Though I love my 2X (infrequent) folder, big-wheel bikes serve at least two purposes: a) Have racer-high gearing without a massive chainring with poor ground clearance or an internal hub gear to get an overdrive for small wheels; My 20" wheels will do 85 gear inches on 50-11, but that won't do for a racer or fast recreational rider. And b) Off-road traction in soft stuff. Oh and c) Great road racers have an aesthetic quality to them that my folder will never match.