I've been meaning to write this citizen folding bicycle review for a while now, mostly because people keep asking me if a bike that costs less than a fancy espresso machine is actually worth riding. If you've spent any time looking for a way to get around the city without dealing with traffic or the nightmare of finding a parking spot, you've probably seen Citizen bikes pop up in your search results. They're colorful, they look convenient, and the price tag is usually pretty tempting compared to those high-end European brands that cost as much as a used car.
I've spent the last few months taking one of these through its paces—commuting to work, tossing it in the trunk for weekend trips, and even lugging it up three flights of stairs when the elevator was broken. Here's the real deal on what it's like to live with one.
First Impressions and the Price Point
The first thing you notice about Citizen is that they don't try to be something they're not. When mine arrived, I was honestly surprised by how well-packaged it was. You don't have to be a mechanical genius to get it ready; it mostly just unfolds, and you're good to go after a few quick adjustments.
The big selling point here is obviously the value. Most people looking into a citizen folding bicycle review are doing so because they want a folding bike but don't want to drop $1,500 on a Brompton or a Tern. Citizen fits into that "budget-friendly but reliable" niche. It feels solid when you pull it out of the box. The paint job on mine was vibrant, and it didn't feel like a cheap toy, which was my biggest fear.
Folding and Unfolding: The Reality
Let's talk about the folding mechanism, because that's the whole reason you're buying this thing. If a folding bike is a pain to actually fold, you'll end up leaving it in the garage.
The Citizen uses a pretty standard mid-frame hinge and a folding handlebar stem. Once you get the hang of it, you can probably get the whole thing collapsed in about 20 to 30 seconds. It's not the "magic" one-click fold you see on super-expensive models, but it's straightforward.
One thing to keep in mind is the weight. Depending on which model you get (like the Tokyo or the Miami), these bikes can be a bit heavy. Many of their frames are made of steel to keep the cost down, and while that makes the bike feel sturdy on the road, it does mean you'll get a bit of a workout if you're carrying it for long distances. If you have to carry it up several flights of stairs every day, you might want to look at their aluminum models like the Gotham, which are a bit lighter on the arms.
How Does It Actually Ride?
I'll be honest: I wasn't expecting a racing experience. However, for a bike with small wheels, the ride quality is surprisingly decent. Most Citizen bikes come with 6 or 7-speed Shimano gears, which is plenty for most city commutes.
Dealing with Hills
If you live in a place like San Francisco, you might struggle a bit. The gearing is geared more toward flat city streets and moderate inclines. On flat ground, it zips along quite nicely. You can keep up a good pace, and the upright riding position gives you a great view of traffic around you.
Comfort and Stability
The small wheels (usually 16 or 20 inches) make the steering feel a bit "twitchy" at first if you're used to a full-sized mountain bike or road bike. It's very responsive—sometimes too responsive—but you get used to it within the first ten minutes. The saddle that comes standard is actually pretty comfortable, which is a rarity. Usually, that's the first thing I swap out on a new bike, but I've kept the stock one on my Citizen for now.
Portability and Life on the Go
The real test of any citizen folding bicycle review is how it fits into a lifestyle. I've taken mine on the train several times. When folded, it's compact enough to tuck between seats or stand in the luggage area without bothering anyone.
It also fits easily into the trunk of a small sedan. This has been a game-changer for me. I can park in a cheaper lot on the outskirts of downtown and then "bike the last mile" to my office. It saves me about $15 a day in parking fees, so the bike basically paid for itself in a couple of months.
However, it doesn't "lock" together as tightly as I'd like when folded. If you're lifting it, you have to be careful how you grab it, or it might try to swing open. I ended up using a simple bungee cord to keep it snug when I'm transporting it, which solved the problem easily enough.
The Little Details (And Some Gripes)
No bike is perfect, especially at this price range. After a few months of riding, a few things have stood out to me.
The Fenders and Racks: Most Citizen bikes come with fenders and a rear rack included. This is a huge plus. You don't realize how much you need fenders until you ride through a puddle and get a "skunk stripe" of mud up your back. Having the rack already there makes it easy to attach a pannier or strap down a backpack.
The Pedals: The folding pedals are functional, but they're made of plastic. They've held up so far, but they don't feel as "grippy" as I'd like, especially when it's raining. If you find your feet slipping, this is an easy and cheap upgrade to make later on.
Maintenance: Because the components are standard Shimano parts, any local bike shop can work on it. You don't need a specialist, which is a relief. I did have to tighten the folding latch after the first month because it developed a tiny bit of play, but it was a simple adjustment with an Allen wrench.
Who Is This Bike For?
After living with it, I think I have a good handle on who would actually enjoy this bike.
It's perfect for: * Students who need to get across campus and want to keep their bike in their dorm room to avoid theft. * Commuters who use a mix of biking and public transit. * RV and Boat owners who want a way to get around when they're parked but have limited storage space. * Casual riders who just want a fun bike for the weekend but don't want it taking up half their living room.
It's probably not for: * Hardcore cyclists who want to go 25 mph or climb mountains. * Long-distance tourers who plan on riding 50+ miles a day. * Weight weenies who obsess over every ounce of their gear.
Final Verdict
To wrap up this citizen folding bicycle review, I'd say that Citizen has pretty much nailed the balance between cost and quality. It's not a "luxury" bike, but it doesn't feel like a "disposable" bike either. It's a workhorse.
It's got its quirks—it's a little heavy, and the fold isn't the most compact in the world—but for the price, it's hard to beat. It's reliable, it looks cool, and it does exactly what it's supposed to do: get you from point A to point B without any drama.
If you're on the fence about whether a folding bike is right for you, starting with a Citizen is a low-risk way to find out. You get a lot of bike for your money, and honestly, it's just fun to ride. There's something about those small wheels that makes you feel like a kid again, even when you're just biking to a boring meeting at the office.
At the end of the day, the best bike is the one you actually use. Because mine is so easy to grab and throw in the car, I find myself riding a lot more than I used to. And really, that's the best endorsement I can give.