Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Enigma]

I'd like to pick up either a cheap new mountain bike or a used one. I'll mostly be using it on the road - I don't plan to do any crazy off-road stuff. However as I live in coastal Gangwondo, I'll be doing a lot of up-and-down on the mountain roads.

I don't care what name brand it is - I just want a decent bike that will last at least a few years. I'm a little bigger than the average Korean, at 6'1" (185cm) and about 210 lbs (about 95 kgs).

I haven't bought a bike for several years, and so I'm not sure what exactly to watch out for. Are there any brands sold here that I should stay away from, and any parts that I should be trying to get?

Ideally I'd like to spend no more than 3-400,000won. Is that realistic?

There's only one small bike shop near me, and I think they sell mostly new bikes but I'm going to check them out this week. If I can't find anything there, I might pick one up the next time I'm in Seoul. Are there any good bike shops/areas in Seoul for getting a reasonable price on a decent bike?

Thanks

[nathanrutledge]

Why do you want a mountain bike if you aren't going to take it off the pavement?

First, do a serious assessment of what you're going to do. If you're only going to be on pavement, and you're not going to be popping curbs or hitting things, then you'd be wise to look at a road bike. Thinner tires, less rolling resistance, you're going to get better speed with less effort.

If you're planning to do ANYTHING other than road riding, then a mountain bike would probably be better, but there are still some things you can do to make it more suitable for you. For example, I have a Specialized Rockhopper. For single track (off road) riding, I use it stock (2.25 inch tires). For riding around town, I use road 1.25 inch road slicks. It rolls better and takes less effort. No sense in wasting energy.

Really, any bike you can find that fits you and you like will be fine. The key is keeping it clean and doing the maintenance. So many people get a perfectly decent bicycle and then let it rot outside in the weather. Keep the chain, cassette, chain rings, crank, headset lubed and clean. Keep air in the tires, Keep the wheels true. Do that, and any bike you find here will be perfectly acceptable.

[hwa jang shil]

I've had two new bikes here, the first cost 185,000 it was a Korean brand (designed in Korea made in China) called 'two wheels' it was fine for me, a 15 minute ride to work everyday on the streets with one big hill.
After a year various parts started seizing up, falling apart, wearing away. I did replace them at first but after 18 months something new was giving up the ghost every month.

So I got a new bike last month for 440000 won, a German made 'Bergamont' I was really suprised by the difference in quality, it's taken 15 minutes off an hour and 10 minute bike ride, the suspension has left my balls bruise free and the gear changes are smooth.

Got both bikes at a big bike shop opposite Olympic park, near Mongchontoseong station exit number 2 I think.

I'm sure there's a more knowledgable cyclist with better info but incase there's not hope it helps.

[Enigma]

Thanks to both of you for the replies.