folding bikes or road bikes. First, we measured its weight and found that it was the heaviest among the measured vehicles.

Next, we tried rolling it on a slope and used a timer to record the distance. During the test, the LocoBike shared bicycle performed quite smoothly, rolling a distance of approximately 300 meters. However, we also noticed that its deceleration speed was relatively fast, which may be related to its shared bike design and frequent exposure to sunlight and rain. Overall, the LocoBike shared bicycle is designed for short trips and leisurely rides, with a relatively limited rolling distance.

Today, we tested different wheel sizes, ranging from the smallest 14-inch diameter to the 700c road bike. We wanted to see the speed and distance differences among the different wheel sizes on downhill sections. Although this method is not entirely scientific, and the route had subtle undulations and slopes, overall, it reflects the differences between different wheelset sizes. At the same time, we also found that the design and regular maintenance of the bikes can have an impact on their smooth operation. If you have any other topics you'd like us to test, feel free to leave a comment and let us conduct further research.

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