Moving to Phuket in Feb 2016 - Advice Most Appreciated

[Stew41]

Hi,

First time poster long time reader.

We are in the process of purchasing business in Phuket and will permanently move in Feb. Highly likely to be Rawai. I'm a mad keen cyclist (mostly MTB) but do plenty of road and CX/gravel in Melbourne. I will not be bringing any of my bikes but will look to buy something equivalent to my current stead (carbon, Ultegra group) and ideally would like to upgrade to an electronic group set.

Research thus far suggests pricing on Giant, Bianchi and Merida look ok (bias towards a Defy) but I understand Canyon may be an option? Would be happy to look at Specialised but fear the pricing would be high. In terms of local stores I will take a look at Bike Avenue Phuket, Thalang Bike and Phuket Bicyle Shop. I think my 'thinking' is on track but would welcome guidance. In particular any guidance around pricing for Ultrgra specced bikes would be greatly appreciated.

Perhaps a more burning issue for me is the getting a sense of road safety and how suitable the roads are for cycling. I've poured over ride and segment data on Strava and it is clear there is plenty of cyclist traffic on even the major roads (e.g the 402, 4021, 4024). However, having just spent a week operating out of Phuket Town I remain far from convinced around the safety aspects!

Thanks for any assistance and guidance provided.

[moonoi]

For the bike, depends on what you're prepared to spend.

I just ordered a Pinarello Gan RS with Ultegra Di2 which came to 162.5k THB. I seem to remember seeing the Cervelo importer advertising the R3 with Ultegra Di2 for 139k during the A day bike fest 2015 (this weekend), the pricing is also available at their dealers across the country,so you don't have to go the event.

So that should give an idea of price range, you're not limited to Giant/Merida at all. Personally I wouldn't go with Bianchi, but that's because I personally had a bad experience with the importer (TCA).

Can't help with riding around Phuket, unfortunately.

[oncearugge]

Phuket has some of the most dangerous roads in Thailand.

If you intend to cycle then maintain a high degree of situational awareness and always wear a good quality helmet.

[mihalis]

Heaps of groups around Phuket, just as anywhere avoid peak hour traffic, Tho Rawai isn't an issue.. Enjoy Phuket, wish i could get there quicker...

[csabo]

Chalong bike shop for Bianchi on Choa Fah East not far from the circle. Lots of new stock as of two weeks ago. Closer to Rawai than Thalang for sure.

[barond]

Hi,

Asking about safety on the roads in Thailand especially Phuket will always attract negative comment. I have been riding around the island daily now for 4 years with a small group of fellow Aussies and Europeans without anymore hassles than back in Oz.

We are knowledgeable about bikes and bike shops here so when you arrive look for us at 6.00am outside the HomePro centre at Chalong on Chaofa Rd West. We frequent Rawai for post-ride coffee so might be a good fit for you.

Baz.

[williet98248]

Can't help with choice of bike. Re. safety; I have been riding a bicycle for eleven years on Phuket. Have biked over quite a chunk of the island. Use the bike for errands and exercise. Been rear ended twice by motorbikes; had to replace the rear wheel both times. Can't count the times cars have brushed my mirror. Make up your own mind.

[bobfish]

Sounds like your thinking is on the right track.

Plenty of riding, on and off road, to be had on Phuket and surrounds. I tend to ride in the north, so unfortunately can't help with Rawai etc. You'll get "used" to the traffic conditions, .....

[JCHHH]

Check out Phuket mountain bike hash web site. A friendly mix of local Thais and expats who meet once a month on a Sunday afternoon for a ride followed with a bit of social time. Rides generally off road.

[ChoakMyDee]

Dude, I'm afraid you are risking your life any time you take a cycle on a road in Thailand. The Thai drivers have no respect for pedestrians or cyclists. The roads are terrible and aren't big enough to share with bikes and cars safely in many places. I would never ride a bicycle in Thailand. If cycling is a big part of your life, I would reconsider moving to Thailand...either that or find a new hobby, one that doesn't involve trusting other people with your life.

[Stew41]

Hi,

Asking about safety on the roads in Thailand especially Phuket will always attract negative comment. I have been riding around the island daily now for 4 years with a small group of fellow Aussies and Europeans without anymore hassles than back in Oz.

We are knowledgeable about bikes and bike shops here so when you arrive look for us at 6.00am outside the HomePro centre at Chalong on Chaofa Rd West. We frequent Rawai for post-ride coffee so might be a good fit for you.

Baz.

Absolutely will look out for you...........cheers

[Stew41]

cheers for the replies