Decent Mountain Bike Brands in Thailand?

[SamuiAddict]

Afternoon one and all.

I'm after getting a cheap ish mountain bike for short bike rides around where I live.  Don't need anything serious, looking to spend 5000 baht.

 

There's load on Lazada, but there all brands I've never heard and I don't know what the quality would be like.  Brands like Maximus, Gorilla, 

Any idea on these for example?

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/24-maxixmus-titan-21-140-i612210069-s2360766930.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.78.ad83692fUcoBqH&search=1

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/maximus-apollo-275-24-i712934413-s1366032446.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.21.4b93692fIy8rcj&search=1news

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/delta-26-shimano-21-iron-by-the-cycling-zone-i1458484826-s3805900467.html?spm=a2o4m.searchlist.list.105.2db0692fbFmklu&search=1&freeshipping=1

[richard_smith237]

Decathlon is your best bet for a semi-decent reliable Mountain Bike... 

 

https://www.decathlon.co.th/en/p/8511143_rockrider-st-520-275-8sp-mountain-bike-grey.html

 

Those ‘unknown’ brand Lazada ones look a little hideous, I wouldn’t trust them and can envisage the crank shearing or bending as soon as we apply force to go up a hill. 

 

------

 

I too am in the market for a mountain bike - something in the 20-30,000 baht range....  The bike shops are simply disinterested - there isn’t much stock in the L and XL models.

 

Staff at the specialist shops such as ProBike (which sell Trek) are completely disinterested and reply to request for information on stock and size etc a very ‘off-hand manner’...  I suspect they are only interested in dealing with you if you actually visit their shop.

 

From a number of bike shops I am left with the impression its my privilege to be able to buy a bike !!!

 

 

Decathlon on the other hand operate with Western levels of service.... 

 

 

 

 

 

[CharlieH]

MOVED TO CYCLING FORUM

[StreetCowboy]

4 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Decathlon is your best bet for a semi-decent reliable Mountain Bike... 

 

https://www.decathlon.co.th/en/p/8511143_rockrider-st-520-275-8sp-mountain-bike-grey.html

 

Those ‘unknown’ brand Lazada ones look a little hideous, I wouldn’t trust them and can envisage the crank shearing or bending as soon as we apply force to go up a hill. 

 

------

 

I too am in the market for a mountain bike - something in the 20-30,000 baht range....  The bike shops are simply disinterested - there isn’t much stock in the L and XL models.

 

Staff at the specialist shops such as ProBike (which sell Trek) are completely disinterested and reply to request for information on stock and size etc a very ‘off-hand manner’...  I suspect they are only interested in dealing with you if you actually visit their shop.

 

From a number of bike shops I am left with the impression its my privilege to be able to buy a bike !!!

 

 

Decathlon on the other hand operate with Western levels of service.... 

 

 

 

 

 

That Decathlon one you posted looks like good value for the money.
SRAM drivetrain, Tektro brakes, Btwin other components.

At least you'll be able to fix it and get spare parts.

And it's only got to last you long enough for you to want to spend more money on a better bike, or a different bike.

 

SC

[SamuiAddict]

Ahh I didn't know they had Decathalon in Thailand - DC is the standard go to for an affordable, decent bike in the UK.  I'll have a look there, thanks!

[StreetCowboy]

1 hour ago, SamuiAddict said:

Ahh I didn't know they had Decathalon in Thailand - DC is the standard go to for an affordable, decent bike in the UK.  I'll have a look there, thanks!

My suggestion would be to consider one of their "hybrid"  bikes if you are not planning a lot of off-road, to avoid wasting money on unnecessary suspension; if your area is flat, then you might not need the front derailleur gears.

[kiteman9]

I would first google search the bike shops around where you live and take a test ride on a few to find out what size bike fits you.

[malibukid]

On 9/14/2021 at 2:49 PM, richard_smith237 said:

Decathlon is your best bet for a semi-decent reliable Mountain Bike... 

 

https://www.decathlon.co.th/en/p/8511143_rockrider-st-520-275-8sp-mountain-bike-grey.html

 

Those ‘unknown’ brand Lazada ones look a little hideous, I wouldn’t trust them and can envisage the crank shearing or bending as soon as we apply force to go up a hill. 

 

------

 

I too am in the market for a mountain bike - something in the 20-30,000 baht range....  The bike shops are simply disinterested - there isn’t much stock in the L and XL models.

 

Staff at the specialist shops such as ProBike (which sell Trek) are completely disinterested and reply to request for information on stock and size etc a very ‘off-hand manner’...  I suspect they are only interested in dealing with you if you actually visit their shop.

 

From a number of bike shops I am left with the impression its my privilege to be able to buy a bike !!!

 

 

Decathlon on the other hand operate with Western levels of service.... 

 

 

 

 

 

the shops i have been in are not too Farang. friendly and usually do not have Farang. sizes to demo. you want, we order. you stuck with it.  lol.

[Cake Monster]

6 hours ago, SamuiAddict said:

Ahh I didn't know they had Decathalon in Thailand - DC is the standard go to for an affordable, decent bike in the UK.  I'll have a look there, thanks!

Decathlon have an excellent website

Or , as an afterthought have a look around some of the Bike shops in your location.

Many Bikes are for sale 2nd Hand now. Good Bikes with high specs, and in good condition.

 

[StreetCowboy]

20 minutes ago, Cake Monster said:

Decathlon have an excellent website

Or , as an afterthought have a look around some of the Bike shops in your location.

Many Bikes are for sale 2nd Hand now. Good Bikes with high specs, and in good condition.

 

I was impressed with Decathlon's web site in Malaysia, and the Thai website looks just as good.  I ordered on line, and then thought I might as well just go down to the shop to pick up the part, rather than getting it delivered, for the sake a nice 20 km bike ride,  and I was in and out the shop like a burglar.  I'd have browsed a bit, if the bike showroom was not upstairs

[Tedly]

I bought a Giant brand 2 years ago, I guess technically it's a hybrid rather than a mountain bike, but I really like it. 18 speeds if you need em, I forget the price but it think it was around 5- 6000 baht. If you are in Chiang Mai try Cherry bike shop, they treated me good.

[3STTW]

You could take a look at Trinx, I got a X1 and it's the mutt's nuts. Magnesium alloy frame and Shimano Altus hardware, I paid about THB9k in 2018.

 

http://www.trinx.com/index.php?ac=article&at=read&did=2046

 

I'm fairly sure they have distributors across TH but I got mine from a shop opposite the Bang Saray turn-off on the Pattaya - Sattahip road.

Edited September 15, 2021 by 3STTW

[charliebadenhop]

David Walker is a very nice and knowledgeable Brit living in Chiang Rai. His company is Painted Roads. Have a look for him on FB. If he has the time, he will help.

He leads great tours in SE Asia and other nearby locations.

[yogi yogi]

what about a folding bike.  

[thecyclist]

Anything under 5k and you might end up spending as much time in the repair shop as on the bike itself. If  it's for regular exercise a few extra grand will get you a halfway decent sturdy Giant, Merida,Trek...., which will make the ride more enjoyable (the cheap ones you are constantly dealing with one or another part loosening, gears not shifting properly etc) 

[LawrenceN]

9 hours ago, StreetCowboy said:

My suggestion would be to consider one of their "hybrid"  bikes if you are not planning a lot of off-road, to avoid wasting money on unnecessary suspension; if your area is flat, then you might not need the front derailleur gears.

Good idea. Too many people ride mountain bikes and never leave paved roads. That suspension adds weight. Lose it if you're not gonna use it. 

 

Also, be aware that there are two kinds of hybrid. Some are heavy, developed around mountain bike frames originally. Then there's the light kind, like a road bike with flat handlebars. The Sirrus from Specialized is a good example. I've had both kinds, used for commuting in Wisconsin. I got tired of the extra weight in 2003, so got the lighter kind (yes, a Sirrus). But lots of brands compete for that segment. 

 

Here's a list of nearly all bike shops, by province: https://bicyclethailand.com/information/bike-stores/

Edited September 15, 2021 by LawrenceN
Clarification

[richard_smith237]

4 minutes ago, thecyclist said:

Anything under 5k and you might end up spending as much time in the repair shop as on the bike itself. If  it's for regular exercise a few extra grand will get you a halfway decent sturdy Giant, Merida,Trek...., which will make the ride more enjoyable (the cheap ones you are constantly dealing with one or another part loosening, gears not shifting properly etc) 

Can’t really disagree with a guy called ‘thecyclist’ !!!

 

I’ve been looking for Giant, Merida, Trek, Scott for the very reason that the ‘kit’ is higher quality and I’m going to spend less time messing around fixing stuff. It was a lot lot easier sourcing a road bike (Specialized). Mountain bikes seem a lot less popular in Thailand than road bikes. 

 

The particular issue I’m finding is the lack of availability of large bikes (and XL i) - I’m 183cm, hardly massive, its nearly impossible to find any stockists which have the correct size, as another poster mentioned, they can order for you, then you are stuck with it. It would be nice just to be able to sit on a bike to check the size. 

 

 

4 hours ago, Cake Monster said:

Or , as an afterthought have a look around some of the Bike shops in your location.

Many Bikes are for sale 2nd Hand now. Good Bikes with high specs, and in good condition.

I've looked for second hand Mountain bikes on Facebook Market place - there is nothing of any interest whatsoever...  If you have any other sources of second hand bikes (or new) it would be useful to post on this thread.

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

14 minutes ago, LawrenceN said:

You didn't say where you are. Here's a list of nearly all bike shops, by province: https://bicyclethailand.com/information/bike-stores/

This is a resource I’ve attempted to use before...  the issue I found; in Bangkok 90% of the websites (links) do not work and we are stuck with the ‘main stockists’ who seem disinterested in selling anything. 

 

 

[SomchaiCNX]

11 hours ago, StreetCowboy said:

My suggestion would be to consider one of their "hybrid"  bikes if you are not planning a lot of off-road, to avoid wasting money on unnecessary suspension; if your area is flat, then you might not need the front derailleur gears.

Also my suggestion, Decathlon Riverside series https://www.decathlon.co.th/en/p/8392092_riverside-500-grey.html

[MrJ2U]

LA bikes is supposed to be ok.

 

Made in Thailand so no exorbitant import taxes added.

But it's made in Thailand.

 

Might be best going to a used bike shop.  Probably better bikes and cheaper.

 

Edited September 15, 2021 by MrJ2U

[Cake Monster]

I have a " Giant " Mountain Bike that is about 12 Years old now.

I am a large Guy, and I ride off road with this Bike frequently.

The only repairs I have made to the Bike were a new Crankset, Chain, and Rear Cassttte, and this was only due to an accident I had.

Having lent the Bike to BIL while I attemted to regain some power to my L leg, he really abused the Bike giving his GF who is about 100 KG backies / zero care Etc

The only other things have been Tyres, Brake pads Etc 

Betterthan the Muddy Fox bike i had in UK.

The Giant is a great Bike and VFM.

[frequentatore]

16 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

This is a resource I’ve attempted to use before...  the issue I found; in Bangkok 90% of the websites (links) do not work and we are stuck with the ‘main stockists’ who seem disinterested in selling anything. 

 

 

Most cyclists know this one. Trek importer; next to Lumphini Park/Bangkok. Prices and sizes: https://www.probike.co.th/en/products/A-002-02/trek-bike-mountain-bike

 

[SamuiAddict]

On 9/15/2021 at 11:25 AM, StreetCowboy said:

My suggestion would be to consider one of their "hybrid"  bikes if you are not planning a lot of off-road, to avoid wasting money on unnecessary suspension; if your area is flat, then you might not need the front derailleur gears.

I am going to take it off road and up the mountain a bit but mainly dirt track low land riding.  I'm pretty experienced rider, had some really nice bikes in the past, Schwinn Straight 8, Kona Kikapu etc.  Near where I live in the UK - in Macc forest we have some really decent purpose built trails and courses.  But not riden for a while and just fancied something cheap to get me back on the bike and get a bit of cardio going haha.

 

But the more I think about - the more I want to actually spend haha
 

On 9/15/2021 at 5:43 PM, 3STTW said:

You could take a look at Trinx, I got a X1 and it's the mutt's nuts. Magnesium alloy frame and Shimano Altus hardware, I paid about THB9k in 2018.

 

http://www.trinx.com/index.php?ac=article&at=read&did=2046

 

I'm fairly sure they have distributors across TH but I got mine from a shop opposite the Bang Saray turn-off on the Pattaya - Sattahip road.

They do look pretty nice to be fair!

[richard_smith237]

9 hours ago, frequentatore said:

On 9/15/2021 at 9:05 PM, richard_smith237 said:

This is a resource I’ve attempted to use before...  the issue I found; in Bangkok 90% of the websites (links) do not work and we are stuck with the ‘main stockists’ who seem disinterested in selling anything. 

 

 

Most cyclists know this one. Trek importer; next to Lumphini Park/Bangkok. Prices and sizes: https://www.probike.co.th/en/products/A-002-02/trek-bike-mountain-bike

 

 

Yep, already contacted them last week. They have 1 Large sized Mountain Bike in stock. 

 

Trek Marlin 4 

[frequentatore]

11 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Yep, already contacted them last week. They have 1 Large sized Mountain Bike in stock. 

 

Trek Marlin 4 

It's a 29er. Large should be OK.

Check also NakornThai on Lat Phrao Rd. Fluent English. https://www.nktbike.com/index.php/nktbike-shopping/category/view/14  (also on Facebook)

 

 

Edited September 17, 2021 by frequentatore
Adding info

[GarryP]

On 9/16/2021 at 11:16 PM, richard_smith237 said:

 

Yep, already contacted them last week. They have 1 Large sized Mountain Bike in stock. 

 

Trek Marlin 4 

I was having the same problem as you about 9 years ago. I'm 181cm with quite a long inside leg and nowhere seemed to stock Large frames. I ended up ordering a Giant hybrid from Worldbike. It was a risk but I did try a couple of M sized frames and I needed a few more inches so thought I'd take it. 5 weeks wait, but I was happy with my choice. I went with Giant because for the same gear and brake sets other brands were much more expensive i.e. Cannondale, Trek, Specialized, etc. Merida was about the only one with comparable prices for equivalent gear and brake sets. I bought the Giant Seek 1. Unfortunately, I haven't been out on it for the past 4 years, but will definitely get back in the saddle when I retire at the end of 2022.