edwong3

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

killagunz

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.

BluePlate55

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!

edwong3

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

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

SoccerBikeGirl

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

airwulf

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.

edwong3

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.

SoccerBikeGirl

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!

Rosie8

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.

ponglo

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

NormanF

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

tattle

Hello!

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

Thanks!

HGR3inOK

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.

BikeKraft

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.

Rosie8

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.

Varooom

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.


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BluePlate55

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!

Varooom

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/1018348...MyFtZ3A4NyTigE#

dripdrops

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.

pgoat

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