Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Zulethe]

The last time I was in Korea, which was about 10 years ago, the bikes sold there were of horrible quality and very expensive.

I remember thinking that one couldn't find such trash anywhere in America.

My question to the riders out there is can you get a decent bike for a decent price comparable to one you could find in America, Canada, etc..?

If not would you advise me to ship my bike? It would cost about 100 dollars to do so.

Any input would be appreciated.

[Crockpot2001]

Define "decent".

If you have a nice bike and can ship it over, do that. If you are in the mood for a new bike of good quality you may have to shop for a shop before you buy so you are confient you are not getting ripped. Mail ordering a bike is often too expensive due to import duties on top of shipping. You can also search the buy/sell ads here as teachers are always selling stuff before they leave. The biggest question to ask yourself is what decent is to you.

If you are just riding bike paths such as the one's next to the rivers, you could get away with an E-mart special. If you want to enjoy the great mountain biking here I recommend much more than that.

Koreans currently have a perverted relationships with their bikes, they are status symbols for many folks. It is not uncommon to see 19# full titanium MTBs rolling on the bike path and they've never seen dirt. It's all about how light it is, that it came from the USA (not always), and that you can tell your friends and strangers you paid W10,000,000. The same bike woulda been $5,000 in the states. I've also noticed that the price of the individual items in the shop often adds up to LESS than the price of a whole bike. Many of the taller riders here are on bikes far too small becuase they seldom inport frames much larger than what would be considered a medium (~18"). One last point, many shops will not let you test ride a bike.

[moosehead]

bring your along - decent bikes here are few and far between and way over the top was far as price is concerned.

also bring a good kryptonite lock - the cable locks here are a joke - I brought mine with me and never lost a bike (have had 3 here)

others haven't been so fortunate.

[supernick]

These days you can get pretty go deals on bikes.

Some brands are a little more expensive here, but Trek can in fact be cheaper. Trek's 3700 sells for $380.00 in the U.S. and the same bike can be bought here in Seoul for 310,000 Won. Even the 4500 can be bought for around 500,000 won, a little cheaper than in the U.S.

I think Trek is trying hard to position themselves as the brand leader in Korea, so they are giving Koreans a good deal.

There are more and more bike shops opening up and I'm sure most can find something good. Remember, if they don't have your size in stock, the store can order it and it only takes a day.

If you buy a bike here in Korea, the bike shop gives you free service for all adjustments. I never do my own adjusting. I just take it back to the store and they do everything.

So, go get yourself a good bike form a local pro bike store. I'm sure you'll get something good but be prepared to pay 500,000 won. Cheap bikes are just that, and they will fall apart in a year, and will not be as much fun to ride.

Enjoy.

[jiyull]

People who ride bicycles on the busy roads in Seoul....are STUPID.

[Imrahil]

[jiyull]

[earthbound14]

There are lots of good bikes here now. You will have to shop around a bit more than back home. Even the Korean bikes look alright these days (some anyway) but not really worth what they are charging (you'd think you'd be able to get a good deal on a Korean product....but no). As another poster stated some stuff is actually cheaper here. Most stuff is subject to the 30% import tax however some companies manufacture here and you can get really good deals on those products. IRC tires, some Shimano parts and Trek are some that I know of. Koreans also have a habit of overcharging for high end items (and over selling them to people who have no use for them) so if you want a really good bike, import it. If you want to risk it and try to find a deal when you are here...go for it. But I think you are more likely to find a good deal and get what you want from back home. If not don't stress about it, you can get a good bike here even if you might pay a little more. I did.

If you really want to talk with guys who know bikes then go here

www.mtbk-adventure.com

[Cohiba]

What do you call an entire row of rusted pieces of crap chained up
outside of a Korean apartment building? ? Bikes

As with a lot of things in Korea, they build them, but do almost
zero maintenance on them. Bikes, buildings, cars, furniture etc.

Anyway, I imported my Scott mountain bike. USD1700 in USA
and 4,500,000KRW here. Even with the UPS and duty it was still
cheaper. But, it WAS a hassle. If I was to do it again I would
probably get a Trek here. They maintain them for free at the bike
shop. And I agree with the above poster. GET A GOOD LOCK!
Also wear a helmet.

[Join Me]

[Join Me]

[jiyull]

I seen several instances of people(not just Koreans) riding their bikes in very busy roads...almost getting smoked by a car or making vehicles do sudden swerves almost causing an accident. Biking on very busy roads just causes more problems, more traffic, and a higher chance of an accident.
I'm not saying that riding a bike is stupid, just as long as it's not in heavy traffic areas or on bike specific paths.

[IamTheFace78]

[jiyull]

[IamTheFace78]

That may have come off a bit snooty. But.

If I (or anyone else for that matter) rides a bike as primary transportation, there's one less car on the road. Bikes are smaller and less invasive than a car, therefore, less congestion, smog, etc.

Fewer cars=less traffic.