For many years I've considered folding bikes for tossing into the car or to easily take on a train or whatever, but always balked at the prices.


Well, I've since jumped in. Facebook Marketplace first brought me a Citizen Tokyo in fine shape for $70. If I was to be picky, I'd swap the freewheel to a 7 speed one with an 11-28 range to speed it up. Plus, the original shifter has some damage but is functional, so a 7 speed swap would fix that. Otherwise it's nice for used and cheap.


Then this past Monday came around, and up pops a Miami for $60. I could tell from the photos that it had lived a rough life, fenders were dented up badly and there are some bad chips in the paint, but I figured I could do something with it. Long story short, I offered the seller $40 and brought it home.


The cable ends were all bent up, snipped those and put new ferrules on (I'm only 5'8" so losing a tiny bit of length won't hurt). The vbrake noodles were broken front and rear, replaced. The rear brake pads were toast, replaced from the used bin. Both tires were bad, one had a bad sidewall gash, the other just bald. Bald tire is still on the rear, gashed one replaced with one from the used pile. I did order a replacement for the bald one (keeping this project cheap). Fenders are now gone, kickstand was damaged too, swapped with one from my parts bin (I usually abhor kickstands but for a work/city bike I find them useful). Repacked both wheel bearings, headset was loose, should repack that but forgot, cranks feel fine. Added a bottle cage. Derailleur was poorly adjusted too.


I've ridden it a solid 20 miles since I got it already, quite a nice riding and functional bike for $65 total investment. And, being a little rough around the edges, it may be a little less of a target for thieves if I take it into the city. Only thing that has me worried is I'm over the weight limit by a good 30 pounds. I have other bikes so it won't get used a ton, hopefully I can get under the limit by year's end.


I haven't taken pictures, will have to get the two Citizens next to each other for a photoshoot haha. I definitely prefer riding the Miami, as the Tokyo is significantly slower, but it's cool to have two bikes that can be taken anywhere and would fit about anyone in the house. I know my 10 year old fits the Tokyo if I make it small. Wife doesn't like to ride, so I'll skip looking for a third...


... that is unless one of those old Fuji Marlboros comes up for cheap. Always thought they were fun.