Jan 2020 best Kingsong commuter. 16X or 18XL?

[Mortal Coil]

Hi all,

I’m new to EUCs. I currently have an ancient Gotway MCM2 that I’ve been learning to ride on. I bought it cheap from a Singaporean student who’s returning home and won’t be able to use it because of the new Anti-PEV laws there. Anyway, If I can prove to my wife that this is not just a passing fancy and something that I’m dead set keen on then funds may be released in the next couple of months for a modern wheel.

I think I’ve settled on the 16X or the 18XL. I’m 80kg (175 lbs) and I plan on using the wheel for door to door commuting to my work which is 13km (8 miles). Mostly along a straight bike path built under an elevated railway. The first and last couple of km will be on a foot path. The last foot path section is by a university which can get quite congested on the mornings.

I was originally set on the 16X because:

It looks awesome

wide tyre would make slow speed manoeuvring around pedestrians easier

torque!

But then I delved into the 16X issues thread and I started to have second thoughts. Cut-outs, pedal dips, poor weatherproofing, wheel oscillation, control board failures. Not something you want in a day to day commuter. So I’m now leaning towards the  18XL. It’s still a decent looking wheel, and while the congested footpath section might be harder, the long straight bike path will be more comfortable.

Is my thinking sound? Or are all the issues reported with the 16X the exception rather than the rule?

PS: The MSX and the Nikola are ugly (imo) and their trolley handles are impractical, I’ll be wanting to trolley the wheel inside my work place, up elevators and along corridors.

[The Fat Unicyclist]

If a trolley handle is important to you, then King Song is the best choice - they "walk" so much easier than any other brand.

I ride both the 16X and 18XL. But I am a heavy rider - you  50% - and as a heavier rider, I have a preference for the 18XL. Regardless of weight though, the larger wheel diameter typically means a smoother more comfortable ride. At the sacrifice of a little bit of torque and a small amount of agility.

Having said that, either of these wheels are able to be ridden harder, or slower - I have riden both of them through crowded markets (requiring a walking pace speed) with no problems at all.

My personal opinion is that (based on the information that you have given) either one of them would work for you, but if you are unsure of the potential for 16X issues, then you will not be disappointed with the 18XL!
 

And if you want to prove the benefit to your wife, you should talk with @Alex_from_NZ... He justified the cost effectiveness to score himself a Z10!
 

Also, whether you buy a 16X or 18XL, get yourself an EUC Bodyguard to protect it! You will not regret it. And (full disclosure) my business - Roll.nz - manufactures them. But you will hinestly not regret protecting your investment with one.

[Mortal Coil]

Thanks @The Fat Unicyclist! Part of the budget I plan to negotiate for the wheel will include an extra $1K for safety gear, which will include a bodyguard

PM..

[The Fat Unicyclist]

19 minutes ago, Mortal Coil said:

Thanks @The Fat Unicyclist! Part of the budget I plan to negotiate for the wheel will include an extra $1K for safety gear, which will include a bodyguard

PM..

Thanks for that @Mortal Coil!   

FWIW - I wouldn't be too focused on the 2200 W version of the 18XL. I ride the original 2000 W version up some significant hills (with a riding weight of 120+ kg) and it has never let me down. And (as I understand it) the performance throttling is less with the 2000 W motor, so I would have to ask why you would choose the higher powered motor.

[Meserias]

IMHO you should look for a 18XL and make sure get the right version with larger pedals (already installed) also when you get it look below where pedals hangers are and check to see if the color of internal shell it's white not black !.  If your are thinking about look, I'm sure you can also consider a bodyguard for your new 18XL with a custom design

The Fat Unicyclist will explain more if you choose this path.

2200W version it's among the newest products from KS but in my opinion not a mature product yet.

Don't worry about maneuverability of 18XL if your are able to ride an EUC at walking speed you will be fine (if not you need to develop this riding style and it's perfectly possible with 18XL). Of course, you can add little more PSI on tire and the wheel will respond very fast .....

However, keep in mind that 18XL it's a heavy wheel, (more battery's inside) but with mine I can make easily 110KM between charges and I have 80Kg like you

Edited January 1, 2020 by Meserias

[mrelwood]

To further mix the soup of 18XL versions, KS switched to a CST tire at (or about) the same time they switched to the more rugged white inner shell. While I don’t try any version of the 18XL very often, the rugged shelled 2000W version with the CST tire made me feel like slow speed manoeuvring was better than with the previous ChaoYang tire. It was a lot easier for me to turn 180• in a tight spot than how I remembered the older 18XL version.

On the actual question at hand, I admit it’s a tough call. Personally I liked the ergonomics on the 16X better than I do on the 18XL. (I’m 6’5”, 205lbs). Despite my long (although a bit bowed) legs the 18XL makes me feel as if the pedals were slightly hidden under the wheel, ie. slightly narrow. The 16X felt more natural in that sense for my calves and my preferred foot positioning, which is a bit duck-like with my toes spread out.

But I haven’t seen anyone else mention the 18XL pedals feeling narrow, so I might be the only person in the world feeling like this. I’m also used to extra wide DIY pedals on my own wheel.

Edited January 1, 2020 by mrelwood

[Mike Sacristan]

3 hours ago, mrelwood said:

To further mix the soup of 18XL versions, KS switched to a CST tire at (or about) the same time they switched to the more rugged white inner shell. While I don’t try any version of the 18XL very often, the rugged shelled 2000W version with the CST tire made me feel like slow speed manoeuvring was better than with the previous ChaoYang tire. It was a lot easier for me to turn 180• in a tight spot than how I remembered the older 18XL version.

On the actual question at hand, I admit it’s a tough call. Personally I liked the ergonomics on the 16X better than I do on the 18XL. (I’m 6’5”, 205lbs). Despite my long (although a bit bowed) legs the 18XL makes me feel as if the pedals were slightly hidden under the wheel, ie. slightly narrow. The 16X felt more natural in that sense for my calves and my preferred foot positioning, which is a bit duck-like with my toes spread out.

But I haven’t seen anyone else mention the 18XL pedals feeling narrow, so I might be the only person in the world feeling like this. I’m also used to extra wide DIY pedals on my own wheel.

I agree that the 18XL feels a bit narrow. Even the MSX feels a bit narrow to me now compared to the 16X.
It's just a different feel though. I also ride duck footed. Quack!

[travsformation]

@Mortal Coil Not wanting to worsen your dilemma, why are you leaning towards such high-range wheels when you don't have an excessively long commute?

That said, I don't think it's a bad idea at all...one, because you won't have to charge your wheel as often (once every 3 days, based on your commute), and two, because it's just great to have that extra range for exploring and general leisure riding, which as you learn, you'll gradually get more and more hooked on (especially if you have the range to do do)

Having said that, if your commute doesn't involve subways, stairs or other situations involving carrying a heavy wheel, the 16X & 18XL are excellent options.

I can't vouch for the 16X, as I don't (yet) own it, but I can say that the 18XL is a solid wheel that's much more versatile than it's 18" might lead you to believe; it's perfectly maneuverable for urban, slow.-speed riding, has more than enough speed and torque for cruising along a bikeway, and is a very, very comfortable and stable wheel to ride (which, as a bonus, I don't figure you'll outgrow any time soon). I learned on an Inmotion V8 and in less than 3 months I'd outgrown it and wanted something faster / that gave me more safety margin; looking back, I could have easily skipped the V8 and gone straight to the 18XL. It's an excellent wheel that I don't think you can go wrong with.

[Mortal Coil]

@travsformation, you’re right about the battery being excessive.

When I first became aware of EUCs I was stuck in traffic in my unnecessarily large SUV on my usual afternoon commute listening to yet more dire predictions of climate change on the news radio. Then out of the corner of my eye I see this guy sailing along the service lane on what looked like a suitcase on a wheel (I’m pretty sure what I was looking now was an MSX). I thought wow, that guy is free! Maybe I could do that! So that night after the kids were put to bed and marital duties attended to I started googling. Before I knew it I’d fallen head first down the EUC rabbit hole

At first I mapped out my route to work on google maps, figured the range required and landed on the V8. Then I got onto Youtube and watched Chooch and Ev X blazing around and upped the speed. Now I was on the Tesla. Then I started watching @Marty Backe riding long Zen-like rides along the LA bike trails. I know that my home city (Melbourne Australia) also has long bike paths so I upped the range and now I was on a 16X.

I also noticed that there was a general trend of people buying a (still expensive) entry wheel and within a year upgrading. I know myself well enough to know that this would be me too. I also know my wife well enough to know that the argument for an expensive toy might be one that I’d win once, but not twice!

So we’re now at a 2000W 1600Wh wheel...

Edited January 1, 2020 by Mortal Coil
Typo

[Gadgetfann]

I’ve owned an 18L with the XL pedals and now that I own many other unicycles with 3” to 4” wide tires (16X, Nikola 21700, MSX 84V, and Z10), I don’t think I’d ever purchase a wheel with a 2.5” tire again.  The 3” wide tires offer a lot more comfort, stability and maneuverability IMO.  With your requirements, the only wheel I’d personally consider would be the 16X.  This wheel hits the sweet spot for almost all use cases.  Best trolley handle of any EUC, great range, fast, compact (easy to walk with and store when not in use), agile, comfortable pedals, comfortsble padding, large pedals, etc, etc.  It’s the best all around wheel out of the 5 I currently own and if I could only commute on one, it would ALWAYS be the 16X.  No contest.

If commuting were my top priority, these are the wheels I’d choose from first to last based upon my ownership experience...

1. Kingsong 16X (best of everything, great for commuting and running errands, but not for high speed runs over 30mph)
2. Ninebot Z10 (a pure joy to ride - so maneuverable plus a decent trolley handle, but I wouldn’t buy one now)
3. Kingsong 18L/XL (great trolley handle like the 16X, but a fairly large wheel. If the 16X didn’t exist, this might be a good option due to the handle alone)
4. Nikola 21700 (handle is MUCH better than expected, but a large wheel nonetheless - this wheel was built for speed)
5. Gotway MSX 84V (worst handle of any wheel I’ve owned, but amazing for long rides)

Edited January 2, 2020 by Gadgetfann

[travsformation]

14 hours ago, Mortal Coil said:

At first I mapped out my route to work on google maps, figured the range required and landed on the V8. Then I got onto Youtube and watched Chooch and Ev X blazing around and upped the speed. Now I was on the Tesla. Then I started watching @Marty Backe riding long Zen-like rides along the LA bike trails. I know that my home city (Melbourne Australia) also has long bike paths so I upped the range and now I was on a 16X.

I also noticed that there was a general trend of people buying a (still expensive) entry wheel and within a year upgrading. I know myself well enough to know that this would be me too. I also know my wife well enough to know that the argument for an expensive toy might be one that I’d win once, but not twice!

So we’re now at a 2000W 1600Wh wheel...

Very well thought, I wish I'd had that kind of foresight. I have an 800€ V8 with less than 700 km on it collecting dust, and every time I decide to put it up for sale, my girlfriend says she wants to learn to ride it: 1/2 session the next day, then nothing for weeks...I "threaten" with selling it again and...re-start the cycle

It also started out as a means of transportation for me, and then became a lifestyle. I spent NYE at a rural hotel in the middle of the forest and couldn't stop thinking "What's the point of walking along these trails? I want my wheel!"

So by all means, follow your intuition and go for a high-range wheel!

8 hours ago, Gadgetfann said:

I’ve owned an 18L with the XL pedals and now that I own many other unicycles with 3” to 4” wide tires (16X, Nikola 21700, MSX 84V, and Z10), I don’t think I’d ever purchase a wheel with a 2.5” tire again.  The 3” wide tires offer a lot more comfort, stability and maneuverability IMO.  With your requirements, the only wheel I’d personally consider would be the 16X.  This wheel hits the sweet spot for almost all use cases.  Best trolley handle of any EUC, great range, fast, compact (easy to walk with and store when not in use), agile, comfortable pedals, comfortsble padding, large pedals, etc, etc.  It’s the best all around wheel out of the 5 I currently own and if I could only commute on one, it would ALWAYS be the 16X.  No contest.

If commuting were my top priority, these are the wheels I’d choose from first to last based upon my ownership experience...

1. Kingsong 16X (best of everything, great for commuting and running errands, but not for high speed runs over 30mph)
2. Ninebot Z10 (a pure joy to ride - so maneuverable plus a decent trolley handle, but I wouldn’t buy one now)
3. Kingsong 18L/XL (great trolley handle like the 16X, but a fairly large wheel. If the 16X didn’t exist, this might be a good option due to the handle alone)
4. Nikola 21700 (handle is MUCH better than expected, but a large wheel nonetheless - this wheel was built for speed)
5. Gotway MSX 84V (worst handle of any wheel I’ve owned, but amazing for long rides)

Interesting order. Says a lot about your riding style!

How would you re-arrange them if it were based on leisure riding only? (without taking range into account)

I'd also love to hear your take (a more in-depth one) on the 16X vs. 18L. Does that extra 1/2 inch in tire width really make that much of a difference? How do riding comfort (especially for long rides) and padding/grip compare? Are there any situations at all where you'd choose the 18L 18XL (so range is comparable) over the 16X? (I'd love to hear @The Fat Unicyclist, @mrelwood and @Mike Sacristan's answer to the latter question too)

I'm going to add @Marty Backe to the list, since you recently posted a video of a mountain ride on the 18XL. What made you choose the 18XL and not another wheel? (aside from showing off that gorgeous red paint job!)

I ask because it will be useful for @Mortal Coil AND because I'm expecting my 16X to arrive any day now...

Edited January 2, 2020 by travsformation

[Tazarinho]

I'm one of those people who started out on a V8, originally intending it for last mile commuting, but soon ending up doing the whole commute with it. After one month I was ready to upgrade. But I couldn't justify getting a new wheel to my girlfriend or myself, so I said I was going to get at least 5k km out of it. I would have if Black Friday didn't come up and I got myself a 16X. I have had absolutely no issues with it whatsoever, I think most of the issues have been ironed out already. I had a version that came with a CYT tyre, firmware 1.07. I still tend to take the V8 if there is more than mild rain, but that's just because I don't want to take any risks.

Can't speak for the 18 XL, but the 16X rides like a dream and is very easy to maneuver, even on small congested trails.

[Mike Sacristan]

5 hours ago, travsformation said:

 

I'd also love to hear your take (a more in-depth one) on the 16X vs. 18L. Does that extra 1/2 inch in tire width really make that much of a difference? How do riding comfort (especially for long rides) and padding/grip compare? Are there any situations at all where you'd choose the 18L 18XL (so range is comparable) over the 16X? (I'd love to hear @The Fat Unicyclist, @mrelwood and @Mike Sacristan's answer to the latter question too)

I'm going to add @Marty Backe to the list, since you recently posted a video of a mountain ride on the 18XL. What made you choose the 18XL and not another wheel? (aside from showing off that gorgeous red paint job!)

I ask because it will be useful for @Mortal Coil AND because I'm expecting my 16X to arrive any day now...

Riding for leisure I will always pick the 16X over any other wheel. Mine has the CX tyre and I have not tried a 16X with another tyre.

The MSX is a truck and the faster you go the harder it gets to carve unless you start throwing your weight around which is a dangerous game at above 40 kmh.
The 18XL is easy to steer and in that way it feels nimble but also sometimes a bit nervous especially at high speed.
The 16X is easy to steer and dances on it's own with the CX tyre, you flow with it and it flows with you. High speed carving is very easy and pretty much happens on it's own. It's a very exciting and stimulating ride. The 16X is cushier than the 18XL/L and will absorb bumps better although larger holes are better handles by larger wheels. This is a matter of tyre circumference.

Some of the things that contribute to the fun on the 16X:

Wide stance = you can do heavy shifting left and right without the body touching your legs. This makes for playful carving and a huge sense of freedom as you are not locked in like with the Nikola, MSX and Tesla. Only two points of contact, the pedals. The 18XL/L has a narrow stance and you are also not locked in. However the narrow stance makes it a bit harder to move the wheel side to side without the calves touching or without going more duck-footed and bow-legged.

High pedals = More clearance for manipulating the wheel side to side.

Nicely balanced = but not as well as balanced as the 18XL/L. Although I felt the 18L flopped more than the 18XL. The balance on the 16X makes it easy to idle, ride backwards, ride single legged, climb hills and ride off-road.

"16"" - in quotes because of the circumference being bigger than a 16" 2.125, etc. Very fun at low speed, very fun to do tight turns with. More responsive than larger wheels. Feels way more responsive than the Nikola and has more of a "small wheel" feeling.

Firmware = Very responsive / too responsive. Answers to input giving a feeling of being an extension to the body. The 18XL also does very well here and feels very natural. The MSX does not.

And now the bad about the 16X:

It is only safe until it is proven but is imo an unsafe wheel. So I would stress test it in the beginning, armour up, ride it at progressively higher speeds and in different scenarios until is has proven itself to me. It has never come close to failing me though. Nor any of my friends who have been on it.

The only thing that is stopping me from buying a new wheel now is that I know that it won't give me the same sense of freedom and fun as the 16X does. Other EUC tend to feel like vehicles. My MSX feels more like a motorcycle.

The pedals and dihedral on the 16X are perfect. The 18XL pedal angle makes me sad but it can be modded. I like the extreme dihedral on the MSX but only on the MSX. That dihedral on the 16X would force my calves into the body of the wheel.

I rarely recommend the 16X though and almost always recommend the 18XL. Especially for a first time buyer.

Chicway.shop sells them both for very cheap with the 16X even being a bit cheaper.

So in the end the 16X is one of those heart/feel/joy things that we technical people don't talk about.
All other wheels in that class are technically better though.

So it becomes a question of practicality vs potential for maximum fun.
The 16X allows you to ride fast and still keep most of your body over the wheel instead of in front of it.

[Marty Backe]

7 hours ago, travsformation said:

Very well thought, I wish I'd had that kind of foresight. I have an 800€ V8 with less than 700 km on it collecting dust, and every time I decide to put it up for sale, my girlfriend says she wants to learn to ride it: 1/2 session the next day, then nothing for weeks...I "threaten" with selling it again and...re-start the cycle

It also started out as a means of transportation for me, and then became a lifestyle. I spent NYE at a rural hotel in the middle of the forest and couldn't stop thinking "What's the point of walking along these trails? I want my wheel!"

So by all means, follow your intuition and go for a high-range wheel!

Interesting order. Says a lot about your riding style!

How would you re-arrange them if it were based on leisure riding only? (without taking range into account)

I'd also love to hear your take (a more in-depth one) on the 16X vs. 18L. Does that extra 1/2 inch in tire width really make that much of a difference? How do riding comfort (especially for long rides) and padding/grip compare? Are there any situations at all where you'd choose the 18L 18XL (so range is comparable) over the 16X? (I'd love to hear @The Fat Unicyclist, @mrelwood and @Mike Sacristan's answer to the latter question too)

I'm going to add @Marty Backe to the list, since you recently posted a video of a mountain ride on the 18XL. What made you choose the 18XL and not another wheel? (aside from showing off that gorgeous red paint job!)

I ask because it will be useful for @Mortal Coil AND because I'm expecting my 16X to arrive any day now...

The KS18XL is a great wheel but in my opinion is surpassed by the newer wheels, including the KS16X. I still ride it because I own one, but today, I would not buy it again.

IMO, the 3-inch wheels are superior and are the new standard for EUCs. I would prefer never to buy another EUC that that has a smaller tire than 3-inches.

Like the Nikola, the KS16X is a big version of a 16-inch wheel. It fits right between a classic 16-inch and 18-inch EUCs.

For my recent mountain ride I chose the KS18XL because I had forgotten to fully charge my KS16X and it had been over a month since I rode it. Variety 

[travsformation]

Thanks, @Mike Sacristan, for your detailed explanation! Very useful info!

And @Marty Backe yet another confirmation that the tire width makes a massive difference, thanks! Also:

1 hour ago, Marty Backe said:

For my recent mountain ride I chose the KS18XL because I had forgotten to fully charge my KS16X and it had been over a month since I rode it.

So, it would appear the next evolution for GW & KS (if they listen to riders) would be 18x3" wheels? A KS 18X and a GW NSX (Nikola-Super-X)...?

@Mortal Coil Looks like the balance is tipping very much towards the 16X...

[Marty Backe]

2 minutes ago, travsformation said:

Thanks, @Mike Sacristan, for your detailed explanation! Very useful info!

And @Marty Backe yet another confirmation that the tire width makes a massive difference, thanks! Also:

So, it would appear the next evolution for GW & KS (if they listen to riders) would be 18x3" wheels? A KS 18X and a GW NSX (Nikola-Super-X)...?

@Mortal Coil Looks like the balance is tipping very much towards the 16X...

Gotway has already made the transition - MSX and Nikola. KingSong just started with the 16X. I'm sure their next 18-inch wheel will also use a 3-inch tire.

[Mortal Coil]

Thanks for your thoughts, guys.

Hmm. OK. So I should stick with my original intention of getting a 16X and hope that the reported issues don’t affect me? I have feeling that if it is good it’ll be very very good, if it will be bad it will be horrid...

How can I minimise my risk of getting a lemon? Are there any questions that I should be putting to my reseller? Serial number ranges etc?

I had “the new wheel conversation” with my wife last night. The solution is to sell my unnecessarily large SUV and buy a cheaper family wagon. Using the difference to buy the wheel.

[Gadgetfann]

On 1/2/2020 at 5:18 AM, travsformation said:

Interesting order. Says a lot about your riding style! 

How would you re-arrange them if it were based on leisure riding only? (without taking range into account)

I'd also love to hear your take (a more in-depth one) on the 16X vs. 18L. Does that extra 1/2 inch in tire width really make that much of a difference? How do riding comfort (especially for long rides) and padding/grip compare? Are there any situations at all where you'd choose the 18L 18XL (so range is comparable) over the 16X? (I'd love to hear @The Fat Unicyclist, @mrelwood and @Mike Sacristan's answer to the latter question too) 

I'm going to add @Marty Backe to the list, since you recently posted a video of a mountain ride on the 18XL. What made you choose the 18XL and not another wheel? (aside from showing off that gorgeous red paint job!) 

I ask because it will be useful for @Mortal Coil AND because I'm expecting my 16X to arrive any day now... 

Leisure riding only would change the list entirely for me. Although I don’t usually ride past 30 mph, I’d have to put my two GotWay wheels at the top of the list because of the extra speed buffer, power, range and no speed throttling at 50% battery life. 
 

The MSX and Nikola are almost tied for 1st place. The Nikola 21700 100V has an edge because it is insanely quick, responsive and stable, but the road warrior of the group is the MSX. That wheel can take a beating and the battery lasts forever.
 

I’d rearrange my list as follows for leisure riding...

1. Gotway Nikola 100V 21700 (Super fast. This wheel makes you feel like you have super powers. It just wants to go and is my most stable wheel especially when stopping due to the low center of gravity offered by the two 21700 battery packs mounted on each side. It’s mostly like an MSX, but quicker and wider - the extra width almost gives the MSX the edge.  This wheel, especially with the pads attached forces you adjust your riding style, but it’s still the best wheel for leisure and sport riding.)
2. Gotway MSX 84V (long battery life, pedal angle locks you in, can take some abuse, turns on a dime)
3. Kingsong 16X (compact and Fun to ride, Feels lighter than it is when riding, plus it’s so agile and maneuverable, but the Gotway wheels have the edge because of the top speed. You also have to keep the speed throttling in mind on long rides.)
4. Ninebot Z10 (totally unique riding experience with the 4” wide tire. It’s always a wheel I want to ride for that reason)
5. Kingsong 18L/XL (One of the greatest wheels ever made, but wouldn’t be my first choice for a leisurely ride. The 16X is simply a better wheel.)

There is no contest between the 2.5” and 3” wide tire. The 2.5” tire feels squirrelly and unstable after riding a wheel with a wider tire.  Its amazing how much stability that extra width adds.  For that reason alone, there are no situations where I’d Ride the 18XL over the 16X.  I rode my 18L for 600 miles and enjoyed it, but once I got my first EUC with a wide tire, I never rode it again.  Off road, on road, fast, slow I feel that the wider tire inspires more confidence when riding.

I hope this helps!

 

Edited January 4, 2020 by Gadgetfann

[TDK]

3-inch tire is only 20% wider than a 2.5-inch tire. The difference is not huge. Just lower the pressure on a 2.5-inch tire by 20% to have a similar feel to a 3-inch tire.
Personally, I think that KS 18XL drives much better than KS 16X. I was disappointed with the KS 16X driving experience (CST tire, firmware 1.07) after 2-3 hours of riding this wheel. I did not have a joy of riding, because the wheel rode a bit as it wanted. Riding it is more difficult.

[Unventor]

Well I guess I am late to the game here. I have fast read through previous posts. IMHO I would vote for @The Fat Unicyclist replies as how I were to argue a choice between KS16X (my favorite fun and slow ride wheel) vs KS18L/XL (pick if you are going to higher speed cruising).

I guess you don't see that much rain in Melbourne, and in that case I would go for KS16X. I prefer the pedals deployment on it. It is a gem at slow than walking speed (read crowded pedestrian areas). I don't ride fast any longer. But the KS16X is so great to ride due to its different ride style depending on its speed. 

Now the KS18L or XL (with a must of Jason/XL pedals) is more of a cruising ride. It can do anything you ask of it, but it is always in as a second place on everything but range. It is the safe choice, as it will get the job done.

So back to your choice.... It matters less what others say in the end. No matter what you do I recommend you to have a backup wheel if you are to swap down your car. And this is where the KS18L comes into play, as it will save you some cash. 

So why would you do that.... New 2020 gen wheels... Some brands started to talk suspension like a year or two back. This year it might very well happen. Now some buy 1st batch others don't. But since suspension is a new feature we have not yet seen, question is how much stuff needs to be ironed out.... All brand have had 1st bat h issues (lately, to some degree). 

I might not have made the choice easier. But any wheel you buy now can do the job.

But there will always be another new wheel coming... What you buy now is unlikely to be your last. (if you look on my profile you can see my wheel history. Add to that I have tested the Z10. To me the Z10 is replaced by KS16X. They ride about same speed, but KS16X has much more range, and better trolly by far. To me that strike the Z10 from a choice). 

Should you have any questions feel free to ask. 

[Unventor]

27 minutes ago, TDK said:

3-inch tire is only 20% wider than a 2.5-inch tire. The difference is not huge. Just lower the pressure on a 2.5-inch tire by 20% to have a similar feel to a 3-inch tire.
Personally, I think that KS 18XL drives much better than KS 16X. I was disappointed with the KS 16X driving experience (CST tire, firmware 1.07) after 2-3 hours of riding this wheel. I did not have a joy of riding, because the wheel rode a bit as it wanted. Riding it is more difficult.

Well this is something you get used to if you are riding other wheels. The KS16X behaves different. It is so much different to the width of tire and shape from 1.75 to 2.125 not so much but 2.125 to 2.5 much more. Even further sensation from 2.5 to 3 or 4.1 (Z10). The width means more than rim size step up/down 16" vs 18". 

[Unventor]

Ohh I almost forgot... I am looking forward for you to report back once you start riding your new wheel. 

I forgot that wheel of yours (acm2?), that is a 14" right?

You will properly fing a 16" or even more an 18" wheel big in the beginning... But it will pass. 

[The Fat Unicyclist]

2 hours ago, TDK said:

3-inch tire is only 20% wider than a 2.5-inch tire. The difference is not huge. Just lower the pressure on a 2.5-inch tire by 20% to have a similar feel to a 3-inch tire.
Personally, I think that KS 18XL drives much better than KS 16X. I was disappointed with the KS 16X driving experience (CST tire, firmware 1.07) after 2-3 hours of riding this wheel. I did not have a joy of riding, because the wheel rode a bit as it wanted. Riding it is more difficult.

I agree completely... The tyre width is is less significant.

If your preference is for off-roading, then the smaller diameter 16X is a winner.

But if you are commuting then (as a fat guy), the comfort of the 18XL is still superior!

[Marty Backe]

38 minutes ago, The Fat Unicyclist said:

I agree completely... The tyre width is is less significant.

If your preference is for off-roading, then the smaller diameter 16X is a winner.

But if you are commuting then (as a fat guy), the comfort of the 18XL is still superior!

To me, sub 3-inch wheels are dead. Like recommending an old KS14C. Good wheel for it's time but that's all.

These new 16-inch / 3-inch wide tires (Nikola & KS16X) are very large and really not that much smaller than the old style KS18 & MSuper tires.

I'm not recommending the KS18XL to anybody now, but of course that's just one mans opinion 

Edited January 3, 2020 by Marty Backe

[Mark Lee]

3 minutes ago, Marty Backe said:

To me, sub 3-inch wheels are dead. Like recommending an old KS14C. Good wheel for it's time but that's all.

These new 16-inch / 3-inch wide tires (Nikola & KS16X) are very large and really not that much smaller than the old style KS18 & MSuper tires.

I'm not recommending the KS18XL to anybody now, but of course that's just one mans opinion 

Wow @Marty Backe I thought almost obsolete was strong statement on sub 3 inch wheels... But Dead...