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1st Impressions of a cheap folder: Sundeal F1

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1st Impressions of a cheap folder: Sundeal F1

Old 11-08-18, 10:02 AM
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These Sundeal bikes have pretty though powedercoat paint.
I strap my bike against the subway handrail just about everyday, after 2 months of usage with my Sundeal F2 barely find a mark on the bike frame where I use the straps.
Metal part of the toe strap usually rest against stationary object or empty space between the folded bike tubes, no worry of scratching the paint.
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Old 11-08-18, 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Lovespicyfood
Thank you both for the replies! I have those straps from the last bike that was shipped to me!

What part of the bike do you attach; I assume the frame?
Common sense will help you figure it out,...
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Old 11-09-18, 05:48 PM
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For around, and certainly under, $150 total cost, it would be worth it just to leave one of these in the trunk of my car or underneath a desk at work and those sort of stashing situations.

I have a Sundeal V2 Mini-Velo and, for the price, I was impressed by the general quality of the componentry. It came with Tektro R350 calipers, nice tires, and a Shimano IGH that, together basically added up to the price of the entire bike.
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Old 11-17-18, 04:17 PM
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I was in Austin this past week and use some Bird/Lime scooters for the first time. TBH, they were pretty appealing...but I do like the "bullet proof" reliability of a basic bike. I also rented a "Jump Bike" which is a pedal assisted (250 watt) bike. I have kind of denigrated electric assist bikes, esp. unfair since I've never used one. All I have to say is WOW, that was a fun bike to rent and I can see how the electric assist is a big plus!
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Old 11-19-18, 06:14 PM
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how well do the wheels and bottom bracket seem to be lubed from the factory? i'm bidding on one tonight.
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Old 11-19-18, 07:53 PM
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Originally Posted by cocoabeachcrab
how well do the wheels and bottom bracket seem to be lubed from the factory? i'm bidding on one tonight.
Wheels were surprisingly lubed and adjusted nice. Didn’t check the bottom bracket. My biggest issue was the headset was basically frozen. I was able to get to lubed but couldn’t take off the fork, so likely no lube there.

Haven’t wanted to tackle that issue since everything is working well now...
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Old 11-19-18, 07:56 PM
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thanks.. i might be an owner in 27 minutes and 20 seconds!

edited... i won it for 80 bucks!

Last edited by cocoabeachcrab; 11-19-18 at 08:31 PM.
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Old 11-20-18, 12:47 AM
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Originally Posted by cocoabeachcrab
thanks.. i might be an owner in 27 minutes and 20 seconds!

edited... i won it for 80 bucks!
No way, congrats! Post pics and your experience when you get it...
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Old 11-20-18, 06:33 AM
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way! and i was surprised when nobody else did that last minute outbidding frenzy thing!

Last edited by cocoabeachcrab; 11-20-18 at 06:43 AM.
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Old 11-20-18, 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted by cocoabeachcrab

way! and i was surprised when nobody else did that last minute outbidding frenzy thing!
Wow, what a deal! I actually avoided the "blue" version because it looked to light to my liking....however, turns out, it looks dark in real life! I would've preferred it to my lime green actually...

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Old 11-20-18, 11:24 AM
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heh-heh.. i liked the green one! it's for my grand daughter to use for around town and going to work, and it will replace her crappy Walmart 21 speed el cheapo so called mountain bike that is a nightmare to keep adjusted. she saw my folding bikes and "saw the light".
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Old 11-20-18, 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by cocoabeachcrab
heh-heh.. i liked the green one! it's for my grand daughter to use for around town and going to work, and it will replace her crappy Walmart 21 speed el cheapo so called mountain bike that is a nightmare to keep adjusted. she saw my folding bikes and "saw the light".
Nice! Let me know what you think...interested to see if your headset comes frozen like mine... It's totally functional now, but bugs me it's not fixed. I might have to take it into the lbs to get that fork off, would just need to buy the replacement headset to install...

Something to consider, is using helicopter tape on most of the frame on this inside (the side that closes into itself). It's not a good design at all and I put a big GOUGE into mine before I did this. I love this tape, I use it on all my bikes. Really easy to apply, just cut to size/length, pull the backing off, and dunk it in soapy water. Apply and press the bubbles out. You can use isopropyl alcohol to activate the adhesive and tack it down, it'll warp around curve areas pretty easily using this technique.

https://www.amazon.com/ISC-Helicopte.../dp/B07BYM1FBP
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Old 11-20-18, 11:54 AM
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good advice! and i'll let you know about the headset...
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Old 11-24-18, 11:09 PM
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I threw in an $80 bid this morning. Went out to football game and came home this evening to find it sold for $93. I'm kind of relieved I didn't bid enough. I don't need another folder.
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Old 11-25-18, 11:50 AM
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Yea, I have way too many bikes and am looking to purchase another, though not a folder...
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Old 11-25-18, 12:28 PM
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if you have too many, buy for a family member! spread the folder love!
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Old 11-25-18, 10:27 PM
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I put a KMC Z51 bicycle chain on my bike and it seems to shift a bit better and is quieter. Nice addition for only $6! As I mentioned earlier, the stock chain had a very stiff link I wasn't able to fix. This new chain has ramped sides unlike the stock chain that is completely flat on the sides.
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Old 11-26-18, 09:55 AM
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good advice! i ordered a rust buster version of that chain this morning.
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Old 11-26-18, 03:02 PM
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got my bike today.. i must say it was extremely well packaged and protected in a heavy duty box. the steer tube is about 30 degrees off, but other than that, so far so good. might put a kickstand on it at some point. the plastic pedals and torture chamber saddle will be replaced with a dip into the spare parts bin... have to finish it up tomorrow. as usual. i managed to cut my thumb open and the grand kids used all the band aids (why do they put an empty band aid box back in the cabinet?) so now i have gauze and duct tape on my thumb...
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Old 12-03-18, 12:21 AM
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Thinking of getting an Altus rear derailleur:
https://www.amazon.com/SHIMANO-RD-M3...age&th=1&psc=1

A Tourney is just a couple bucks cheaper so figured this would be best value...

I have the stock derailleur adjusted but shifting/drivetrain isn’t as smooth as I would like.
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Old 12-03-18, 06:40 AM
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what are you doing for a shifter? upgrading as well?
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Old 12-03-18, 06:40 AM
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Have you tried just changing the shifter cable/housing?
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Old 12-03-18, 11:37 PM
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Originally Posted by cocoabeachcrab
what are you doing for a shifter? upgrading as well?
I wasn't planning on it
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Old 12-03-18, 11:37 PM
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Originally Posted by cat0020
Have you tried just changing the shifter cable/housing?
I haven't, but the cables seem decents, say Jagwire on them...
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Old 12-04-18, 06:51 AM
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Dented cable within housing is not visible, inspecting the cable & housing is one of the crucial item to determine shifting performance.
Replacing the derailleur and using the same dented cable/housing, likely would not improve shifting performance.
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