tips on setting up your new folding bike

Initial folding bike setup guide

Please download a copy of this setup and quick start guide for a complete guide to setting up your new bicycle.

Click here to familiarize yourself with the parts of your new bike.

Click here for an overview of the folding and unfolding procedure.

Quick start

Thanks for purchasing a folding bike by Citizen Bike. Here are some tips to get your new bike set up before riding. It is always advisable to have your bicycle properly assembled by a bicycle professional. This setup and ongoing maintenance will ensure a proper and safe setup and long life for your new folding bike.

Please remove Citizen Bike folding bike from the delivery package and remove any protective packing material.

Your Citizen Bike package includes a setup box with:

• · Quick Start guide with folding/unfolding procedure
• · Saddle (with attached seatpost connector)
• · Plastic bolt caps (for wheel hub bolts)
• · Folding Bike pedals
• · Free bell

Also included in your Citizen Bike package is the seatpost.

Your seatpost may have your saddle already connected and secured to the seatpost. Additionally, your model may have one or both pedals already attached to your folding bike.

Connecting the seat to the post

If your Citizen Bike includes a saddle that is not already connected to seatpost, the saddle must be secured to the post.

Insert the seatpost into the bike frame with the tapered end on top. The seatpost is inserted into the plastic shim. Please make sure the seatpost quick release is open before inserting the seatpost. Insert the post to a level that leaves the tapered end of the seatpost visible to allow sufficient space to connect the saddle.

Close the quick release to lock the seatpost in position. The quick release should close with sufficient force to lock the seatpost into position.

To tighten the quick release mechanism, open the quick release, hold the nut opposite the lever with one hand and rotate the quick release lever clockwise a complete rotation while holding the nut firmly. This will tighten the entire quick release mechanism. Now close the quick release lever. You will notice that the quick release lever is more difficult to tighten.

If the quick release requires more tightening, unlock the quick release and continue to rotate the quick release lever while holding the bolt opposite the lever until the quick release mechanism is appropriately tightened. Repeat if necessary.

Place your saddle on top of the post by placing the seatpost connector onto the tapered end of the seatpost. The seatpost connector should be completed inserted onto the seatpost so that the tapered end rests on the triangular stop on the seatpost connector.

Angle the saddle so that it is parallel to the ground or at a preferred angle for comfort when seated on the bicycle.

Tighten the bolts on opposite sides of the seatpost connector with a 14mm or adjustable wrench. Alternate sides after each rotation to tighten evenly: tighten one side a full rotation, then the opposite side a full rotation, and vice-versa until each bolt is completely tight and there is no movement in the saddle angle.

Connecting the pedals

Your Citizen Bike includes a set of folding pedals and your Citizen Bike may have one or both pedals pre-installed.

The pedals are marked on the end of the pedal axle: “R” for “Right” and “L” for “Left.” When seated on the bike, your right foot would correspond to the right pedal and your left foot would correspond to the left pedal.

Choose a pedal and start threading into the corresponding crankarm by hand turning the pedal axle toward the front of the bike (both pedals thread in this direction). If it does not thread easily do not force it and double check that you are threading the appropriate pedal. Forcing the wrong pedal will damage the threading on your pedal and crankarm.

Thread both pedals into the crankarms as far as you can by hand. Then fully tighten them with a slender adjustable wrench or pedal wrench.

Adjusting the angle your handbrake levers

Your Citizen Bike has front and rear hand brake levers. These levers may require angle adjustment and tightening for comfort and safety.

When your handlebars are properly set up, adjust the angle of the handbrake so that they are easily accessible when your hands are on the handlebars.

The angle of the handbrake levers is generally a straight line from your shoulders through your hands to the brakes. Tighten the position of the handbrake levers in this position by tightening the hex nut with a 5mm hex key or allen wrench.

Attaching your free bell

Your Citizen Bike folding bike comes with a free bell. It is recommended to attach the bell to the left side of the handlebars. Loosen the screw on the attachment ring completely with a screwdriver. Place the attachment ring around the handlebars and replace and tighten the screw. The bell is rung by flicking the small tab.