Newby... compact vs full size

[Philo47]

5'10", 260 lbs, apartment dweller, retired, run around town rider, occasional 20-30 mile ride
A compact, such as the R&M Tinker / Tern Vectron would fit my needs for running to the PO, the grocery store, out for coffee, etc. But the question is... how would it feel on a 20-30 mile ride. Would I be better off with a full size frame? Would the compact be too small for any trip outside my hood?

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

how would it feel on a 20-30 mile ride.

Occasional 30 mile rides are ok but 27.5" or 29" wheel bike feels much more stable and steady at high speeds.
20" wheels are often used in cargo bikes to keep the center of gravity low. I once took a Juiced ODK Cargo bike for 80 mile ride and it was so much different than I thought. I would recommend renting those bikes for a day and see how it feels.
I know people who commute 20 miles on 20" bikes but that's mostly using throttle but not many people prefer 20" for long rides. it's mainly used by people who use RV or use multi-mode transportation like trains or bus.

 

[Philo47]

Thanks Ravi for that input. So, if I understand you correctly, a person really needs TWO ebikes... one for town, one for the road !!

 

[rich c]

That's my theory, AND the way I explained it to my wife. One full suspension Haibike mountain bike, and one Trekking Haibike. I ride them almost equally since the mountain bike has gravel tires. I don't get the appeal of the small folding bikes. They just look too much like the rider borrowed it from their kid.

 

[Leandro]

The Tinker is my absolute favorite bicycle for city dwelling. I am personally looking to purchase this bike in the near future. I find myself in a similar situation, living on the 3rd floor of a brownstone in Brooklyn, NY. For my situation, a compact bike is the only viable option and there is no better compact bike than the R&M Tinker. The 20" wheels are reasonable for commutes up to ~20 miles. If commuting any further, a larger wheel would be much more efficient.

 

[rich c]

The Tinker is my absolute favorite bicycle for city dwelling. I am personally looking to purchase this bike in the near future. I find myself in a similar situation, living on the 3rd floor of a brownstone in Brooklyn, NY. For my situation, a compact bike is the only viable option and there is no better compact bike than the R&M Tinker. The 20" wheels are reasonable for commutes up to ~20 miles. If commuting any further, a larger wheel would be much more efficient.

Huh? It's your favorite bicycle for city dwelling and you don't even own one?