Let's do a quick 50 km in 33 C, I'll wear lycra and you can wear your jeans and t-shirt and then tell me it's just for posers!

In 6,000+ miles I have never worn jeans, Lycra or a codpiece. I do see why the pros wear it. The non pro who wear the tops festooned with adverts are the most hilarious. It is like painting your car with Nascar racing ads. NOKD!

Guess I must just look "cooler" then you then (and maybe I just have more balls )

To get back to the original question, the increasing popularity may have to do with the large number of great rural roads in the region that lend themselves to bicycling as can be glimpsed in VillageFarang's pictures. The hardcore can head west to battle the mountains and just about anyone can head east on the gentler roads past Sankhampang or the canal road behind Mae Jo. Chiang Mai can easily become a global mecca for bicycling just as it has become a global mecca for motorcycling as so many of the old rutted and muddy remote roads of my earlier days are now all well paved.

Well put and so true but also a bit of a shame . I understand the necessity for progress (and how some of the budgeting for road works functions here) but how I love riding on those lovely old rutted and muddy remote roads. Luckily they can easily still be found if one searches them out, and I do!

I guess this is another reason why the popularity has risen, from the large communal rides on the highways to the remote jungle trails for those who like solarity, there's something for everyone.

Got a problem with that?

Yes.

Obey.

A bird could fly to Khmer440. More the style of the flappy sort

Well, again, many of you seem to miss the point. I am not asking what cycling brings to the table.

But.......What cycling brings to the table could be the valid answer to your question

"Why has cycling become so popular"

All that aside a simple answer could be it was just late catching on here for many reasons.

Reasons like ....

Employment/pay etc has improved here in recent years for Thai's so now they can afford

to look at forms of recreation they could not look at in the past.

Import taxes due to favorable trade agreements with other Asian Countries has made good equipment more affordable

Perhaps in the past many tried the cheap readily available 30 pound bikes from China & decided cycling was not for them

Maybe Thai's have decided to be more fit & cycling provided that in a low impact form that many age groups can relate to

But mainly that it is becoming popular I think can be seen as a good thing & a much better thing than sitting all day on a pc

or vid game or walking malls etc.

I have been asked by Thais in CM why farangs like to walk. Thais in general do not like to walk. If they cycle, that's great, but i think it would be a small percentage. I much preferred back in the day when Thai girls were thin.

And you said..........

Talked to a few Thai cyclists today on the Doi Suthep climb. A couple had what they thought were expensive road bikes. Wrong, Chinese made bikes at less than 17,000 baht. But expensive for them. All the riders were kitted out in lycra, but when you take a closer look, they're not covered in "sponsors", but maybe the bike manufacturers, local ride events, or such.

The only possible poser, was a local on a trek fatboy weighing less than my mtb.

All the Thais were very friendly, with sawadee kraps, smiles. The farang riders look straight ahead, poker faced. I even got a sawadee krap just below Phuping Palace, where the road narrows, from some ultra fit Thai on his mtb as he powered past me, pedalling out of his seat. Even a sawadee krap from road workers below the heliport!

Yes I think it is a fad there have been many in the past such as playing the banjo...tennis now it's fancy Lycra with bikes that cost a HUGE amount of money! Look at this picture of me and how I can lift my bike with 1 finger! UGH!

If finances are the explanation, why hasn't golf experienced a similar trend?

[

If finances are the explanation, why hasn't golf experienced a similar trend?

No Lycra.

OP seems to have a history of race-baiting posts with facetious comments about the 'natives' for example:

"Had they never seen or heard of it before, and someone recently introduced it to them?"

"Was there a famous Thai cyclist that made it catch on, similar to Thaiger Woods mainstreaming golf?" (wow..that's cute play on words)

...and last but not least, "What does this phenomenon tell us about our neighbors?"

Does OP sincerely want to understand this 'fad' (like there are no fads where he comes from) or is he just lonely, bored and trolling for clever quips that support his veiled racist views...

Cycling has become more popular all over the world. Fixed gear bikes have become trendy and fashionable for quite a few years and are used as props in many fashion shoots. This is true in Thailand. Trendy youth, fixed gear bike, hanging around a cool coffee shop. These images are used to sell clothes and phones etc. Trendy chic condos need these as well? Hanging on a wall or whatever. These images are everywhere. Facebook is full of people posing with their bikes. When you having been absorbing these images for the past 5 years one day you decide you want a bike too. That's my answer to the thai cycling boom.

For the past 14 years I could never get my gf interested in cycling at all, totally impossible. I bought her a Trek mountain bike for her birthday recently 13000 baht, aluminum frame, 24 gears, Shimano, hydraulic disc brakes! We went to Huay Tung Tau on the first ride. She enjoyed it. Did again a week later. Now she rides 3 times a week and actually wants to ride up hills. If the hill is not too big she sometimes turns around goes down are rides up again!! I was initially worried the bike would be a waste of money. Facebook photos are taken everywhere...

Figured I'd also post of a pic of me in my bike get-up

Cycling has become popular in CM solely from a recreational/economic reason. It's trendy in the west and wealthy Thais love to copy "trendy western" concepts...

The cyclists that I see have fallen for this type of consumerism hook line and sinker. And this is why - they all have brand name bikes with the latest gadgets and technology. The give away is they are all decked out in the proper western brand name clothing and attire....

I think it is great but purely recreational/status appearance yet only a very small sub-culture really exists and does not transverse across different economic Thai sectors. They are basically clones of each other - no diversity just clickish/elite club like snow skiers or surfers...

How many mainstream Thais use cycling to commute to work? I count only the old lady/old man from the rural village who can't afford or aren't able to ride a motorcycle anymore. First choice before even the use of a bike is to put them into a side car off a motorcycle...

The bicycle is NOT a primary form of transportation increasing or otherwise in Thailand......

CB

FWIW, I worked with a coupla guys that rode bicycles in to work. Small sample, though.

It feels good when you make it to the top of Doi Suthep on your push bike, even better when your coming down. When you get down the bottom you realize how cooler it was up the top

It's certainly become very fashionable amongst well to do Thais. Just take a look at the bikes that they ride - more carbon than the average F1 car. They put most farang cycles to shame. I see very few Thais on "lesser" bikes...

I see many Thai on many kind of bikes. Sure there are some fancy expensive kits out there but I doubt what some of them show up to ride on the for the races here people who ever be caught dead on at a event in America.

(that being said to the untrained eye a 10,000 bht bike might be hard to differentiate from a 100,000 bht one)

Up to the top of Doi Pui again today (well the turn off to HTT). My observations were lots of cyclists up to the temple, but very few beyond. Shame really, cos the air higher up is SO MUCH CLEANER. Most Thai recreational cyclists do not wear lycra covered in sponsors, but mostly cycling group shirts or event shirts. Most don't ride top of the range carbon frame bikes, but entry level bikes by the major brands. At a guess, mostly under 20,000 baht. The true extra keen riders have the more expensive bikes, but they're in the minority. Up above Phuping Palace, only saw a handful of riders, all westerners.

But all the riders heading up to the temple seemed to be enjoying themselves, & that's what's important. Got overtaken by a tiny Thai lady on her bike with friends. As she passed, one hand on the handlebar, one holding her camera to take a video/selfie of her passing the foreigner

I think it's a cheap way to excercise/trendy status jump/show off/socialize....we live by the canal road in HD and they are all over - many with ear buds in listening to tunes - which is plain stupid....including bike shops and cafes specifically catering to them....but not safe with all the traffic there...I keep to the quiet streets on my Trek and don't need the lycra to make me feel like a "real" rider.....kind of like racing decals on cars = showtime.....

I think it's a cheap way to excercise/trendy status jump/show off/socialize....we live by the canal road in HD and they are all over - many with ear buds in listening to tunes - which is plain stupid....including bike shops and cafes specifically catering to them....but not safe with all the traffic there...I keep to the quiet streets on my Trek and don't need the lycra to make me feel like a "real" rider.....kind of like racing decals on cars = showtime.....

many bikes are 300,000 baht or more, but "cheap" is relative. Ear buds don't bock out all noise, just like listening to your radio in a car, or texting while driving, etc...that is also "plain stupid". That is not safe either. Lycra helps your rear end, comfort. Like wearing shoes for someone who walks. Or, as you might call them, a "real" walker.

I think it's a cheap way to excercise/trendy status jump/show off/socialize....we live by the canal road in HD and they are all over - many with ear buds in listening to tunes - which is plain stupid....including bike shops and cafes specifically catering to them....but not safe with all the traffic there...I keep to the quiet streets on my Trek and don't need the lycra to make me feel like a "real" rider.....kind of like racing decals on cars = showtime.....

So much anger.

I think it's a cheap way to excercise/trendy status jump/show off/socialize....we live by the canal road in HD and they are all over - many with ear buds in listening to tunes - which is plain stupid....including bike shops and cafes specifically catering to them....but not safe with all the traffic there...I keep to the quiet streets on my Trek and don't need the lycra to make me feel like a "real" rider.....kind of like racing decals on cars = showtime.....

Not sure how music is dangerous.

Last time I was hit it was from behind with no warning.

Do you really think people honk and give you a fair chance before they run you down?

I think there is no single answer and for sure thai people cycle because; it's a fashion, they like the sport, it's easier to socialise with others etc.

I am a cyclist myself and I do wear lycra for the advantages it has. I don't understand what is the problem with it!

As somebody mentioned though, not many thai people use bikes to commute! I wish there could be more of it and less cars around!

Back where I come from you now see lots of cyclists (mainly male) wearing Lycra with all the advertising just like Lance and the others. Unfortunately, it is not just idiots Farangs doing it now, there are a few Thais jumping on board. They are usually extremely fit and are just showing off - and like playing chicken with cars and trucks and buses. They are usually on their way to/from 2 things: work in a non-decscrpt loser's job; or a cafe with their boyfriends . In my book they are worth 150 points, second only to Greenies carrying placards (200 points) .

But seriously - there are so many ways that nature tries to ensure the survival of the species - it is all genetics. This is just another method that nature uses to try and clean out the gene pool.

What sort or 'losers' job?

Back where I come from you now see lots of cyclists (mainly male) wearing Lycra with all the advertising just like Lance and the others. Unfortunately, it is not just idiots Farangs doing it now, there are a few Thais jumping on board. They are usually extremely fit and are just showing off - and like playing chicken with cars and trucks and buses. They are usually on their way to/from 2 things: work in a non-decscrpt loser's job; or a cafe with their boyfriends . In my book they are worth 150 points, second only to Greenies carrying placards (200 points) .

But seriously - there are so many ways that nature tries to ensure the survival of the species - it is all genetics. This is just another method that nature uses to try and clean out the gene pool.

I am a 76 year old cyclist and I think you should take the cobwebs out of your bellfrey. Its obvious you were half snapped in the old jug when you wrote this. This is about as low and mean spirited a reply as I have seen on TV in a long time. You should be ashamed of yourself. Back where you come from hmm that must darkest Africa. The mods should remove your vicious attack replies. You give our species a bad name.

Spot on mate!!!!

Thai guy in Pattaya who sometimes stops his bicycle to have a chat with me while I'm out walking my dog. He says his cardiologist recommend cycling as exercise after he had a heart attack. Sometimes I meet the same guy when he's on his motorbike after picking up his 70-80kg rotund 12yo grandson from school. Suggested grandson gets a cycle too and joins grandpa before he needs to visit a cardiologist.

Cycling has been a popular sport/pastime long before Facebook etc reared its ugly head.

I think it's a cheap way to excercise/trendy status jump/show off/socialize....we live by the canal road in HD and they are all over - many with ear buds in listening to tunes - which is plain stupid....including bike shops and cafes specifically catering to them....but not safe with all the traffic there...I keep to the quiet streets on my Trek and don't need the lycra to make me feel like a "real" rider.....kind of like racing decals on cars = showtime.....

Not sure how music is dangerous.

Last time I was hit it was from behind with no warning.

Do you really think people honk and give you a fair chance before they run you down?

Don't you recall the story recently of the Thai women who was on the phone and stepped in front of an approaching train. Bad idea to wear ear buds whilst driving/cycling. Reduces your ability to hear an on coming danger.

I think it's a cheap way to excercise/trendy status jump/show off/socialize....we live by the canal road in HD and they are all over - many with ear buds in listening to tunes - which is plain stupid....including bike shops and cafes specifically catering to them....but not safe with all the traffic there...I keep to the quiet streets on my Trek and don't need the lycra to make me feel like a "real" rider.....kind of like racing decals on cars = showtime.....

Not sure how music is dangerous.

Last time I was hit it was from behind with no warning.

Do you really think people honk and give you a fair chance before they run you down?

Don't you recall the story recently of the Thai women who was on the phone and stepped in front of an approaching train. Bad idea to wear ear buds whilst driving/cycling. Reduces your ability to hear an on coming danger.

Fallacy, it would have got her anyway.

Most people don't wander around listening for danger.

It's not as if you're wandering the jungle listening for a tiger.

Modern world noise is pervasive and automatically tuned out, might as well enjoy yourself with a bit of music.

I think it's a cheap way to excercise/trendy status jump/show off/socialize....we live by the canal road in HD and they are all over - many with ear buds in listening to tunes - which is plain stupid....including bike shops and cafes specifically catering to them....but not safe with all the traffic there...I keep to the quiet streets on my Trek and don't need the lycra to make me feel like a "real" rider.....kind of like racing decals on cars = showtime.....

Not sure how music is dangerous.

Last time I was hit it was from behind with no warning.

Do you really think people honk and give you a fair chance before they run you down?

Don't you recall the story recently of the Thai women who was on the phone and stepped in front of an approaching train. Bad idea to wear ear buds whilst driving/cycling. Reduces your ability to hear an on coming danger.

Fallacy, it would have got her anyway.

Most people don't wander around listening for danger.

It's not as if you're wandering the jungle listening for a tiger.

Modern world noise is pervasive and automatically tuned out, might as well enjoy yourself with a bit of music.

So now you can predict the future. How do you know it would have got her anyway? Pure conjecture.

Danger is all around you especially on the Thai roads. Don't want to listen out for it then go ahead commit suicide see if i care. But I sure want to hear that approaching truck rather than music. Won't catch me wearing ear buds while on the Thai roads. Even gave up with the singular Bluetooth phone earpiece. I'll call back.

And Thai roads are a little like the jungle with all the vehicles the tigers. Thanks for the analogy.