jbeck

A few of my friends run the downhill mountbike hash ground down in Bangkok. They come up to Chiang Mai quite often to ride. I know on several occasions they have broken parts and had them cheaply overnighted up from a shop in BKK as they were not able to get them in Chiang Mai.

You might want to talk with this guy named Aiden who has a shop near Wat Phrasingh. His website is here: http://www.mountainb...gchiangmai.com/ He is a downhill guide and occasionally rides with the BKK hash group. He should be able to help you with all your bike questions.

-Mestizo

Thank you

Does anyone understand what he's talking about?

asking experienced mountain bikers who might have bought bikes from song bike shop - about their experience there,

and asking about their knowledge of Merida and trek bikes in general, and magura components specifically by name.

pretty simple,isnt it, or you're joking? Thanks.

You may wish to check with Tom who has a place on Chiang Moi Rd. the shop is called TOP GEAR..

Seems pretty knowledgable

G

prices higher than song bike shop, zero bikes in stock. could only order low end models. only a thai lady ever there. thanks.

Hi I'm considering a Merida matts lite 3000D from song bikeshop for 50000 b.

Before that it was a Trek 6000 for 25,000 baht, until I realized how cheap the components were and especially the forks RockShok Tora.

Well the 3000D has a Magura Durin fork and Magura Julie brakes and FSA LK carbon arm crank, otherwise is full XT, the Magura fork alone sells for 30,000 baht.

NO SHOP can/will order me any Merida model that is not already in their showroom and the selection is limited to 1000D, 3000D, and lower spec models.

I used to race, and want a light hardtail, durable capable bike for climbing and descending, on road and off, mostly doi suthep, and figure a great front fork is a necessity as well as a safety bonus .

I guess my questions now are: will song bike shop (near the moat) take care of me after the sale (from your experience, or a friends) ?

Anyone have experience with these Magura components, I've read reviews, there are few, and mixed. I'm a 70kg rider. I love good brakes and am willing to pay!

If the Magura stuff needs repair, or brake pads, are they hard to get?

Is Merida even a good bike? I have no experience with them.

The Trek is heavy - correct?, but nobody publishes weights.

I do NOT want to mess with upgrading components, just maintain and ride the bike.

How hard would it be for me to sell a 50,000 baht bike like this later, used (for a decent price) ?

I've found zero decent mountain bikes for sale on the internet in Thailand (thaivisa, craigslist, citylife).

If anyone can comment on the difference between the TREK 6000 (sram x.5) @ Jacky Bike and The Merida 3000, i'd appreciate it, maybe the trek would do the job at half the price?

Thanks in advance.

Hoping maybe a real estate guy sees this or someone knows of something / has seen something / has a neighbor that has moved out.

Small town house / free-standing apartment / studio with air con(s), hot water, basic furnishings (beds, cooking facilities), and hopefully front gate style - outdoor-type cooking area okay (covered, enclosed, thai style). Somewhat flexible (example, no refrigerator is okay)

Fast Internet must be available, i.e. must be in 3BB 12MB service area, or similar.

Looking for a great value...but not a debate about it.

Seriously, not looking for people to tell me I'm not being realistic. Save your time.

There are places out there, just not easy to find.

Budget is 7000 baht or less.

thanks.

Hi Jbeck,

I use 3BB (12MB) 1350Baht/PM (year contract). Its rock solid. Does everything your asking for. I stream WSBK, BSBK using myp2p for live races and MotoGP, but this is usually shown on UBC live if you have it.

I also use Skype to friends around the world including video, you get the odd glitch but nothing to be concerned over.

Youtube works a treat with it, you get the occasional clip where you have to pause for a wee while, nothing too annoying

What do you use to stream the races, the official sites?

Thanks. Looks like a ~ 4000 b installation fee and yeah, the one year contract, I may move, do you have to pay the entire balance?

I guess they can't make you...but would refuse service in the future...

I'll probably stop in to the internet shops at Central Airport and ask questions.

True 8MB cable is looking like an alternative.

For now, my apt has true TV (free) in all the rooms and I think I can have them add the internet.

I have to check with the owner..and with True.

thanks

Bernie@parsplace, Kessaya & Mai Paeng are all reputable guys who rent for a fair price. Just don't rent from Beach Road.

We were quoted 2000B per day from a place near Mike's on Beach Road during our first trip. Don't be a tourist.

both Pars and Kessaya were sold out for the entire month of Feb. Next time I go I may spend a month and send my wave through EMS.

I wound up renting a NEW (only 1000 km) Nuovo elegance from a bar on soi 6 for 200b/day for 3 days. NO pressure, no BS.

Ruby Bar. Not a great price but okay for a few days.

Will keep a list of the other places, thanks.

Hi,

I've found a lot of of old threads - mostly all negative feedback on all companies.

1) is anyone happy with their provider and who do you recommend?

2) do you have to sign a year contract?

my main uses are:

3) MUST support torrent downloads, about 10 per month, motorcycle races about 1 GB per race as well as movies, a few a month

4) I will be skyping to the US, but mostly to cell phones, not video

5) I will be doing a distance learning program from/to the University of Hawaii, some of the courses may be webcasts (I don't know what software), and some may have real-time video ...probably the most difficult requirement.

6) you tube without horrid wait times- is it possible? Of course all the important things/servers I are outside Thailand, probably Mainland USA.

Right now I'm using my Condo's WIFi which of course is barely useful at all except for email. It's "free" meaning the rent is higher.

But there is a phone jack/phone in the wall so I have no choice but to do something once my classes start..

If I have to pay a premium price I will, as the school work is very important, 1,000 baht.month is fine, but not much more than that.

Thanks in advance

jbeck

A bit OT

How does the 1 year ED visa work if you can't stay for the whole year? Say 9 months. Could you perhaps take more then 4 classes a week to make up for it? I'm assuming that you will get in trouble the next year if you want to take the educational route again (up to 3 years as mentioned on thaiwalen).

I actually emailed walen about this but didn't get reply so I was wondering if someone on the forum might know the answer to the question.

when I doubt, I find it 'helps' to make a new topic

Dear walen - how many hours/days a week are required to satisfy the ED visa?

4 lessons a week.

That does not answer my question, so I'll try again.

1. How many hours is one lesson?

2. Do I have to come to school 4 times week for the 4 lessons?

3. Can I do the 4 lessons in one day and come once a week?

4. Is there flexibility like this or not?

thanks.

Dear walen - how many hours/days a week are required to satisfy the ED visa? for example at Chiang Mai university, one day a week is possible (I think 4 hours). This allows a lot of free time to the student.

If missing a class, can it be made up with homework, or attending extra class hours?

If changing from visa to ED visa, the first time, can I exit/re-enter at any normal checkpoint where "border runs" are done?

For example Mae Sai?

SO, If there's no karaoke thai, how are we to understand the thai alphabet without proper training, for example, learning all the consonants and vowels, their pronunciation, and rules and exceptions? Is all that taught?

Are there reading and writing exercises? Homework? Is it a Thai reading and writing class/course, or do you teach conversation, sentence structure, pronunciation technique (for example, how to pronounce non-roman vowels and consonants - perhaps the most difficult part of learning thai.)

If we can't read Thai, and without "karaoke Thai" to help remember the tone and pronunciation, how can we remember a new word, sentence, or phrase. How can we write it down or read it later?

For example, do you teach things like: "I know a man who would like to give you a job. "

And then I would like to learn/know how to say: "That is great. Can you give me his number so I can call him after I get my car repaired"?

If we can't read or write Thai, HOW to write it, or read it later to study it, repeat it, speak it and memorize it.

If you teach how to read and write Thai similar to how children learn, like using childrens books, then I understand the approach.

But my conversational skills are far beyond that already, and I want to build on that.

I'm sure it is not easy to answer all this.

I don't see anything wrong with using phonetic Thai TOGETHER WITH proper Thai and proper English, I think then you get the best of everything, the most flexibility, and it would be the fastest way to learn reading, writing, speaking, and understanding Thai.

I think phonetic Thai is great for people who cannot read and write Thai. Of course it is, there's absolutely nothing bad about it.

Even English words with no Thai translation - Thai people write in a kind of Karaoke English, like the word "Jeff".

And you charge a fee to change school locations?

thanks,

jeff

The only way for you to find out is to sit in on a class. I understand both schools you mentioned let you do that free of charge. For a start, you may want to look at these two topics:

Walen Or Pro Language?

Best Thai Language School

Good suggestion, but it's not the only way. Using the forum is another way!

And I can sit in on one class - but it is not the same as going for months to form an evaluation.

For example, 2 times, at 2 different schools, I have gone to "one class" and was okay, but after three weeks, I realized it was not very good.

I'm asking for the experience of people who have attended different schools.

Thanks for the links.

Thank you.

had bad experiences renting around beach road.

badly running bikes, old bikes, non english speaking guys, not caring when I bring the bike back to complain that it sucks.

I want to rent a brand new/near new EFI honda click

Maye a forum member knows a good, reputable, "customer friendly" place, an actual bike rental SHOP, can be anywhere 1st, 2nd, 3rd roads.

Also hoping for a place maybe known to give weekly/monthly rate or some type of discount

I guess I need the exact location.

thanks guys!

OK, I see that Walen and Pro Language have schools in Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket.

So, if I wanted to move about after I've paid my tuition, apparently - I would be able to live in any of these places, which is a nice option to have.

Can anyone recommend one of these schools over the other, and WHY?

I want a school that is not just an excuse for a visa, but one that actually does a good job of teaching advanced Thai language.

Or, if not one of the above, then which?

In order to reply WITHOUT just GUESSING, you obviously must have attended or known someone that attended a school, or had a look at the courses/curriculum, or something.

I don't want a school that teaches, "hello, how much, where", etc... After 2 years, I'm way past that. What school has an advanced studies ?

Chiang Mai university is 50,000 baht so I'm not interested in that one.

For an ED visa, If wanting to travel a bit, do these schools let you make up missed classes or can you "never leave town" ?

Again, an answer from personal experience would be nicer than a guess!

Thanks!

I have an ED visa with Wallen and I think it is the best Visa you can get in Thailand.

- I work from Skype for my lessons (2h on Wednesday, 2 hours on Friday), so basically you can learn anywhere as soon as you have a good internet connection

- I do not have the go out from Thailand for 14 months or so.

- costs 25.000 / year plus 1900 every quarter. (how much you will pay every 2 months to go to the border and come back?)

- you learn Thai.

The only problems are:

- you need to be close to a School, because they do you immigration papers. I am in Pattaya, but could be in Chiang May or BK with Wallen.

- you have to attend to the lessons because the immigration will test you after the 2-3rd visa extension. Showing them your books might be enough though.

- you have to spend 4 hours / week with Kru Nat (teacher Nat) who is the funniest and the sweetest person on earth, but sometime she sings which can be a very painful experience.

Contact me in private if you want to have the Wallen team Skype, and ask them questions.

We are starting back the book 1 at page 1 in one week or so, so maybe you can join us.

Hi - a couple of questions:

Why would the Walen visa be the "best Visa you can get in Thailand"? Why would it be any better than any other school 1 year ED visa?

And you must mean "the best ED visa", not the best visa, right?

Is it their efficiency in doing the visa paperwork that makes them so good, or what?

Your statement is very intriguing.

And have you tried other schools that were not as good and what was the problem?

Since this thread is about "negatives", what if you want to travel in (or out?) of Thailand several times a year?

Maybe a week or a few weeks.

You will miss classes. Do the schools allow you to make them up?

Thanks

There would be no risk bringing it back, but as Shurup said, it's cheap so why bother.

Shurup is talking about underground lab steroid (UG).. The human grade is cheap enough, so why risk using underground lab crap if you don't have to. There's always a risk they use too much solvent which can cause painful injections, or that it is underdosed or non-sterile. UG only makes sense if human grade is unavailable or overpriced, which it isn't in Thailand.

Why don't you try and report back here from the jail? If he has no prescription for it, it will be illegal.

Testoviron Depot is a brand name and it contains the Testosterone Enanthate.

You can buy the same Testoviron Depot in an 1ml ampule or a 10ml multiuse vial, OR if you don't feel like paying extra for the label of same medication, you can just buy a Testosterone Enanthate. Either of them equally illegal unless you have a prescription.

There are many labs that make Testosterone Enanthate, they've been around for ages and they are trusted brands.

I won't even bother to comment on your UG grade and painful injections remarks.

Unless you've been to jail for it, how would you know for CERTAIN, what they would do?

My question was obviously to tropo. Tropo are you there?

I'm not into hearsay, or guesswork, but first hand experience, that's how I like to make use of the forum.

Actually it's the only way to use it effectively IMHO.

So the questions stands, why does someone claim no risk, and some claim big risk.

But hey, thanks anyway.

Are you saying you took it with you to the States (US)? I would just leave it there and come back to Thailand and buy more. It is cheap and you are taking a great risk bringing it back even there is some writing in Thai on it. You already took your chances by bringing it to the States, if you got checked you would have been charged with importing a scheduled or controlled substance. You will face the same the same risk if you take it back to Thailand as in Thailand as well, it is illegal unless you have a prescription for it. Leave the box at home for use on your future trips home and come back and buy more of it, one multiuse 10 ml vial is 800-1000 baht.

I actually mailed it to myself in the states. I've never seen a multiuse vial, only the box of 20 ampules.

I may not return to the states for 2 years but you're right, a few thousand baht might not be worth the risk.

I think if told them I didn't know I needed to carry my prescription, they wouldn't care, but why take a chance....

Anyway I doubt they'd put me in jail over it right?

...just take a bit of explaining and maybe, they confiscate it.

There would be no risk bringing it back, but as Shurup said, it's cheap so why bother.

Shurup is talking about underground lab steroid (UG).. The human grade is cheap enough, so why risk using underground lab crap if you don't have to. There's always a risk they use too much solvent which can cause painful injections, or that it is underdosed or non-sterile. UG only makes sense if human grade is unavailable or overpriced, which it isn't in Thailand.

Why "no risk"?

Are you saying you took it with you to the States (US)? I would just leave it there and come back to Thailand and buy more. It is cheap and you are taking a great risk bringing it back even there is some writing in Thai on it. You already took your chances by bringing it to the States, if you got checked you would have been charged with importing a scheduled or controlled substance. You will face the same the same risk if you take it back to Thailand as in Thailand as well, it is illegal unless you have a prescription for it. Leave the box at home for use on your future trips home and come back and buy more of it, one multiuse 10 ml vial is 800-1000 baht.

I actually mailed it to myself in the states. I've never seen a multiuse vial, only the box of 20 ampules.

I may not return to the states for 2 years but you're right, a few thousand baht might not be worth the risk.

I think if told them I didn't know I needed to carry my prescription, they wouldn't care, but why take a chance....

Anyway I doubt they'd put me in jail over it right?

...just take a bit of explaining and maybe, they confiscate it.

PM sent

thanks.

Also - I visited the states and took a box with me, that I used less than half of, now I'll be returning to Thailand early. I want to bring it back with me.

Is it possible they'll care when going through customs in Thailand if they see a box of T? There's even some Thai writing on the box...I bought in Chiang Mai in a pharmacy with no prescription.

thanks again.

its not my condo, was an advert on another forum.

if you want the email address flick me a PM.

PM flicked

thanks

Pattaya -Nirun studio condo for rent, 4000 baht monthly- long term ( 4 months), 4,500 baht monthly- short term, , plus low priced electric and 300 baht for service + water monthly. .

Has air conditioning, hot water, refrigerator, fan, bed and furniture, optional-cable TV (300 baht). . Large Condo complex with 2 swimming pools, 24 hour security, key card entry ,restaurants, bars, massage, gym, laundry, internet shops. Like a small city. Located very close to Carrfour mall, across from the ShagWell Hotel. The condo is located on the 3th floor, in the smaller buildings. There is a lift/ elevator. There is a small balcony and is near a large open area so you get a lot of breezes. It is very clean, quiet, and private.

Available now for short or long term

E-mail ( email removed ) for more info.

please contact me through a private message, you cannot put your phone or email in a post here

Fascino's in Pattaye usually has everything approved for OTC sale (which this is) , or can easily order it in.

thanks.

Some people, for some reason, think that useless responses are better than no response at all. I called. Now, you try. Save your bahts,

the information is bogus.

I was hoping that someone who buys the stuff could tell me where they get it. SO SIMPLE!

It's fine, I can always stay in a cheap hotel, if anyone would like to recommend one please do so, without making fun of me for wanting to save money (why is this funny- are you all rich?- don't answer that).

QueenVic has a 500 baht room, it's rather small though.

Isn't that 7000 Baht for two weeks? (and it's rather small, apparently)

now you understand why I wanted to try a different approach - yay!

April 1st come early again?

"i can pay about 4000 baht for 2 full weeks all inclusive, somewhat negotiable"

could try see if some motorbike taxi riders on the darkside willing to share their lean to?

i was told you could rent a condo for 8000 b/month there so i figured, half that is 4000 or 5000.

In Chiang Mai you can easily rent a motorbike for 2 weeks for 1500 baht.

I've stayed at pretty nice hotels there for 5000b/month (not a guesthouse).

Is Pattaya really that much more expensive?

Hopefully someone who HAS a condo and can use a few extra bucks, or knows of an alternative (guesthouse?) can HELP me instead of posting stupid jokes.

Thanks

Yes, 8,000B for a 3+ months contract low season where you pay water and electricity at infighted rates, as posted most cheap condos with A/C start at a rate of 700B+ per day, may get deal at 4,000B a week low season.

I'll just wait and wade through the replies, and hope someone has something to offer at a reasonable price, that otherwise might go empty.

Probably an out of town owner, not an agency.

4000-5000 baht is better than nothing - for some people.

It's fine, I can always stay in a cheap hotel, if anyone would like to recommend one please do so, without making fun of me for wanting to save money (why is this funny- are you all rich?- don't answer that).

QueenVic has a 500 baht room, it's rather small though.