So I decided to take two very different bicycles: a 1962 Raleigh DL-1 with 28-inch wheels, and a 1971 Raleigh Twenty folding bike with 20-inch wheels.
As you'd might expect, the two bikes handle differently. The Twenty is lighter and "snappier", but has less of a feeling of momentum behind it when you ride. The small wheels are a little slower than the full-sized wheels, but not much.
What is different is the feeling of "heft" and momentum you get in the DL-1. The DL-1 feels like a locomotive by comparison: slower to start off, and not as snappy, but with a lot of energy behind it once it gets going. The large wheels soak up bumps and go over obstacles without too much trouble. The DL-1's slack frame also contributes greatly to the unique feel of the bike.
The Twenty's wheels do have a little cushion because of the wide tires, but the bumps have a little harshness to them that they don't have with the DL-1. The Twenty's small, trim frame make it great in traffic, though less stable if you try to ride hands-free.
Both are excellent bicycles and of very good quality. Both have a place in every complete Raleigh collection.
I would be interested to find out the correct way to remove a1971 20's front wheel from its forks. Thanks for any advice! David
ReplyDeleteThe axle nuts would be removed, and then the fender brace loops slid off. At that point, you may be able to slide the wheel out, but more commonly you will need to spread the fork blades just a little to get the wheel to slide out. Raleigh hubs of that era often have small tabs on them to hold them in place in the fork blade opening. Good luck with your Twenty. They're good bikes.
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