Oh I am way faster than the scooters! :D

them blue trucks on the other hand...and let's not mention taxis and buses...

V.

Well, I pass scooters when I ride, but starting is a different matter. Plus I didn't downshift that time. I was on the 53 and maybe a 20 or so at the back. I usually downshift the big ring, but that time I did not.

The funny thing is that this impatience thing is really ingrained, but more often than not, people are not in a hurry. I am not a slow driver by any means, but what I've noticed is that I'll see a car gaining rapidly gaining on me in the mirror. When they catch up, they tuck in behind me and drive the same speed. When they do that, is says that they have no reason to rush. This has happened many, many times on streets and highways. Somewhere there are some synapses that need rewiring...

Anyway, blue trucks and taxis? No, but I can definitely get buses; anytime, anyplace...

Did you get off your bike, use your "pissed foreigner about to beat your head in" look, and shake him down for NT$1000? I would have! Absolutely no excuse on his part, even for a Taiwanese scooter rider.:mad:

No, I didn't. Actually it would have been more like $2000NT because the tire was also cut (Continental GP 4000)...

hello --

I will be in Taiwan for a week in June and see there may not be many options for renting bicycles(?). Can anyone offer recommendations on things that I would really want to see? Hiking, outdoor activities are preferred but don't mind more touristy things if they are really interesting.

possible to get a tour of a Giant factory? ;)

practice patience
 

Hi, I recommend getting copy of Lonely Planet Taiwan and reading the Forumosa forum online. 2/3 of the island are mountains so if you are into hiking there are lots of options. The tricky part is transportation to nice places if you don't speak Chinese. The routes from Hualian to Taitung on the East Coast are famous for cycling. You are going to face adjusting to high heat, humidity, and traffic so give yourself time. The trick for me is to slow down and find a mellow pace. The Taiwanese for the most part are generous and smile often- practice patience. There was media press about Giant and the Train system allowing travelers to travel south, rent a bike ride on the West side, and cycle East to Taitung over the South Cross Central hwy. Then return the bike. I don't know if it is set up yet. Cycling is really popular but if your are over 6' you'll have trouble with frame sizes. Example, for a steel framed bike, I had to buy a Bianchi Volpe in SF and bring it back to Taiwan. It was made here in Taichung. Taichung would be a good city hub because of culture and access to the mountains. FYI you can camp at elementary schools after you ask permission. Campgrounds can get loud with car KTV set ups. Make a point of seeing the National Palace Museum.

I'm looking for a casual riding, sightseeing type of group in northern Tainan County. I'm closer to Chiayi than to Tainan. My local Giant shop hasn't been much help, and no one at school knows anything.

hi all.
actually I am a bit desperate, so when I found this thread, I decided to hijack it.
just because the title says : taiwan!

I recently bought a foldingbike, the brand is hasa. the model: f2. wheels: 16 inch.
the website is www.hasabike.com.tw

in indonesia, there are some who ride this bike. it is available quite widely.
the price is approx.370 american dollars (converted)
while for comparison, the dahon curve can be had for approx 500 dollars.

what I am desperate of is this:

why can't I obtain any info, any reviews, other than that available from my local friends?
I would love to read any reviews from taiwanese users, also their modifications, as reference.
you might want to know that this bike does not fold as slim and compact as a dahon curve.
but seemingly, the hasa f2 is lighter, and rides aggresively..

so, since the title reads: TAIWAN. please help me for references, links and so on..

thanks in advance....

(sorry if this is considered hijacking....)

Not sure what kind of help you will get here. I don't think many Taiwanese read this forum and most of the expatriates I saw in Taiwan rode full size bikes. You might try another forum called www.forumosa.com A lot of expatriates post there. Also, post your question to the Folding Bikes forum here. A lot of folks have knowledge of other brands that we might not see in the US.

And yes, technically it would be hijacking, sort of...

Hey flatlander 48, or anyone here. I will be in Taiwan for two weeks during Chinese new year, do you know if I could rent a road bike in Hsinchu or should I just bring a bike over from the US? Also, do you know of any bike rides, clubs, events, racing, or websites of bike culture in Taiwan?

Thanks

Unfortunately I never spent any time in Hsinchu. However, over the 4 years I was in country I did live in Taichung and Tainan.

Taichung
Team Mosaic Bike Shop
Rocky Huang
Web Site: http://tmosaic.blogspot.com/
(I think the phone number at the top of the web page is the bike shop)

Tainan
Cow Boy's Bike Shop
Cadel (Cow Boy) Chang
(no current information as he was in the process of moving to a larger site as I was leaving town)

Anyway, these 2 guys would know what is going on in their respective towns and they do organize group rides most weekends. They are both good guys to talk to and their English skills are pretty decent. If I were to go back, I would look them up.

Thanks for the quick reply, will definitely look them up.

This is me. Tell them Don Hopings sent you...

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...eTrip00012.jpg

Hi all,

If you need any assistance with biking here in Taiwan please feel free to look us up. We organize adventure trips throughout the island including LOTS of road and mountain biking. If you know where to go you will experience so of the best riding & scenery in Asia.

Thanks & safe riding!

I'm not living but my bike made from here. He He ^^

not looking to hijack the thread...
 

Ni Hou!

I'm looking into getting into a TESOL program and heading for Taiwan, I've created a thread seeking tips on surviving there...

Xie xie
K'Tesh

So, does that make you dead? ;)

I know exactly where that picture was taken.

My team site.

There's a line from a TV program (can't remember which one, but maybe a Seinfeld):

You're, you're, you're THAT Guy!?!?!?!?!

I remembered the "T", but not the "imothy" part. I read some of the material in your blog; Great Stuff! Very efficient and very human prose.

Thanks for the comment on the blog. I really enjoy writing I wish I had more time to do it.

Send me a PM the next time you're heading to town and maybe we can hook up for a beer at Willy's.

Will Do and Happy New Year! In the meantime, Keep Spinnin'...