Hey all!

I'm living in Taiwan and I am planning to buy a cyclocross bike in the next month or so. The problem I am having... it seems despite the island's baddass topography, nobody really rides a cyclocross rig. The parts are made here, but in talking to a few shops it'll take a few months to import a frame and fork set before I can get going. The first shop took me straight to the top and could only sell Pinarello, De Rosa and other high-end Italian pro-set-ups. I don't need to go that high or spend USD$5000.

So I was wondering if anyone knows of any good place on Taiwan where I could put a bike together. I am also considering biting the $300 bullet to have a bike shipped sight un-seen.

I'm looking at: Surly Cross-Check, Van Dessel Gin and Trombones, Felt F1X, Curtlo Custom (if I have to ship sight unseen), Voodoo Luma... those kinds of bikes.

I'll be doing a lot of commuting, and frequent recreational jaunts up to some of the best mountain trails I have ever seen. Pretty big "nature" to work around.

If anyone knows of a knowledgeable dealer here I would appreciate the advice.

Thx in advance!

A

Take a look at the Kona Jake the Snake, it is a very nice frame and cheap....

Hey all!
I'm looking at: Surly Cross-Check, Van Dessel Gin and Trombones, Felt F1X, Curtlo Custom (if I have to ship sight unseen), Voodoo Luma... those kinds of bikes.


Funny, probably all of those bikes except the Curtlo are made in Taiwan, plus others like Redline, etc. It would be silly to have to import one from another country.

yeah, I know... for reasons of sales.. they have to be exported in order to import. Any good custom shops in Taiwan?

yeah, I know... for reasons of sales.. they have to be exported in order to import.

Maybe check with one of the online companies that have their own brand. I think they either have their frames and bikes shipped from the factory directly to the customer, or to their bike shop. Maybe you could at least save on shipping this way? If it were me I would try the guys at chucksbikes.com, bikesdirect.com/bikeisland.com, nycbikes.com or Fetish. Good luck with the search!

i'd try doing some homework as to what high end frames are made there, take a tour of the plant and bring some cash to make a deal.
you might be able to pull off something sweet. worth a shot.