Folding Bikes - Bought my first folder.....CITIZEN Tokyo (yellow)

hi guys,

against everyone's advices, i decided to get the Citizen Tokyo as my first folder. i know it's not the best but cost is a major factor here. it is pretty new (about 1 month usage) and owned by a lady and i got it for only $100. my first impression - it feels weird on my first ride as i am used to the regular size bike ride. tje more time i spent with it the more i am getting use to the ride. it's not the best but i expect it to take me from point a to b. i like the 16" inc. tire for it's lesser weight. man - it really feels heavy. i wonder how i would be able to lift it when i start using it for my work commute. the only thing i don't like (this is mostly true for some folders) is there are so many things to loosen before you can fold it completely. i am tuning it as we speak. adjusting the brakes, fixed the flat tire, greasing the chain (sprockets) and other minor stuff. now i am having a buyer's remorse as i should have gotten the cloned A-Bike or cloned Strida. i will give this a month and i will let you all know my complete reviews.

thanks again for your advices,
vic

Just as long as you are happy with your purchase, who am I to judge you? This bike will be a good education for you in any respect. You are obviously know something about bikes so the many trips to the bike shop for fixing a cheapo folder will be lessen or even eliminated. Just keep in mind that there are far better folding bikes out there. When and if you are ready to buy another one for any reason, don't use your present one as a indicator of what a good one will do for you.

I have the silver Tokyo. I don't have any problems outside of the seat post slowly sliding down over rough terrain (i.e rough potholes in NYC).

Most 16"-20" wheel folders weigh 24-30 lbs. The Tokyo weighs 29 lbs. If weight was really that big of a concern then the A-Bike should have been your choice but from what you were saying, PRICE was your largest factor so for the price, the Tokyo was the best bang for your buck with the choices you gave.

I just rode my Tokyo all over NYC, across the Brooklyn Bridge, up the Hudson River Greenway then all over midtown Manhattan and literally all over Central Park. I easily did 25 miles. I had a great time. I saw a bunch of other folders on the ride and smiled. I'll be doing another 13 miles tomorrow.

You can lighten the load and the weight by simple taking off the fenders and rack (if you don't seriously need them where you live). That'll take off a about 3-3.5 lbs. You can also get a lighter seat and lighter pedals for another 1-1.5 lbs off. So that will give you a bike that weighs approx 24-25 lbs.

Sure, the Tokyo isn't the lightest or the fastest, but for what you pay, you get a nice bike with gears, fender, bike rack, a bell and a decent ride.

If you really are having buyer's remorse, simply put the bike up on Craigslist for the $100 price you paid. Let the buyers know that you literally just tuned the bike up and have only ridden it very briefly. You can get all of your money back and go for the other bike(s) you had your eye on.

Good luck.

KitN -
Did you try this method from Citizen's web site:

To tighten the quick release mechanism, open the quick release, hold the nut opposite the lever with one hand and rotate the quick release lever clockwise a complete rotation while holding the nut firmly. This will tighten the entire quick release mechanism. Now close the quick release lever. You will notice that the quick release lever is more difficult to tighten.
If the quick release requires more tightening, unlock the quick release and continue to rotate the quick release lever while holding the bolt opposite the lever until the quick release mechanism is appropriately tightened. Repeat if necessary.

Thanks, JCFlack but I've done exactly that and the seat post still slides down. The QR is so tight that it hurts my hands and takes a lot of strength to open and close. About every 10 minutes I stop and have to pull the seat post back up to the proper height. It's starting to really, really bug me...

Someone suggested to me one time to clean the seat post, and the inside of the seat tube (or shim) with alcohol or similar solvent. This is to clean these parts of any residue oil that might have been left over from the manufacturing process.

See if that helps.
Edward


Thanks, JCFlack but I've done exactly that and the seat post still slides down. The QR is so tight that it hurts my hands and takes a lot of strength to open and close. About every 10 minutes I stop and have to pull the seat post back up to the proper height. It's starting to really, really bug me...

thanks kitn, thanks guys for all the positive feedbacks. yesterday it took me the whole day tuning up the gears. for some reason it won't go to speed 6 (biggest gear). it didn't bother me at all as shifting to all 5 are ok. anyway the condition of the bike is like brand new ( i will post pic as soon as i know how) i already took out the stand and might change the seat post to lessen the weight but for the amount that i paid for this i am quite satisfied. i don't know if i want to take off the fender as it might help with the dirt splatters. does anyone here change theirs to a plastic fender? also i am liking the yellow color. it was sunny here in bay area (san francisco) yesterday and i was hoping to hope into my bike today for a spin but it's been raining the whole day. darn i wouldn't be able to test drive it tomorrow when i go to work. thanks again for the great advices. really appreciate it....

vic

Don't make apologies for owning a Citizens bike of any kind. For the money Citizens is a fantastic bike. My wife and I each own a Miami Citizens 20" folders. We simple love them. Some time I would love to ride an expensive folder just to see what the fuss is all about. Maybe one day I will get the chance.
Terry

Someone suggested to me one time to clean the seat post, and the inside of the seat tube (or shim) with alcohol or similar solvent. This is to clean these parts of any residue oil that might have been left over from the manufacturing process.

See if that helps.
Edward

Thanks Edward. I'll definitely give the seat post and inside the seat post thingy a good rubbing with alcohol . I'll report back if that helps.

Vic, you should take the bike to a local bike shop to check on the 6th gear problem you are having. A simple tuning goes are really long way and it's so cheap (it cost me $5 to have the deraileur/gears adjusted, the chain oiled, the brakes adjusted and the pedals tightened.) :thumb:

As for your Citizen, you should just take it for a few test rides. You can even do a "trial run" for the commute you'll be doing, including getting on the train/buses you'd normally be taking. Try it on the weekend with the understanding that the train/bus might be more or less crowded during the hours/days you normally plan on going to work.

Good luck and I'd love to see some pictures of your Tokyo. I was considering the "Mango"/yellow color. It looked so cool but I went with the silver color because it reminded me of my last folder that was stolen and that I miss so much. :cry:

Don't make apologies for owning a Citizens bike of any kind. For the money Citizens is a fantastic bike. My wife and I each own a Miami Citizens 20" folders. We simple love them. Some time I would love to ride an expensive folder just to see what the fuss is all about. Maybe one day I will get the chance.
Terry
I'm watching for Vic's experiences with his new Tokyo too. I'm still looking to buy my first folder. I looked at a slightly used Tokyo early in my search, and found it comfortable to ride. However, I was concerned about some problems I saw with the design, especially with the latches. I've looked at the latches on some Dahons - a much better design IMHO. The Tokyo's weight bothered me too. I decided not to buy it, but not without some regret. But I think my next best choice is a Downtube mini which is at least twice the price. My spouse was not too keen about me spending the money on the Citizen - I can imagine the tongue lashing I'll get if I buy a DT.

JCFlack, I just got my Tokyo a month ago. It is a bit on the heavier side but not by much. Most Dahons are 27.5 lbs and the Tokyo is 29 lbs so that's a 1.5 pound difference but you pay 3 times as much for a new entry level Dahon.

The folding and unfolding is simple and easy to get used to. I do it multiple times a day. (If you've ever folded a Dahon then it'll be second nature to you.) Actually, folding the Tokyo is one step easier and a tiny bit faster than the Dahon -- with the Tokyo there's no need to turn the handbars like the Dahon.

I have to admit that the Dahons, in general, are better made than the Citizens but that does not make Citizens bad folding bikes. Not in the least. You get a decent quality bike for a lot less than a Dahon. The Tokyo is an entry level folder. I'm sure eventually I'll save up the money for an even better folder like a Brompton or a Bike Friday Tikit but until then I need something to commute on that can be folded. My Citizen Tokyo does the trick very well. :)

Well, I'm off to bike the streets on NYC with my Tokyo. I've put alcohol on the seat post and seat post holder thingy and cleaned it. I hope that will help with the seat post slippage issue. I'll report back after my ride. :thumb:

Oh, here's a new picture of my silver Tokyo. I get stopped on the street by people asking me about it and I get tons of compliments. It's a neat little bike.

:love:

Oh, here's a new picture of my silver Tokyo. I get stopped on the street by people asking me about it and I get tons of compliments. It's a neat little bike.

:love:



Man I like your bike. Looks great. Almost makes me wish I lived in NY City. Instead I will just have to suffer here in South West Georgia living on the Flint River about 10 miles out of town with very few neighbors. Gets spooky out here riding at night with a 1/4 moon or no moon. Lights help, but lots of deer in this area. 16" wheels would be fun, but not practical or necessary.

Terry

Hi Terry. Thanks for the compliment. Riding in NYC is nice but seriously dangerous. I'd rather hit a deer than a crazy taxi any day. There's a much higher chance of surviving a deer "attack" then a cab "attack" that's for sure, LOL. :lol:

honestly i was thinking of bringing my citizen bike to LBS but when they told me that it will cost me about $35 for tuning, i backed-out. i will try to fix it firs. kitn, you have a nice bike too. we have exactly the same bike except mine is yellow. it's still sitting in my garage and couldn't take it out for a spin as it's been raining here in Bay Area for the past 3 days. and weather will be like this for the next 10 days. so i will just have to try to tune it more and fix the non-existing 6 speed. thanks for the advices to this newbie. this is actually my first bike in so many years. and i am pretty sure that i will be having fun.....

cheers,
vic

Hi Terry. Thanks for the compliment. Riding in NYC is nice but seriously dangerous. I'd rather hit a deer than a crazy taxi any day. There's a much higher chance of surviving a deer "attack" then a cab "attack" that's for sure, LOL. :lol:


A CAB sounds like a dangerous animal. I don't ever recall seeing one of those out where I live. In town maybe, but not out here. Its not a big problem by any stretch of the imagination, but while riding at night in the country I always have to be aware of Deer, Armadillos, Raccoons, Fox, and the occasional Dingo.

A CAB sounds like a dangerous animal. I don't ever recall seeing one of those out where I live.

LOL! :lol:

Beware of cabs. They eat dingos, babies and bikers for breakfast. ;)

LOL! :lol:

Beware of cabs. They eat dingos, babies and bikers for breakfast. ;)

it's really not that bad...i was scare at first too...but after awhile i got the hang of it, lane splitting in front of other cabs just the other day....lol.

LOL! :lol:

Beware of cabs. They eat dingos, babies and bikers for breakfast. ;)


Cannibals too I bet. Cabs eat eachother after feeding on the Dingos. LaneSplitters are tortured after being run down by Cabs. Don't know this to be completely true, but it does leave food for thought.

it's really not that bad...i was scare at first too...but after awhile i got the hang of it, lane splitting in front of other cabs just the other day....lol.

Vincent, what area of NYC do you live? What areas do you normally bike?

I'm all over the place. From Central Park, Midtown, Hudson River Greenway, Union Square, Soho, West village, East Village, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Bklyn Heights, downtown Bklyn, Fort Greene, Park Slope, Prospect Park, and my 'hood: Clinton Hill to name a few. :thumb:

Vincent, what area of NYC do you live? What areas do you normally bike?

I'm all over the place. From Central Park, Midtown, Hudson River Greenway, Union Square, Soho, West village, East Village, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Bklyn Heights, downtown Bklyn, Fort Greene, Park Slope, Prospect Park, and my 'hood: Clinton Hill to name a few. :thumb:

i'm on the upper east side...but i have bike in those areas you mentioned all the time.

did u hear about a car dragging a dead body for 17 miles on the news and no one is getting charged? that is crazy. on second though i will be getting more careful now.

did u hear about a car dragging a dead body for 17 miles on the news and no one is getting charged? that is crazy. on second though i will be getting more careful now.

OMG! How did I miss that? No I hadn't heard about it. That's horrible! Where did it happen? :eek:

I just did a google search and I found the story along with actual surveillance tape of the incident. Horrible. Just horrible: http://www.wpix.com/landing/?Exclusive-Video-Victim-of-17-Mile-Draggi=1&blockID=211201&feedID=1404

:cry:

BTW, I just put a spring seat from my old folder onto my new Citizen & it makes a huge difference in comfort going over some really rough potholes & other assorted crap collecting on the roads. :thumb:

I just bought a Tokyo for my girlfriend and took it out for a ride today for the first time.
I got the yellow one (mango) but its actually orange. I'll post a pic later.

The bike is pretty good for the price, i was impressed with the quality. It doesn't seem too heavy as I heard some people complain. The gears definitely need adjusting, they skip and rattle out of the box.

They main problem I found with the bike is the cockpit, it seems cramped. I'm 6'0" and I can't ride the bike comfortably, but I'm used to my Downtube 9FS, can't really compare the two bike, the Downtube is great.
But then my 5'1" girlfriend rode it, and she doesn't seem comfortable either. Its like you're sitting to far forward, the front wheel is right under you instead of out front. We've never ridden any other 16" bikes so I don't know if they all feel awkward like the Tokyo. This might just need some getting used to, but I think the Miami would be a better fit

Im calling Citizen tomorrow and see about exchanging it.

She's only using the bike to go ride around the park, casual riding. So weight, and # of gears is not really that important.

but over all, i was really impressed with the quality. The folding mechanism for the handlebar stem is on the cheap side (especially when compared to the downtube) but everything else seems fine. Great for the money.

KitN - thanks for the picture of your Citizen Tokyo.

vmaniqui (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=152710), KitN, and joe2fly (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=136616) - I'd love to see some closeups of your Tokyos. Looking at the pictures on Citizen's web site, it seems like models later than the one I saw have latches more like Dahon's. I told you that I have some regrets about not buying the one I saw, and now I'm reconsidering.

Hi Joe2fly,

Bike fit is incredibly personal because we are all different shapes and sizes. All Citizen bikes (Gotham, Miami & Tokyo) are supposed to be ridden in an upright position but that all depends on how high you put the seat and the handlebars. If you have your handlebars lower than your seat then you will be pushed forward more over the front wheel. If you have your handlebars higher than your seat then you will be seated further back over the middle of the bike more of your weight will be put on the seat. So I suggest you play around with your handlebar height to find a position that works the best for you.

20" wheels means a bigger frame so that might work better for you but you should definitely play around with seat and handlebar height. But if you decide to trade in the 16" wheeled Citizen for a 20" wheeled Citizen, then I would highly suggest you get the Gotham version, not the Miami. The Gotham has better Shimano gears/derailleur, an alloy frame and is a good deal lighter.

Personally, I have no problem with the cockpit. I have long legs (5'7" with 33" inseam which is the inseam of a 6'3" male) and a medium length torso with long arms. I have my seat literally at the hash mark (I could go higher another 1" or so higher but that's dangerous because the seatpost is at it's height limit) and with my handlebar stem at the hash mark as well. I don't like feeling stretched out too far over the bike but I also don't like feeling cramped either. I fall somewhere in the middle so the Citizen Tokyo works well for me.

KitN - thanks for the picture of your Citizen Tokyo.

vmaniqui (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=152710), KitN, and joe2fly (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=136616) - I'd love to see some closeups of your Tokyos. Looking at the pictures on Citizen's web site, it seems like models later than the one I saw have latches more like Dahon's. I told you that I have some regrets about not buying the one I saw, and now I'm reconsidering.

Hi JCFlack,

I'll try to take some closeup shots of the latches for you later and post them.

@ Joe2fly: I'd love to see some pictures of your Mango (orange) Tokyo. (I was seriously considering getting the Mango colored one but I opted at the last minute for the Silver Tokyo.)

Fortunately, I doubt I'll have any trouble fitting on a smaller bike - I'm 5'6" (or shorter, I've heard we shrink with age :) ) with a 28" inseam. Thanks for offering the pictures, KitN.

hi all,

i will also try to take a picture of my mango yellow citizen. the condition when i bought it used is pristine and for the price that i paid ($100 - i could have hangled more) i can't complain. i rode it just a little bit as it is still raining hard in san francisco bay area. the ride is smooth and it isn't bad at all. and no problem with me on the cockpit. it feels good. best bang for my buck as they say. my only complain is the slippage to the sixth gear. i tried fixing it but will not go up to the sixth gear. i hope to work on it later as the weather is not cooperating yet. but other than that i am pretty much happy with this purchase. hopefully joe2fly, your girlfriend will have second thought and try to ride it some more. cockpit might work for her eventually.

enjoy your ride,
vic

Glad to see some more discussion about the Citizens folders. After reading some old comments, the Citizens is a folder that some on this forum wouldn't be caught dead riding, its beneath their manhood. Its just too low cost of a folding bike, with low cost unspeakable components. To each it's own and thats ok.

My wife and I rode our Miami Citizens 20" folders 10 miles thru a state park this weekend and enjoyed it very much. Folded both right into the back of our 4-Runner with lots of room to spare. We just took our time and enjoyed the sights, wild animals and all. No problems with riding our bikes whatsoever. Had several people to ask about our folders and commented how pretty they are. The colors are outstanding.

As a "edit note", my wife and I both own wonderful 26" Trek & Gary Fisher regular size bikes. The total cost of both our folders shipped to our front door was less than my wife's Trek. But as our riding skills, stamina, and leg strength increase (new riders last Oct.), more and more we find ourselves choosing our folding bikes to take with us on riding adventures. The packing is just so darn easier and our Citizens folders work really well for our slow riding needs.

It's not as bad here. You should go to other bicycle forums and you'll see some really "colorful" posts on anything that isn't high end. Even personal attacks with name calling.:notamused: We've got pretty decent folks here.:hug:

Shoot, I ride a folder that is even cheaper, and lesser known than the Citizenbikes. I would be considered a complete "loser" if that were the attitude.:roflmao2:

I'm glad to see Citizen bikes getting some more exposure. Variety is the salt of the Earth.

Regards,
Edward



Glad to see some more discussion about the Citizens folders. After reading some old comments, the Citizens is a folder that some on this forum wouldn't be caught dead riding, its beneath their manhood. Its just too low cost of a folding bike, with low cost unspeakable components. To each it's own and thats ok.

I will also try to take a picture of my mango yellow citizen. the condition when i bought it used is pristine and for the price that i paid ($100 - i could have hangled more) i can't complain.
Thanks, vic. If I do buy a Tokyo, I like the mango, and I also like KitN's silver, but I'm leaning toward the black. Too bad it doesn't come in red - my favorite color.

Hey, Tokyo owners!
I would appreciate some measurements.
What's the wheel base (distance from front axle to rear axle)?
What's the seat post size? (should be engraved on the side of the seat post somewhere; a number like 30.4 or 31.8 maybe?
How long is the seat post, from the "minimum insertion" line to the top of the seat?
How big is the whole bike, when folded up?
Thanks!

Hi rhm,

I posted some pictures of my Tokyo folded (and also in it's carrying bag) here:http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=8306771&postcount=25

I don't know how I missed seeing those photos and measurements in the earlier thread. Thanks.

Hi rhm,

I posted some pictures of my Tokyo folded (and also in it's carrying bag) here:http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=8306771&postcount=25

Yes, I saw those (thanks!). I am pretty sure the bike folds up small enough for public transportation purposes. I'm wondering how well it fits, or can be made to fit, a relatively tall rider. You said you are tall... how tall?

Here are some pics of the my mango Tokyo, and the Miami I exchanged it for.

They are pretty much identical.

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo1.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo2.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo3.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo4.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Miami.jpg

Nice photos, Joe2fly! Does the Miami feel as "cramped" as you said the Tokyo felt to you?

Here are some pics of the my mango Tokyo, and the Miami I exchanged it for.

They are pretty much identical.

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo1.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo2.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo3.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo4.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Miami.jpg
Thanks for the photos - they HAVE switched to a handlebar latch more like Dahon's - much better than the used one I looked at. I definitely like black or silver better than the Mango though. I'm edging toward going ahead with it.

I definitely like black or silver better than the Mango though.

LOL! You sound like me. I was considering the Mango because it stood out and if someone stole my bike it would be easier to spot (someone had stolen my previous folder!!!). Then I narrowed it down to black, white or silver. I thought that the black was a little too common a color and the white would show dirt more readily. My stolen folder was silver and I loved that little bike so I opted for the silver. The silver color is classy, hip and doesn't clash with my clothes or shoe color(s). LOL! (Yes, I'm a girl and, yes, stuff like this does matter to me, LOL!) :lol:

I love my new Citizen Tokyo. I get a lot of compliments and inquires about it. Heck, just today I went to my local police station to ask about engraving and registering my bike (in case of theft) and 6 cops were raving about it and asking me all sorts of questions. LOL! :lol:

hi kitn,
is the bag really handy to have ? it looks nice folded inside the bag. it just stopped raining here in the bay area and i still haven't had the chance to take my mango yellow tokyo for a spin and haven't had the time to take a pic. weather permitting, i will go for a ride tomorrow. i need to test by gears and see if i can fix it to go to 6th gear. right now it is sitting folded in my garage. i picked the yelllow one since i bought it used so i have no choice - but i like the color..... if i have bought it new i would have picked a white one to go with my truck.

folders go......
vic

Here are some pics of the my mango Tokyo, and the Miami I exchanged it for.

They are pretty much identical.

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo1.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo2.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo3.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Tokyo4.jpg
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/eurotripp/?action=view&current=Miami.jpg

About the chainguard in the 3rd pix, is it metal or plastic? Is it durable?

joe2fly - is it metal ? i am surprised if it is as mine has the gray plastic chainguard. although i know that it can be replaced since it is held just by 5 screws. in any case maybe they changed the new ones to a metal guard.

I have the red Miami & my wife has an Aqua. Both colors are outstanding. Our bikes have been trouble free ever since they spent a little time in the LBS getting healed. We're taking our folders on a RV camping trip this weekend. Looking forward to "showing our colors".

hi kitn,
is the bag really handy to have ? it looks nice folded inside the bag.

I've used it twice to take my Tokyo with me on the subway. It does come in handy if you want to "conceal" that you have a bike (although the lettering on the bag gives it away a bit, LOL) or if you need to ride a crowded bus/train/ferry. People don't give you the "evil eye" like you're going to get dirt and tire marks all over their clothes and shoes. ;)

For my usage, it's really not that necessary because I don't normally hop on public transportation with my folder but when I do, I do like having the bag.

About the chainguard in the 3rd pix, is it metal or plastic? Is it durable?

The chainguard seems to be some sort of sturdy plastic. It looks very durable and it's very useful.

I ride my folder in "normal clothes" -- often very girly, along with high heels. I don't use an ankle strap or roll up my pants leg so the chainguard has saved me from getting my clothing stuck in the chain.

I think every bike should come with a simple chainguard like the Citizen bikes. :thumb:

I have the red Miami & my wife has an Aqua. Both colors are outstanding. Looking forward to "showing our colors".

I would love to see pictures of your bikes.

Love all the enthusiasm for the citizen along with the FP.
looking forward to seeing them on the Westside greenway. I saw a few over the summer
and sometimes they show up on CL at $100 for the Gotham. (not bad)

I would love to see pictures of your bikes.

I'll get a good photo over the weekend and post next week. Thanks.