moonoi

Mio Fuse is available locally at iLife shop or Cycle Square in BKK. Probably other places too

Or just switch the standard flat bars out for a set of riser bars with a slight sweepback. I went with a RaceFace Atlas Riser bar with a 30mm rise and 8 degree sweepback to solve a similar issue, looks better than an adjustable stem as well

Possibly, but it'll be a lot more expensive. I got my 510 in a package 6 months after launch and it was 15k then.

If you want maps, there is always the Edge 800/810/1000 ;-) price increases as the numbers do. Personally haven't found a use for maps on a bike so far.

Or if you want basic computer functions with GPS and a camera, Garmin VIRB is an interesting choice (no maps though).

Personally I'm saving for a Fenix3 or Epix, I have a separate Optical HRM called a Mio Link (it's actually the same unit as in your TomTom) that broadcasts ANT+ and BLE simultaneously, so I can play around with different gadgets and apps.

Edit: Does it export gpx files? easily? I've looked at a few reviews, but don't see much discussion on this aspect.

Yes it does, either directly from the device itself, or exporting from Garmin Connect/Strava/Endomondo etc.

If you have a bit more cash to spend, suggest looking at the Edge 510, bigger screen and some additional functionality that you may, or may not find useful, but the best thing is it's a current model in the Garmin lineup.

If you just want basic GPS without maps, you should be able to find an older Garmin Edge 500 for a reasonable price. Not sure if your Tom Tom also broadcast ANT+ for the HRM, if it does then the Garmin will also pick up that too.

I use the Tomtom Mutli sport cardio when I exercise. When I get home I automatically upload to Strava and Endomondo. I have the premium membership at Endonmondo bc it seemed like they have better stats, but I like to use the segment feature at Strava. I check a few of the sections of my commute every day to see how it compares to previous times.

http://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/sports/multi-sport/products/multi-sport-cardio-gps-watch/white-red/index.html

I doubt it, but would something like the Wahoo Fitness RFKLT work with the watch? (it has blue tooth , but I've never really used blue tooth before except to try and fail at connecting to a few things). I need just the data from the watch, not navigation. I prefer not to have to have the mobile in the mix if possible, to keep things simple. Also, the watch have my HR data etc, so I don't need a separate HRM to pair with the phone/Wahoo.

The RFKLT is just a dumb head unit that relies on your smartphone to do all the processing and provide the GPS fix. So no it won't work in the way you describe unfortunately.

The bike came with 25s but I switched them out for 28s. The bike reviews say you can easily go to 30s and get a smoother ride without adversely affecting speed.

I noticed the 22 gears didn’t give me the super low end for steep climbs but I was climbing at a much faster pace. Guess I will just have to lose weight to help compensate.

You can change the gear setup. Either front a smaller or back a bigger one......

Checking the spec online he can't. It already comes with a compact chainring setup up front and an 11-28 cassette at the rear. So already has the smallest at the front, as far the rear is concerned Duraace can support a max of 28 teeth on the big cog, so has Villagefarang said himself , he'll just have to lose some weight and I suggest a sprinkling of rule #5 http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#5 ;-)

hmm already on the max........cut out the beer.....or better cut the pasta and keep the beer

You'll need the carbs both provide, suggest eat and drink more along with riding harder and faster!

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

The important thing is, you now have a bike. Personally, I ride Trek so support your choice. My first Trek was more of a starter bike and as my interest grew and I got stronger, my needs changed and the bike evolved with me.

Hopefully your bike will not end up being a piece of exercise equipment which ends up in some dark dusty corner but there is no way to know until you have had it for a while. Riding is a great way to explore areas too far for walking or inconvenient with a car. It is also a good form of exercise.

Some people find it motivational to have a buddy or a group to ride with but for now just enjoy your new bike. Let us know how you feel about your choice after a few rides.

I found getting a tracking app on my phone a great motivator; as well as boundless statistics, I can relive the trip again once I get home, check out all the wrong turns and alternatives, and spend hours planning future rides. I use Runtastic, recommended by a fellow-poster here

SC

But Strava is better than Runtastic!

Another good tracking app is Endomondo, which also lets you setup personal challenges as well.

I use all of them, but Strava is my primary training aid (if you subscribe to premium, you even get some training videos from The Sufferfest for when you're in the gym or on the turbo trainer), soon you'll be wanting to add another bike, upgrade parts and thinking that those Lycra shorts are a great idea and before you know it you have a cupboard full of jerseys and matching bibs/shorts........or is that just me? ;-)

could you, respectfully tell me why you think that Strava is "Actually" better then runtastic, my mate rob say the the same as you but cannot tell me why?

I run runtastic and would change if I knew why it was better

The hint is in the name of the app, Runtastic was developed with running in mind, cycling was an afterthought and although not bad, if you're in to training as well the data and challenges provided by Strava are more focused on cycling. I would even say Endomondo is better than Runtastic, for similar reasons.

The bike came with 25s but I switched them out for 28s. The bike reviews say you can easily go to 30s and get a smoother ride without adversely affecting speed.

I noticed the 22 gears didn’t give me the super low end for steep climbs but I was climbing at a much faster pace. Guess I will just have to lose weight to help compensate.

You can change the gear setup. Either front a smaller or back a bigger one......

Checking the spec online he can't. It already comes with a compact chainring setup up front and an 11-28 cassette at the rear. So already has the smallest at the front, as far the rear is concerned Duraace can support a max of 28 teeth on the big cog, so has Villagefarang said himself , he'll just have to lose some weight and I suggest a sprinkling of rule #5 http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#5 ;-)

I seemed to have reached my upper distance range on my mountain bike (80 km) and have been thinking about getting a road bike in an effort to up my speed and distance.

Congratulations on your purchase, that is a really nice bike.

Hope you will like road biking. Of course, if distance and speed is important to you, you probably will.

Personally, I find zipping along asphalt strips somewhat boring and -given all the lunatics on four wheels who share it- also quite hazardous, but that's just me.

Since not too many people who ride MTB also ride road bikes, please let us know how you fare and how your road riding affects your MTB training, and vice versa. That would be quite interesting.

Cheers, CM-Expat

Don't worry you have an MTB and road loving friend in BKK too ;-)

Only problem around here is the lack of off road trails, there's a new pump track opening not far from my home, and a little bit further away is the Army's Club 11 off road trail, but neither are the same as some good single track riding. But it's hard to get out of the city with work and family commitments (especially when the rest of the family aren't really in to cycling of any sort!), so this inevitably leads to a preference for the road ;-)

Even with the extras I only paid around 190K, which is still a lot. I won't be leaving it unattended, and I am always thoughtful and attentive, so I don't really get too worried about stuff like that. I understand that just because I haven't been ripped off over the last 38 years doesn't mean it won't happen tomorrow, but I like my odds.

That' is a good deal, I paid only 4k less for my 2013 Rabobank TCR SL ISP back in March, and I only got mechanical Duraace 9000. Not complaining though, I love my bike and wouldn't change it for the world. I have a slightly more aggressive riding position to you though. Here's how she looks after some nice new wheels ;-)

I love my speed-o-meter. Very small, once set up it is accurate, also works under the bridge, battery lasts forever, it is water proof, cheap, has cadence, etc.. But of course it doesn't show you the way (for this I use the Garmin software on my mobile phone, which isn't that great).

Never tried GPS on the bike, but in the car it often jumps around a few meter, which wouldn't make it that super exactly as well.

But that strava sounds nice, does it work offline or do you need to be online with your phone all the time?

(GPS+Online+Screen eats the battery very fast).

I actually have a Garmin Edge 510, that connects to my phone via Bluetooth and automatically syncs to Strava via Garmin Connect. This solved the battery drain issues you mention.

What most of my friends do though is have the cheap wireless speedometer for viewing on the bike, and track the ride with Strava or similar on their phone say in their pocket. With the screen off the battery drain on the mobile isn't too bad.

Another solution is something like the Wahoo Fitness RFKLT, which uses your phone GPS and the Wahoo or Strava app on your phone, but with a low power consumption display on your handlebars.

The biggest drain on battery life on your phone is the display.

,,,soon you'll be ... thinking that those Lycra shorts are a great idea and before you know it you have a cupboard full of jerseys and matching bibs/shorts........or is that just me? ;-)

I'd need to get a girdle before I went out wearing lycra, or my beergut would frighten small children and passing dogs.

Skins do great compression bibshorts, that do a great job of holding that beergut in as a side affect......not that I'd know anything about that ;-)

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

The important thing is, you now have a bike. Personally, I ride Trek so support your choice. My first Trek was more of a starter bike and as my interest grew and I got stronger, my needs changed and the bike evolved with me.

Hopefully your bike will not end up being a piece of exercise equipment which ends up in some dark dusty corner but there is no way to know until you have had it for a while. Riding is a great way to explore areas too far for walking or inconvenient with a car. It is also a good form of exercise.

Some people find it motivational to have a buddy or a group to ride with but for now just enjoy your new bike. Let us know how you feel about your choice after a few rides.

I found getting a tracking app on my phone a great motivator; as well as boundless statistics, I can relive the trip again once I get home, check out all the wrong turns and alternatives, and spend hours planning future rides. I use Runtastic, recommended by a fellow-poster here

SC

But Strava is better than Runtastic!

Another good tracking app is Endomondo, which also lets you setup personal challenges as well.

I use all of them, but Strava is my primary training aid (if you subscribe to premium, you even get some training videos from The Sufferfest for when you're in the gym or on the turbo trainer), soon you'll be wanting to add another bike, upgrade parts and thinking that those Lycra shorts are a great idea and before you know it you have a cupboard full of jerseys and matching bibs/shorts........or is that just me? ;-)

Slow down there mate!

I did a 30-km ride this evening, but am having a hard time believing the wireless speedometer. I can't believe that I hit a max speed of 28k/h. I wasn't even trying that hard, just wanted to get the feel of the bike and tried different gear combinations. Hope the speedometer isn't incorrect, and hope I can stay motivated.

Cheers!

Try using one of the suggest apps on your phone to track your ride as well using GPS, then compare it to what you saw on your speedometer.

It's not that hard to hit those kind of speeds, but the challenge is to maintain it.

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

The important thing is, you now have a bike. Personally, I ride Trek so support your choice. My first Trek was more of a starter bike and as my interest grew and I got stronger, my needs changed and the bike evolved with me.

Hopefully your bike will not end up being a piece of exercise equipment which ends up in some dark dusty corner but there is no way to know until you have had it for a while. Riding is a great way to explore areas too far for walking or inconvenient with a car. It is also a good form of exercise.

Some people find it motivational to have a buddy or a group to ride with but for now just enjoy your new bike. Let us know how you feel about your choice after a few rides.

I found getting a tracking app on my phone a great motivator; as well as boundless statistics, I can relive the trip again once I get home, check out all the wrong turns and alternatives, and spend hours planning future rides. I use Runtastic, recommended by a fellow-poster here

SC

But Strava is better than Runtastic!

Another good tracking app is Endomondo, which also lets you setup personal challenges as well.

I use all of them, but Strava is my primary training aid (if you subscribe to premium, you even get some training videos from The Sufferfest for when you're in the gym or on the turbo trainer), soon you'll be wanting to add another bike, upgrade parts and thinking that those Lycra shorts are a great idea and before you know it you have a cupboard full of jerseys and matching bibs/shorts........or is that just me? ;-)

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

Nice, You'll probably find you've actually got up to 24 or 27 gears, depending on how many chainrings you've got up front ;-)

Happy riding!

Tri bars are really only for racing (ie Road Time Trials, Triathlons and some track disciplines). You don't need them for everyday riding. Indeed when used in a group with other riders they are considered positively dangerous.

I'd say they are also useful on the turbo as well

Bobfish covered the full suss question, but on the comfort stakes, depending on how heavy you are, could be worth looking at a Dahon/Dr.Hon or Tern folding bike. The long seatpost acts as a kind of suspension, isolating all but the nastiest of bumps, but they have a max rider limit of 105Kg

Cheapest ones start at around 10k thb

Really the only way to find out what suits you best is to test ride a few (as you have been) and go with the one you like the most.

If you go for an MTB though, I'd suggest swapping the tyres out for road going ones, rather than the knobbly ones that will come fitted. Will make riding on the road far more comfortable.

This is the type I used to run, you have a few different styles, ski poles like mine below, s bend or straight

You might look at a Bianchi Kuma. I have seen them priced from about 17,000 Baht in BKK depending on the parts used. Standard triple chain ring, 9-speed rear sprocket setup--more than enough gears for you. A bit heavy, but that is to be expected in this price range. Tires are geared more towards road use. Check it out.

i have seen a bianchi duel for 12,500 baht new what would this be like? i dont know much about bikes

One of these? https://www.tcabicycle.com/what-is-news/news-blog/bianchi-duel-27-1-2015-bianchi.html?___store=th&___from_store=en

If so, looks a good price for what you're getting. Definitely a good place to start riding, and it shouldn't fall apart on you if you keep it maintained.

See if the bike shop will let you test ride it, and buy it if you like it!

I've mentioned on a few other posts, the most important thing is to be comfortable on the bike. What other people say comes secondary to that, if your not comfy, you'll quickly give up riding and it'll be left in a corner gathering dust.

I used to have them on a previous bike, more aerodynamic yes, more comfortable, not in my experience. Not only that you have less control, I'd only use them if I was on a closed course, not on the road with traffic.

But, everyone is different, so it's not too expensive to have a try if you like them or not :-)

That shop is also quite a good, if somewhat busy one. Just bought my shiny new carbon wheels from them before Christmas.

Ultimately go with what you are most comfortable with. But I seriously would not consider a full sus MTB for riding on the road. Better to stick with a hardtail XC (cross country) style MTB or hybrid. You might also consider a endurance road bike, which still has drop bars, but a more comfortable upright position.

If you find riding not challenging enough, just put more effort in and ride faster.

Anyway comfort is the most important factor, especially as you mention having had a back injury.

With regards to gears, you might want to take a look a single speed or fixie (fixed gear) bike if you really don't want to learn how to use the gears.

A fixie has a fixed hub so you can't coast and are forced to pedal all the time, so would definitely give you a good workout, if you decide to look at one though, make sure you fit a front brake in case you need to do an emergency stop for your own safety.

Why would you buy an MTB to use on the road? You'd be better looking at a hybrid something similar to a Specialized Sirrus

Well road in Thailand, I guess he means road without asphalt/concrete. Some can be very rough and high up and down.....

More than well aware of that, having lived here over 10 years, however it still doesn't make a mountain bike the right choice :-)