moonoi

Well done A-x! Keep it up.

Doi Inthanon is a bit far away for me too, so just rates a once-a-year ride.

Regarding Peter Pouly: my understanding is that he was busted for EPO. This was at a time when retrospective testing of the '98 TdF found that 35 out of 38 riders tested were positive for EPO! The UCI 8 year statute applied so that no backdated action was taken. And, remember the Festina Affair from that year?!! While I can appreciate the context of the times, it of course does not make drug cheating acceptable. In PP's case he served the time and went on to take UCI sanctioned MTB championships. I'm guessing he was subject to testing.

So, PP is an Ex-Drug-Cheat and no longer a Pro. He served his punishment. Whether he is still using banned substances is an unknown, but I think [hope] that is highly unlikely. I'm happy to let him get on with his life in Thailand. I would also like to see him climbing Doi Inthanon in his 60's, and wouldn't at all be surprised if he posted a sub 4.28. I'm sure you'd be happy for him too!

Isn't PP still a pro though, the Singha Infinite Cycling team is (or was) registered as a UCI Continental team.

Anyway, we shouldn't go comparing ourselves to Pros or ex-Pros, there are some supremely fit 60/70 year old riders within my club and they would easily beat A-x's time, ride for yourself and your own pleasure and don't worry about how quick someone else is.

Now I'm off out to go KOM hunting :-p

Here's my latest ride and me riding it ;-)

I like that everyone just assumes he was drunk without evidence.

How about the possibility he had a medical issue whilst driving, that caused him to go off the road?

This is on Bicycle Thailands Facebook page:

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Well reading it at watching the clip, I would say that the motorcyclist is not blame free either, the VW is across the road for a good while before the collision showing that instead of slowing down to allow it to complete it's move, tried to overtake, which the driver was probably not expecting.

Taking a neutral view the driver is correct not to visit and not to accept responsibility/liability and let the insurance company sort it out, and has probably been advised the same by the embassy's lawyers.

Really there is no story here, other than the rider trying to force the issue via social media, or wouldn't even be published if it wasn't an employee of the embassy.

That said, it doesn't mean I don't feel sorry for her injuries or the situation she is in, but it certainly isn't as clear cut a case as is made out to be.

Maybe the insurance company is not giving her as much compensation for lost days as she wants. Its easier to get that from a private person. When my ex had an accident the insurance paid the cost of the damage but not compensation for lost work of the taxi that hit us. The ex paid for that (ex hit a pilar and as a result we crashed but a taxi hit us in the back after that).

She probably wants more as just her damage and hospital cost (and with good reason) the insurance might not want to give the amount she wants and she prefers to talk with the employee of the embassy.

Even if she were successful to talk to the embassy employee, I doubt it would result in anything more than a "I'm sorry you crashed in to my car and was injured, let the insurance company sort out any compensation/damages to be paid"

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Well reading it at watching the clip, I would say that the motorcyclist is not blame free either, the VW is across the road for a good while before the collision showing that instead of slowing down to allow it to complete it's move, tried to overtake, which the driver was probably not expecting.

Taking a neutral view the driver is correct not to visit and not to accept responsibility/liability and let the insurance company sort it out, and has probably been advised the same by the embassy's lawyers.

Really there is no story here, other than the rider trying to force the issue via social media, or wouldn't even be published if it wasn't an employee of the embassy.

That said, it doesn't mean I don't feel sorry for her injuries or the situation she is in, but it certainly isn't as clear cut a case as is made out to be.

I would add that spending seemingly obscene amounts of money on a bike are not necessarily to do with performance either, it can also be about the aesthetics and heritage of the brand too.

The C60 I'm looking at, isn't the lightest and certainly isn't the most aero frame. But it is a handmade carbon lugged frame, lovingly crafted by a company steeped in cycling history. If I go for it, I'll probably blow needless cash on an Italian gruppo and wheels as well. I don't believe it will make me faster, but it would be a joy not just to ride, but a piece of artwork to behold when I'm not.

If I want to go fast, I just spend 80k on a Cervelo P2 plus maybe an extra 20-30k for some deep section aero wheels and away I go. It'll be much faster than the C60, but it won't evoke the same emotions when riding. It is just a tool designed to get you around a TT or Tri bike leg as fast as possible.

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Yeah, I like a more natural look for ti as well. My Lynskey XC bike is 'Industrial Mill' finish - looks workmanlike and 'industrial' I guess. Next time I'd get etched graphics, the decals looked rubbish after one ride.

Not sure where else you can get a Litespeed, or other ti like Van Nicholas etc. Size in Asia can be a problem.

I like the idea of a titanium road bike, but keep erring towards carbon. Probably I'm just a wannabe.

Equally, I saw a LeMond Washoe [Reynolds steel] on display at Rapha San Francisco. It looked very nice indeed... I'd probably be more likely to buy one of those if only to support Greg LeMond's unfortunate stand against Lance Armstrong.

I love the look of the Washoe, and it's supposed to be an excellent ride as well, the fact it's from Greg LeMond is just the icing on the cake ;-)

I almost thought to order and import the frame myself and build it up, but I've seen a nice MHCF Colnago C60 that seems to be calling to me more!

Most people using Macs in Thailand have installed bootcamp and run Windows on it for "ease of use".

Most of the iStudio stores do run basic workshop courses around once a month, they normally post a schedule of what they are offering in the store.

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That's actually quite reasonable for a bespoke handmade Ti frameset built with Campy Super Record and Enve wheels. Although personally I think they should have left the gruppo alone and not colour matched it, for a better look

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just wondered why anyone would buy a new bike when they knew they were coming to thailand.

I can think of a couple, if you're taller than the average Thai, you'll have a hard time getting a bike that fits correctly. If you can find a shop that can order the size in, it can take up to 6+ months. Also, depending on what the bike is, it can be significantly cheaper than buying locally. The only brands cheaper in Thailand are Giant and Trek, even then that isn't for all models either, for example top model Giant Defy Advanced SL will cost you around 300k THB locally, you can pick the same bike up in Australia for 155k THB.

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I personally haven't, but my guitar teacher is a session musician for GMM Grammy and he recommends them.

The other Thai luthier is Thannakorn Guitars which also comes highly regarded.

I don't think you will be disappointed with your purchase.

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There is an excellent butcher in Bangkok called Sloanes, butchers his own meat and also makes probably some of the best sausages you'll find anywhere. Not cheap, but worth it. His shop is out Bang Na way but he also does deliveries and some villa supermarkets stock the sausages

How is the structure inside those saucages? Is it fine or course?

Depends on the sausage, about as authentic as you can get in Thailand

There is an excellent butcher in Bangkok called Sloanes, butchers his own meat and also makes probably some of the best sausages you'll find anywhere. Not cheap, but worth it. His shop is out Bang Na way but he also does deliveries and some villa supermarkets stock the sausages

I actually felt cold on the bike for this first time ever as well, you can see how nice and cool it is along with when I had a tailwind below

The max temp is from inside the house when I started my Garmin.

Lovely and cool here in Bangkok today, but the wind was the strongest I've ever experienced, helped set some new PR's when it was behind me, but wow, really tough when it became a headwind!

I don't think bikezone is open anymore. Passed by a few times recently and looks closed down.

They moved from Amarin to A Square on Soi Aree, very much still open and going strong!

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According to KhunBENQs' link, Bike Zone is still listed as a dealer, although against their old address, and also apparently that link claims Probike just behind lumphini park also carries Polar gear, although I must admit I don't ever remember seeing any during my last visit. Still it's another option to try.

Outdoor Unlimited, which is still in Amarin Plaza may also carry them.

Bike Zone used to carry all of the Polar multisport watches and HRMs at their old store in Amarin, not sure if they still do at their new store, but it's probably worth giving them a call, they have English speaking staff as well, if your Thai isn't great.

http://www.bikezone.co.th/

Can you guys stop teasing me about lovely cool winter weather!!!! [emoji846]

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It has been way too cold to ride lately but the sun came out today so maybe soon. I really need a ride.

Me too!

This afternoon the sun came out, tomorrow the mountain beckons.

Went out for a ride today, Bangkok - Hua Hin....what happened to that lovely cool weather? 40 degrees today!!!!

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Not unusual that it happens at IKEA. Not just in Thailand but throughout the world. And they normally don't care a shit.

Ikea will provide the replacement parts if requested. However, no one over the age of 35 buys Ikea furniture. It's not made to last.

That's crap, I have plenty of IKEA furniture that I bought in the UK and France before moving here. Still going strong after 12-15 years.

And if they are not built to last, why do they offer 10 year guarantees on sofas (just one example)

And 35 is way behind me as well [emoji12]

I've never had a problem with sweaty hands slipping off the hoods, wear some gloves if it concerns you that much.

Not sure if you can swap the stems between your bikes, depends if they have the same size steerer tube, but worth a try.

I'll leave you with a picture of one of my bikes, very comfy even though it might not look it. Frame was too small, but I needed a bike temporarily while I waited for my proper one

Not a bad temporary bike Moonoi!

You're forgiven for not slamming that stem - the seatpost extension more than makes up for it.

But, I think that's twice you've posted a photo without the chain on the BIG Dog. Some of us are paying attention!!! Sur la Plaque and all that...

I also failed to match the bar tape to the saddle, so a fair number of errors ;-)

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I've never had a problem with sweaty hands slipping off the hoods, wear some gloves if it concerns you that much.

Not sure if you can swap the stems between your bikes, depends if they have the same size steerer tube, but worth a try.

I'll leave you with a picture of one of my bikes, very comfy even though it might not look it. Frame was too small, but I needed a bike temporarily while I waited for my proper one

You're right that looks really uncomfortable[emoji30]

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Zero offset seatpost with a -13 degree 130mm stem to get the right fit. Didn't want to cut the steerer as I was (and did) sell it a couple of months later once the new bike came in.

For me I prefer to have a bit more weight through my arms, as too upright a position gives me a backache.....the opposite problem to most people!

My road bike came with a 105mm stem and I hated it. Stretched out too far felt so uncomfortable. Changed to 45mm and wow what a difference[emoji108]

Coming down on the stem length also massively improved the feel of the steering.

Comfy riding[emoji2]

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To add, you can also increase the angle (or decrease) of the stem, which would also bring it closer and a more upright position.