Asia - Mtbing? Road? in Shanghai area

Hi folks! First post here....I'm not in China yet, but it's looking like there is a good possibility my husband will take a job in Shanghai next year.

Do you mind if I ask a couple of questions?
I'm an avid mountain biker. I've been doing a lot of searching about mtbing in the Shanghai area and it looks like the pickings are pretty slim. Is this true?

How about road biking? (Not my first love, but any ride is good) Not the in the crazy kamikaze city traffic I've read about, but further out in the country?

Or should I just leave the bikes behind and find a me a gym? :(

I think you might have better luck in Mountain Biking forum or in the Road biking one...

Ricardo

Hi, missjean, and welcome to BikeForums!
What you've heard about kamikaze traffic is true. It's a nervewracking city to ride in because you're always fighting with the moped and scooter riders who are forced to use the bike lanes. Cars are perhaps even more aggressive than those I encountered in two years in Beijing. Outside of the city, I've been told that there are good opportunities for road biking/touring, but I haven't yet had time to check this out for myself.

As for mountain biking, you might want to check out the Prodigy Mountain Biking Club (http://www.mtb.com.cn/). Even if you don't join them for club rides, they'll probably be able to hook you up with more information.

Road cycling information here (http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/listings/sports/biking/has/fhl-cycling-club/). (CityWeekend is a good site for finding out what's going on in Shanghai)

Hope this helps!

That is very helpful info. Thank you gbcb!

At this point it looks like we will be visiting Shanghai in Janaury so I can get a look at the place.

You're welcome! Just to let you know, I went to Hangzhou on the weekend (2 hours by train), and saw more nice bikes there (road and mountain, real Treks, Bianchis, Litespeeds) than in the past two years combined. I plan to return with a bike and explore it myself. Good luck with your trip, and let me know if you have any other questions -- shoot me a private message.