Originally Posted by
livedarklions
Yeah, I just have no experience riding on a bike with 20" wheels and have no idea what that might do to the effects of changes in crank length or even if they have anything to do with each other. I'm thinking that the smaller wheels mean that you get less benefit from increasing your cadence, is that wrong?
It's more right than wrong. The smaller wheel size is primarily compensated for with a bigger chainring (52t om my Hemingway and 53t on my Mu, but plenty of folding bike riders swap 8n even bigger ones.)
With that being said, part of fun of smaller wheels is that the quicker acceleration. It's a great feeling when you find yourself up to speed in a couple of spins of the crank. With geared small-wheelers, the ability to throw three or four gears in quick succession as you peel off adds to the joy.