Be sure the crew is well hydrated, bring snacks too. As a group, we enjoy pasta prepared the same-day, grapes, apples, or raisins when seasonal fruit isn't available (or too expensive). Use reusable rubbermaid containers. While cycling solo, I usually pack an emergency 300g of sun-dried raisins, a few apples and at least 3L of water (1L per hour). Mega-Korea Touring Route 2012 (Click link to see locations) View Larger Map |
Remember, it's the motor under the hood that counts. Cycling in Korea starts with the initiative to see more outdoors, the vigor to pedal, and a bike that fits your budget, while it's important to source the right gear, here's a few tips that might help: Search - Gmarket.co.kr and search for "Blackcat" That's a good start to Cycling in Korea. The branded bicycle is basically an imported, unpopularized frame from either Taiwan (higher end) or China (lower end), frames in aluminum (grade unknown) and components differ considerably between a 200,000KRW and 600,000KRW model. These are great bikes, with a few tweaks, upgrades to the tires (Schwalbe Marathon 26x1.5-2.0), you'll be singing. There is a local scene for (GARMIN CONNECT, SEE GPS ROUTE!) intense off-road XC MTB riding (Daegwallyeong, Gangwon-do), but plan to bring your bike into Korea (QUALITY MTB'S ARE EXPENSIVE HERE IN SOUTH KOREA, BUY IT IN THE USA!!!) Another option, if your looking for Touring/light XC trail riding around your city, farming fields or similar, then the Blackcat mentioned above, will fit the bill. Always, consider the specifications that are available (forks -Suntour XCM V2 come with many Blackcats, it's a road shock only-as tested, derailler system (Shimano components? Most have model marking, Alvio, Deore, SLX, XT, XTR...from the bottom to the top of the line), the wheelsets are always solid builds in Korea, from Lespo, Alton, ProCorex, up to Blackcat, Cello and the international makers (Merida is popular here, then there's the best of the bikes (specific by model and/or components, don't be fooled by the Branding): Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, Mongoose, Yeti, Kona, Jamis, Surly, Look (expensive!), Santa Cruz, Ellsworth, Ibis, Norco, Giant, and many more...the source for reviews is MTBR More suggestions - Where to ride in Korea?
Next are Cycle Touring Routes for South Korea areas
[ Notes: *** best route for cycling, camping, sight-seeing, adventure cycling. I personally like all routes (: ] |
No comments:
Post a Comment