no1mad
09-18-08, 09:21 PM
Just curious. I'm wanting to get a folder on the cheap. It's either Sun or KHS. No DT or Dahon dealers locally...
Folding Bikes - Any thoughts/opinions on the Sun Rambler?
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moneal
09-18-08, 11:08 PM
I have one! It's not bad... I recently saw a Dahon folder in a store window and it puts the Rambler to shame... but I like the Rambler's design. I bought mine this summer and am new to folders, so I don't have anything to compare it to... I have a feeling the Dahon bikes or some of the other brands would be much better, but I really liked the Rambler for the price. I bought a 3 speed and it offers a rough ride on grass and hills... so I'm toying with the idea of upgrading to an 8 gear internal hub.
Even with all of it's flaws, I'm using it. I throw it in my trunk, and when I'm driving the car somewhere, if I have time, I take the bike out for a spin. On flat, road surfaces, it's great. On hills... well, I REALLY get a workout. I had car trouble about a month ago and because I had the bike in my trunk, I was able to get home... which was 15 miles away. It didn't seem like a rough ride, until I rode the same route two days later on a full-sized Trek.
As far as the folding goes, it seems solid. Sometimes I forget to latch this and sometimes I have trouble with the handlbars but I have a feeling that's due to my inexperience.
sometimes I wonder if I'd like a fullsize folder, but since I'm fairly happy, I think I'll just stick to the Rambler for now. Good luck with your decision!
Even with all of it's flaws, I'm using it. I throw it in my trunk, and when I'm driving the car somewhere, if I have time, I take the bike out for a spin. On flat, road surfaces, it's great. On hills... well, I REALLY get a workout. I had car trouble about a month ago and because I had the bike in my trunk, I was able to get home... which was 15 miles away. It didn't seem like a rough ride, until I rode the same route two days later on a full-sized Trek.
As far as the folding goes, it seems solid. Sometimes I forget to latch this and sometimes I have trouble with the handlbars but I have a feeling that's due to my inexperience.
sometimes I wonder if I'd like a fullsize folder, but since I'm fairly happy, I think I'll just stick to the Rambler for now. Good luck with your decision!
Tom Bombadil
10-01-08, 10:00 PM
I just picked up a Sun Cayne Rambler 3. Had an opportunity to buy a new, un-assembled one for $140. The shipping box had some damage and so the bike shop refused to accept it & had it sold off as an insurance settlement. Bike was in 99.9% perfect condition, with a very small dent on the shifter.
The bike is pretty solid. Fairly standard design. 3-speed Shimano Nexus hub & shifter. Solid Sun wheels. The frame is quite strong. Handlebar and seat posts have a wide range of positions. It's a bit on the bigger & heavier side, with 20" wheels and a meaty frame. Lacks a hand brake, but one can be installed. Comes with fenders and a rack and foldable pedals.
Just got mine put together a few days ago and have only taken a few short rides, but I like it so far. It definitely is of solid construction. The fenders are a bit flimsy but otherwise the parts err more on the side of being too thick & heavy rather than cheap.
The low gear is very low and good for hill climbing. I find the three gears to be well-placed & all are usable.
The bike is pretty solid. Fairly standard design. 3-speed Shimano Nexus hub & shifter. Solid Sun wheels. The frame is quite strong. Handlebar and seat posts have a wide range of positions. It's a bit on the bigger & heavier side, with 20" wheels and a meaty frame. Lacks a hand brake, but one can be installed. Comes with fenders and a rack and foldable pedals.
Just got mine put together a few days ago and have only taken a few short rides, but I like it so far. It definitely is of solid construction. The fenders are a bit flimsy but otherwise the parts err more on the side of being too thick & heavy rather than cheap.
The low gear is very low and good for hill climbing. I find the three gears to be well-placed & all are usable.
moneal
10-02-08, 09:14 PM
The more I read about other folders, the more I realize that for the money, the Sun is excellent. I just got mine this summer, so I might have issues one day, but I feel safe on it. I've decided to upgrade to the 8 gear internal hub and that way, it'll give me an easier ride. I hadn't thought of getting a hand brake. I'll have to ask about that...
heh, I bought 3 bikes this summer... The Trek has 30 miles, the new Jamis has 26 and the Rambler has 100 miles. It's served me well.
heh, I bought 3 bikes this summer... The Trek has 30 miles, the new Jamis has 26 and the Rambler has 100 miles. It's served me well.