Cycling UK Forum

I've finally had my first problems with my bicycle after 7,000km so am looking for a bike shop.

Has anyone cycled southern Thailand and found any good bike shops? I'm currently on Phuket, but heading towards Krabi then Trang, then I have no idea where. I do go back up to Bangkok which will have everything I need, but not for another couple of weeks.

Problem is I have a road bike, ie European style. The problem areas are, 1) I need a new tyre, preferably a decent kevlar one to replace my dying Marathon. 2) I need some STI shifter cable (Shimano).

I did have spares for both the above, but used my spare tire here already, and long story, but lost my spare shifter cable a few weeks back. I've got some more but it's not a proper fit, so I'd like to replace it sooner rather than later as the last thing I want is a clogged up shifter.

I found a fairly good shop in Krabi. It's on route 411, just follow it out of town and you'll see the shop on your left.

They stock mountain bikes so I couldn't get any road bike specific stuff. I could however get some Shimano shifter cable, cable housing which is what I needed. My tires can keep until Bangkok. They also have clothing, some helmets, glasses etc... that sort of stuff.

If you go to any LA bike shop in Thailand they usually have a fairly good range of spares..excellent one in Hua Hin..good one in Chumpon..one in Hat Yai..If you are going further south some good ones in Penang..
In my experience most Thai bike mechanics will try to fix your problem with a hammer..and if it wasn't broken before they started it will be by the time they have fixed..

Rubbish!!!

split a rim a couple of days ago. Found a bike shop in Surin, they had a selection of 32 hole 26" rims, including my Sun CR18. They fitted it in about an hour. Rim 580 baht, fitting 120 b - total cost was about 14 pounds 50. Then he readjusted my brakes (altered by me to get over split rim 'lump').

Seems to work fine and not a hammer in siight.

Hmmm..I did say in my experience..not generally ..and to be fair I did recommend the LA chain of bike shops..which are excellent..