Adding a second bike
09-13-23, 09:36 PM
#1
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Adding a second bike
I’ve recently in the last 6 months got back into cycling. We emigrated in November 2021 from the Uk to Thailand.
I basically only cycle to lose weight and try to gain some level of fitness. I’m 63 and due to hip problems my weight had increased to 99kg. After initially walking for exercise, I was asked my my wife’s uncle to go cycling with him around a nearby lake. As I had no bike here of my own, he loaned me his old mountain bike. I found that I enjoyed it so much that I bought a used Giant Escape RX hybrid.
I go out 5 mornings every week, at 5.30am, and do 30km rides around the lake on almost flat tarmac roads. My weight has now fallen to 80kg. And ideally I’d like to get to 78kg. I’m 5ft 11”.
Although the weather here is hot and dry, we do have a lot of rain too, at this time of year. I don’t go out during heavy rain and thunderstorms but I do go when the roads are very wet, and as I have tread less tyres on my Giant it can get a little slippery in corners etc. I appreciate that I could just change the tyres on this bike, but I’m thinking of getting a second bike that I can maybe just use in wet conditions. I also want something different to the hybrid that I already have.
So my question is, what would you far more experienced riders recommend please in terms of style of bike? I’ll still only be riding the same lake route on smooth tarmac roads. Mountain bike? Single Speed? Road bike with wet weather tyres?
Thanks in advance
I basically only cycle to lose weight and try to gain some level of fitness. I’m 63 and due to hip problems my weight had increased to 99kg. After initially walking for exercise, I was asked my my wife’s uncle to go cycling with him around a nearby lake. As I had no bike here of my own, he loaned me his old mountain bike. I found that I enjoyed it so much that I bought a used Giant Escape RX hybrid.
I go out 5 mornings every week, at 5.30am, and do 30km rides around the lake on almost flat tarmac roads. My weight has now fallen to 80kg. And ideally I’d like to get to 78kg. I’m 5ft 11”.
Although the weather here is hot and dry, we do have a lot of rain too, at this time of year. I don’t go out during heavy rain and thunderstorms but I do go when the roads are very wet, and as I have tread less tyres on my Giant it can get a little slippery in corners etc. I appreciate that I could just change the tyres on this bike, but I’m thinking of getting a second bike that I can maybe just use in wet conditions. I also want something different to the hybrid that I already have.
So my question is, what would you far more experienced riders recommend please in terms of style of bike? I’ll still only be riding the same lake route on smooth tarmac roads. Mountain bike? Single Speed? Road bike with wet weather tyres?
Thanks in advance
09-13-23, 09:40 PM
#2
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A Giant Escape RX hybrid sounds like an excellent bike. What about getting another wheel set?
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09-13-23, 09:48 PM
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If I bought another set of wheels and tyres, would I need a cassette too? I’m useless mechanically so I honestly don’t know if I can swap the existing one easily?
Or should I just buy tyres and change them over for the 4 months where conditions can be very wet, then change back to the treadless for the hot and dry months?
I know buying another bike for this reason seems a waste of money, so I’m open to the best solution that allows me to keep riding safely
Thanks for the help
09-13-23, 11:05 PM
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Tread on your tires does not help on a bicycle the same way that it helps on a car. The rubber compound of your tires determines how much grip your tires have on wet roads.
09-13-23, 11:07 PM
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Learn something new every day. Thanks very much. So which compounds are best for wet tarmac roads please?
09-13-23, 11:21 PM
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Since you don't really go anywhere, get a steel 3 speed bike with fenders. Nothing is simpler to ride.
09-13-23, 11:21 PM
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Yes... And that's the beauty of it. I have two wheel sets for one of my bicycles which uses 27" wheels and has caliper brakes.. Both wheel sets have the same rims and spokes. One wheel set is for well paved roads and the other set for Ravel. They both have similar rims and spokes. One set uses Kenda 184 1-3/8 tires with a Shimano 6 speed 14-34. The other has Kenda K35 27 1-1/8 using a Shimano 6 speed 14-28. I use friction shifters with long cage derailleurs and do not have to make any adjustments when switching the wheel sets out. You might think two sets of tires with only 1/4" width as a difference between them is not that much... But Ha it is.
So you are looking for a second wheel set just like the one you currently have only with different tires. Its like getting a second bicycle and much cheaper. There is allot of advantage in having a not so technically expensive bicycle with proprietary components that require precision assembly and maintenance. Here you have a second bike with the simple manipulation of the Quick Releases, Chain and Derailleur. Yep...
Do note I will soon be replacing the Kenda K35s with Continental Ride Tours (my preferred tire) if I can find them. The Kenda 184 1-3/8 have been perfect for Ravel.
So you are looking for a second wheel set just like the one you currently have only with different tires. Its like getting a second bicycle and much cheaper. There is allot of advantage in having a not so technically expensive bicycle with proprietary components that require precision assembly and maintenance. Here you have a second bike with the simple manipulation of the Quick Releases, Chain and Derailleur. Yep...
Do note I will soon be replacing the Kenda K35s with Continental Ride Tours (my preferred tire) if I can find them. The Kenda 184 1-3/8 have been perfect for Ravel.
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09-14-23, 12:18 AM
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I’ve recently in the last 6 months got back into cycling. We emigrated in November 2021 from the Uk to Thailand.
I basically only cycle to lose weight and try to gain some level of fitness. I’m 63 and due to hip problems my weight had increased to 99kg. After initially walking for exercise, I was asked my my wife’s uncle to go cycling with him around a nearby lake. As I had no bike here of my own, he loaned me his old mountain bike. I found that I enjoyed it so much that I bought a used Giant Escape RX hybrid.
I go out 5 mornings every week, at 5.30am, and do 30km rides around the lake on almost flat tarmac roads. My weight has now fallen to 80kg. And ideally I’d like to get to 78kg. I’m 5ft 11”.
Although the weather here is hot and dry, we do have a lot of rain too, at this time of year. I don’t go out during heavy rain and thunderstorms but I do go when the roads are very wet, and as I have tread less tyres on my Giant it can get a little slippery in corners etc. I appreciate that I could just change the tyres on this bike, but I’m thinking of getting a second bike that I can maybe just use in wet conditions. I also want something different to the hybrid that I already have.
So my question is, what would you far more experienced riders recommend please in terms of style of bike? I’ll still only be riding the same lake route on smooth tarmac roads. Mountain bike? Single Speed? Road bike with wet weather tyres?
Thanks in advance
I basically only cycle to lose weight and try to gain some level of fitness. I’m 63 and due to hip problems my weight had increased to 99kg. After initially walking for exercise, I was asked my my wife’s uncle to go cycling with him around a nearby lake. As I had no bike here of my own, he loaned me his old mountain bike. I found that I enjoyed it so much that I bought a used Giant Escape RX hybrid.
I go out 5 mornings every week, at 5.30am, and do 30km rides around the lake on almost flat tarmac roads. My weight has now fallen to 80kg. And ideally I’d like to get to 78kg. I’m 5ft 11”.
Although the weather here is hot and dry, we do have a lot of rain too, at this time of year. I don’t go out during heavy rain and thunderstorms but I do go when the roads are very wet, and as I have tread less tyres on my Giant it can get a little slippery in corners etc. I appreciate that I could just change the tyres on this bike, but I’m thinking of getting a second bike that I can maybe just use in wet conditions. I also want something different to the hybrid that I already have.
So my question is, what would you far more experienced riders recommend please in terms of style of bike? I’ll still only be riding the same lake route on smooth tarmac roads. Mountain bike? Single Speed? Road bike with wet weather tyres?
Thanks in advance
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09-14-23, 12:25 AM
#9
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Greetings from Thailand. Good tires are key here, and of course being careful on wet roads especially at any curves. Inspect the tires carefully, and purchasing new tires here is easy. Comfort on the bike is important too, so if the bike fits a second bike is not necessary. Have fun, and stay safe.
Any recommendations re tyres would be greatly appreciated. The bike fits me perfectly to be honest. The wet weather issue is the only one that I’ve encountered so far. Very happy with it apart from that. Thanks for the reply
Last edited by Yanto; 09-14-23 at 01:19 AM.
09-14-23, 03:18 AM
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09-14-23, 04:56 AM
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Pirelli Cinturato Velos are very grippy tyres in wet or dry conditions. Just get the widest that will fit your bike (they go up to 35 mm I think).
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09-14-23, 05:19 AM
#12
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What he said was true. On smooth roads tread blocks are not helpful at all. Off-road is a different matter, but you are only riding on smooth tarmac right?
Pirelli Cinturato Velos are very grippy tyres in wet or dry conditions. Just get the widest that will fit your bike (they go up to 35 mm I think).
Pirelli Cinturato Velos are very grippy tyres in wet or dry conditions. Just get the widest that will fit your bike (they go up to 35 mm I think).
Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll see if I can find them over here. I know that 32’s fit my rims.
09-14-23, 05:48 AM
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Any rim will accept a range of tire widths. Is 700 x 32 your current tire width? What brand of tire do you currently have? In general, tires with softer rubber compounds and high thread count casings grip better in wet conditions with the downside that they wear out faster and tend to cost more
09-14-23, 06:12 AM
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You can get the Pirelli Cinturatos in 32 mm. So that would be a safe option. The limiting factor for tyre width is frame clearance. 32 mm is fine for smooth tarmac anyway. I have these tyres on my spare road bike and they offer a good balance of grip, comfort, puncture resistance and speed. I've used them in very wet conditions without any issues.
09-14-23, 02:36 PM
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My wet weather bike has a belt drive, fenders and solid tyres. It gets no maintenance from me at all, is always ready and is my most ridden bike, if not my fastest or most comfortable.
09-14-23, 03:22 PM
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Tire pressure plays a big role as well. Lower pressure = bigger contact patch = better traction. Most important other thing for a "rain bike" is good fenders.
09-14-23, 09:54 PM
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I’ve recently in the last 6 months got back into cycling. We emigrated in November 2021 from the Uk to Thailand.
I basically only cycle to lose weight and try to gain some level of fitness. I’m 63 and due to hip problems my weight had increased to 99kg. After initially walking for exercise, I was asked my my wife’s uncle to go cycling with him around a nearby lake. As I had no bike here of my own, he loaned me his old mountain bike. I found that I enjoyed it so much that I bought a used Giant Escape RX hybrid.
I go out 5 mornings every week, at 5.30am, and do 30km rides around the lake on almost flat tarmac roads. My weight has now fallen to 80kg. And ideally I’d like to get to 78kg. I’m 5ft 11”.
Although the weather here is hot and dry, we do have a lot of rain too, at this time of year. I don’t go out during heavy rain and thunderstorms but I do go when the roads are very wet, and as I have tread less tyres on my Giant it can get a little slippery in corners etc. I appreciate that I could just change the tyres on this bike, but I’m thinking of getting a second bike that I can maybe just use in wet conditions. I also want something different to the hybrid that I already have.
So my question is, what would you far more experienced riders recommend please in terms of style of bike? I’ll still only be riding the same lake route on smooth tarmac roads. Mountain bike? Single Speed? Road bike with wet weather tyres?
Thanks in advance
I basically only cycle to lose weight and try to gain some level of fitness. I’m 63 and due to hip problems my weight had increased to 99kg. After initially walking for exercise, I was asked my my wife’s uncle to go cycling with him around a nearby lake. As I had no bike here of my own, he loaned me his old mountain bike. I found that I enjoyed it so much that I bought a used Giant Escape RX hybrid.
I go out 5 mornings every week, at 5.30am, and do 30km rides around the lake on almost flat tarmac roads. My weight has now fallen to 80kg. And ideally I’d like to get to 78kg. I’m 5ft 11”.
Although the weather here is hot and dry, we do have a lot of rain too, at this time of year. I don’t go out during heavy rain and thunderstorms but I do go when the roads are very wet, and as I have tread less tyres on my Giant it can get a little slippery in corners etc. I appreciate that I could just change the tyres on this bike, but I’m thinking of getting a second bike that I can maybe just use in wet conditions. I also want something different to the hybrid that I already have.
So my question is, what would you far more experienced riders recommend please in terms of style of bike? I’ll still only be riding the same lake route on smooth tarmac roads. Mountain bike? Single Speed? Road bike with wet weather tyres?
Thanks in advance
It's still pretty dark at 5:30am. Do you have lights? A second bike, most aptly called my "rain bike", is a real good idea. I would get wider tires for better contact with the road and also fenders that hang very low on both tires. Maybe just 5-7cm off the ground to keep the water off of you and your bike.
I ride mostly at Nong Bon and Rama IX Park in eastern Bangkok as my house is nearby. Occasionally I ride out at Happy & Healthy Bike Lane for something a bit different.
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09-14-23, 10:22 PM
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Greetings and Sawasdee
It's still pretty dark at 5:30am. Do you have lights? A second bike, most aptly called my "rain bike", is a real good idea. I would get wider tires for better contact with the road and also fenders that hang very low on both tires. Maybe just 5-7cm off the ground to keep the water off of you and your bike.
I ride mostly at Nong Bon and Rama IX Park in eastern Bangkok as my house is nearby. Occasionally I ride out at Happy & Healthy Bike Lane for something a bit different.
It's still pretty dark at 5:30am. Do you have lights? A second bike, most aptly called my "rain bike", is a real good idea. I would get wider tires for better contact with the road and also fenders that hang very low on both tires. Maybe just 5-7cm off the ground to keep the water off of you and your bike.
I ride mostly at Nong Bon and Rama IX Park in eastern Bangkok as my house is nearby. Occasionally I ride out at Happy & Healthy Bike Lane for something a bit different.
It definitely is getting lighter a little later here too now. I’d say the last few days, because it’s been dull and raining, I’ve not left home until around 05.50am. It’s light enough then not to need lights. I’m in Isaan by the way, RoiEt province.
The lake that I ride around is 1km from our house, along a quiet country tarmac road. It’s extremely quiet. I’m lucky if I see 2 or 3 people and half a dozen cows while I’m out!
I have been considering a single speed bike for the rides and have seen one that looks quite nice at a very cheap price. It would need better tyres and mudguards fitted. Otherwise the option of just buying another pair of tyres for the rainy season might be a good one and just stick with my Giant. Maybe some 32’s instead of the 28’s currently fitted?
Do you have any recommendations re tyre brand/model and where to actually purchase over here please? Thanks again for the reply
09-14-23, 10:54 PM
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I would say that ordering through Amazon would be the easiest since you are in RoiEt. There are a number of bike shops in Bangkok. Probike is probably the best known as it's been there for over 25 years. Running 32's or 35's with a little less tire pressure would be better in the rain.
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09-14-23, 11:01 PM
#20
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I would say that ordering through Amazon would be the easiest since you are in RoiEt. There are a number of bike shops in Bangkok. Probike is probably the best known as it's been there for over 25 years. Running 32's or 35's with a little less tire pressure would be better in the rain.
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