Citizen bikes - any good?
#51
Ride more, eat less
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I used a Bontrager alloy stem/super light Race handlebar, cut off 1 1/2" from both ends to narrow the bike for my commute. Plenty of other stem/handlebar combo that can be lighter.
I replaced the OEM freewheel with a Sachs Regina alloy freewheel, that is also significantly lighter.
OEM brakes were replaced with 1st gen Shimano LX V-brake, lightest and likely the most noisy brakes under the right conditions.
OEM brake levers were replaced with Avid Dial7, OEM rear derailleur replaced with XT; all parts I have laying around in my basement.. all lighter than OEM.
Wheels/tires I leave OEM until they wear out.
I can probably fit a $60 16" Chinese carbon fork and change the OEM headset for lighter unit also.
Brompton pentaclip would be nice, but I rather have a one-piece seatpost.
For now, I'll keep everything as is until stuff breaks during my commute.
Last edited by cat0020; 01-06-17 at 10:09 AM.
#52
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Actually a pentaclip is the same as what you have only aluminum.
#53
Ride more, eat less
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Yes, and I want a seatpost with clamp that's one piece.. not seat clamp that separates from the post.
#54
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Another reason not to use 28T rear sprocket freewheel: Ground clearance.
Below image is a 23T rear sprocket with added chain links (added weight).
Lower pulley of the rear derailleur is about 1" off the ground.
Using a larger rear sprocket would require longer chain (add more weight) to avoid the lower pulley dragging on the ground while riding.. or just go with a shorter cage rear derailleur to maximize ground clearance.
BTW, swapped out the B/B and cranks to Rival alloy/Red carbon crankarms and EXO B/B for additional weight saving.
Below image is a 23T rear sprocket with added chain links (added weight).
Lower pulley of the rear derailleur is about 1" off the ground.
Using a larger rear sprocket would require longer chain (add more weight) to avoid the lower pulley dragging on the ground while riding.. or just go with a shorter cage rear derailleur to maximize ground clearance.
BTW, swapped out the B/B and cranks to Rival alloy/Red carbon crankarms and EXO B/B for additional weight saving.
Last edited by cat0020; 01-10-17 at 09:15 AM.
#55
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: NY, NY
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Bikes: Dahon Speed P16 (Upgraded P8)/ 2014 Dahon Vybe c7a / 2015 Trek 7.2fx / 26" Schwinn Ranger
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Another reason not to use 28T rear sprocket freewheel: Ground clearance.
Below image is a 23T rear sprocket with added chain links (added weight).
Lower pulley of the rear derailleur is about 1" off the ground.
Using a larger rear sprocket would require longer chain (add more weight) to avoid the lower pulley dragging on the ground while riding.. or just go with a shorter cage rear derailleur to maximize ground clearance.
BTW, swapped out the B/B and cranks to Rival alloy/Red carbon crankarms and EXO B/B for additional weight saving.
Below image is a 23T rear sprocket with added chain links (added weight).
Lower pulley of the rear derailleur is about 1" off the ground.
Using a larger rear sprocket would require longer chain (add more weight) to avoid the lower pulley dragging on the ground while riding.. or just go with a shorter cage rear derailleur to maximize ground clearance.
BTW, swapped out the B/B and cranks to Rival alloy/Red carbon crankarms and EXO B/B for additional weight saving.
Nice looking bike btw, thinking of getting a tokyo for international travel
#56
Ride more, eat less
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Thanks.. My little Citizen Tokyo is a pure commuter, have other bikes to ride for travels or performance oriented rides.
I keep the bike minimal without bags or water bottle cage because I have to walk along the bike to get it through NYC subway and PATH train turnstile entrance:
Luckily, I still have a slim figure with all the pedaling that I do, I can fit through with the bike.
I keep the bike minimal without bags or water bottle cage because I have to walk along the bike to get it through NYC subway and PATH train turnstile entrance:
Luckily, I still have a slim figure with all the pedaling that I do, I can fit through with the bike.
#57
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Thanks.. My little Citizen Tokyo is a pure commuter, have other bikes to ride for travels or performance oriented rides.
I keep the bike minimal without bags or water bottle cage because I have to walk along the bike to get it through NYC subway and PATH train turnstile entrance:
Luckily, I still have a slim figure with all the pedaling that I do, I can fit through with the bike.
I keep the bike minimal without bags or water bottle cage because I have to walk along the bike to get it through NYC subway and PATH train turnstile entrance:
Luckily, I still have a slim figure with all the pedaling that I do, I can fit through with the bike.
#58
Ride more, eat less
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25 mph in NYC is just accident waiting to happen... not only if impact occurs, but if you run over a nice pothole, cobblestone or sheet metal cover w/sharp edge.. flat tire, taco wheel.. ride to survive.
#59
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True that, I really avoid any metal while riding since tires don't have any traction on them especially when they're wet. If I do go beyond 20mph, it's really me putting a lot of effort, I just cruise within 10-18mph. I agree with ride to survive, I would always slow down or stop whenever I'm in a turning street or someone from incoming traffic is gonna make a turn since I've had experiences when drivers either don't see me or just think they have the right of way always. Ride safe always!
#60
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Citizens Gotham 24-7 review. I love it for exactly what I bought it for. Toss in the back of the car and ride whenever and where ever I want. I have found it to be a nice ride. My usual cruising speed is 11.5 on my other bikes. This little bike same average. I would have no problem taking it on a 50 mile ride to be honest and hope to soon. I can fold or unfold in less than 30 seconds. Honestly I can not name one fault that this bike has.
#61
Ride more, eat less
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I'm on my 3rd Citizen bike now,
Previous two bikes were both stolen.
One while stored in lock basement, the other stolen from a school yard and I could not chase down the thief on foot.
Sometimes I hate NYC.
Previous two bikes were both stolen.
One while stored in lock basement, the other stolen from a school yard and I could not chase down the thief on foot.
Sometimes I hate NYC.
#62
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Lots of good info on folders in here, especially Citizen. I take it you guys like them?