Cycling in Malaysia / Singapore

[Dombo]

If you go mtb-ing in Malaysia take a knife and one of those one handed plunger things to extract stings/poison. Snakes are a big problem. Also take way more drink than you think you'll need. And finally, stuff tends to be very very cheap, about a third or more less than we pay for all the big brands.

[Andrew G]

Have a google around Sean as there are a lot of good touring sites/blogs. You may not be doing a tour but they will probably show up some useful information about what it's like, how you're treated, climate etc etc.

[Marcus]

Don't know about cycling but the night life is cheap. Just protect yourself there are some nasty things out there

[LeeS]

Haven't been on two wheels in Singapore but hired a motorbike a few times in Malaysia and all I can say is keep your wits about you and treat everybody like they are on a death wish. KL had some sense to it but when I ventured out towards the back waters there were no road markings in the centre or at junctions and regularly cars strayed across the road all assuming they had right of way. I'm going back quite a few years so it may be much better now but be aware.

[Roy Green]

I lived there for a year and a half, courtesy of the RAF, at Seletar, north of the island. It was so long ago, Sean, that most of what I remember would have changed drastically. However, I doubt that the climate has changed much. A temperature of around 30 C all year sounds great but coupled with humidity of well over 90% made it not ideal for bike riding (I did none). Shorts were routine daywear, and changing shirts 3 times a day was normal.
Enjoyed some interesting sorties downtown off duty at places called New World, Happy World etc, but these would not be sanctioned by your wife, even if they still exist under today's authoritarian regime! Things were then so relaxed. I recall that the Singapore Chinese (the majority) were somewhat pushy by nature; the Malays then were lovely, laid back folk. I look back on my Singapore years as some the best of my life. Enjoy it there Sean; we'll miss you (but, through the Forum, doubtless you'll keep in the forefront!)
Roy

[Marcus]

[quote="Roy Green"] I look back on my Singapore years as some the best of my life.
Roy

[tel]

Sean

My old training partner lives in Penang. He tells me that the road surfaces are really crap. You will need strong components. all that Durace will be completely knackered. 25mm tyres are the order of the day, maybe a cross bike.

Terry

[Dan_K]

So what's the deal Sean? Got a new job?