Folding Bikes - Newest Citizenbike: The Barcelona

Retro looks, low step over, 3 speed IGH, 2 sizes.

http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=22

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

Thank you. Great looking bike for pooteling and shopping. Personally I can not understand why not at least 30% of the bikes on the road is foders.

Thank you. Great looking bike for pooteling and shopping. Personally I can not understand why not at least 30% of the bikes on the road is foders.

That is exactly what I was thinking it would be great for. This bike would right at home on tree shaded streets lined with shops, parks, lakes or a quiet country road. It has that dignified look to it. Nice contrast to their sporty Gotham model.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

wow it's very similar to the dahon Ciao but half the price!

http://dahon.com/us/ciaop8.htm

I wonder how they compare to each other in ride quality?

wow it's very similar to the dahon Ciao but half the price!

http://dahon.com/us/ciaop8.htm

I wonder how they compare to each other in ride quality?

Interesting question. I do understand why there is a price differential between the two bikes. The Ciao sports an 8 speed hub versus the Barcelona's 3 speed, and it is just a bit more of a complex machine than Citizen Bike's offering. But the Ciao does seem like it's a bit pricey in spite of that. However I think the Barcelona has a more classic folder look, reminiscent of a much simpler era .

Who knows when we'll have a review on the Barcelona, but I wonder if we have any current Ciao owners who can give us their impressions as to ride quality and such?

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

I just noticed that Citizen Bike has posted two more photos of the new Barcelona, one of them shows the bike folded. Notice that the bike folds exactly in half placing the wheels side by side.

http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=22

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

Great retro look with a clean fold.

Very solid looking little bike.As you say it looks like something from a simpler time,nicely put.

Very classy looking. It seems like they have it geared very low. Looks like a 38t crankset, which means it'll be ridiculously low geared unless a 13t or 14t sprocket is installed out back.

Very classy looking. It seems like they have it geared very low. Looks like a 38t crankset, which means it'll be ridiculously low geared unless a 13t or 14t sprocket is installed out back.

Those bikes are generally geared low for easy, effortless pedaling. I used to own a 3 speed 20" bike (Non folding) that was probably geared about the same as the Barcelona. You had two very easy gears and the top gear was high enough to be usable.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

iT does look gorgeous.. and I am a very happy owner of a Citizen Metrobike/Gotham, so I can vouch for their quality. However, it does also look like it has a generally similar design/shape to the Schwinn Loop, which only weighs two pounds more. Big differences are that Loop has a deraileur, and also a non-adjustable handlebar, which might be important to some people. But, it is almost half the price. Just a thought. The Barcelona is stunning though.

Nice bike, but why does it have to weigh 30lbs?!?

Nice bike, but why does it have to weigh 30lbs?!?

In order to achieve a low step over height, the frame must be shaped like a "U". This uses more material to make up the frame, and thus increases weight. Secondly, durability is not sacrificed in the name of achieving the lightest weight. These bikes were always pricey back in the day, and people expected them to last.

Remember the purpose of this type of folder is not for performance riding or multi modal use, although the train is commonly used when the distance merited it. Traditionally these folders were called "shoppers" in Europe, and Asia. It was common to see people ride them to the markets to buy their groceries, the newspaper, pick up fresh bread from the local bakery, or for leisure riding in general. Of course the folding feature meant that space which is at a premium in a small "flat" (apartment) as they call it, is conserved.

In fact my own folder, the Qile Duo VSTII (see avatar) is an Asian version of a shopper. And believe me, the Barcelona is light compared to it.:lol:

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

Wow, what a beautiful bike. I was just looking at the Ciao and the other Dahon step through, wishing I could afford one. The Schwinn Loop didn't appeal to me like this one. I load my Giant Suede into my car when it's too muddy to ride around my house (dirt roads) or if I need to ride back from the mechanics on car servicing day. Since the Suede weighs around 30 lbs., this looks so much easier to carry in the car. Hmm. Would love to read any reviews. Thanks for posting!

Question about gear inches and low gearing on the Citizen bikes:
As compared to the 8 speed Dahon Ciao (24-74" gear inches) and the 8 speed Dahon Glide (30-92" gear inches), what would be the gear inches for the Barcelona 3 speed? I have never understood the formula on the Sheldon Brown site.

You could always email Citizen Bike to see if they have the answer for you. If they don't know that exact range in gear inches, ask them if they can tell you how many teeth the chain ring, and the rear cog have, the length of the crank arms, and also which 3 speed hub is used by the Barcelona. I think the hub is a Shimano Nexus.

The tires are easy as they appear to be standard BMX (20"x1.75") size. With that data, it is easy to find the gear range using the online gear calculator by Sheldon Brown. Just input the variables in the designated areas on the calculator, and click on the Calculate button, and you'll have your answer.

Hope this helps.

Yes that bike is beautiful, isn't it?

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder




Question about gear inches and low gearing on the Citizen bikes:
As compared to the 8 speed Dahon Ciao (24-74" gear inches) and the 8 speed Dahon Glide (30-92" gear inches), what would be the gear inches for the Barcelona 3 speed? I have never understood the formula on the Sheldon Brown site.

After emailing Citizen Bike, they kindly responded with some info on the Barcelona and the Miami:
Barcelona -the BARCELONA Citizen Bike has a rear Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal hub with a 14 tooth cog. The front chainwheel is a 32 tooth chainwheel with 152mm crank arms. The Shimano Nexus hub is a model SG-3R42.

The tires are Kenda Kwest 20 x 1.75 (65psi) tires in a custom cream color made exclusively for the BARCELONA.

Miami- The MIAMI Citizen Bike has a 6 speed Shimano derailleur with a rear freewheel that ranges between 14 - 28 T over six gears. The front chainwheel is 46T with 170mm crank arms

Although I don't know if I used it correctly, I calculated a gear ratio of 31 - 58 inches for the Barcelona, and 30-61 gear inches for the Miami. Please correct me if I used the gear formula at Sheldon Brown wrong.

Hi Rosie8,

Yep! I ran those figures on Sheldon's calculator and came up with the same results pretty much. The Miami in particular is geared just like my Qile Duo VSTII folder. And the Barcelona is geared very much like the New Century 20" NON folding bike I used to own years ago. It's meant for easy low effort cruising. I think it's pretty cool that Citizen Bike was able to give you that data.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder




After emailing Citizen Bike, they kindly responded with some info on the Barcelona and the Miami:
Barcelona -the BARCELONA Citizen Bike has a rear Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal hub with a 14 tooth cog. The front chainwheel is a 32 tooth chainwheel with 152mm crank arms. The Shimano Nexus hub is a model SG-3R42.

The tires are Kenda Kwest 20 x 1.75 (65psi) tires in a custom cream color made exclusively for the BARCELONA.

Miami- The MIAMI Citizen Bike has a 6 speed Shimano derailleur with a rear freewheel that ranges between 14 - 28 T over six gears. The front chainwheel is 46T with 170mm crank arms

Although I don't know if I used it correctly, I calculated a gear ratio of 31 - 58 inches for the Barcelona, and 30-61 gear inches for the Miami. Please correct me if I used the gear formula at Sheldon Brown wrong.

Yes, I was impressed that Citizen replied in such detail in a timely manner.

Glad Sheldon Brown's calculator worked too!

Yes, I was impressed that Citizen replied in such detail in a timely manner.

Glad Sheldon Brown's calculator worked too!

Well I admit that I don't own any Citizen Bike products but have heard good things about their customer service. Also, I find appealing any company that sells a decent product at affordable prices.

I have a lot of fun sometimes playing with that gearing calculator myself:)

Hopefully we'll hear from someone who purchased a Barcelona, and honor us with a full review.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

I get the feeling that Citizen may be offering the product that a lot of people are looking for, a low priced, good quality, reliable, usable, bicycle. Is there a downside to their products that i haven't read about yet ?

Today I got a chance to finally see a new Citizen Barcelona (http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=22) up close. While resting under a gazebo in Cady Way Park here in Orlando, a young woman went by riding her Barcelona toward the parking lot. It was the "Ivory" colored model with the optional basket. I was on my non folding full size beach cruiser, and rode over to the lot to introduce myself as a folding bike owner. She was preparing to fold the bike, and put it away in the trunk of her car.

According to her, she had just gotten it, and was very happy with it. She told me that she has also received a lot of compliments. I took a closer look at the bike, and noticed how good the fit, and finish was on it. No surprises why she got so many kudos.

I did mention to her that I participate in a folding bike discussion group, and had mentioned the Barcelona here, but in retrospect, I should have invited her to register with Bike Forums, and hopefully participate with us. Maybe I should get my printer running, and print out some business cards with the web address of the forum, and give it to any folder riders I happen to encounter while I'm out, and about. :thumb:

Getting back to the Barcelona, the bike is absolutely beautiful, even more so than the photos on Citizen Bike's website.

On a side note, last week, on that same bike trail, there was another girl riding a Citizen Gotham (http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=7) (the older model), about 20-30 yards or so in front of me. I was on my folder (Qile Duo), and had to really push myself pretty hard to gain any distance on her. I finally got to within 15-20 feet of her but by then, I was, let's say, a bit winded!:eek: She once again pulled away from me, and couldn't help but think that in addition to the fact that she was probably about half my age, the Gotham is a faster bike than mine. I guess there should be no surprises there either.:roflmao2:

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

Cady Way Trail is nice. I remember when they first finished it. I'll be back in Orlando around Christmas, but I haven't decided if I'm bringing my Tikit with me or not.

--sa

Cady Way Trail is nice. I remember when they first finished it. I'll be back in Orlando around Christmas, but I haven't decided if I'm bringing my Tikit with me or not.

--sa

I've been riding the CWT for years, but now I am lucky to live only three blocks from where my street crosses over the trail. Hardly a day goes by that I don't ride on at least a short length of the trail when I'm going somewhere, and ride it about twice per week for some considerable distance like when I ride to the Cady Way Park where I met the girl with her new Barcelona.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

I'm a diehard Dahon owner that's interested in purchasing the Barcelona for my wife. Although she's not a "bike person," I think that this would be the perfect bike for her to cruise around town for shopping... plus it's great exercise, as we all know.

The price of the Barcelona is a bargain compared to the similarly styled Glide and Caio models that Dahon offers. I wish I could see one in person. Does anyone else have experience with this model or know anyone that owns one.

Hi,

As you have probably noticed, I started this thread, and actually met a Citizen Bike Barcelona owner over a week and half ago. The bike definitely has an air of quality, and class from what I was able to observe.

Like I stated in a previous post, I wish I had invited the Barcelona rider to find this forum, and join in. She could have shared her impressions about the bike with us.

You are correct, the Barcelona's price is very good, considering that other brands like Dahon sells 3 speed folders like the Curve for over $500. The Dahon Ciao is an 8 speed, and sells for over $800!

Good luck, and hope that you help your wife chose the best bike for her.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder


I'm a diehard Dahon owner that's interested in purchasing the Barcelona for my wife. Although she's not a "bike person," I think that this would be the perfect bike for her to cruise around town for shopping... plus it's great exercise, as we all know.

The price of the Barcelona is a bargain compared to the similarly styled Glide and Caio models that Dahon offers. I wish I could see one in person. Does anyone else have experience with this model or know anyone that owns one.

Thanks for the feedback, Ed. We live in Japan and I can definately see her using this for local shopping. The optional basket isn't a bad deal and Citizen's website says that they'll pre-install it before shipping it out. I'm almost sold, but still hoping to find a couple more reviews.

Don't know if anyone's still reading this thread, but I just got the Barcelona today, and I love it! It looks as great in person as it does in pictures, and the ride was very smooth. It's my first folding bike, but I did tool around once on a friend's Dahon for a bit, and I actually like the feel of the Barcelona better. It has a nice seat posture, and I felt very stable.

I'd been thinking of getting the Dahon Glide or Ciao, and this was just SO much more affordable (half the price!). I'm glad I went with it. I really like the look of it.

I got the basket pre-installed, and it's very securely attached, and nice and deep. With the built-in rear rack, I think it can carry a lot of stuff.

My other bike is a large, non-folding cruiser that I usually use to go shopping, ride around town, get to and from work, etc. and I can actually see this bike replacing that one altogether. I'd imagined it initially as complementing my other bike as a more portable option, but I don't see many drawbacks to the Barcelona now that I actually have one.

I don't know about getting up hills--the 20" wheels are new to me (my cruiser is 26"), and the Barcelona only has 3 gears. We'll see... I'm looking forward to trying it out in lots of new riding scenarios!

:)

I saw the thread you started on your impressions about the Barcelona. I enjoyed reading it, and the photos you posted. Great looking bike! :thumb:

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder


Don't know if anyone's still reading this thread, but I just got the Barcelona today, and I love it! It looks as great in person as it does in pictures, and the ride was very smooth. It's my first folding bike, but I did tool around once on a friend's Dahon for a bit, and I actually like the feel of the Barcelona better. It has a nice seat posture, and I felt very stable.

I'd been thinking of getting the Dahon Glide or Ciao, and this was just SO much more affordable (half the price!). I'm glad I went with it. I really like the look of it.

I got the basket pre-installed, and it's very securely attached, and nice and deep. With the built-in rear rack, I think it can carry a lot of stuff.

My other bike is a large, non-folding cruiser that I usually use to go shopping, ride around town, get to and from work, etc. and I can actually see this bike replacing that one altogether. I'd imagined it initially as complementing my other bike as a more portable option, but I don't see many drawbacks to the Barcelona now that I actually have one.

I don't know about getting up hills--the 20" wheels are new to me (my cruiser is 26"), and the Barcelona only has 3 gears. We'll see... I'm looking forward to trying it out in lots of new riding scenarios!

:)

Hi All :)

I've had my HUFFY Moutain Bike for 20 years, my grandmother bought it for me when I was 11 years old. Now, my style and taste has greatly changed, and I am IN LOVE with the Barcelona bike from Citizen. I live in Canada and it will be shipped from the US. I can't wait to experience it and share with you all. Oh ya .. just to let you all know, I will be converting it to an electric bike aswell. I hope there is a way to post a picture so I can share with you all. I know I could have easily bought a folding bike that is already electric, BUT there is no style like the Citizen that has caught my eye. Cheers!

Stay Tuned

Interesting question. I do understand why there is a price differential between the two bikes. The Ciao sports an 8 speed hub versus the Barcelona's 3 speed, and it is just a bit more of a complex machine than Citizen Bike's offering. But the Ciao does seem like it's a bit pricey in spite of that. However I think the Barcelona has a more classic folder look, reminiscent of a much simpler era .

Who knows when we'll have a review on the Barcelona, but I wonder if we have any current Ciao owners who can give us their impressions as to ride quality and such?

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

I have an 09 Ciao and it is a great riding bike. Very stable and agile, well-made, comfortable. I really like the index marks on the seat post because it facilitates re-setting the seat after unfolding the bike. If I were to replace anything it would be the front headlight because it's too dim. Most of my riding is on flat pavement here in Houston but there are some inclines along my normal route and the bike gearing makes the climb easy. Longest ride to date is 24 miles which I plan to eclipse. Problem is choosing which bike to ride ( 5 folders, 1 mtb).

I bought the Ciao on sale from an LBS since it was $250 off retail and I'm happy that I did.

I am excited for you! I know the feeling of anticipation waiting for a new bike in the mail.

Please post photos of your new bike if you are able to.


Hi All :)

I've had my HUFFY Moutain Bike for 20 years, my grandmother bought it for me when I was 11 years old. Now, my style and taste has greatly changed, and I am IN LOVE with the Barcelona bike from Citizen. I live in Canada and it will be shipped from the US. I can't wait to experience it and share with you all. Oh ya .. just to let you all know, I will be converting it to an electric bike aswell. I hope there is a way to post a picture so I can share with you all. I know I could have easily bought a folding bike that is already electric, BUT there is no style like the Citizen that has caught my eye. Cheers!

Stay Tuned

I am excited for you! I know the feeling of anticipation waiting for a new bike in the mail.

Please post photos of your new bike if you are able to.

Hi All .. She finally arrived! .. it is such a BEAUTIFUL BIKE ... It;s not very easy to post pics as neither the Maange Attachments, Insert Image or the Attachments options work to insert an image. Wish it would work so I could share the images with you all. The bike loos bigger in person than in the pictures, the frame is nice and think, the handlebars have a unique shape that you don't really notice in the pictures online. How does it ride? I dont know yet .. lol .. I received it late today and I will ride it tomorrow and update you all on the comfort level etc. It comes with a dinky bell that matches nicely with the handle bars. I will be replacing it with a battery horn. She is just a beauty!

Glad to hear your bike arrived safely and looks as you anticipated. Will be looking forward to your reports on handling and experiences.

I think somewhere there is a tutorial on posting pictures. Maybe if you do a search, it will let you post.

Hi All .. She finally arrived! .. it is such a BEAUTIFUL BIKE ... It;s not very easy to post pics as neither the Maange Attachments, Insert Image or the Attachments options work to insert an image. Wish it would work so I could share the images with you all. The bike loos bigger in person than in the pictures, the frame is nice and think, the handlebars have a unique shape that you don't really notice in the pictures online. How does it ride? I dont know yet .. lol .. I received it late today and I will ride it tomorrow and update you all on the comfort level etc. It comes with a dinky bell that matches nicely with the handle bars. I will be replacing it with a battery horn. She is just a beauty!

Hi there, in these last couple of days, I've been considering the Barcelona, too, but was concerned about the shipping. Were the duty and fees outrageous? Thanks

Looks like the Giant Revive.... except its a true folder. The Revive is a rigid 20" bike with low step over tubing.

Hello!

Yes! We're still reading! Would you kindly share how your Barcelona has done with hills and speed?

Thanks!



Don't know if anyone's still reading this thread, but I just got the Barcelona today, and I love it! It looks as great in person as it does in pictures, and the ride was very smooth. It's my first folding bike, but I did tool around once on a friend's Dahon for a bit, and I actually like the feel of the Barcelona better. It has a nice seat posture, and I felt very stable.

I'd been thinking of getting the Dahon Glide or Ciao, and this was just SO much more affordable (half the price!). I'm glad I went with it. I really like the look of it.

I got the basket pre-installed, and it's very securely attached, and nice and deep. With the built-in rear rack, I think it can carry a lot of stuff.

My other bike is a large, non-folding cruiser that I usually use to go shopping, ride around town, get to and from work, etc. and I can actually see this bike replacing that one altogether. I'd imagined it initially as complementing my other bike as a more portable option, but I don't see many drawbacks to the Barcelona now that I actually have one.

I don't know about getting up hills--the 20" wheels are new to me (my cruiser is 26"), and the Barcelona only has 3 gears. We'll see... I'm looking forward to trying it out in lots of new riding scenarios!

:)

Looks like the Giant Revive.... except its a true folder. The Revive is a rigid 20" bike with low step over tubing.
I had a 2004 Revive DX. It was extremely comfortable and, IMHO, a great bike for someone with back, neck and/or shoulder issues. But, at ~48 lbs., it's best as a flatlands cruiser. ;)

In comparing the Barcelona to the Ciao I noticed the bottom brackets are on opposite sides of the seat tube. Barcelona being aft and the Ciao forward. In one of the Barcelona promo pictures with the girl sitting on the bicycle, it seems the pedals maybe a bit too far back for comfort. I know the seat can be adjusted to account for some of that but I'm just wondering if it really is an issue. I like the 8 speed on the Ciao though big jump in price. I also know there are other components on the Ciao that add to the cost. But there is that little element that should be near the last thing to consider, style. I used to love the look of the Ciao. But since the Barcelona came out, the Ciao seems kind of frumpy. I don't want to hurt anyones feelings or insult their taste, it's just a preference thing. A 3 speed would work fine here in Portland. So to you that have ridden one or own one, does it ride much different than other 20" folders? I have a Downtube 8h that I like though not crazy about its style.

Monday (5/31), I saw Citizen bikes on The View, as interesting products for summer. They actually had 3 models: the citizen, the Barcelona, and the Gotham. Sheri Shepard sat on the citizen, while Whoopi Goldberg perched on the Barcelona. Whoopi's comment was, "the seat is comfortable." They didn't get to ride them around because of lack of space. It was interesting to see the size of the bikes as compared to the cohosts. The Barcelona looked a lot larger than I pictured. Good promo for them on national television.

Would love to hear from the owners of Barcelonas to let us know about how they work out in everyday use.

Hi, new here. Just ordered the BARCELONA from Citizen. I bought it for my wife who did not want a traditonal bike and something very Euro. I will let you know about the bike. Just asked about 40 questions to the small staff(2) at Citizen (before I ordered)being a avid rider here in NYC with all types of bikes. Seems like they did a few changes like the basket and the bike now has an adjustible stem for the bars. You can also buy the special tires also through them if you have any mishaps(I will order 2 in a few weeks) or any other part special to the bike.


.

Hi, new here. Just ordered the BARCELONA from Citizen. I bought it for my wife who did not want a traditonal bike and something very Euro. I will let you know about the bike. Just asked about 40 questions to the small staff(2) at Citizen (before I ordered)being a avid rider here in NYC with all types of bikes. Seems like they did a few changes like the basket and the bike now has an adjustible stem for the bars. You can also buy the special tires also through them if you have any mishaps(I will order 2 in a few weeks) or any other part special to the bike.


Hope she enjoys it! Definitely post pictures and a review once it arrives. I'm interested to see if much is different from when I got mine!

Just got the Barcelona today. Still wrapped tires but well worth it so far. As you can see I work with expensive machines. I fooled a few thinking this bike cost over $950.!!! Look at the link of pictures and I will keep you posted. This bike will be a light commuter to NYC for my wife. I love the quality so far. The new adjustable stem is great and they give you the front rack now when you buy the basket. Two for one!




https://picasaweb.google.com/101834886405667350527/Barcelona?authkey=Gv1sRgCMyFtZ3A4NyTigE#

I ordered a green Barcelona today! I was actually going to get the Gotham 2, but once I saw the Barcelona I just had to have it (I was able to see a Miami, Gotham 2 and Barcelona side-by-side). I am very excited and can't wait for it to come in. The green was not in stock so I have to wait for their new shipment to arrive.

sorry for the cross posts, a friend's b-day is coming up fast - Does anyone know where to get replacement cream Kenda Kwests?