Citizen Folding Bikes - Relatively new?

[mdweezer]

I have recently began a search for a reasonably priced bike to possibly start commuting on every once in a while. I may also do an electric conversion to help the trip a little bit if I do decide to commute on it more often (9 miles each way).

The bikes can be found at: http://www.citizenbike.com/.

The price seems right, decent looking frame with fenders, rear rack and 20" tires.

http://www.citizenbike.com/images/citizen_bike_folding_bike_miami_blue.jpg

The only problem is I can't really find many reviews or impressions on this bicycle.

I have found some videos of the bike in action.

Promo video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=zxh-l2dg90E

7 minute overview (of someone selling one, who couldn't mount an engine on it): http://youtube.com/watch?v=q8UR_gDgx6g

Any thoughts or impressions I'm missing?

Thanks!

[LittlePixel]

The frame looks like a clone or licensed version of the frame used on the Dahon Mu XL, which has a similar set of features, which you can look at here (http://www.dahon.com/archive/2007/us/muxl.htm).

This bike looks fairly well equipped in terms of what it has (rack, fenders) though for that pricepoint you won't be getting the best components, and if it does the mileage you intend you may find things like the bearings wearing quicker than you hope.

This isn't necessarily bad - I'm not trying to discourage you - as most parts will be easily replaced, but the old adage 'a stitch in time saves nine' rings true with cheaper bikes and it's sometimes better to pony up a little more off the bat so you get known components with a degree of durability built in.

Also - It's a fair bit heavier (about a kilo) than the equivalent Dahon too which might be of interest if you fold it and carry it often.

You might also want to include bike by a manufacturer called Downtube bikes (http://www.downtube.com/) in your decision;
They are also very reasonably priced and get very good reviews from a lot of happy owners on this forum, a lot to do with the ease of which they can be upgraded using standard bike parts, or - in your case - perhaps with the addition of an electric drive.

Also - Yan - the creator/owner can often be found on this forum for help/advice/wantlists of features; It's nice to have that human link sometimes and he wouldn't frequent the forum if he was worried about the quality of the product!

[BB49]

I met someone who had a Citizen bike.
It was very heavy, he weighed it, 36 pounds, which I would believe over any ad. 30 pounds is very heavy, 36 is a ship anchor.
He paid $175, for $225 he could have got the ligher aluminum model.
It is a cheap bike at a cheap price. Do not invest any extras, other than air for the tires.
Notice the cockpit is very tight, the handlepost does not angle away from the seat, like all good folders do.

You need to use an expensive hub motor and good nickel or lithium battery, if you want an electric bike that gives assist greater than its weight penalty.

Definitly look at a Downtube or a Dahon if you to put any more money into the bike.
You will spend maybe twice as much, but have four times the bike.

[BB49]

I saw on the Citizen website that they had an aluminum version.

They claimed 23 pounds, but that is unbelievable. Dahons with lighter components weigh more.

It was priced at $274, not bad, not great, for cheap folder that probably weighs 28 pounds.

That is getting so close to Downtube prices that it would be a much better investment to get a Downtube.

[mdweezer]

I saw on the Citizen website that they had an aluminum version.

They claimed 23 pounds, but that is unbelievable. Dahons with lighter components weigh more.

It was priced at $274, not bad, not great, for cheap folder that probably weighs 28 pounds.

That is getting so close to Downtube prices that it would be a much better investment to get a Downtube.

The Downtube has been the other bike I've been looking at so I've been very interested to find some comparisons or first hand experiences with the Citizen. I'm located in Florida and it appears they are too but I don't have any local dealers unfortunately.

[Klaw]

Notice only the Shimano grip shifter is listed as a name brand component. The other components are going to be very suspect. Pedals, crank, gearing, brakes. Secondly Downtube offers a 30 satisfaction guarantee... meaning if it's too small, light, doesn't fit you... return it. Citizen has no such offer and their warranty looks a bit suspect. Caveat emptor and all that.

[Caaah]

My co-worker got one (the Tokyo model) about a month and a half ago and is now trying to get rid of it. It looks great online, and I almost ordered one myself, but we quickly changed our minds once it showed up. It is very heavy and there aren't enough gear inches (which as you may notice they don't specify on their website). She feels like she's spinning like crazy even on the highest gear. Plus, it needs a set up once out of the box. The folding hinge on the frame was so tight once she unfolded it, she had to take it to the LBS to get it folded again.

After I saw it, and saw her problems with it, I definitely changed my mind about getting one. I went with the Dahon Curve D3--I got a 2007 model for about $350 with shipping. I'm very happy I spent the extra money.

[mdweezer]

My co-worker got one (the Tokyo model) about a month and a half ago and is now trying to get rid of it. It looks great online, and I almost ordered one myself, but we quickly changed our minds once it showed up. It is very heavy and there aren't enough gear inches (which as you may notice they don't specify on their website). She feels like she's spinning like crazy even on the highest gear. Plus, it needs a set up once out of the box. The folding hinge on the frame was so tight once she unfolded it, she had to take it to the LBS to get it folded again.

After I saw it, and saw her problems with it, I definitely changed my mind about getting one. I went with the Dahon Curve D3--I got a 2007 model for about $350 with shipping. I'm very happy I spent the extra money.

Excellent, thank you for that bit of information. Finally a bit of a hands on review to have something to work with.