Cyclists beware.

[4niceight 32]

I have been asked by a friend to put out a warning to bicyclists. Apparently a friend of his was cycling on his own in the Huay Yai area a couple of days ago about 8 am when some Thai guys on two motorbikes stopped him and threatened his life (not sure how) then stole his expensive (80,000 baht) bicycle. He went to the police who told him that it was the second similar occurence recently. The men are believed to be on drugs and will dismantle the bikes and sell the parts for spares. I wonder how the police know this. Just a heads up for cyclists doing a solo ride in that area especially if you have an expensive bicycle.

[tomcat76 327]

I wonder what would happen if, while visiting the police station to report such an incident, you mentioned to them that you were offering a "reward" for the bike...

[lovedog100 1,372]

I don't need a warning. Common sense would tell me not to ride an expensive bike in a third world country.

[jacko 8,813]

I don't need a warning. Common sense would tell me not to ride an expensive bike in a third world country.

As a slight aside..... do you ever ride any form of self powered vehicle, even a cheap one?

[MM 6,562]

As a slight aside..... do you ever ride any form of self powered vehicle, even a cheap one?

 

As I recall, he was riding a high powered 400K superbike for a while

[Feileacan 32]

I have been asked by a friend to put out a warning to bicyclists. Apparently a friend of his was cycling on his own in the Huay Yai area a couple of days ago about 8 am when some Thai guys on two motorbikes stopped him and threatened his life (not sure how) then stole his expensive (80,000 baht) bicycle. He went to the police who told him that it was the second similar occurence recently. The men are believed to be on drugs and will dismantle the bikes and sell the parts for spares. I wonder how the police know this. Just a heads up for cyclists doing a solo ride in that area especially if you have an expensive bicycle.

 

Do I know him ??

[Fireman Sam 336]

Thanks for the warning 4niceight.

 

Sorry to hear that the Thai crooks have cottoned on to this one, how long before it spreads nationwide ? Been a problem for a few years now in the UK, although once the crooks spot you they normally follow you home, then at an opportune time break in and steal your pride and joy.

 

Lovedog 100, serious cyclists are just the same as serious motorcyclist they like to ride the best bicycle that they can afford and why shouldn't they. A mate of mine who lives outside Pattaya has just purchased his latest bike carbon fibre road bike a Specialized Venge, total cost around the 250,000 Thai baht mark. This is in addition to his other one which is nearly the same price wise. Bike is still in the UK at the moment but he will be transporting it shortly.

 

Best Regards

Edited August 16, 2012 by Fireman Sam

[Oliver_J 2]

It can happen anywhere in the world if you ride an expensive bike alone in the desolate area.

 

Thanks for warning.

[danboy 151]

As I recall, he was riding a high powered 400K superbike for a while

 

I believe that one had an engine

[MM 6,562]

 

I believe that one had an engine

It's generically called a "bike" and it was expensive, and it could be stolen as well.

 

So what if it had an engine?

[lovedog100 1,372]

I've heard of Thai's stopping farang on on motorbikes and robbing them. The first mistake is stopping. Don't do it, even if you have to ram them. Any Thai man that wants to stop you on the road is up to no good. An expensive bike is like wearing gold, nothing more than a big sign saying somebody take this from me. Flashing expensive things that someone could grab and carry on a motorbike in is just not a good idea in Pattaya. Common sense should prevail over your urge to ride around flashing items that is a months to a years pay for the average Thai.

[MM 6,562]

I've heard of Thai's stopping farang on on motorbikes and robbing them. The first mistake is stopping. Don't do it, even if you have to ram them. Any Thai man that wants to stop you on the road is up to no good. An expensive bike is like wearing gold, nothing more than a big sign saying somebody take this from me. Flashing expensive things that someone could grab and carry on a motorbike in is just not a good idea in Pattaya. Common sense should prevail over your urge to ride around flashing items that is a months to a years pay for the average Thai.

 

The point is, your statement about common sense and expensive bikes, while dismissive of the alleged victim of this robbery, is very similar to what could have happened to you while riding an obviously expensive bike (albeit motorized) on some of the backroads.

 

A couple of Thai guys with a gun pointed at you are going to make you stop, I'd wager. You cannot outrun a bullet.

 

I guess even an expert on 3rd world countries such as yourself might do things that in retrospect might be considered not using common sense.

[lovedog100 1,372]

The point is, your statement about common sense and expensive bikes, while dismissive of the alleged victim of this robbery, is very similar to what could have happened to you while riding an obviously expensive bike (albeit motorized) on some of the backroads.

 

A couple of Thai guys with a gun pointed at you are going to make you stop, I'd wager. You cannot outrun a bullet.

 

I guess even an expert on 3rd world countries such as yourself might do things that in retrospect might be considered not using common sense.

 

There are some differences. They could not pick up a 500 pound motorcycle and drive off with it on their motorbike. I would not stop easily, and if I had to ram them, I would. if I saw someone pull a gun, I would hit the gas and let them try and catch me. While I can't outrun a bullet, they would be extremely unlikely to start shooting to try and get me stopped. I've seen the guns that the Thai police find on people. I wouldn't worry much about a Thai that has probably never shot a gun trying to hit a moving target with the crappy guns they typically have, and the 3 or 4 bullets they carry. If they had me point blank and I'm standing, yes, but not while moving with some distance between us. If they got me stopped, I could easily throw the keys as far as I could. While I wouldn't mind spending 10 minutes looking for them, it's not likely that a Thai would hold me at gun point and look themselves. Just flipping the kill switch would probably make them take a long time to figure out how to get it started. I would worry much more about them taking my wallet than the bike.

 

Taking a registered motorcycle would make it only good for a parts bike. With the small number of V-Max motorcycles in Thailand, the parts market would very small and specialized. Also making someone selling them easy to find. The 135cc motorbike I rode would be a better score for a thieving Thai, the parts could be sold anywhere. They would know how to start it, and ride it. A Thai that is used to a 125cc automatic puts his butt on a motorcycle with 145 horsepower, he would be lucky to make it a block with out going down, or hitting something.

 

I bicycle could be sold to a friend, pawned, ridden themselves. A big bike could not.

[MM 6,562]

That's all very macho stuff you're talking there, but you could be held up by Thais, in spite of your fantasy he-man scenarios.

 

Remember, you have written you were outsmarted by a dog many times .

 

I'm trying to find out from you why you would you imply someone riding an expensive bicycle shows a lack of common sense.

[lovedog100 1,372]

For the same reason that wearing gold in plane sight is.

 

I don't know that what I said was all that macho. If some one tried to stop me on my motorcycle, I would expect them to want my money over the bike. I just wouldn't be stopped that easily. Running is not macho, and standing in front of a gun is dumb.

[4niceight 32]

Do I know him ??

No. I don't think you do.I don't know him. Friend of David's, but not one of the Timbo group I think.

Edited August 17, 2012 by 4niceight

[atlas2 4,329]

For the same reason that wearing gold in plane sight is.

 

I was a professional cyclist..........I rode professionally for eight years and for hard cash.........Up and down Harley street delivering papers.......Hated Sundays!

 

Falang cyclists in Thailand are 'enthusiasts'. I know a few and it's sometimes all they talk about.... 'Kevlar wheels' and the latest 'sprokets'. It's all greek to me....I move over to another table and stick-up 'Pattaya Talk'.

 

But on behalf of cyclists ...They may ride expensive bikes to 'show off' to other enthusiasts, but most want a bike light enough to pick up with a finger, strong enough to absorb the bumps..........and sufficiently geared to be able to compete in speed with other enthusiasts. These bikes are expensive.

 

I couldn't tell you one bike from another so if it's flaunting, as in the same as wearing gold in 'plane' sight it is wasted on me and on most of us i'd suggest.

 

I quickly passed on 4niceights useful warning to some friends but they already knew.

 

.......You have to feel sorry for our 'enthusiast', out on his dream bike, enjoying the fresh air and the exercise, minding own his business and then.... having his, 'pride and joy' nicked......

 

....'And' to rub salt in.... to be told that by riding his bike.....he's as stupid as a soi 6 strumpet, flauncing about on her high heels and flouting her bling. Oh yes, but he's not done with yet!......The poor sod is basically a coward to boot for failing to act as some people 'say' they would.

 

I don't think to two situations compare.

Edited August 17, 2012 by atlas2

[danboy 151]

As a slight aside..... do you ever ride any form of self powered vehicle, even a cheap one?

 

So what if it had an engine?

 

Jacko asked if he ever rode any form of "self powered vehicle", that's what!

[MM 6,562]

Jacko asked if he ever rode any form of "self powered vehicle", that's what!

 

Yeah, and I answered him. You didn't add anything except a snide.

[jacko 8,813]

Yeah, and I answered him. You didn't add anything except a snide.

But the person I asked declined to answer..........

I mean, not many of us ride a push-bike out here do we?

Other than a very famous one.....

That isn't you is it Lovedog?

Edited August 17, 2012 by jacko

[Bushcraft 2,579]

I think he's fairly safe from having that thing nicked!

[danboy 151]

Yeah, and I answered him. You didn't add anything except a snide.

 

And this wasn`t a snide?

As I recall, he was riding a high powered 400K superbike for a while

[MM 6,562]

 

And this wasn`t a snide?

 

Yeah, tit for tat. You do know how that works don't you? Or do you think I won't come back at you?

That doesn't seem fair to me.

[lovedog100 1,372]

I was a professional cyclist..........I rode professionally for eight years and for hard cash.........Up and down Harley street delivering papers.......Hated Sundays!

 

Falang cyclists in Thailand are 'enthusiasts'. I know a few and it's sometimes all they talk about.... 'Kevlar wheels' and the latest 'sprokets'. It's all greek to me....I move over to another table and stick-up 'Pattaya Talk'.

 

But on behalf of cyclists ...They may ride expensive bikes to 'show off' to other enthusiasts, but most want a bike light enough to pick up with a finger, strong enough to absorb the bumps..........and sufficiently geared to be able to compete in speed with other enthusiasts. These bikes are expensive.

 

I couldn't tell you one bike from another so if it's flaunting, as in the same as wearing gold in 'plane' sight it is wasted on me and on most of us i'd suggest.

 

I quickly passed on 4niceights useful warning to some friends but they already knew.

 

.......You have to feel sorry for our 'enthusiast', out on his dream bike, enjoying the fresh air and the exercise, minding own his business and then.... having his, 'pride and joy' nicked......

 

....'And' to rub salt in.... to be told that by riding his bike.....he's as stupid as a soi 6 strumpet, flauncing about on her high heels and flouting her bling. Oh yes, but he's not done with yet!......The poor sod is basically a coward to boot for failing to act as some people 'say' they would.

 

I don't think to two situations compare.

I never said I didn't feel for the person that lost his bike. I'm also not one to blame the victim of a crime. The OP posted a warning. One which I don't need, and stated so. In a third would country like Thailand things should be done differently for your own safety, and to keep they things you own. Thai's already believe that all farang have big money. We are more likely to be singled out because of it. Being farang, no one is going to help you, even other farang.

 

My house in Thailand had bars on the windows, a padlocked gate on the front door, a spiked fence, as guard dog, and a safe inside. I parked inside of a locked fence and locked my motorcycle with the best lock and cable I could find. I don't have to do that at home in the US. It would be irresponsible not to do in Pattaya. Any Thai in a neighborhood looking to break into a house would pick the farangs house first over a Thais, believing that there would be expensive stuff inside. If security was lax, someone not looking to do it, may just take an opportunity they see.

 

I don't believe that flaunting wealth in front of poor Thai's is a good thing to do. Reckless even. Just my opinion, you don't have to agree.

[Regyai 415]

why you would you imply someone riding an expensive (any) bicycle shows a lack of common sense.

 

It has only two wheels and even then no frikkin engine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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