Taichung Bike Shops: Tai-Hao Bicycle Supply Store

Tai Hao Bike Supply Store

Manager: Huang Chao-hsien

Address: No. 90 Han Xi South Rd. Sec-3

Beitun Dist. Taichung City, Taiwan

Tel: (04) 2437-9499

If you live or ride in the Beitun area near the river, this little shop might come in handy. Although it is not well stocked with the newest bikes, fanciest equipment or dazzling displays, I can imagine coming to Tai Hao for a deal on a new or used bike (primarily mountain bikes), or if you are in the area and really need a tube, tool or service, then this place would be fine.

The owner, Mr. Huang is extremely enthusiastic and cherishes his beloved orange Bianchi road bike. The bike has been loved to the state of having to have the head tube rewelded, but Mr. Huang will extoll its virtues at length. Sorry, no English if you need it.

Bottom Line: Limited, but cheap. Hey... it's there if you need something right away.

IN OTHER RETAILER NEWS:

I was in T-Mosaic yesterday looking into some wheels and I saw they had stocked some new, less expensive steel framed bikes. If you are interested in a steel frame that won't break the bank, they are selling GIOS again. I think GIOS makes some pretty looking bikes, with some complete bikes staring at NT$ 31,000 for the Arione and NT$ 33,800 for the Vintage, which is in the colors of the Italian flag. For more follow this LINK.

Independent Bike Shops: Longmao-Bianchi in Shalu

Longmao-Bianchi Shop (CLOSED)

Manager: Tseng Mei-feng

Address: No. 605 Zhong Shan Rd.

Lufeng Neighborhood, Shalu Township

Greater Taichug (Taichung County)

Tel: 04-26655308

Email: longma0922@yahoo.com.tw

Last weekend I swung by a little bike shop along Zhong-shan Rd. in Shalu, along the coastal plain between Taichung City and Taichung Harbor. When I saw the Bianchi sign, I couldn't resist the Celeste coloring and popped in for a look.

The shop is managed by Ms. Tseng Mei-feng, who was eager to tell me about their store. Aside from bike related services, the shop sells several brands beside the obvious Bianchi label.

According to Ms. Tseng, their customers are mainly interested in a wide selection of Cannondale and Gary Fisher bikes, along with Stevens. I was interested to note the Gary Fisher bikes.

Gary Fisher made his name as a long-haired pioneer in Mountain Bikes, but the company was absorbed by Trek and has expanded into other types of rigs. One of my favorites is the Presidio, which was formerly sold as the Poprad under the LeMond label.

LeMond, was the company formed around Greg LeMond, the cycling legend, former World Champion and three time Tour de France winner. LeMond was bought out by Trek and lived as a Trek boutique brand until 2009, when Greg and Trek had a major falling out following LeMond's continued public accusations against Lance Armstrong and other riders sponsored by Trek. LeMond was forced to fold, but Gary Fisher picked up some of Lemond's road designs to add to their offerings. What I liked about the steel Poprad was its CX geometry with a low, road style bottom bracket for better road handling.

This little bike store had a full range of inexpensive Taiwanese brands as well. It is surely worth a look if you live near Shalu. I saw some pretty good values in the shop.

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight