Folding Bikes - New Gotham2 Citizen Bike!

So, my hubby finally got his Gotham2! It's pretty cool. :)

Here are pics of it folded and unfolded, and also a pic of it next to my Barcelona.

136743136744136745

Delivery was super-speedy as with our other CB order, though the bike needed some extra adjustment when it arrived. The handlebars weren't aligned with the front wheel (quite noticeably), and they didn't send the hex wrench that would be needed to adjust it (I think this is an adjustment they don't think you're supposed to make yourself--they send the tools for the adjustments they do expect you to be making). Whoever did the final inspection clearly missed that one!

Compared to the Barcelona, the G2 folds up WAAAAAY tighter and smaller. I am still madly in love with my cruiser, but wow--it's no where near that tidy of a package.

He ordered the "large" size, and while my Barcelona is the "medium" size (those are the only two sizes they offer), there seems to be almost no difference is frame size. I have no idea if a medium G2 or a large Barcelona would look very different, but these sure don't.

He hasn't ridden it really yet, so I'll update when he has.

On a side note: we're so happy we found the world of folding bikes! We thought we'd have to be bikeless in our temporary living situation, and now we're thinking we can maybe ditch our old, cumbersome bikes altogether! :)

Hi Blueplate55,

Great looking bike! It makes a nice contrast with it's ultra modern looks next to the classic beauty of your Barcelona. :love: I see he ordered it with some "goodies" such as the rack/fender kit, and the wider comfort seat. :thumb:

We'll be looking forward to any feedback on how it rides and performs for your husband.

Happy Trails,
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder


So, my hubby finally got his Gotham2! It's pretty cool. :)

Here are pics of it folded and unfolded, and also a pic of it next to my Barcelona.

136743136744136745

Delivery was super-speedy as with our other CB order, though the bike needed some extra adjustment when it arrived. The handlebars weren't aligned with the front wheel (quite noticeably), and they didn't send the hex wrench that would be needed to adjust it (I think this is an adjustment they don't think you're supposed to make yourself--they send the tools for the adjustments they do expect you to be making). Whoever did the final inspection clearly missed that one!

Compared to the Barcelona, the G2 folds up WAAAAAY tighter and smaller. I am still madly in love with my cruiser, but wow--it's no where near that tidy of a package.

He ordered the "large" size, and while my Barcelona is the "medium" size (those are the only two sizes they offer), there seems to be almost no difference is frame size. I have no idea if a medium G2 or a large Barcelona would look very different, but these sure don't.

He hasn't ridden it really yet, so I'll update when he has.

On a side note: we're so happy we found the world of folding bikes! We thought we'd have to be bikeless in our temporary living situation, and now we're thinking we can maybe ditch our old, cumbersome bikes altogether! :)

You might not want to rest that bike, folded, on the carpet once you start using it. The chain is touching the carpet!

So, my hubby
On a side note: we're so happy we found the world of folding bikes! We thought we'd have to be bikeless in our temporary living situation, and now we're thinking we can maybe ditch our old, cumbersome bikes altogether! :)

welcome to the fold.. you have no idea how many people did just that
and are now very happy to cruise along on small wheeled bikes.
Thor

So, my hubby finally got his Gotham2! It's pretty cool. :)

He ordered the "large" size, and while my Barcelona is the "medium" size (those are the only two sizes they offer), there seems to be almost no difference is frame size. I have no idea if a medium G2 or a large Barcelona would look very different, but these sure don't.

I wonder if CB sizes their bikes like the Xootr Swift. In other words, maybe the size is just a reflection of factors like stem extension and seat post length rather than a difference in frame size. It would be interesting to know.

Nice!

With the top tube "cut out", does it make it lighter? I would think that the missing metal would. How much does it weigh?

Nice!

With the top tube "cut out", does it make it lighter? I would think that the missing metal would. How much does it weigh?Contrary to commonly thought, bike frames are actually quite a small portion of the total weight. So making the top tube different would have an almost negligible effect on total weight. Besides, 2 full tubes in parallel would be quite close to a single bigger tube.

I think the dual top tube is a stylistic move. Quite a good one actually. Or maybe Dahon threatened them about copying the Mu looks, so they changed something to effect the looks. Pure speculation. :P

Nice!

With the top tube "cut out", does it make it lighter? I would think that the missing metal would. How much does it weigh?

According to Citizenbike's website, the Gotham2 weighs 25 lbs.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

It's noticeably lighter than the Barcelona, which weighs in at 30 (according to the website--I haven't taken it on the scale...). In fact, I've been offering (generously) to carry his bike up the stairs, so he can take mine up for me. ;)

Of course, I've got the basket, and I usually have lots of stuff in it, which is probably making it even heavier.

The cut out interestingly helps with picking the bike up--it makes an easy handle.

Good pics. I am thinking about buying this bike. I live in South fla so I could probably pick it up from them. I like the idea that I could take it anywhere in the car without hassle. Havent been on a bike in year but this sounds cool.

Rob

BluePlate55,

So how does the hubby like his new G2? :D

That cutout might be a good place to mount a battery...

Hi
In Japan there are a wide range of folders. The Doppleganger range includes some bikes that look identical to your Gotham and Barcelona.

http://www.doppelganger-sports.jp/bike/

By the way if you wish to see some of the other types of folders available in Japan try this website.

http://www.cycle-yoshida.com/bicycle_tanpin/folding_menu.htm

All the best
Rob

I've narrowed my search down between a Dahon, Downtube and the Citizens Gothic2. How does he like it, how well are the components holding up? Have you made any upgrades, or had problems upgrading? Super curious, I'm ready to buy...

I've narrowed my search down between a Dahon, Downtube and the Citizens Gothic2. How does he like it, how well are the components holding up? Have you made any upgrades, or had problems upgrading? Super curious, I'm ready to buy...

The woman (Blueplate55) that started this thread hasn't posted any updates for quite a while, so I wonder if she even reads this site anymore.

She had bought a Citizenbike Barcelona, and posted a wonderful review on it, and then a couple of weeks later, her husband got the Gotham2, and we're still waiting on their impressions about that bike.

Hope everything is alright.

I've had a couple of minor issues with my Downtube FS8 (slipping gears, adjustment of main frame locking mechanism) but no troubles at all with my Citizen Tokyo which worked fine out of the box. Ofcourse, all shipped bikes should get a shop tuneup.

The woman (Blueplate55) that started this thread hasn't posted any updates for quite a while, so I wonder if she even reads this site anymore.

She had bought a Citizenbike Barcelona, and posted a wonderful review on it, and then a couple of weeks later, her husband got the Gotham2, and we're still waiting on their impressions about that bike.

Hope everything is alright.They're probably just having too much fun riding their new bikes! They really sounded like they are in love with their bikes - Fantastic!

I tried using PM for BluePlate but she has that feature deactived. Darn!!

I forgot I'd started this other thread!! My hubby is really enjoying his Gotham 2, though he tends to ride it like a BMX (since it's a similar size to the bikes from his childhood) so he's thinking of getting knobbier tires. The slim ones it comes with are good for commuting on roads, but we often ride over grass or dirt or gravel, and he'd like something grippier.

To be honest, I think the Gotham 2 is actually a better bike than my Barcelona. While I still love the look of my bike, the Gotham 2 is simply lighter, zippier, easier to fold, smaller when folded, and a bit more adaptable (since it has 8 gears).

The only thing we've noticed is that the handlebars make a weird clicky noise when he pulls on them or turns in certain ways. There's no movement, no looseness, just this click, that it's REALLY hard to replicate when he's not riding it. We think it's in the post, though we're not sure. I almost felt like I could *feel* something happen when I tried riding it and it clicked, but no parts moved in a way they weren't supposed to, which leads me to think it's internal.

It doesn't mess with the riding experience, but I'm hoping nothing's wrong on the inside! Any thoughts on what it could be??

Over all, both hubby and I are very happy with our CBs. I think the only bike that might pull me away from the Barcelona is the Dahon Glide, but it's not financially feasible right now, and the glow hasn't worn off the Barcelona enough for me to seriously consider it. :)

BluePlate, have you tried other folders before you made your Barcelona purchase? Just interested in hearing how the Gotham and Barcelona compared to others?

I spent a little time tooling around on my mother-in-law's Dahon one day, but it was before I was considering getting a folder for myself, so I didn't pay close attention to what model it was. I remember that it felt spindly--I felt like I was a bit teetery on the seatpost. She may have a 16" wheel model, or, I simply wasn't used to the smaller size yet (my previous bike was a cruiser/mtn bike hycrid with 26" wheels).

The next time I'm visiting, I'll have to make a more purposeful comparison. Just from having shopped around, I feel like Dahon generally does a better job covering all the bases of accessories. I love the built-in dynamo headlight, for example, and I like that the Ciao has more speeds than the Barcelona, but in most cases, I can't use the frills to justify the price.

As for the other major brands that are regularly discussed in this forum, I have no experience at all! I'd never even heard of folding bikes until my MIL got hers, and then it was only last year that we got our own. I was frustrated while shopping that very few bike shops has models for me to try--that seems to be one of the big obstacles in really being able to shop around.

I agree with you

... the Gotham 2 is simply lighter, zippier, easier to fold, smaller when folded, and a bit more adaptable (since it has 8 gears).


That's what I was hoping to hear. My Miami rides nice but The Gotham2 looks like it has better components. It's looking like it may be my next Folder. :thumb:

The only thing we've noticed is that the handlebars make a weird clicky noise when he pulls on them or turns in certain ways. There's no movement, no looseness, just this click, that it's REALLY hard to replicate when he's not riding it. We think it's in the post, though we're not sure. I almost felt like I could *feel* something happen when I tried riding it and it clicked, but no parts moved in a way they weren't supposed to, which leads me to think it's internal.

Blueplate55,

That "clicking" that you hear might just be a simple headset or handlepost adjustment. You should call Citizenbike, and see what they think.

That "clicking" that you hear might just be a simple headset or handlepost adjustment. You should call Citizenbike, and see what they think.

Good suggestion--we'll give them a call and see if they have any suggestions. I'm hoping it's just a quirk that gives it character... :)

BluePlate55,
Thank you for all the info on the Citizen Gotham 2 and Barcelona. My girlfriend, who is looking for a folding bike, was able to narrow down her choice to the gotham 2 with the help of your posts. For her first folding bike, she has a few questions.

1. Does the Gotham 2 tow when folded? If so, is it easy enough to tow into stores?

2. If you have the carry bag from citizen, is it comfortable enough to carry with the bike in it into stores?

BluePlate55,
Thank you for all the info on the Citizen Gotham 2 and Barcelona. My girlfriend, who is looking for a folding bike, was able to narrow down her choice to the gotham 2 with the help of your posts. For her first folding bike, she has a few questions.

1. Does the Gotham 2 tow when folded? If so, is it easy enough to tow into stores?

2. If you have the carry bag from citizen, is it comfortable enough to carry with the bike in it into stores?

as far as i know you can't roll it when folded. not a chance - even with the bag i don't recommend it being carried. it is on the heavy side and not comfortable. tell your girlfriend to save some more and get something else. a downtube or dahon will be a better choice.

Thanks. I have looked at some dahon's and have been looking at the downtube nova. Dahon mu uno was incredibly light at around 22 lbs but a single gear bike was not what she wanted. The mu with more speeds is out of our budget. The downtube nova is nice but does not fold up as compact as the gotham 2. The gotham 2 is only 25 pounds and well in our budget. Last time I checked 25 lbs is actually pretty light not to mention the nova is 24 lbs. Anyway, does the nova roll when folded?

The Gotham2 unfortunately does not tow. It seems quite liftable to me (it's even a few pounds lighter than my Barcelona), but it's not really super-convenient to carry it places. I've only ever used the bag on my Barcelona, but assuming it's similar to using it with the Gotham2 it's definitely not the kind of thing you want to sling over your shoulder and take into a store with you. All the times that my hubby and I have taken our folders shopping with us, we lock them up outside the store, just like a regular bike.

The bike itself is great, and it folds up small enough to fit in our tiny, two-door car with no trouble, but it's not something I'd recommend getting if you're planning to carry it around casually.

Thanks. I have looked at some dahon's and have been looking at the downtube nova. Dahon mu uno was incredibly light at around 22 lbs but a single gear bike was not what she wanted. The mu with more speeds is out of our budget. The downtube nova is nice but does not fold up as compact as the gotham 2. The gotham 2 is only 25 pounds and well in our budget. Last time I checked 25 lbs is actually pretty light not to mention the nova is 24 lbs. Anyway, does the nova roll when folded?

The Dahon lightweight performance bikes are pretty common (mu, speed). So common that they appear on craigslist on average of one every three months or so. You just have to look at CL every day and snap them up when they first appear. They always are attractively priced if you go this route.

Yes. CL is your friend. Just have patience. If I were you look somewhere else and not to limit yourself to gotham2.

Thank you so much, vamniqui, BluePlate55, and Shiny Biker. You guys have been so helpful. I have been checking CL for awhile. I'm in nyc where you'd want a folding bike the most, so most dahon's are still more than my gf and I can afford.

Thank you so much, vamniqui, BluePlate55, and Shiny Biker. You guys have been so helpful. I have been checking CL for awhile. I'm in nyc where you'd want a folding bike the most, so most dahon's are still more than my gf and I can afford.

It seems like you're wanting something really portable. Have you considered a 16 inch bike? If you don't need a lot of gears, the Dahon Curve D3 or even the Kent Nexus 3 speed are reasonably light, and fold small. One thing is I do not know how well any of these two bikes roll when folded.

welcome to the fold.. you have no idea how many people did just that
and are now very happy to cruise along on small wheeled bikes.
Thor

I lived in rent accomadation while house hunting. Four bikes were stored under the piano!

I got the gotham 2 also, have it for about a week now. i weighed it and it's 29 lbs not 25 lbs as stated on the website. The fork is made of steel while the frame is alloy. It's a good looking bike. Original seat is slim. Wondering if you could weigh your g2 and barcelona?

I got the gotham 2 also, have it for about a week now. i weighed it and it's 29 lbs not 25 lbs as stated on the website. The fork is made of steel while the frame is alloy. It's a good looking bike. Original seat is slim. Wondering if you could weigh your g2 and barcelona?

I haven't weighed them, and I don't have a scale handy to do so, but if I find myself with one I'll check it out and let you know. I do know that the G2 is definitely lighter than the Barcelona, but since our bikes are utility bikes for us (we shop and commute on them), they're currently loaded up with baskets and so weigh a lot more than their baseline weight. Still, my Barcelona is WAY lighter than my old cruiser... :)

I haven't weighed them, and I don't have a scale handy to do so, but if I find myself with one I'll check it out and let you know. I do know that the G2 is definitely lighter than the Barcelona, but since our bikes are utility bikes for us (we shop and commute on them), they're currently loaded up with baskets and so weigh a lot more than their baseline weight. Still, my Barcelona is WAY lighter than my old cruiser... :)

Funny thing is they just updated their website stating that the Gotham 2 is now 27 lbs, which is still not true, its 29 lbs. Anyways, I am happy with the look and finish of the bike but upset that they would lie about the weight of the bike. I just ordered the Barcelona. It looks so cool!

I had a friend move to NYC for a couple years, and was looking at going to visit in a couple months. I've been considering getting a Gotham 1/2 for the trip and also because I always need more bikes. Can anyone offer any travelling advice with this? can you fit it into any kind of carryon? Will the TSA mistake it for a nuclear bomb? If I check it, am I going to arrive in NYC with a totally ruined bike?

I don't think any 20" folding bike is going to make it as carryon. Even with the much smaller Brompton, the best people seem to manage is gate-checking the things.

The TSA will think it's a bike.

If you pack it carefully, you should be fine checking it -- damage wise. The most vulnerable part is likely to be the rear derailleur. I always unscrew mine from any bikes that are going to be checked and make a little cage out of cardboard and bubble wrap for it. No need to take it off the chain.

BluePlate55,
Thank you for all the info on the Citizen Gotham 2 and Barcelona. My girlfriend, who is looking for a folding bike, was able to narrow down her choice to the gotham 2 with the help of your posts. For her first folding bike, she has a few questions.

1. Does the Gotham 2 tow when folded? If so, is it easy enough to tow into stores?

2. If you have the carry bag from citizen, is it comfortable enough to carry with the bike in it into stores?

My new Tokyo can be pushed in front of me with the seat extended (you hold the seat). I secure the front fork to the rear frame to keep the wheel from wobbling and it pushes along quite well - kind of like a suitcase on wheels - do not believe that I could pull behind me though as the wheel has a tendancy to turn when they rotate in that direction - definately comes in handy when going the block or so from the train to the car after work as the bike is quite heavy...

Hi, Just ordered up the 'new' Barcelona. They told me they made a few new adjustments to it(basket base/handlebars) I will post when it arrives. Looking forward for the ease of folding bikes here in NYC.



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I just received my Gotham 1 today. I will get a lot of miles on it this afternoon, but so far it's top quality. Will get pictures of it when my camera comes back home from vacation.

Hi Blueplate55, Like to know how Gotham2 performance so far, I order 1 for my self yesterday ? like to know your opinion.

.. Anyway, does the nova roll when folded?

We have a green Nova and it rolls pretty good. It rolls on both wheel so it's easier to balance it. You may need a velcro strap to tie it. I think it came with one but am not sure (we don't need it).

I purchased a Gotham 2 about eight months ago and ended up returning it for a refund. The bike weighs several pounds more than advertized and was 4" wider than advertized when folded. It was a very good looking bike, but I felt deceived because of the differences in the actual measurements of the bike.

Hi Blueplate55, Like to know how Gotham2 performance so far, I order 1 for my self yesterday ? like to know your opinion.

Well, it's currently folded up in the garage as it's winter here, but my husband rode it all last summer and it was going strong! He bought it in early Spring of 2010 (I think), and hasn't had any issues with it at all! Most people think it's a BMX bike of some kind when they first see him riding it, and those who stop to ask about it are always impressed by its form and function.

The only persistent thing we've noticed is the clicking in the handlebars (I think I mentioned this somewhere above, or in another thread). When he puts a lot of force on the handlebars, like when going up hill, it makes a clicking sound from somewhere inside. My Barcelona, which is also doing quite well after 2 years, has also started making this noise (it began after I crashed it--lightly--into a fence!). There's no performance issue with the noise, and we had a bike shop try to identify the noise and they couldn't, so now we just live with it.

Well, it's currently folded up in the garage as it's winter here, but my husband rode it all last summer and it was going strong! He bought it in early Spring of 2010 (I think), and hasn't had any issues with it at all! Most people think it's a BMX bike of some kind when they first see him riding it, and those who stop to ask about it are always impressed by its form and function.

The only persistent thing we've noticed is the clicking in the handlebars (I think I mentioned this somewhere above, or in another thread). When he puts a lot of force on the handlebars, like when going up hill, it makes a clicking sound from somewhere inside. My Barcelona, which is also doing quite well after 2 years, has also started making this noise (it began after I crashed it--lightly--into a fence!). There's no performance issue with the noise, and we had a bike shop try to identify the noise and they couldn't, so now we just live with it.

Just out of curiosity, do the handlebars go high enough for your husband to use it for long durations without feeling hunched over? Just by looking at the pictures, the seat and the handle bars seem to be at the same height, making it seem rather uncomfortable. Is that the case, or do the handle bars go up higher?

Just out of curiosity, do the handlebars go high enough for your husband to use it for long durations without feeling hunched over? Just by looking at the pictures, the seat and the handle bars seem to be at the same height, making it seem rather uncomfortable. Is that the case, or do the handle bars go up higher?

I believe that Blueplate's husband's Gotham 2 is the "first generation" for that model, and the handle post is not adjustable. However, the newer version does have an adjustable handle post, and is probably capable of being risen higher than the seat.

Look closely at the photo below to see the quick release on the post:

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp129/edwong3/gotham2_400px_orange.jpg

... now we're thinking we can maybe ditch our old, cumbersome bikes altogether! :) what i did and never looked back! got rid of bike rack on the car. save some room in the garage. And get the same enjoyment of biking.

thanks for pictures.

I believe that Blueplate's husband's Gotham 2 is the "first generation" for that model, and the handle post is not adjustable. However, the newer version does have an adjustable handle post, and is probably capable of being risen higher than the seat.


Yep! My husband has the original one, where the handlebars aren't adjustable. He doesn't seem to mind it much--I asked him about it, and he said it felt a bit like riding a regular mountain bike, position-wise. I much prefer the up-right posture that the Barcelona gives me.

The new Gotham 2 looks fabulous--wow!!