1st Impressions of a cheap folder: Sundeal F1
12-05-18, 11:16 PM
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I'm a bit confused about the proper replacement...if long cage would be okay...I think it would be ok?
12-06-18, 07:06 AM
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Long cage rear derailleur might have limited ground clearance once shifted into the largest rear cog.
If stock rear derailleur is a mid-cage, just use mid-cage replacement.
Or better yet, replace the shifter cable/housing to check if shifting performance improves with OEM rear derailleur.
If stock rear derailleur is a mid-cage, just use mid-cage replacement.
Or better yet, replace the shifter cable/housing to check if shifting performance improves with OEM rear derailleur.
12-15-18, 08:39 PM
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WooHoo. I just won a green Sundeal F1 on eBAY for $85.00 +34.00 shipping....
12-16-18, 09:34 AM
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Thanks, and I will go over the bike, checking what y'all have experienced. 
12-30-18, 10:49 AM
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Hey Sundeal owners....I'm looking to get a cheap bike to lock up outside a movie theater that isn't likely to be stolen (Bay Area). The bike would be ridden twice a month, maybe, for 8 miles each way. For around a hundred bucks, I'm thinking one of these would be ideal for this purpose. I've got a seat I can put on it to replace the original and a brand new Claris rear der I can swap in. I would not be folding the bike at all; it would essentially function as a minivelo. Now that you folks have had yours for a while, do you think these are decent enough for 15-20 mile round trips? I also could just take it on Bart and then it would be two one mile trips instead (but I'd try to get the weight down more to carry it). I'd replace the QR seat clamp with a fixed clamp once I dialed in the height. Any thoughts on suitability? Any major concerns you have after owning it for a while? I'm 5'4", 135 lbs, so I don't think I'd stress the frame. They are going for under $70 lately =).
12-30-18, 12:52 PM
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Hey Sundeal owners....I'm looking to get a cheap bike to lock up outside a movie theater that isn't likely to be stolen (Bay Area). The bike would be ridden twice a month, maybe, for 8 miles each way. For around a hundred bucks, I'm thinking one of these would be ideal for this purpose. I've got a seat I can put on it to replace the original and a brand new Claris rear der I can swap in. I would not be folding the bike at all; it would essentially function as a minivelo. Now that you folks have had yours for a while, do you think these are decent enough for 15-20 mile round trips? I also could just take it on Bart and then it would be two one mile trips instead (but I'd try to get the weight down more to carry it). I'd replace the QR seat clamp with a fixed clamp once I dialed in the height. Any thoughts on suitability? Any major concerns you have after owning it for a while? I'm 5'4", 135 lbs, so I don't think I'd stress the frame. They are going for under $70 lately =).
As for the quick release, I see your point but kind of defeats the whole purpose of a folder. I think you would be much better on a regular bike.
I would suggest an inexpensive flat bar road bike. I have the Nashbar flat bar road bike and it’s a great value; I think I spent less than $250 delivered. However, seems they are going out of business and there isn’t any stock.
Here’s a big box alternative if you know how to wrench on bikes or can take to a lbs:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/700C-Schw...e-Red/55376960
12-30-18, 06:35 PM
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I personally don’t think it would be great at that distance. In my short 1.5 mile ride with it, I am longing for a few more gears as I top it out quickly.
As for the quick release, I see your point but kind of defeats the whole purpose of a folder. I think you would be much better on a regular bike.
I would suggest an inexpensive flat bar road bike. I have the Nashbar flat bar road bike and it’s a great value; I think I spent less than $250 delivered. However, seems they are going out of business and there isn’t any stock.
Here’s a big box alternative if you know how to wrench on bikes or can take to a lbs:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/700C-Schw...e-Red/55376960
Edited to add: looks like I'm buying A Dahon Mu Uno tomorrow instead.
Last edited by linberl; 12-30-18 at 10:18 PM.
12-31-18, 02:09 PM
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We got our Boardwalk-like Dahons, made for the Chinese market, with a similar premise, looking for inexpensive, versatile, but not attracting attention bikes. They cost around $110 in China and at times were offered on Ebay, by US-based sellers, at $200+. (I even looked around for any such offers on this occasion, but found none.) Over time we expanded their use and, by now, made quite far-away excursions on them. Even though crude, they have fulfilled their role very well.
12-31-18, 03:56 PM
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I think the Mu Uno is going to work out fine for me. I rarely use more than one or two gears at most on my Bike Friday. I love the simplicity of the single speed and how quiet it is! And I won't stress over theft, a coaster brake ss folder is probably not at the top of the list of desired stolen bikes. After I sell off all the accesories I don't want that came with it, it will have cost me $200....a little more than the Sundeal but not excessively. I still think the Sundeal looks like a cool little bike, so maybe someday...
01-07-19, 11:55 PM
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I never replaced my rear derailleur and luckily for me, I think I found the culprit. The derailleur hangar screws were loose! Can’t believe I missed that but since tightening, shifts have been crisp!
01-24-19, 10:45 AM
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has anyone added a kickstand to this bike? if so, can you share which one and where you bought it from?
01-24-19, 11:22 AM
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I think mine came with a kickstand, adjustable in leg length.
Regular kickstand fits right on the bike, just need to trim the length of leg to properly hold the bike upright.
If you need one I can send my OEM kickstand to you for the cost of shipping.
Regular kickstand fits right on the bike, just need to trim the length of leg to properly hold the bike upright.
If you need one I can send my OEM kickstand to you for the cost of shipping.
01-26-19, 11:18 AM
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The bike is serving it's purpose well. The only thing I long for now is more gears. I top out the 7 speed easily on my 1.5 mile trek each way.
01-26-19, 12:01 PM
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you might try changing your front chainring to a larger one. that will give you a bit more speed.
01-26-19, 04:45 PM
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Yup,...a larger front chainring can definitely make a world of difference. 
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01-27-19, 05:06 PM
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LoL!!! My wheels are 16", so it does make the chainring look huge. Works perfectly though,...
@Pinigis can give you all the assistance you need.
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01-30-19, 08:04 AM
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01-30-19, 09:53 AM
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if you look around for new chainrings or cranksets, make sure it's not intended for the single speed chain size. you will want 1/2 x 3/32.