Many people have recently become interested in small-wheeled bicycles, also known as mini velos, equipped with 20-inch wheels (tires).

There are so many options, each with its own appeal, that it can be difficult to decide which one to choose.

Here, we report on the true capabilities of 20-inch wheels.

1. Why are 20-inch wheel bicycles attracting attention?

① 20-inch wheels are surprisingly fast

The biggest reason is that their performance is surprisingly good.

Let's compare the performance of a road bike and a 20-inch mini velo.

Using actual bikes as a reference, we set up a virtual model and derived the theoretical values below.

• Road bike 700x25C Gear: Front 50T, Rear 11T-30T, Crank length 170mm
• Mini velo 20 (451) x 1.1/8 Gear: Front 53T, Rear 11T-30T, Crank length 170mm

In other words, the mini velo has a larger front chainring gear with 53T, designed for higher speeds.

First, let's compare the speeds when both bikes are ridden with the rear gear fixed at 11T and the cranks turned at a cadence of 80rpm.

700C at 46.3km/h

20-inch at 37km/h.

Of course, these are theoretical values, but you'll notice that the 20-inch surprisingly achieves a good speed.

So, what gear would you use on the rear for a leisurely, constant speed cruise at a cadence of 70rpm?

According to the calculated values,

700C with 18T for 24.6km/h

20-inch with 15T for 23.6km/h

This means that while the 700C road bike can use an easier gear, the difference is not so great that a 20-inch bike cannot keep up on a tour.

When actually riding a mini velo of this specification, the acceleration is quite good, and there is no sense of instability, making it feel like it could easily handle mid-distance touring.

② 20-inch wheels have satisfactory straight-line stability.

Although straight-line stability is a concern due to the small wheel size, it is actually not an issue at all thanks to a longer wheelbase and工夫 (ingenuity) in the front fork angle (trail value).

This is one of the advantages of the 20-inch size, which is the largest for small-wheeled bikes.

③ 20-inch wheels have good acceleration.

▲ICAN 20-inch 451 carbon wheels

The quick start of small-wheeled bikes is a notable feature.

This greatly contributes to their ease of use in city riding with frequent stops and starts.

④ 20-inch wheels are easy to maneuver.

With smaller tires, they are easy to maneuver whether you're riding or pushing them.

They also require significantly less storage space compared to 700C bikes.

⑤ 20-inch wheels offer foldable options.

For folding bikes, storage space is dramatically reduced.

Although there's a slight increase in weight, for those who aren't extremely performance-focused, there's no reason not to choose the folding function, which is a mini velo privilege.

⑥ 20-inch wheels have excellent cargo carrying capacity.

▲ICAN 20-inch 451 carbon wheels

Surprisingly, this is where mini velos unequivocally win among all bicycles.

The smaller tires allow for more cargo space, of course, but placing cargo lower also lowers the center of gravity, making it more stable. Some manufacturers offer a variety of dedicated carriers, baskets, and bags, demonstrating excellent practicality.

⑦ 20-inch wheels are highly fashionable.

Their compact appearance seems to particularly appeal to women.

Also, for customization enthusiasts, they are truly rewarding bikes to tinker with. Whether you want to dress them up stylishly or pursue performance, the freedom from constraints is a privilege of mini velos.

I've only listed advantages so far, but if I were to point out disadvantages, it would be slightly less comfort and not being as suitable for long distances as 700C bikes.

Due to the small tires, the slightly insufficient speed during coasting will also have an impact on long rides. The smaller frame is also a negative factor for comfort.

However, models with cleverly designed suspensions can be much more comfortable than a rigid 700C ride, albeit with some perceived power loss.

Furthermore, many people enjoy long-distance touring by taking advantage of the easy folding feature for bike packing.

From their heavy-duty use for long distances, it is clear that mini velos have no issues with durability. You will notice that good ones are surprisingly solidly built when you see them in person.

Mini velos are generally suitable for shorter people due to their size, but many models from international manufacturers are designed for taller people, which you will find convincing when you try them.

2. What are the tire sizes for 20-inch wheel bicycles?

▲ICAN 20-inch 451 Carbon Wheel Disc Brake

Bicycle tire sizes come in many standards and types.

20-inch tires are no exception. They are broadly categorized into the following two standards:

① 406 This is the HE standard, where the diameter of the tire bead (approximately the inner diameter) is 406mm.

▲ICAN 20-inch BMX 406 Small Wheel Carbon Wheelset

It is displayed as a size like 20x1.5.

There are many variations in thickness, and thicker tires tend to be chosen for comfort.

It is also a size suitable for folding types.

② 451 This is the WO standard, where the diameter of the tire bead (approximately the inner diameter) is 451mm.

It is displayed as a size like 20×1.1/8.

It is often chosen for performance-oriented models, giving a feel similar to a road bike.

3. Price Range of 20-inch Wheel Bicycles

Though a very rough classification, I think they can be divided into price categories of around 50,000 yen, around 100,000 yen, and over 100,000 yen. Cheaper models do not go beyond the realm of utility bicycles, and their gear ratios are specialized for city riding, so they don't perform well. Generally, the components used are often Shimano's entry-level Tourney or Claris, and 105 is considered high-end.

If you're looking for a serious model with an emphasis on riding performance, you can start choosing from around 100,000 yen.

4. Summary

▲ICAN 20-inch 451 Carbon Wheels

Has the appeal of 20-inch wheeled bicycles been conveyed a little?

Although not mentioned in the main text, "casualness" is also one of the great advantages of mini velos.

Since there's not much need to worry about attire like with road bikes, there are even cases where mini velos have taken over as the main bike.

And, of course, I must not forget to mention that there are many attractive models with even smaller wheel sizes than 20 inches.

Have a fun and fulfilling cycling life! ICAN always supports you.

【ICAN Mini Velo Wheels】