Biking around Bangkok is something I really like doing, which freaks a lot of people out. Most automatically assume that it’s nothing more than a date with death, but I Greg to differ (ha!). If you’re patient, know how traffic works, and keep your wits about you, city riding can be really rewarding, especially if you have an all-terrain bike like mine (pictured at left). Indeed, there are several companies that exist solely to take people on rides through Bangkok’s twisting, labyrinthine alleys. I’ve written about biking before on this blog, but recently, I made a DIY camera mount on my handlebars to see what some video would look like. I know I’m not the first one to do this, but I’m happy with the nascent results, as you can see below.
As you can see, making the camera mount wasn’t that hard – and old reflector mount, a screw, washer and wingnut – bam, done. And don’t think I’m some DIY genius who knew what I was doing – the screw that camera connects to is actually from an old pencil sharpener desk mount. Sorry for the phone-quality picture, but you know… how do I take a picture of my camera with my camera?
A home-made camera mount. Note the little silver clip to prevent my wheels from obliterating the camera if it falls off.
This video is one of the first I made, so I’m still experimenting, but I think when I get some practice, they’ll get better.
Hey Greg,
I know this may not be your favourite topic right now, but I have a question related to biking in BKK and you’re the only expert I know of.
My Thai wife’s brother (16 yrs old) wants to have a bike to go to school with his friends. Apparently his friends have racing bike so of course he thinks it takes a racing bike to be a cool teenager. Now I’ve never used a bike while I was in BKK, but I know it’s a bad idea to ride a racing bike on the crappy roads they have in Prawet and Lat Krabang (lots of gravel because of road construction) where the family lives. Of course he ignores our good advice.
Long story cut short: I’m hoping a well trained guy at a good bike store can give an advice the boy will actually listen to. Can you recommend such a store? Ideally they should allow a test ride before purchase.
Would be great if you could help. Thanks!
Cheers
Carsten
Hi Carsten,
You mean bicycles? Yeah, riding with those skinny, slick tires on a dirt road or a road with bumps is a recipe for disaster. There are lots of stores in Bangkok but I’m partial to Probike on Soi Sarasin by Lumpini Park, or Bike Zone on the second floor of Amarin Plaza. They can sort you out.