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ProBike have dealers nationwide and they sell Dahons which have 20"wheels
Look hereto find a local dealer who will order from ProBike, Bangkok
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In Topic: Want Touring Bicycle
2010-12-11 18:34:36
tim armstrong, on 2010-12-09 12:58:53, said:
ColinChapman, on 2010-12-09 09:03:29, said:
I can't help with secondhand, but I have spent months trying to buy a new one. This is what I found about six months ago:
The Cannondale shop on Sukhumvit 26 (02 253 3454) has two models, both very nice but very expensive. They were so far out of my price range that I didn't write the prices down, but from memory the cheaper of the two was 70,000 baht. Lovely bikes, handbuilt in America. The chap who runs the shop was very nice and helpful.
ProBike at Lumphini (02 253 3384) has one model, the Trek 520, 58,000 baht. It had the gear levers sticking out of the ends of the handlebars, which I personally don't like. The staff were completely unhelpful and totally uninterested. They ignored me completely and when I spoke to one of them he just waved vaguely across the shop, did not accompany me to look at the bike, barely even spoke (the shop was not busy).
Bike Zone in Amarin Plaza were very pleasant and helpful, but don't stock a tourer.
Sport Bicycle in the HSBC building on Rama 4 (02 637 5487) sell Specialized. They don't call them tourers, but the Tricross looks like one to me, has mudguard and rack fittings Specialized Tricross. Unfortunately, Sport Bicycle don't carry the Tricross, but they say they can order it for the same price as on the Specialized web-site (USD990 which is just under 30,000 baht today). I have been trying to order one and delivery is currently promised for January.
Hope this helps.
The Cannondale shop on Sukhumvit 26 (02 253 3454) has two models, both very nice but very expensive. They were so far out of my price range that I didn't write the prices down, but from memory the cheaper of the two was 70,000 baht. Lovely bikes, handbuilt in America. The chap who runs the shop was very nice and helpful.
ProBike at Lumphini (02 253 3384) has one model, the Trek 520, 58,000 baht. It had the gear levers sticking out of the ends of the handlebars, which I personally don't like. The staff were completely unhelpful and totally uninterested. They ignored me completely and when I spoke to one of them he just waved vaguely across the shop, did not accompany me to look at the bike, barely even spoke (the shop was not busy).
Bike Zone in Amarin Plaza were very pleasant and helpful, but don't stock a tourer.
Sport Bicycle in the HSBC building on Rama 4 (02 637 5487) sell Specialized. They don't call them tourers, but the Tricross looks like one to me, has mudguard and rack fittings Specialized Tricross. Unfortunately, Sport Bicycle don't carry the Tricross, but they say they can order it for the same price as on the Specialized web-site (USD990 which is just under 30,000 baht today). I have been trying to order one and delivery is currently promised for January.
Hope this helps.
Thanks Colin,
Very helpful, and confirms what I had in mind. I have now searched quite widely and read many reviews. The names I originally listed seem to be the pick of the tourers. But in terms of price, availability, spares etc., it seems that the Trek 520 is the way to go. I have also found a shop in Pattaya on Theprasit Rd that will discount them to around 46,000 baht. With a few modifications like the saddle and maybe the rims I will have a good tourer. Cannondale look good but they don't quite get the reviews of the others. I know touring is not as popular as MTBs but I'm surprised there isn't more choice in Thailand. Thanks again.
I have a Trek 520 and am very happy with it. The Specialised Tricross is a cyclocross bike, not a tourer. Mudguard eyes are on the front forks as are low rider bosses but I would question the validity of putting those on carbon forks! Fronr wheel is 20 spoked and rear is 24 spoked, hardly the spec. for a tourer which is normally 36 spokes front & rear. Chainset of 50/39/30 is too high for a tourer as is the 13/26 block. Like most touring cyclists ( most of my cycling has been on tourers) I prefer a steel frame not aluminum.
Tim, the rims in the 520 are Bontrager Camino with all spoke holes fitted with brass eyelets - nothing wrong with them. Saddle? Personal choice but for now, the saddle is OK. When the time comes I will replace it with a Brookes B17
My 520 has the bar-end levers which are ideal for tourers; if you are touring with integrated levers and they break - what can you do? With bar-ends, simply change from index to friction!
In Topic: Thinking Of Cycling Again After 40 Years
2010-12-08 17:42:16
nong38, on 2010-12-08 16:51:58, said:
Thanks for all the extra info I will now make a list of what I think I require and see whats on offer and try a few for size. It seems like I am being pointed towards Giant and Trek as good brands so I am thinking that the components they us should be good as I understand it so I still need to look for *deore" on brakes and moving parts or "shimalo" are these manufacturers, a standard or what?
These parts typically include the following:
2 gear levers or shifters and
2 brake levers or
2 integrated brake levers/shifters
2 brakes, front and rear
2 derailleurs, front and rear
1 bottom bracket
1 crankset
1 chain
1 cogset, freewheel or cassette
The major bicycle manufacturers build a bike to price as do car makers so your choice is down to budget and use.
In Topic: Thinking Of Cycling Again After 40 Years
2010-12-08 13:19:30
Daewoo, on 2010-12-08 11:43:17, said:
Have a look at all the components... Shifters, Deraileurs, Cranks, Brakes... They will most probably all be Shimano... You need at least 'Deore' front deraileurs, and really deore brakes as well... they will shift more smoothly, and stay in tune... The frame is about the least important.... Alivo/Ultegra are shit, and that is what you will probably find on the Big C models...
Alivio is the top range for recreational mountain bikes.
Deore is for entry level mountain bikes.
You show me a Big C bike with Ultegra or Alivio components on it and I will buy it for you!
