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.

Taichung Indy Bike Store: Sam Bike

Sam Bike CLOSED (Another one bites the dust)

Manager: Sam Huang

No. 611 Mei-tsuen Rd. Sec.1

Taichung, Taiwan

Tel: 04-2375-3905

Cell: 0937-218-055

email: sam23753905@gmail.com

blog: http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/sambike-0423753905

I have been bast this little shop a number of times, but never found a reason to stop. I finally figured I should take a look if I am going to keep working on my Indy-shop catalogue, and I am glad I did.

Sam Bike is an unforgettable name in its quirkiness to the English ear and they really don't have much stock on display. They could easily be dismissed as by a passer-by as a fly by night bike store that was built to make a quick buck on the growing trend toward road bikes.

It is not.

When I stopped in I asked Sam, the owner, what kinds of bikes he sold as I could see a small assortment of bikes lined up on the sales floor. He replied, "I'll get you anything you want. I sell all kinds and I can get all kinds."

Hmmmm... that left me searching for more conversation.

I then asked what made his shop different among the other shops in the area and I was surprised by his reply.

Sam told me that it was all about the proper fit. His philosophy, which I can totally agree with, is that when a customer comes in looking for a bike, he will spend up to two hours doing a fitting to then find the right frame and components for the rider. He also will make adjustments to a rider's current bike to achieve better performance or resolve issues with pain or discomfort.

If you are looking for a bike that will fit or need to solve a pain problem, have a discussion with Sam.