I'm going to Shanghai for a few days to meet up with a friend. Thinking of bringing my bike but have heard mixed reviews about cycling there. Anybody have any expereince riding there? How's the traffic? Would I be better off sticking to public transport? Is it super hilly? Should I take a fixed gear or a geared bike?

i always take a bike w/ me
i just hate coming across an amazing trail or road or jump and not having something that can handle it

Never biked there, but from what i remember, shanghai is pretty flat... and TONS of bikes in the city.
All locals. Defintiely bring a bike. i wish i had one when i was there.

bring it. you don't have to ride it, but if you wanted to, you can.

i was there a few years ago, I personally would not, the drivers are f'ing crazy. taxi cabs driving on side walks, crap like that.

(nevermind. I need more coffee.)

flat it is. and not too big. the traffic is pretty hairy sometimes from what I remember three years ago, but the road conditions weren't all that terrible (I was coming from New Haven). I wasn't riding, but wished I had a bike or skateboard.

I biked quite a bit while living in Beijing (10 years ago) and it was great. Best way to get around the city. I've spent some time in Shanghai but never biked. It's probably less bike friendly than Beijing, but any major city in China will have tons of bikes.

Two pieces of advice from my Beijing days:

1. Go with the flow. Most riders take a more leisurely pace.

2. Watch out. Drivers are nuts.