I want a Bicycle

I really do need to get myself a set of wheels and I"m really considering getting a bicycle to use in Bangkok!
OK to some that sounds really crazy and to others well it makes sense! There we have it...a real dilemma,do I or don't I. Too hot, too dangerous, too much pollution, not safe....I agree but I still need to get around the quiet back streets to find our hidden gems, so only limited use and for sure I 'm not venturing out into the busy main roads so OK I think...I hope!
So having decided on a bike, what type and where shall I buy it?
Well on my tours around I have come across several really great bike shops so, no problem about the quality or the variety. There are a growing number of bike shops in and around Bangkok as Thai folk seem to be catching the green and stay healthy bug, as I briefly mentioned the weather, safety and pollution play a Major part in any ones choice!
I want to show you the diverse choice in Bangkok, and even though Biking is a fairly new growth area there's still a good variety of bike shops out there.
One of the most beautiful shops is a great wee place in China Town on.............................................. They specialise in top quality classic style bikes, you can find a few classic Raleigh Bikes in there as well as some amazing hand built Italian machines, there's also a good choice of touring bikes all totally acceptable for Bangkok, still not found any with A.C. though! They also have a really good selection of top quality accessories.
I spend a lot of time in Chid Lom and in a cool shopping mall (Amarin Plaza) there is a fantastic bike shop that offers great advice about what you need and also offers a wide selection of top quality bikes at affordable prices. This a is a real bikers shop but even if your a real  novice like me you will still feel  at home here! They offer great super friendly advise and will ensure you get a bike that suits your requirements.They also have a cool bike servicing department to make sure your bike stays fit and healthy even if you're not!!!! Allin all a great place.
My friend has a shop in........building near to Lumpini Park and in here is a really cool bike shop offering a really wide range of bikes at good prices.I love the lay out of this shop it's really bright and fresh and the bikes are really nicely displayed, there's also a great selection of accessories and a very good service section for your machine.
 One thing these have in common is top quality.
So there we go a good selection of cool bike shops, all offering  great selections, friendly informative advise and where Affordable Quality is readily found.
Take a look on  www.lok8rboutique.com  for full contact details addresses and also reviews of lots of similar businesses all offering  affordable quality!

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A Great Day at Dusit Zoo Bangkok Thailand

Like all days out they usually start a little bit strangely! Today we couldn't get a Taxi ! in  Bangkok a very unusual happening! Ah well! Any way things soon got moving and within 15 minutes we had arrived at Dusit Zoo, I'm not a big fan of zoos, so I really didn't know what to expect.
There are several entrances to the zoo and we arrived by our taxi on Ratwitti Road. The fee to enter the zoo depends on wether you're a tourist or a local , cheaper for locals and so it should be, after all the local Thai folk have a much lower income than Western counter parts! It's about 100 baht that also includes entrances in  to several shows..great value!!!!!!!!!!

.The zoo is nicely landscaped with a lot of beautiful trees and bushes and plenty of colour too, amazing flowering bushes are everywhere! There's a lovely lake too and you can hire a boat if you fancy a trip around the lake, there's plenty of seats surrounding the lake and shaded resting spots surround the paths and walkways.
Getting around the zoo is really easy, there are no steep hills and the zoo is very flat, easy to walk , easy to ride a bike that's on hire and great for pushchairs and wheelchairs, some of the animal enclosures are not so easy to get around, but generally very good. There's also a great elevated walk way which gives you a really good view of some of the animal enclosures. If you get tired or it's too hot to walk you can jump onto the bus that will take around  the Zoo on a scenic tour, and great news it's not expensive...honestly nothing in the Zoo is expensive!food and drink are all at reasonable prices and aren't over inflated!
The variety of food here is really good, lots of traditional Thai food and there's a KFC and plenty of places selling drinks and ice cream, there's even a good coffee shop too! ( one of my weaknesses in life!). Food and drink are all at reasonable prices and aren't over inflated! You can easily find a good selection of toilets that are clean and accessible ..... there's also a baby changing room and a disabled toilet too!
The animal enclosures are a bit basic and a wee bit small, but things are improving.The zoo is on the small to medium size, the animals seem OK and I thought the zoo staff seemed friendly and caring...to the animals and the visitors!!!!There are several different shows you can take a look at and they're good fun and entertaining.
Dusit Zoo is really relaxing and doesn't have the mad hustle and bustle of bigger zoos, we all found it really relaxing and a pleasure to visit.A great day trip if your visiting Bangkok and if you live here ..come on down ..it's a great way to spend a day with or without a family.
A really pleasant day, good food, nice scenery, plenty to do for everyone, and a good selection of animals and a good cup of coffee to boot!