Without a doubt, Bangkok is one of the world’s most frustrating cities in which to cycle. We’ve got big buses swooping left to right, motorcycles whizzing past and drivers who act like they’ve never before seen a non-motorised vehicle.
But don’t despair — the capital’s motorists are about to get an attitude adjustment. With the government implementing plans for new bike trails across the city, cyclists will finally get the respect they deserve. This issue contains all the necessary information you need to successfully bike in Bangkok, from the best shops to where the cool dudes with fixies sip coffee. All that’s missing are actual riding lessons — but for that you’ve got Google, YouTube and dear old Dad.
BIKE SHOPS
From specialist bikes to fancy accessories, these shops have everything you need for cycling.
BROMPTON JUNCTION THAILAND
- Good for folding bikes
Providing comfort and functionality, Brompton bikes are a popular choice for urbanites in this bustling city. They’re designed to be safe, agile, fast and foldable (a relief for those who plan to carry them up and down BTS stairs). With the opening of a stand-alone shop, more choices are available, as the bikes are shipped straight from Mighty Velo, a Singaporean folding bike specialist.
- Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm.
- 93/334 The Emporio Place, Sukhumvit Soi 24.
- 02-160-4021, http://fb.com/bromptonjunctionthailand.
BIKE ZONE
- Good for racers
This shop is a familiar name among serious cyclists and triathletes. Everything here, from the accessories to the bikes themselves, is geared toward racing. The shop imports high-end bikes from brands such as Cervelo, Ceepo, Quintana Roo and Marin (prices start from B18,500). Special services such as bike fitting and full option bike cleaning are also available.
- 10am-7pm.
- 2/F, Amarin Plaza, Phloenchit Road.
- 02-652-1559, http://fb.com/bikezoneth.
SIXTY BIKE BANGKOK
- Good for fixed-gear bikes
Known as a hipster’s haven for fixies, this small shop is filled with unique and funky bikes, each decked out with cool accessories. Not a fan of fixed-gear bikes? Fear not — cycles of the mountain, road and foldable variety are also in stock. Prices start from B17,900 for a basic single-speed commuter bike — something like a Specialized Langster Steel — but if you still have your bonus money floating around, a Cinelli Gazzetta goes for about B40,000.
- Noon-8pm.
- 235/21 Sukhumvit Soi 31.
- 084-123-6655.
CULTURE CYCLISTE
- Good for variety
If you’re not tight on budget, head here and browse through a bunch of road and mountain bike brands such as Wilier, Commencal and Look. For a more affordable option, Infinite is a home-grown brand with prices starting from B16,000. Want something with a little more swag? Check out the E-Ride electric bikes from LA Bicycles. They can be ordered and picked up from the store.
- 10am-7pm.
- Indosuez Building, Witthayu Road.
- 02-651-4114, http://fb.com/CultureCycliste.
THAIMTB
- Good for second-hand bikes
The online marketplace is now the most convenient way to purchase a bike, especially when you can get special discounts and promotions on second-hand bicycles. With ThaiMTB, customers can chat directly with the seller, skirting the fuss and muss of a middleman.
- Visit www.thaimtb.com.
BIKE ROUTES
Unsure of where to start cycling or just looking for new roads? Here are a few route suggestions.
For beginners
Beginners can build up their confidence at Benjakiti Park, where the cycling track is safe and easy. Don’t worry if you don’t have a bike of your own, either. There are bikes for rent at only B40 an hour (just don’t expect something with a neon frame or fancy gears). One loop around the park is about 2km.
- 5am-8pm.
- Benjakiti Park, Ratchadaphisek Road (MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Exit 3).
For intermediates
This is a great route with a rewarding finish at the city’s food mecca, where you can recharge with some deep-fried goodies. Start from Saphan Taksin BTS station and ride down Charoen Krung Road. Along the way are many attractions worth a stop — Wat Suan Phlu, Soi Rong Phasi, the Holy Rosary Church, Noi Market and Sampeng Lane. The total distance is about 6km (one-way).
For experts
Escape the crowds and congested roads by biking along this Instagram-worthy route, which takes you to Phanthai Norasing Shrine in Samut Sakhon, where you can wai phra and pray for enough strength to manage the trip home. Start your journey by taking Bang Khunthian Road — it’s a long ride with mangrove forests and salt fields along the way, so make sure to stay hydrated. The total distance is about 27km (one-way).
CYCLISTS’ CAFES
Cafes provide cyclists with good food and great coffee.
Here are a few popular places among the cycling community.
Sweet Pista
This little gem, located just behind Sixty Bike, provides weary cyclists passing through the Sukhumvit area with hearty homemade dishes. Hot dogs, curly fries and onion rings are a must here. If you still have room for dessert, the passion fruit cheesecake is an absolute delight.
- 11am-10pm.
- 235/21 Sukhumvit Soi 31.
- 02-662-2866, http://fb.com/sweetpistabangkok.
Sora City
Looking for somewhere safe to park your bike while you’re sipping on a cup of joe? Sora City provides parking spots and locks, allowing you to leave behind your precious ride without worrying. Try the homemade buttermilk pancakes with blueberry cream cheese, and Sora City might just become your post-morning-cycle brunch spot.
- 9am-9pm.
- Sukhumvit Soi 26.
- 02-001-6600, http://fb.com/soracity.
Velayenn Cafe
Offering comfort food in the midst of Thong Lor, with dishes like baked pork with gravy and lava chicken stew, Velayenn Cafe is a place to refuel and catch up with other bike enthusiasts. On the weekends, you can have your bike washed and cleaned by a professional at their bike shop, located next door, for B250.
- Tue-Sun 10am-8pm.
- 808/15 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Soi Thararom 2.
- 080-900-2610, http://fb.com/velayenncafe.
UPCOMING BIKE EVENTS
Bike Addict (Through Feb 4)
Expect new bicycles, bicycle parts, accessories, bike-related activities and bike gurus at this event. Participating brands include Bianchi, Brompton, Louis Garneau, Cinelli, Garmin and many more.
- 10am-10pm.
- Terminal 21, Sukhumvit Soi 19.
- 02-108-0888, www.terminal21.co.th.
SpiceRoads Cycle Tours Sean Kelly Bangkok to Phuket (Feb 13-22)
If you’re an expert cyclist, you might want to consider this rare opportunity to ride with Irish champion Sean Kelly. The 924km journey (over eight days) is designed for athletes who have experience in long-distance cycling and want to push themselves to the limit.
- Visit www.spiceroads.com.
Bike Show (Feb 19-22)
At this year’s largest outdoor bike show, there will be the latest bikes and accessories, as well as fun activities with numerous prizes up for grabs. Get ready to meet and greet representatives from distributors and bike communities, who will be on hand to offer tips on finding the perfect ride.
- 3-11:30pm.
- Asiatique The Riverfront Park A-B, 2194 Charoen Krung Road.
EXPERT INTERVIEW
Steven Lim is the director of the newly opened Brompton Junction Thailand. He works with his wife, Vivian Yuan, to bring some of the best Brompton bikes to Bangkok. He tells us about the brand and offers a few tips on choosing a folding bike.
How do Brompton bikes differ from other fo
lding bike brands?
Brompton folding bikes are hand-built in West London, in Brentford Lock. It is one of only two bike manufacturers left in the UK that continues to build its bikes there. The Brompton is different from other bike brands as it can be folded and rolled on its small Eazy Wheels, with the front luggage bag attached to it. It is also the most nifty folded package compared to others, making it a choice folding bike for those who wish to commute to work or travel, as it really folds down to a very small and compact size.
What do you think of the recent cycling craze in Bangkok?
Cycling has been on an upward trend worldwide, including in Bangkok. More people are increasingly becoming aware of green issues affecting the environment and are more environmentally conscious. To beat traffic jams, more Thais have taken up cycling to get to work and other places in a shorter time. Brompton is obsessed about how it can make life in cities more fun, healthy and efficient. The challenges of getting about in a city, not being frustrated in traffic or squashed in the tube are as relevant in London and Tokyo as they are Bangkok, and we think Brompton can be part of the transport solution here.
How do you feel about the conditions of cycling tracks and routes here?
Due to the heavy usage and poor conditions of the roads, cyclists need to pay more attention to uneven road surfaces and potholes. It is commendable that the government has made concerted efforts in painting green bike lanes on the roads to enable cyclists to cycle more safely alongside cars.
Folding bikes versus road bikes — what are your thoughts?
For those who live in apartments, owning a folding bike means you can keep it stored without taking up much floor space. For car owners, storing a bike in a car means they can drive to a park to cycle and pack the bike up in seconds. A folding bike, which some may think looks rather silly with smaller wheels (compared to road bikes), just lets you have more freedom, [allowing you to move through] public spaces such as shopping centres, cinemas, train stations and buses. You can even travel with your folded bikes to different countries without any fuss.
What’s your advice for choosing a folding bike?
Always ask store personnel to show you how easy (or difficult) it is to fold and unfold the bike in front of you, or if you can roll the bike when it’s folded (which means there’s no need to carry it). Ask if there are front and rear bags or luggage options for the bike, and ask them to demonstrate how they are applied to the bike. Most folding bikes can be packed into travel bags or luggage for overseas cycling.
Which Brompton bike would you recommend for Bangkokians?
A Brompton M6R is highly recommended. It has an “M” handlebar type with six speeds and comes with a rear rack. The bike can be folded and then rolled on its four Eazy Wheels, without you having to carry it. The six speeds offer a wide gear range, suitable for both daily commutes in heavy traffic and long-distance touring.
GOOD TO KNOW
Learn to use the correct hand signals to stay safe on the roads. Make sure to exaggerate the movements so motorists will actually notice.
Pun Pun
If you want to test your road-cycling skills before splurging on a brand new bike, Pun Pun provides bicycles all around the city for a small fee. Simply register online and receive a Smart card, then head to one of Pun Pun’s docking stations and grab a bike. The first 15 minutes are free, one to three hours is B20, three to five hours is B60 and five to six hours is B60. Just don’t forget to return the bike once you’ve finished.
- Visit www.punpunbikeshare.com.
