Getting started - some issues

[WitawatWatawit]

I'm in my early sixties and coming from a delicate health position, but the time is now right to get back on a bike and work slowly - emphasise slowly - on my fitness levels. I'm looking forward to it, but need some advice, as I've never owned a bicycle in Thailand. For those kind enough to offer it, here's a little background that will help.

I expect that for the first couple of months it will be a case of level ground to build up stamina and strength. I live at the top of Khao Talo, so that means gradients only, which I prefer not to tackle just yet. Thus the first problem: a bike I can fit into my Avanza and transport to a level area back of the mooban. I don't want a fold up bike - my preference is for a normal street bike (26 inch wheels). (OK, I need to get out the tape measure, and will come back to this later.)

Next, my budget holds for the 10k baht range, perhaps a tad higher. I've looked at various shops, but I have no reference points for the manufacturers by which to judge the best choice. The resale value is not much of an issue other than as a factor in judging the quality.

Where to buy (Pattaya/Jomtien): A few places I have stopped at - north Pattaya, Thepprasit. But I have not been encouraged. There was a Western woman in one who looked at me like I was covered in dung, while in the others there was the usual lack of any proactivity on the part of the staff. The language barrier is not a problem.

All the rest - spares, equipment, attire - will naturally follow, but I would be interested in what the average rider prefers in this part of the world.

I don't need extravagance. My long-term intention is purely long, leisurely (yet a bit active) rides in the countryside out back of the darkside like I see many others doing. Much appreciate any advice you can give.

Best,

Wit.

(A Thai colleague who's only a year younger than me, still does his annual ride up Doi Suthep. Hate him .)

[chiangmaiexpat]

There are currently quite a few similar threads where people ask for cheap road bikes, so there's not much to add to that. For a budget of 10k you won't find a quality bike, so perhaps looking at the 2nd hand market is a good idea.

Going up gradients doesn't always mean high intensity, because you can pick the lightest gear with a moderate cadence. As this means that you will go very slowly, you will have to practice and develop balance. This is a very useful exercise for beginners, because better balance translates to increased safety.

Cheers, CM-Expat

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Famous name bikes start at about 15k, if you gonna do a lot ok Km, best to go to the extra expense if you want new.

Plenty of second hand sellers, I use OLX.com with the bigger name brands at half the new price or less.

I got a great deal on a Giant hybrid on OLX for 6k, after fitting a new seat, new tire and tube and it was ready to go (total under 7k)

Done about 2,000Km on this in the last 2 months.

Hybrid is good for the occasional gravel/mud track, but much better casual for road use, easy to pedal on relatively thin tires (32mm).

I also bought a new MTB as I often like to go belting down farm tracks, but it's much more effort to pedal because of the fat tires (50mm)

Giant, Bianchi, Trek, Merida, and you really can't go wrong with one of them.

PS

We're nearly the same age and I'm up to 40Km a day now.

Good luck!

Edited February 2, 2015 by AnotherOneAmerican

[fdimike]

Wit

I am 69 y/o and have been cycling for about 8 or 9 years now. I started out with a Merida MTB. I rode that bike on the street as well as on the dirt roads. I even toured with it from my home in Udon Thani to Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand (all 1 trip). I had never ridden a bike before that time other than when I was a child.

I just bought a new Merida Matts 40 MTB for a tad over 15,000B to use around town and short rides of around 50-60kms. This would be a good bike for you to start with. I'm sure others cyclists will offer advice as well. An MTB is a good all around bike and should give you ample exercise.

Edited February 2, 2015 by fdimike

[fdimike]

Sorry I overlooked your budget of 10,00THB. Take a look at an LA Bicycle. You should be able to get a good bike in the 10,000THB range. It may not be world class but it will serve your needs quite well.

[WitawatWatawit]

There are currently quite a few similar threads where people ask for cheap road bikes, so there's not much to add to that. For a budget of 10k you won't find a quality bike, so perhaps looking at the 2nd hand market is a good idea.

Going up gradients doesn't always mean high intensity, because you can pick the lightest gear with a moderate cadence. As this means that you will go very slowly, you will have to practice and develop balance. This is a very useful exercise for beginners, because better balance translates to increased safety.

Cheers, CM-Expat

Thanks mate, but I hope you note that I said BACK on the bike. The issue is not riding, but health, and as a former coach, I'll make my own judgement call on how to approach the resumption of physical activity (after consultation with my cardiologist, of course ). Cheers.

[chiangmaiexpat]

Thanks mate, but I hope you note that I said BACK on the bike. The issue is not riding...

Sorry, I actually missed that. As an experienced cyclist you would of course know that road bikes don't have 26" wheels and that you cannot buy a good one for 10k THB.

Cheers, CM-Expat

[WitawatWatawit]

Sorry, I didn't say I was an experienced rider, just a Joe Blow pedaller like many others. If I was, I wouldn't be opening this thread, now would I? Mate, I'm not here to cross swords with you. I just want to be pointed in the right direction, so that I can establish parameters before spending money. As we all know from experience, each time someone raises an issue that's been asked before, some new info could come to light - perhaps a new shipment of decent bikes, for example.

I accept my initial estimate on a bike is too low. No biggie - everyone needs a start point. I'll simply raise the ante a little, while keeping things in perspective.

Much thanks to all.

[maxtwo]

If you have a smart phone their are good apps to show how you are improveing it keeps me going.

[SoiBiker]

What do I prefer?

Bikewise, here in Bangkok I used a folding bike, which I find ideal for the kind of city riding I do - it's light, maneuverable, fits through gaps, and I can take it on a train. Back in the UK I use an old hardtail mountain bike with slick tyres on it for general road use, which might be more up your street - it has 26" wheels, reasonably light. and tough as old boots.

Spares I've not had great joy with here, the quality is not that great, particularly with inner tubes I find - I brought some with me on my last trip back from the UK.

As for attire - I just ride in general street clothes. I've never seen the need for fancy cycling gear, apart from the waterproof stuff I used for commuting in the rain back in London.