Advice on buying a bike

[paddyjenkins]

Ive been looking to buy a mountain bike.

The trouble I've had is that the Giant store i went to seems to only stock the XS and S frames. So i sat on an S frame, 16", but it felt a little small. The shop manager seemed convinced that at 1.78 m tall i would be more suited to an S size than M, but i think this is just because thats all he had in stock. When i Googled on frame sizes my height corresponds more to an 18" frame, M for Giants.

Does anyone know about this and am I wrong, and the bike shop guy right, or should i continue to search for a bigger frame?

[rgs2001uk]

Buy the one that feels comfortable and right for you.

I could never understand the measuring systems they use here, some guy told me I need a 16', he was measuring from the handlebars to the seat, I am over 6 feet, it didnt feel right, I told him bring me another, measured from the ground to the seat.

Eventually I got what I wanted for 18k baht.

The guy wanted to sell you what he had in stock, not what you want or need.

Take your custom elsewhere.

[CNXBKKMAN]

I am 178cm tall and a S frame is definitely too small. Don't buy a bike from that store. they have shown themselves to be only after your money. Where are you in Thailand? Lots of bike shops about nowadays. I would say you need a medium as a rough pointer. At 178cm a few people may actually prefer a large but you may need to change the stem to a shorter one. I have 2 mtb's and they are 18 inch frame ,often called "M". Bike fit is important so ideally get to a bike shop with a M and an L and check them out. Giant are good bikes.

[MaeJoMTB]

Medium or Large is what you need.

Medium probably best for you as a beginner. (18" or 19")

Make sure you get one with disc brakes.

Small is for girls and Thai men.

Edited March 23, 2015 by MaeJoMTB

[paddyjenkins]

Great advice from all the above, thanks. I wont buy from that store, i will look elsewhere for a bike that fits.

[moonoi]

I have a size L Commencal Meta AM, 1.86cm and it's too small for me really, but that was the largest size I could find at the time.

If you're looking at Giant suggest Icon Bike or Worldbike in Bangkok, never had a problem with them only trying to sell what they had in stock, and both special order in larger sizes if needed, although you do need to wait around 3 months for it to arrive.

Other than that, when making a recommendation, what type of riding do you plan to do, and most importantly what's your budget :-) different brands are better at different price points in terms of spec, but obviously getting your leg over and having a test ride is the best solution if you can.

[paddyjenkins]

I have a size L Commencal Meta AM, 1.86cm and it's too small for me really, but that was the largest size I could find at the time.

If you're looking at Giant suggest Icon Bike or Worldbike in Bangkok, never had a problem with them only trying to sell what they had in stock, and both special order in larger sizes if needed, although you do need to wait around 3 months for it to arrive.

Other than that, when making a recommendation, what type of riding do you plan to do, and most importantly what's your budget :-) different brands are better at different price points in terms of spec, but obviously getting your leg over and having a test ride is the best solution if you can.

My plan is quite varied. I want to ride on some pretty rough roads, as opposed to off road, and feel confident to jump up and down the curb to go on and off the road depending on traffic conditions. Thats why i want a mountain bike, because it can take more punishment without flat tyres. But i would also like to go for rides in the country.

My budget is currently up to about 30k baht, because i think the cheapest end is too low quality and the upper end would be too worrying because of thieves to lock to a lamppost while i go for a cup of coffee.

[GarryP]

I have a size L Commencal Meta AM, 1.86cm and it's too small for me really, but that was the largest size I could find at the time.

If you're looking at Giant suggest Icon Bike or Worldbike in Bangkok, never had a problem with them only trying to sell what they had in stock, and both special order in larger sizes if needed, although you do need to wait around 3 months for it to arrive.

Other than that, when making a recommendation, what type of riding do you plan to do, and most importantly what's your budget :-) different brands are better at different price points in terms of spec, but obviously getting your leg over and having a test ride is the best solution if you can.

My plan is quite varied. I want to ride on some pretty rough roads, as opposed to off road, and feel confident to jump up and down the curb to go on and off the road depending on traffic conditions. Thats why i want a mountain bike, because it can take more punishment without flat tyres. But i would also like to go for rides in the country.

My budget is currently up to about 30k baht, because i think the cheapest end is too low quality and the upper end would be too worrying because of thieves to lock to a lamppost while i go for a cup of coffee.

I once went to one Giant supplier and they said they didn't have my size and couldn't order for me so I went to Worldbike and ordered from Taiwan. No difference in price but had to wait a couple of months. I think the first place was scared that I would not show up to pick up the bike and they would have a large size bike it would take an age to sell. This is despite offering to place a good size deposit. Still using the bike now and very happy with it.

About locking your bike up. I can't count the number of times I have gone out on my bike and taken my three locks with me never to use them. If I stop for a coffee or noodles, I park where the bike is always in view. Never a problem. Now only when going to a department store or into the city do I bother with the locks (too heavy) and nearly always chain up beside the security guards looking after the motorcycle parking area, if no dedicated bicycle parking area.

The only theft I have experienced was when my last bike was chained up outside my old house. Bolt cutters through the chain and lifted it over the gate. Use a big Abus U-lock now and two chains.

On another note, I noted that the spec ratings for bikes priced at about Baht 30k vary greatly between brands. When I bought my bike (also with a budget of 30k), the Giant specs were far superior to those of Specialized and Cannondale in that range.

[moonoi]

Have you considered a cyclocross bike, rather than an MTB? Sounds like that might meet your needs as a better all rounder, do anything kind of bike.

Generally Merida or Giant will offer the best value in the price range you a looking at. Or if you're open to a lightly used MTB, can do you a deal on the Commencal ;-)

Edited March 24, 2015 by moonoi

[chiangmaiexpat]

MTB geometries do vary considerably, but an S frame for a 178cm tall person is definitely a no-go and the bicycle shop guy SHOULD have known that. Please let us know the shop, so we can avoid it. Carelessness should have consequences.

Cheers, CM-Expat