Citizen bikes - any good?
#1
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Citizen bikes - any good?
Hello there,
Sorry this topic must be posted many times. I did a search for Citizen bikes on here and it's really difficult going through random threads, so I am going to post this.
My friend is interested in one but we have no idea about Citizen bikes, let alone folding bikes. He will have a 2 miles commute and he's on a budget. There are a few models and which do you recommend? Is it a knockoff of Dahon? If so, should he test them out first in person since Citizen bikes are only available online? Or do you know of any other brand that is under $400?
Thanks!
Chris
Sorry this topic must be posted many times. I did a search for Citizen bikes on here and it's really difficult going through random threads, so I am going to post this.
My friend is interested in one but we have no idea about Citizen bikes, let alone folding bikes. He will have a 2 miles commute and he's on a budget. There are a few models and which do you recommend? Is it a knockoff of Dahon? If so, should he test them out first in person since Citizen bikes are only available online? Or do you know of any other brand that is under $400?
Thanks!
Chris
Last edited by ubringliten; 07-08-11 at 07:24 PM. Reason: grammar
#2
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if he wants multi speed bike i recommend this one: https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/ecoc6.htm
for single speed: https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/speeduno.htm or https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/boardwalk1.htm
better yet (at craigslist sf) for single speed: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/2484396635.html. you can't beat the price of this bike. imagine $75 only.
and this also: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2474056460.html
for single speed: https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/speeduno.htm or https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/boardwalk1.htm
better yet (at craigslist sf) for single speed: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/2484396635.html. you can't beat the price of this bike. imagine $75 only.
and this also: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2474056460.html
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I too was looking at their bikes but in particular the miami. If he falls within the height bracket of 5-6 foot than the bikes are a fit. The only thing I didn't like is when I called he said the seat post was a peculiar size.
That's not cool to veer off of topic and sell OP a dahon.
That's not cool to veer off of topic and sell OP a dahon.
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Thanks vmaniqui and macnolias.
Those are pretty good deals. I didn't know dahons can go that cheap at retail. Now I will have to change his mind because he was set on Citizens. Yes, he is about 5'10". That's cool if other brands are below the price point.
Those are pretty good deals. I didn't know dahons can go that cheap at retail. Now I will have to change his mind because he was set on Citizens. Yes, he is about 5'10". That's cool if other brands are below the price point.
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Since you ask for sub $400 folders, you may want to take a look also at Downtube Nova
https://www.downtube.com/product541.html (less than $350 shipped). IIRC it got in general good reviews in this forum. We have one on order, should arrive this week.
BTW, https://www.thorusa.com (mentioned above) is a regular in this forum ('brakemeister'), you try to PM him and see what he can do for you like this D7 with special pricing https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/speedd7.htm
Kam
https://www.downtube.com/product541.html (less than $350 shipped). IIRC it got in general good reviews in this forum. We have one on order, should arrive this week.
BTW, https://www.thorusa.com (mentioned above) is a regular in this forum ('brakemeister'), you try to PM him and see what he can do for you like this D7 with special pricing https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/speedd7.htm
Kam
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don't get me wrong. i used to have a citizen tokyo. although i love it and it started my love for folding bike, it's not the best out there. i don't want to be rude and tell the OP not to get citizen. just my honest opinion, citizen bikes are good but way too heavy and the gears are too low. a lot of forum members here have citizen bikes and they love it. when you get it you will eventually want to upgrade a lot of its components. why not just spend a little bit more and get a better one. it's just me. i started with citizen tokyo and had it for about a month and found out it's not what i like in a folding bike so i decided to sell it, then i bought an A-Bike, then Dahon Boardwalk D6, then Dahon Boardwalk D7 (upgraded), then Dahon MU XL, then Dahon Curve D3, then Bike Friday Tikit and now i am using a Dahon Speed TR and Dahon Curve SL (8 speed with IGH). i guess it's more of a personal preference.
Last edited by vmaniqui; 07-09-11 at 11:22 PM.
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Since you ask for sub $400 folders, you may want to take a look also at Downtube Nova
https://www.downtube.com/product541.html (less than $350 shipped). IIRC it got in general good reviews in this forum. We have one on order, should arrive this week.
Kam
https://www.downtube.com/product541.html (less than $350 shipped). IIRC it got in general good reviews in this forum. We have one on order, should arrive this week.
Kam
Thanks,
Chris
#8
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FWIW, I bought a Citizen Barcelona for my GF, who is not a bike rider. It's step-through which was a big deal for her, and she loves it for casual riding, especially since we can fit two folder plus the dog into my Mini Cooper. The weight issues never come to bear, and she likes the styling.
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Have had my Citizen Tokyo for about three weeks now and so far very happy with the purchase - I made a few minor mods - new high pressure tires, higher geared freewheel and a leather saddle - the bike now is a solid commuter and I am keeping pace with full sized bikes on the road - even with the mods - still a good value!
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Have had my Citizen Tokyo for about three weeks now and so far very happy with the purchase - I made a few minor mods - new high pressure tires, higher geared freewheel and a leather saddle - the bike now is a solid commuter and I am keeping pace with full sized bikes on the road - even with the mods - still a good value!
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Things I would improve
1. The seat tube does not have tile adjustment, just forward backward rails.
2. Better protection of the derailleur in the packaging. The derailleur touches the box and can be damaged during shipping (our did not).
3. A configuration choice between up right and a semi recline position. In our case the upright position is perfect though other may prefer a more reclined position.
Overall it represents very good value and it seems that somebody (Yan?) made a very careful selection of features and components to cramp and much as possible value and at the same time, avoid unnecessary stuff. For us it was a very good purchase. YMMV.
Kam
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The compact Tokyo is a great bike to keep in the trunk/hatch of your car for spur of the moment riding. I love the way it folds. Now, if it could just be a little lighter...
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The Tokyo actually does roll when folded - I just secure the fork and rear frame together with the provided velcro strap - extend the seat and wheel the bike (holding the seat) on both wheels - rolls pretty well! As for carrying, I can easily grasp the frame or the seat post and carry the bike on/off trains, up stairs, etc - I am a big boy though and do believe some might have difficulty carrying...
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The Tokyo actually does roll when folded - I just secure the fork and rear frame together with the provided velcro strap - extend the seat and wheel the bike (holding the seat) on both wheels - rolls pretty well! As for carrying, I can easily grasp the frame or the seat post and carry the bike on/off trains, up stairs, etc - I am a big boy though and do believe some might have difficulty carrying...
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Have had my Citizen Tokyo for about three weeks now and so far very happy with the purchase - I made a few minor mods - new high pressure tires, higher geared freewheel and a leather saddle - the bike now is a solid commuter and I am keeping pace with full sized bikes on the road - even with the mods - still a good value!
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Kenda Kwest 16x1.5 100psi - also a Long Yih (sp?) freewheel obtained on Ebay - search for 11t freewheel - note it is a 7 speed freewheel - changing the shifter is optional if you want to hit all 7 gears - I have it adjusted to hit the highest 6...
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So, here we are about 3 years later - I'd like to see if any of the feelings expressed 3 years ago have changed. Anyone chime in? I'm considering a Citizen Bike and I live in Manhattan. I'll likely use it for commuting to work (not far) and just bopping around the city. I understand there have been improvements, but I imagine the other brands have also improved. So, what say you all? Thanks!!
Hello there,
Sorry this topic must be posted many times. I did a search for Citizen bikes on here and it's really difficult going through random threads, so I am going to post this.
My friend is interested in one but we have no idea about Citizen bikes, let alone folding bikes. He will have a 2 miles commute and he's on a budget. There are a few models and which do you recommend? Is it a knockoff of Dahon? If so, should he test them out first in person since Citizen bikes are only available online? Or do you know of any other brand that is under $400?
Thanks!
Chris
Sorry this topic must be posted many times. I did a search for Citizen bikes on here and it's really difficult going through random threads, so I am going to post this.
My friend is interested in one but we have no idea about Citizen bikes, let alone folding bikes. He will have a 2 miles commute and he's on a budget. There are a few models and which do you recommend? Is it a knockoff of Dahon? If so, should he test them out first in person since Citizen bikes are only available online? Or do you know of any other brand that is under $400?
Thanks!
Chris
#19
LET'S ROLL
When I visited my brother in California; I borrowed one of them(he's got 3 Citizen Tokyo's).
I thought it was ok for the price; I even did some light off roading with it. Fast forward one year later;
Jetblue Air wouldn't let me check-in my Brompton in a cardboard box as my 1st piece of luggage on an
international flight. Instead of spending US$350 on a BW case for my B'ton; I purchased a used Tokyo
on Craigslist. Disassembled and squeezed it in my luggage then flew with that bike to Aruba.
Had a lot of fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR2T...IoDLA&index=12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUUC...IoDLA&index=22
I thought it was ok for the price; I even did some light off roading with it. Fast forward one year later;
Jetblue Air wouldn't let me check-in my Brompton in a cardboard box as my 1st piece of luggage on an
international flight. Instead of spending US$350 on a BW case for my B'ton; I purchased a used Tokyo
on Craigslist. Disassembled and squeezed it in my luggage then flew with that bike to Aruba.
Had a lot of fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR2T...IoDLA&index=12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUUC...IoDLA&index=22
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Thank you - I appreciate your input!
When I visited my brother in California; I borrowed one of them(he's got 3 Citizen Tokyo's).
I thought it was ok for the price; I even did some light off roading with it. Fast forward one year later;
Jetblue Air wouldn't let me check-in my Brompton in a cardboard box as my 1st piece of luggage on an
international flight. Instead of spending US$350 on a BW case for my B'ton; I purchased a used Tokyo
on Craigslist. Disassembled and squeezed it in my luggage then flew with that bike to Aruba.
Had a lot of fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR2T...IoDLA&index=12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUUC...IoDLA&index=22
I thought it was ok for the price; I even did some light off roading with it. Fast forward one year later;
Jetblue Air wouldn't let me check-in my Brompton in a cardboard box as my 1st piece of luggage on an
international flight. Instead of spending US$350 on a BW case for my B'ton; I purchased a used Tokyo
on Craigslist. Disassembled and squeezed it in my luggage then flew with that bike to Aruba.
Had a lot of fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR2T...IoDLA&index=12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUUC...IoDLA&index=22
#21
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My wife has one and she loves it. She's had it a year with no problems. The only maintenance has been lubing the chain and replacing a tube/flat.
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A few months back I bumped into a fellow commuter downtown, and he was riding an orange Gotham 2. very nice looking bike.
We chatted a bit at the intersection and shared folding bike info. He got his around a year and half ago and he bikes daily with it to and from work which was around 5 km each way with little elevation. He was very happy with it, mentioned he did have to do a bit of initial adjustments when he received it. Left it stock other than swapping out the seat for an older Brooks that he had, and he put on some non-folding platform pedals, and he did put in a set of Kojaks.
It looked very nice and he seemed quite happy with his purchase.
We chatted a bit at the intersection and shared folding bike info. He got his around a year and half ago and he bikes daily with it to and from work which was around 5 km each way with little elevation. He was very happy with it, mentioned he did have to do a bit of initial adjustments when he received it. Left it stock other than swapping out the seat for an older Brooks that he had, and he put on some non-folding platform pedals, and he did put in a set of Kojaks.
It looked very nice and he seemed quite happy with his purchase.
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Warning, biased reply. Take a look at Origami Bicycles at OrigamiBicycles.com. I believe that our bikes are superior and better equipped at a better price.
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