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moonoi

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Posts posted by moonoi

  1. Although an official 2013 model year bike, it's probably a NOS frameset Giant decided to build up with the latest Dura-ace groupset, full spec is here http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-in/bikes/model/tcr.advanced.sl.rabobank.isp/11594/55981/#specifications only difference is mine came with a US spec saddle (carbon instead of K:ium rails)

    Would have preferred the wheelset from the previous years model (Dura-ace C50) though wink.png

  2. Unfortunately, I am a bit lanky. When I bought my Giant I had to order it as they did not stock L (Giant's sizing S, M, L, XL) and waited two months or so before it was delivered to Worldbike from Taiwan.

    I did the same, from the same place. I actually wanted to order a Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Think 2, but Bike Station didn't want to take my money and order the size frame I wanted. I'm now the proud owner of a Giant TCR Advanced SL ISP in the old Team Rabobank colourway smile.png

    Size L is 55.5cm according to Giant btw, but with a sloping geometry so equivalent to 58 for traditional geometry

    post-22504-0-79421500-1407911492_thumb.j

  3. Used to? Implying you don't ride anymore, or you've ditched Bianchi? smile.png

    Or even worse.....left Thailand?

    I've switched to a BMC

    biggrin.png

    I knew nothing about BMC before but having now checked out their website have seen a number of interesting models, including their urban via GT models and their disc brake fitted road bikes with Ultergra setup. Very interesting indeed. Are their prices fair in Thailand?

    Like all "European" bike brands in Thailand, BMC comes with a nice premiun attached, the other problem, even if you've got the money, they don't bring in all the models, and the sizes available are not so great if you're a bit lanky. Mostly they bring in the SLR road bike and TMR time trial and a few of the MTBs locally. smile.png

  4. No, I have not seen them for sale in Thailand.  Are you looking for the two pronged triathlon type or the type that has no nose at all and only two pads for the hip bones?

     

    ism-Adamo-5-of-6.jpg

     

    3522.jpg

     

    I used to have an Adamo Podium, one of the most comfortable saddles I've ever used. Unfortunately the rail broke on the left side after just 7 months use sad.png

  5. Bike Zone in Amarin Plaza sell the Cobb Cycling saddles, similar to the Adamo ones.

     

    I've also seen a test saddle for the Fizik noseless saddles in one shop, but not the actual saddles themselves.

     

    The importer for Fizik is Piriya International, I don't actually see the noseless saddle listed on their site yet, but it could be worth getting in touch with them to see if they intend to bring it in.

     

    For those wondering what a noseless saddle is.....enjoy the beauty of one here:

    fizik-Tritone-tri-saddle.jpg

  6. If the Tesco bike is an LA Bicycle, you'll likely find its made here in Thailand smile.png

     

    Cheap western brands made in China

    Mid range and high end made in Taiwan (

     

    There is only a few brands left manufacturing in the west, all the skills are in China/Taiwan now......

  7. I was in a bike shop recently looking at a Brompton for 17500 baht. There were also some cheaper (Chinese?) bikes that looked very similar for 6-8000. The shop assistant said they were 12 KG but they felt a bit heavier.

    I think a lightweight racing bike would be better because you can put it over your shoulder. Hopefully there are cheaper Chinese ones available.

    A Brompton for 17500 baht? Its either very used or a chinese copy at that price, cheapest one I found in Thailand is 55k new.

    On a side note, it looks like you could make a nice profit buying one in the UK and selling it here! Top spec one with a Titanium fork will set you back 105k THB from a local importer, that'll be the lightest one, but still comes in at almost 11Kg.smile.png Same model in the UK will set you back the equivalent of 60-70k depending on exchange rate.

    But back to the original question, another thing for the OP to consider is a Mini Velo, there are some reasonable bikes by Java (chinese brand with an italian design house) starting around the 11k mark, They have 20 inch wheels, same as a folder, but with a more traditional frame shape, so more stable to ride, but with better portability than a bike with 700c wheels.

    Some here to get an idea http://www.thaimtb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=454&t=659154

  8. Don't forget normally you can get up to 20% discount off the list price in the shop as well.

     

    From what I'm told, the importers can get a significantly reduced tax rate, if the bike is approved by Thai Cycling.

     

    General rule of thumb for personal import is:

     

    Fully buily bike (even if broken down in to frame and components but shipped together) 30% duty plus 7% tax calculated on the full cost inc shipping

     

    Frame only 10% duty plus 7% tax calculated on the full cost inc shipping

     

    The best way is to bring the frame in and then build up with components sourced locally, but from pricing this up myself, it doesn't work out that much cheaper in the end, and in most cases the local distributor/importer won't honour any warranty with the frame should you have a problem. Only worth it if its for a model you can't get here, or you're having problems finding the correct sized frame.

     

    Add to that, companies like the importer for Specialized, trying to market it as a upmarket brand, rather than mass market like Trek/Merida/Giant some extra is added on. Because an upmarket brand isn't cheap right?

     

    As to Cervelo, I picked up an S5 two years ago for 130k, as it was the previous years model. They may still have some older stock left at cheaper prices (I've seen Bike Zone posting pictures of customers buying the 2012 model in both Team and Standard versions this month), the S2 & S3 is updated for 2014/15 so expect premium prices for now.

    • Like 2
  9.  

    Thanks. Actually, I have shifted gears from looking at new bikes.

    I have found a few guys who sell vintage bikes in BKK and am hoping that they can find me a vintage Peugeot. If not I am also thinking of buying one on ebay and shipping it from France and dealing with customs but hope not to have to go that route.

    Actually there are a number of shops that sell new "vintage" bikes. That is, bikes that are built to look like vintage bikes, same frame, saddle and handle bar set up but using more modern equipment. Mostly made from chromoly (chrome molybdenum) steel. With its greater flexibility than alumin(i)um, chromoly is quite popular for road bikes and hybrids (the non-shock absorber variety), as it is not quite so hard on the arse (ass if you are from across the pond). However, it is quite a bit heavier than alu and a lot heavier than carbon, so if weight is a consideration it may not be what you are looking for.

     

    There are quite a few "vintage" style bikes that I have seen and I really love the look and would like to own one or ten. Alas, I cannot justify the need for more than one bike to my wife. 

     

     

    Hey GarryP, is your wife not familiar with "The Rules"? smile.pnghttp://www.velominati.com/the-rules#12

     

    The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
     

    While the minimum number of bikes one should own is three, the correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned

     

    • Like 2
  10. I think the closest to what you are looking for is probably something from these guys http://surlybikes.com/bikes The importer is Piriya International, you can see the bikes they bring in and prices here http://www.thaimtb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=354&t=815419

     

    However, the problem is the local importer doesn't really bring in the larger sizes, and the cost will be far more than the 21k you're looking at for the Fuji.

     

    If you are interested in a Surly, I recommend Cromozone in the northeast of Bangkok (near Fashion Island) contact details are Cromo Zone (Max Valu สุขาภิบาล1) 083-178-6888 , 02-944-7285, always found them to be really helpful, but better if you can speak Thai, or have someone who can help you with translation.

  11.  

    At 6'2" you need a 56... I am the same height and when fitted for road bikes that what works best for me... 
     


    It's not quite as simple as that. A 56cm size (measured as seat tube) may again could be too small. Rather than base it on seat tube size, look at top-tube lengths. The trend is with some manufacturers to supply only a limited range of compact frame sizes and with each change in size there are large incremental changes in the top-tube. For someone your height, you'll looking at minimum 570mm C-C top tube.

    Also, whilst on the subject, there are also two options being offered now; one being the more race designed frame with traditional geometry and the other (eg Specialised Roubaix, Cannondale Synapse) with slightly shorter top tubes, relaxed angles and higher head tubes giving a bit more comfort. It depends on what type of riding.

     

     

    Agree, The top tube length is far more important in fitting than seat tube in my experience. I'm 6'1"and find a 56 too small from most manufacturers, for Cervelo I need a 58, Specialized/Trek 60, but my current Giant is size L (55.5) and fits well.

     

    This is how my 56 Specialized Allez ended up looking (I do like an aggressive riding position), the only problem was because the seatpost is so long, at high power it flexed back and forth making the bike unstable, so I ended up selling it. Very nice handling bike though other than that, shame they won't bring in larger sizes.

     

    [attachment=275492:DSC_0431.jpg]

     


     

  12. Measure the distance from the bottom of bottom bracket up to top of seatpost.

    I doubt there is a standard bike box that tall.

    Can take two boxes and cut parts off of one and add to the other.

    Just keep in mind the L x W x H limit of ? 62 dimensional inches?

    Would be nice to have a integrated seatpost otherwise. Must be rigid.

    It is, but also very comfortable smile.png I'm sold on the benefits of an ISP, just wish it wasn't so hard to transport!

  13. Try Giant (Worldbike), Trek (Pro Bike) or Merida (Cycle Sport),  all bring in larger sizes, and if they don't have it in stock can order it in.

     

    Specialized also bring in up to size 56 frame (when I had one, had to fit a 450mm seat post and a 130mm stem to get the fit right)

     

    As you noticed, smaller frames will have the wheelbase shorter than larger frames, I wouldn't say they are too close together, a lot of cyclists prefer a smaller frame size as its lighter and will be more responsive. Depends what you're looking for.

  14. I found the Eurosport coverage to be great, the only annoying thing is I can't find a way to turn off the Thai commentary during the live broadcast, I'd rather hear what Greg Lemond has to stay himself, rather than some dodgy Thai translation smile.png Strangely if you watch the repeat the following day, there is no Thai commentary.........

    Check your remote for a "duel" button or go into the sound menu and have a look around there. Normally there is more than one language commentary being transmitted and you can switch to English. Works on normal thai TV and the new digital HD stuff when they re showing sport and some movies.

    Yeah, tried that, both channels carried the Thai commentary. It works for other channels though. Maybe its some quirk with the GMM Z satellite box?

  15. I found the Eurosport coverage to be great, the only annoying thing is I can't find a way to turn off the Thai commentary during the live broadcast, I'd rather hear what Greg Lemond has to stay himself, rather than some dodgy Thai translation smile.png Strangely if you watch the repeat the following day, there is no Thai commentary.........

  16. A thing like this? (MERIDA SCULTURA 904, 29900 Baht), from an online shop:

    http://www.km8bicycle.com/store/product/view/%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%9A_MERIDA_SCULTURA_904_%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%8B%E0%B8%AA%E0%B9%8C_47_50_52_cm_%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%99_%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B8-25538543-th.html

    Overview of Merida models:

    http://www.km8bicycle.com/store/product/%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%9A%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A0%E0%B8%B9%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%B2_MERIDA-1156567-th.html

    Actually its a real shop, and the service there is very good if you can get one of the staffs attention, as generally they are always overflowing with customers. Also an excellent bike, although I personally prefer the look of the Lampre team edition, even it only comes with Tiagra group

    http://www.km8bicycle.com/store/product/view/%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%9A_MERIDA_SCULTURA_903_%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A1_LAMPRE_%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%8A%E0%B8%9A%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%8B%E0%B8%97TIAGRA_10SP_size_50_52_54_56_59cm-25187381-th.html

  17. What is a good bike for new rider, 58 years old, just to ride around moobahn for some exercise? My budget is up to Baht 50,000. I see and hear Giant has a lot available here in Bangkok. Cheers!

    Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

    50k you can get yourself a nice bike, with discount you would get something like a Giant Defy/TCR composite, or if you prefer aluminium there is plenty to choose from Trek, Giant, Specialized, Merida etc. Biggest problem I have come across though is if you're tall. I've been limited in what bikes I can buy because of my lanky legs smile.png and not many places will special order in larger sizes, even if you offer to pay 100% upfront.

    And to answer the question of this thread, I ride a Commencal Meta AM HT for when its muddy, and a Giant TCR Advanced SL ISP for when I want to go fast.

  18. Depends on what you're looking at, I think you can get a decently spec'd aluminium road bike from Giant/Merida/Trek with 105 starting at around 25k+. Personally I'd go with something like Giant Defy or TCR in this price range. Great frame, and can upgrade parts/wheels later for better performance when you're ready without having to bin the frame.

    Specialized is way overpriced here, otherwise I would recommend them as well.

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