Newest Citizenbike: The Barcelona
#1
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Newest Citizenbike: The Barcelona
Retro looks, low step over, 3 speed IGH, 2 sizes.
https://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.a...&product_id=22
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
https://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.a...&product_id=22
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
#3
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Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
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wow it's very similar to the dahon Ciao but half the price!
https://dahon.com/us/ciaop8.htm
I wonder how they compare to each other in ride quality?
https://dahon.com/us/ciaop8.htm
I wonder how they compare to each other in ride quality?
#5
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wow it's very similar to the dahon Ciao but half the price!
https://dahon.com/us/ciaop8.htm
I wonder how they compare to each other in ride quality?
https://dahon.com/us/ciaop8.htm
I wonder how they compare to each other in ride quality?
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
#6
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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.
https://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.a...&product_id=22
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
https://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.a...&product_id=22
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
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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.
#10
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Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
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Yes, gorgeous..
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.
#13
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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.
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
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.
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
Last edited by edwong3; 09-21-09 at 02:34 PM.
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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!
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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.
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.
#16
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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
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.
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.
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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.
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.
#18
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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
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.
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.
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Yes, I was impressed that Citizen replied in such detail in a timely manner.
Glad Sheldon Brown's calculator worked too!
Glad Sheldon Brown's calculator worked too!
#20
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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
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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 ?
#22
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Seen a Barcelona today!
Today I got a chance to finally see a new Citizen Barcelona 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.
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 (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! 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.
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
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.
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 (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! 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.
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
Last edited by edwong3; 11-15-09 at 05:30 PM.
#23
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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
--sa
#24
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Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
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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.
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.