Hihi, greetings for all the sifu sifu and old birdies :)
i m just a newbie who keen to get back on saddle after 10 years of long pause. tried to pedal on bagan ajam highway (mainland butterworth) since last 2 week, i think i am still able to join u guys for a ride..i think laaa 
. dun bully me gao gao if one day u guys found out that i am nothing but just a water-skin(lousy) biker loo tell u guys upfront sin..hahaha...kinda excited when i notice that there is a lot of activities coming on for G club..this should be fun!!
anyway, i shouldnt sound so loud first, cz..... I DUN EVEN HAVE A BIKE YET... hahhaa...kinda dilemma of choosing in between mtb and road bike..but gut tells me to go for mtb, since it can be used for road riding too, just not that fast la...will get roadbike for sure if got $...for right now i plan to get Raleigh elite, since the price is pretty reasonable (RM1500) for a rookie like me.. anyone have any thought on this model? can help out new bird ar plzzz...
also hor, does anyone comes from butterworth? i just wana get myself a bike mate to pedal to penang island to meet up with the whole gang before those events get started..anyone?? so far i know 1 is poh lee la. Poh lee where r u staying particularly in butterworth. i am from raja uda..
finally, i'm feeling lucky that i have found a big gang of ppl who have in depth passion for cycling. Long Life G Club!!
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Aiya, seeing Doc talk about Raymond and golf and Raymond mentioning he sells golf memberships, I think I also know him unless I am mistaken.
Hey Raymond Khor, you used to be a damn good badminton player too, right? If so, this is Tony, who used to stay in Taman Free School in the 70s.
Am glad you're thinking of taking us cycling. Doc is right. I can attest to its benefits. Even though I am unable to reach Doc's and many other cyclists' standard (still pengsan when see hill climb in front), it has improved my whole well being health wise and get rid of any flab around your tummy. Hahaha!
Cheers if you are the Raymond I knew of old, and even if not, glad to get to know a new friend.
Baby Husky
Tony you are absolutely right! I was once quite a lousy badminton player lol!! Choosen for state training ages ago!! So how are you still playing badminton? You still work in the factory? Wow so dangerous here not even come in for a ride yet and seems that I already hv few friends here hahaha!! Glad to know you gys are in great shape!!!!
I was in Air Itam dam this afternoon and saw a few bikers cycling up the dam and few even came down fr the tower station, OMG how on earth can I cycle up such a steep road? Walk up also got problem my fren!
I noticed few Scott, Trek, one Merida & Titus and a few "NO BRAND" Crazy I start to notice the brand of MTB now lol!!
Dr Lim as for golf I also have stopped for more than two years! Almost touch single handicap though. Always bet with my friends until no more " KAKI" lol Anyway that was all the past. Having said that I am still looking around for MTB and at the same time trying to convinve a few friends to take up this hobby as I do not wish to be left out by you "OLD BIRDS" if I ever join you guys for a ride. As I am new, fat, heavy and no stamina how to follow up with all the sifus? If you wait for me then you will not enjoy your ride unlike golf we have to wait for the golfers in the same flight whether you like it or not right Dr? Can you can arrange anytime to play golf with me but you hv to bear with my hook and fade shot!! If you don't mindbe slow in golf then is fine with me hahaha!!
Ok guys! Hope to ride with you guys soon!!!! Don't forget if any of your friend who wants to half sell and half give away any MTB let me know ok? HAHAHAHA~~~
Dear RK. I hope you would allow me to share some tips with you about slope and hill climbs. From what I have read about your story so far, you have an advantage of staying on the Mainland as there are many flat roads there in the kampungs. Don't worry about the make of the bikes. Tony is right; the rider must be of certain level, at least, the bike will only assist.
If you have the $$$, and don't mind changing parts which are light, then by all means. A lighter bike will definitely help you along the way. Try riding a 11kg bike and a 14kg bike. Additional 3kg means you have to put on more power in your pedal. It is good this way coz you will be burning calories and "bak eu". See Tony now. He's a lean mean fighting machine. Agree Tony? Lighter 3kg means you can go further and faster only. Pedal power will still be the same. So you decide from here. Most guys will ask you to buy an above average MTB now so that you will not have to upgrade it in 2-3 years, unless your fingers and butts are very itchy. My advise is, since you are making a comeback, why don't you start with an average bike about RM3k. Ensure frame is light. Components are upgradable later along the way when you have rode for many months and gained more experience. But you have to upgrade them slowly or else there will be a big hole in your pockets.
When I first purchased my Scott Scale40, I did a lot of online research on MTB makes. I found that I was torn between a TREK and a SCOTT. As I have been riding for 4years+, I am ready to take on a better bike. SCOTT has very light components while TREK has average ones. Both have light frames, aluminium butted frames. Price difference is marginal. You can say that I bought my Scott for the weight of the bike, only 11.4kg and splashed about RM5,800. Then came a friend who wanted to get rid of his saddle pole. My fingers started to get itchy and bought it cheap. There was a difference in weight when I rode on the original steel pole compared to the one made of lighter metal called Scandium. So this is some tips on bike.
Next, I would like to share is ourselves, to build a strong foundation before we tackle terrains. Tony has already given you a simple tip. Start on flat roads and slowly build up your stamina. Go the distance in all your flat road rides. I started off by covering 30km a day and increased 5km every two weeks. When I can manage to cycle 50km for 2 weeks, I vary my program. Once a week I will do intensity rides, power rides. Means I will put on a high gear and go shorter distance. Example I will set my gear to 23 or 24 and cycle 30km. My average speed was about 30-32km/h. The rest of the days will be distance riding. Now I ride on gear 24-25 for a longer distance, average speed about 32-34km/h. This is to build power in your leg muscles at the same time train your speed endurance. I do not tackle hill rides or slopes until I am ready for it.
After 6months of such basic program, I started some slopeslike riding from Greenlane to Tanjung Bungah hillside. Once I can cover the distance without difficulty, I will go further to Batu Ferringhi. I would train for a month just to ride the distance with slopes. Playing with your bike's gears is very important as it will assist you to go up the slope smoother and easier on the pedalling. Once I am ready, I tackled the hills. Joining the guys offroad riding is fun and with the basic foundation you have, you are sure ready to tackle even the most difficult climb. Be sure to go slow with your first offroad mountain ride. I have rode up Pg Hill two days ago and it was my best achievement so far after 3 attempts. I had to ride and push at certain gradients coz it was very steep, about 25-30degrees. I intende to improve on my ride up again and hope to ride more than push.
So you see, RK, riding is like building a house. With a strong foundation, you can ride anywhere you want. If you are more hardworking, go to the gym to press some irons for the upper body strength, situps for abdominal strength and leg press and squats for additional power for your legs. Please remember to drink lots of water before, during and after your rides. This is to ensure your body is always hydrated. If not you will suffer cramps and will spoil your ride.
Hope my tips will come in handy for you. Enjoy your rides.
Regards
Peter aka posh66
Hi Posh66 thank you so so much for the sharing and I really appreciate it a lot. A good learning lesson from you for begineers like me.
Anyway I am staying in Penang Island and I ahve not even ride any MTB in my life before so it not a comeback as you wrote... lol Is ok no matter what your valuable experiences that you have just shared was indeed awesome and I like that idea. As for me now I am in no hurry to get a bike as yet honestly unless Icome across a great deal...hehehe!
So I am still in athe looking process because as I hv said I have yet to know if MTB is so great or enjoyble when one is in it because not to say I have not cycle/ride any bike BUT not even sit on any MTB at all , HAHAHA~!
Will definitely take your precious advises and as well from others too!! I believe that I am a good learner as being a new kid on the block soon , one have to forego everything and learn from the very begining... needless to say id one do not hv any experience at all.
Ok I really hoped that I will get one soon and join you guys ASAP if timimg permits!!
GBU
RK
Apalah EasyRay,
So many friends write in to advise you and you are not going to ride yet?
Hello, I am living proof with a scar to show.
Like Posh wrote I lost my little "pouch" 2~3 weeks after I got myself a real MTB. I am really lean now, though not a mean machine like he described.
Once you start you will enjoy it. Look at Doc who's given up golf. Cycling gives you so much freedom. You can either ride leisurely and enjoy the countryside or challenge yourself by doing hill trails. It is up to you. There's no such thing as a good cyclist or bad cyclist. You don't need to be as fast as the next man, or next WOMAN. Just as long as you can complete the route.
Honestly, I think RM3k will get you a good starter, upgradeable bike. If not, I think you can still find some Trek, Merida, Specialized and many other brands in the RM1~2k starter range. It's up to you. For me I started to enjoy immediately after I got on my RM3k BH hardtail. I had been riding a cheap full-sus Raleigh for the past 2 years. So trust me.
See you on the road soon EasyRay.
Tony
Hey Raymond, no problem riding with us long as you have a little stamina. Try the flat roads first. I am lucky, having moved to Balik Pulau 3 years ago. The kampung roads are quiet with little traffic. Start riding and increase your distance little by little. Then add in a little slope here and there and finally try the steepier gradients. And finally endurance for a longer and hilly ride. A good cycling companion will be able to give you encouragement and incentive to complete a ride.
For going up the dam and other nature trails, you have to ask the many sifus on this website. Everybody has their own two sens' worth of advice. Most can ride well. I don't participate in these kinds of rides at all. I'm only into cycling to maintain a little level of fitness as we grow older. I have totally given up badminton after moving to Balik Pulau.
Don't dwell too much on brands. You will notice that whatever brand the cyclists are riding, they all still make it to the top. The bicycle helps but the cyclist is important too. Give me the supposedly best mtb in the world and I still don't think I can make it to the top of Air Itam dam. So that's my take on choosing a bike. Just find one you like, like choosing girlfriend lah in your old days, and start riding.
Cheers and hope to meet up. My bike's at CCI undergoing change of crank and tires if you want to buy. As you said, lau peng yew will half sell and half give away to an old friend of so many years who use to cover for me in badminton. Hahaha!
Baby Husky
Hi Baby Husky?
You stay at Balik Pulau? Which Area?
Where is your normal cycling tarck?
Regards,
Edwin
Hi Bond,
I stay in the area they call Genting, the small village opposite KKTM (Mara). That's the road you have to take on the way to Pulau Betong. My house is on Jalan Sungai Nipah 2, just behind the small Chinese primary school.
I will ride on weekends usually in the morning and I start out at 7 am, light permitting. I will usually loop from my house to Pulau Betong before turning back and heading for Pantai Acheh for breakfast. Sometimes I will go off road and look for trails.
On fitter days I will continue to Titi Kerawang or Teluk Bahang dam.
I don't cycle in the evenings because in the kampung areas small insects buzz around you when it starts to get dark.
Hope to ride with you again.
Baby Husky
Hi Baby Husky,
Thanks for the detail update.
I really do not recall any Chinese school opposite Mara.
I will try to search you one day. I normally ride with Simon and Ah Chai group (the only MTB bike shop owner in BP) sometimes. Actually, BP still has a lot of un-explore cycling tracks!
Enjoy riding and hope to see you soon.
Cheers,
Edwin
* Save the planet, cycling for health *
Hi Edwin,
Haha! I've stayed there for more than 3 years and I still don't know the name of the small Chinese primary school. It's Thong something or something Thong.
Anyway, it's pretty easy to find. If you cycle from Balik Pulau town towards Pulau Betong you will have to follow the signboard to Pulau Betong/Sungai Burung, right? So you will turn into the road underneath the arch opposite KKTM (Mara). At the crossroad if you turn left you will head towards Pulau Betong. The road directly opposite is Jalan Sungai Nipah and will lead you to the junction of Jalan Baharu. So cycle on straight for 500 meters and you will see the single storey Chinese school on your right. My house (d-storey terrace) is just behind. It's no 20, Jalan Sungai Nipah. The Belleview housing project, Palmyra, is just behind my house.
Catch up with you one of these weekends. Let me know one day before you come up.
Baby Husky is still at the shop. Changing the crank and maybe the handlebar and seatpost too. Pocket getting itchy. Haha! Have to keep up with my wife's Trek.
Cheers,
Tony
Baby Husky thank you very much for the offer! By the way what barnd and how much are you parting off if I am interested? Wowu hv moved to Balik Pulau 3 years ago huh!! Must be in a bungalow there. I live in Bkt Jambul for more than 10 yrs now. Let me know your BIKE condition and more details ok? I was in Chin Aik this afternoon! Kind of like SCOTT hahaha~!~
Take care and hope to catch up with you for a cuppa coffee soon~!~
Hi Choon,
You should call yourself Easy (EC Khor) Rider. Haha!
Just joking about selling my bike lah. My wife (you remember her?) bought my bike for me so there is NO WAY I will part with it till the day I die unless the bike fall apart first. Haha! You know us, even in the good old days with our treasured Yonex racquets.
Anyway there's a big selection you can choose from if you like SCOTT. Different models and different colors ......... and best of all, to suit different budgets too.
But here's the biggest problem. You have to get Chin Aik uncle to convince you to buy as he's not bothered whether a would be customer wants to buy or not. So don't ask anything as the only thing he will tell you is the price. I should know, otherwise I'd be riding a SCOTT now too. Hahaha!
But the SCOTT Fuga helmet is damn good. Just saved my brains two weeks ago when I had a nasty fall. Face all cut and stitched up. You won't recognize me anymore. If not for the helmet I'll be a vegetable now.
See you on two wheels soon.
Baby Husky aka Tony
Hi RK, Tony. Luckily the doctors didn't fit a mask for you, Tony or else you would look like Darth Vader. Later u gotta change name to Darth Husky... haha! Your face will just look more dashing with the scar. Anyway I think it will be unnoticable once it is fully healed. Once an auntie told me that men are still boys. They would come back with wounds and scratches all over them. After the pain has gone, they will be proud of their scars!
RK, remember to invest in a good helmet, save your crown. I was foolish not to throw in a few more hundred to get a better helmet. I bought mine for only RM80 and I was thinking can wear, good enough d la. After what Tony had been through, I thought twice. My helmet is suitable for kids who do not go fast as us. Actually it depends on how a person falls from the bike. A pair of good leather gloves will also save your hands' skin.
Since you love the Scott, which is a damn good bike, look for a lower end coz the components are what you are paying for. The frames are all the same in the Scale series, light and strong. Scott Scale 50 or 60 will be about your budget. Peruse thru this url - http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/8280/44735/scale_50
When you buy from Chin Aik, the old man does not know how to do a proper set up for you. But you can try to tell him your weight, height and inseam (stand straight, measure from your perineum down to the floor. Perineum is the general region between the anus and the genital organs). Try to ride around for a few days. If you feel uncomfortable, then I suggest you see our Sifu Chan who will do a very good job setting up the bike for you with a small fee. I bought mine from the old man and he didn't set it up for me. I rode very uncomfortably for 2weeks. Then I went to Sifu Chan who spend some time setting up for me. As if like magic, my bike was a perfect setup for my height and weight. There is a difference between a set up bike and unset up one.
One very strong advice. Do take your time to do more research before you buy your bike. Fall in love with it and you will have fun riding her. I did and it paid off for me. Have not looked into any other MTB since. Guess I am a one-bike man as true as I am a one-woman man.
Good luck
Peter
Peter thank you so much for another valuable information. I will check the website out and in the event I ever get one MTB will seek more advise from you. Maybe by then you may introduce Sifu for me for the tunning/setup huh!!!
Thanks!
Rk
Baby Husky that was indeed an appealing name for me huh!!! EASY RIDER kinda like this name very much~!~ Hahahahaven't even got any bike yet but a nick name already lmao!
Of course I remembered your wife, she used to play badminton with you and she took part in various badminton tournament as well. Both of you are real sportshuman!!! Sporting all the way from badminton to MTB. WOnder if you playgolf hahaha!!!
I went to CCI this afternoon and Gary introduced me FUJI or Raleigh OMG another BLOW. Raleigh seems very tempting as the $$ is very low.
If next time you dun want to sell you bike dun tease me ok? I got a better idea since you dun feel like selling as that is a present fr your wife how abt "GIFT" lol~~~ Just joking~~
How is your fall and where? Hoped that you hv a speedy recovery soon!~! Look at sexy lady more lor!~! Luckily your wife didn't pull your ear....
I am trying to convince two of my frens( Husband & Wife) to join me too.not successful yet... They lived in Pulau Tikus and is quite a distance from where I stay...
Best Regards,
Easy Rider
Hey Raymond, where have you gone off to? Back to playing golf?
Doc is looking for you. He has a friend who wants to sell his MTB. Please give Doc a call ASAP.
How long hv he purchased and how much he wanna sell? Is the condition ok? I will call Doc... thanks a lot~!~
RAYMOND,
Missed your call, I will call you back. We are not supposed to trade on line. Our captain will ban us next time from the site.
Hey Doc, dig those groovy tires.
EasyRay, don't listen to Doc. That's bcos he's not trying to sell our Captain's Goldilocks. Haha! It's a Scott too............. the most BEAUTIFUL one in Penang with GOLD trimmings.
Hahaha!
Oh izzit Captain's bike for sale too? Any pics and price?
Hi EasyRay,
Last I heard was RM12k. It's a SCOTT too.
Can't take pics bcos the GOLDEN parts are so glaring the flash bulb will explode and the camera lens will shatter.
You can call and negotiate direct with him. If say more Doc will ban me from this site. Haha!
Baby Husky
Baby Husky I think I hv seen Captain's bike in the bicyclebuyandsell website ifI am not mistaken,... thanks anyway~~~ Is way too expensive for me to start with a RM12K bike !!! Not now definitely... Unless suddenly sky drops some cash for me lol~~~
Nope, that was the TREK road bike he sold.
This wan not so easy to see. You have to make sure you wear cycling sunglasses otherwise the glare will blind you. Heehee!
since you guys "insist", this is the picture of GOLDIE.
just make sure see liao don't LAU NUA !!! :P
for other pictures of GOLDIE, visit G Club Facebook site. (it's not for sale !!)
Hey, the upside down GIANT looks nice. Wanna sell?
Hi Easy Ray, cos there's another Ray......... Stingray. If we keep on continuing writing 'love letters' on this website, the other guys will ask Doc, our Chairman, to kick us out. Hahaha!
I am okay now. Just careless and didn't see the hump right in front. So make sure you get a good helmet when you buy your new bike. Fell in the middle of a padi field in the center of a kampung. How much safer can one be at? Hahaha!
You must have missed my wife. She was supposed to go to Gary's too this afternoon. You didn't ask to see my bike? You could have just asked to take it for a spin. Haha!
Hey, we must try to meet one of these days. I'm still working in Bayan Lepas so we can meet after work. Not so soon as one of my aunties is in hospital and two of her sisters from Aust are in town. Then next week two old classmates are coming out for a holiday. One is from Aust too and am not sure if the one from UK can make it or not.
But keep in touch. You can sms me at 012-4437035. We can pop over to Lim Bicycle to have a look at the Meridas. The HXC 1000-D looks great. Almost got it for my wife.
Cheers!
Baby Husky
Hi all Bikers and Sifus!
I am new here and would like to seek your advise on MTB. I have not own any yet now but intend to get one, problem is that there are too many brands out there and dunno which is which, kinda confused. Any suggestion that I sud get a new or used one? I dun mind getting a good used bike from members here if the price and budget is right of course! I don't think I wanna spend a lot on bike as I hv not even ride any at all. My budget is like ard RM1500 or RM2000 for a new one and of course if I can get a used one for cheaper better still. Please help me or advise me ok? I prefer MTB as I can go offroad as well! I saw one in Mudah recently selling at MR1800 HARO but I found out that this is not a good brand to buy as it has discontinued here in Malaysia!!
Thanks a lot!!
Raymond
Hi Raymond Khor,
My initial bike budget was 2k (just like you) but after many surveys and reading, end up with 3.5k for 27 speed & disc brake MTB. Yet, that is the basic of "can go" MTB in pro category. For a non-pro biker, I think 3K plus should be reasonable budget for a "good" bike. If you buy a cheaper bike, you will be the expert in upgrading v-brake --> disc brake, 24 speed --> 27 speeds, hollowtech --> hollowtech2, LX --> XT & etc.
For mountain bike or road bike, I think MTB should be the choice.
The reasons are:
1. We are practising our endurance rather than speed.
2. Can go on road and off road.
3. Round island is only around 80km. Road bike is talking about 100KM and more...
Just fyi, below are the dream bike bands - "What Mountain Bike No#100 issue"
1. Santa Cruz 2. Trek 3. Ibis 4. Gary Fisher 5. Whyte 6. Scott
Cheers,
Edwin Tan,
Just my 3 cents input.
Save the planet & cycling for health!
Dear Raymond Khor,
My first bike was a polygon tour bike, like the one used by Adun Teh to Xiamen. It cost me around RM900.
One day when I was riding to Teluk Bahang with Dr Lim and a few other G CLub members, at the winding Ferringi stretch I struggled in vain trying to catch up with Dr, who was riding an expensive Look racer. I then realised that with my heavy tour bike there's no way I can catch up with a racer!
Weeks later I bought myself a Giant racer. And since then I have never turned back to my Polygon. Dr and Captain had been trying hard to lure me into MTB but I told them that my love for my racer has not ended yet, but surely one day I will get myself a good MTB.
When my son was around I bought him a Scotts hybrid and since he is away I have been using it for eco and round island rides. So I now switch between my Giant and Scott, but I still love my Giant more!
Looking back most of my buying were quite implusive ! And that's why I am not jumping into buying an MTB so soon. I love Dr Lim's MTB but that comes with a heafty price tag ! I have a strong feeling I will end up buying another Giant...
Sorry I cannot help much but I hope someone from G Club maybe be able to enlighten you more on buying a MTB. I believe there are also members out there wanting to dispose off their bike.
Cheers my 2 sen!
Dear Daniel and Edwin,
Thank you so much for the advise and information, I found it very useful. I really appreciates them. Anyway the Dr Lim is it by any chance is Dr Lim Seh Guan from Loh Guan Lye? Well just a wiwld guessed as I knew this Dr for quite sometime too,as I did sold him a golfmembership before! I heard fr soemone that heis into MTB bike now. Wonder if it is the same guy! In fact this afternoon I went to LIm Bicycle and they introduced me Merida, well actually I dun blame them for introducing their brands but I jsut wanna know fr people like you for advises. CCI sells Trek, another shop sells Giant.. WOW very confused actually!!! Let's say if we were to compare these three brands budget ard RM2 plus so which one to go?
I intend to sell my Kulim Golf membership and invest into MTB lol!!
Sorry to trouble you guys again!!
Hv a great Day!!
Dear Raymond Khor,
Yes, you are right! Dr. Lim Seh Guan is Loh Guan Lye specialist.
If you plan to sell your Kulim Golf Club membership, I suggest you double your existing budget to get a "better" branded MTB bike. HOWEVER, if you insist your current budget below 2k, then you can consider Merida Matt5 ~RM1400 with some gift.
Regards,
Edwin Tan
Dear Edwin Tan,
Thank you again for the contributions of ideas!! Well according to your suggestion on Merida Matt5 RM1400 withsome gifts where do I get it from? Anyway I am not in a hurry as I personally hv not try on any bike at all yet.... I really hoped that I can sell of my golf membership so that I will be able to get a better bike as you mentioned, in fact that was what I am thinking off hehehe!! See i fyou guys can also help me to sell off my membership in Kulim !!!
Thanks a million!!
Have a great weekend!!
RK
Hi Raymond,
Surprised to see you at this two wheeler human powered site. Hope you will still continue with your golf with your talent it will be a waste. I still miss the "ping" of the driver sweet spot on the golf ball. My 3 golf sets are in the store room. Unfortunately we hv only 24 hrs a day, hv been wanting to brush the dust off and head to the driving range now that my daughter is tall enough to hold an adult golf stick.
Cycling is certainly a better cardiovascular exercise than golfing. I was skeptical abt people who claimed that cycling help them to reduce weight initially because i hv been a runner since my teens. When i started to cycle with my GPS watch i was amazed each time, the amount of caloric burnt and the cardiovascular improvement is so much at not much of "effort". Each 3 hours or 4 hours ride from G hotel to Pulau Betong and back about 90 Km and tackling the balik pulau hill, the caloric burnt if i am not wrong is equivalent to running a 42 Km marathon. The former you are actually enjoying the ride, the later you are torturing your body and dragging your feet to complete. So I think you choose a good hobby to improve your health. Of course you hv to ride with great caution and observe all safety precautions to avoid accident.
I started off with a road bike as I was planning to do duathlon (hv done the Baling one last yr) run- bike- run and hopefully graduate to triathlon later after polishing up my swimming. But the thrill of cycling, I hv not run much nowadays and certainly no swim training yet. I spent too much time cycling. I hv since graduated to MTB and doing some trails riding which is really enjoyable since you are combining a good cardiovascular as well as technical riding skill.
I would suggest you get a MTB as it is more versatile; you can go road, trail or even ride to nearby barber for a haircut (which i do). I am familiar with Scott scale bikes. There hv various ranges starting from scott scale 80 down to a carbon frame scott scale 10. I am using a Scott scale 35, carbon frame total bike weight 10.8 Kg. I really enjoy this bike. It is light enought to carry on the shoulder and sturdy enough to trash around and price tag is not as hefty since it is the entry level for a carbon frame ( the next level will be Scott scale 30 and scale 20 and 10).
If you are starting off and not sure if you will be cycling for long, a medium range scott scale 50 or 60 will suffice.These are sturdy bike and reasonably light, costing if I am right from 3k to 4K. If you get a sub 2k bike, you will definitely upgrade within a year if you get serious because you would want to be good like the guy cycling in front of you. The engine (that is you) is important , how fit you are etc but a good efficient bike will spur you on and it is a vicious cycle. The enjoyment of riding will make you wan to ride more and source for a beeter bike. So a medium range bike will last you a good few yrs before you lose money in upgrading within a year.
Ok see you in one of the ride and I have yet to have a round of golf with you.
Hi Raymond, yes a MTB will be best suited for newbies as it serves two purposes as mentioned by Edwin. With the hardtails you can cycle on road and off road if they are fitted with slick tyres.
As for brands, it is actually a personal choice. But if you have read one of the articles on this website recently, you will know that most brands' bikes (the US and European brands) are usually made in Taiwan (mid to high end) and China. So don't be swayed by it's Trek and it's US made or it's Orbea and Spanish made, etc. They probably were manufactured in Taiwan. But both Giant and Merida (the world's top two bicycle manufacturers) are CERTAINLY Made in Taiwan. Haha!
So it comes back to looking around the shops, talking with fellow cyclists, then making up your mind. I think if you are serious, you have to up your budget to at least RM3k. Otherwise after riding your RM1.5k bike for a month with other cyclists you'll be seriously thinking of upgrading. Hahaha!
After narrowing down your choices, you should look at the components. Many brands use the same components from a supplier but different grades. When you choose a brand, it is usually only the frame you are buying. All the other components - EVERY PART - can be changed. So from the components, you will sort of figure out which bike is value for money.
Aiya, kong bay liau lah.
Anyway you are right. Lim Bicycle distributes Merida in Penang; CCI sells Trek; Chin Aik sells Scott; Pink Cycle in BM sells Corratec; another shop in BM sells Cannondale, etc. Back up service is also very important because I am sure you will have to go back to the shop often for after sales service, etc. So chose a good dealer.
After saying all this, for me, my wife just went out and bought a MTB for me. Hahaha!
After so many days of info digging over the internet, asking fren and kacau-ing the bicycle shop owner (highest frequencies
), i have finally draw a conclusion on the type of bike i am going to buy... Thanks to Mr. Sim from Kah Kean Trading, i have decided to get Polygon Cosmic CX2.0... Tot of getting Polygon CX3.0 cz the spec is better and the color also looked more tempting..hehehe..but bo huat, the price is tagged way beyond my affordable range. So no fish udang pun boleh... Despite this, i was convinced by Mr Sim that bike is best value for money and a lot better than the bike that i wish to buy previously...So no hesitation, the downpayment is made and i am just sit tight and wait for it 
Clik on the link attached to have a look at Polygon Cosmic CX2.0:
http://www.polygoncycle.com/images/royale10/cozmiccx2bg.png
Frame & Fork
Frame : ALX 6061 ALLOY FRAME
Fork SUNTOUR XCR-LO 120MM TRAVEL, 1-1/8MM STEERER
Part
Handlebar : POLYGON XSR-30 660MM LENGTH, 31.8MM DIM.
Stem : POLYGON TSR-30 16.5” = 90MM 18.5/20.5” = 100MM, 31.8MM DIM.
Headset : FSA ORBIT IS2 1-1/8” STEERER
Saddle : SELLE ROYAL SETA STL RAIL
Seatpost : POLYGON SSX-20 300MM LENGTH, 27.2MM DIM.
Drivetrain
Chainwheel : FSA DYNA CK-300TTT 44/32/22T, 170MM
Chain : KMC Z9000
Cassette Sprocket : SHIMANO DEORE CS-HG50-9 11-34T
Shifting Lever : SHIMANO DEORE SL-M590 3X9 SP
Brake Lever : TEKTRO RS-360 MECHANICAL BRAKE
Front Derailleur : SHIMANO DEORE FD-M590 BAND TYPE, 31.8MM DIM.
Rear Derailleur : SHIMANO DEORE RD-M592 SHADOW SGS
Brake : TEKTRO V-BRAKE STANDARD PAD
Other part
Pedal : VP ALLOY CAGE PEDAL
Tyre : KENDA KHARISMA II 26” X 2.10”
Tube : KENDA FV VALVE
Rim : RIGIDA SNYPER 26” X 1.75”, 32H
Spoke : STAINLESS STEEL
Front Hub : FORMULA ALLOY 32H
Size : 16.5/18.5/
Color : SILVER
Ploygon sells good bikes at the price that other may find hard to achieve(cheaper for the same features). You have made a good choice.
Hi Bang teow, I have a roadie and an MTB. I started with the roadie and I 'frowned' on the MTB; not macho lah. But now i find that i am enjoying my MTB more esp after joing a few off roads and my last trip with the SGA group to the carpet has converted me to MTB. So get a MTB first and you will wanna race on the road later then get yr second bike , a roadie. I now find very useful to have a bike carrier on the car as most event starts off quite far off. It is easier to pack the bike in the car, speed off to meet the grp, have a good breakfast at the meeting place usually a restaurant and ride off together in a big grp. The camaderie is excellent this way
hahaha thanks for the welcoming notes...yeaaa i m now more lean towards mtb after seeing many posting of the group's off road activities...cant wait to join jor..hahaha.... by the way, i have seen those bike carrier at the back of the car trunk, but heck, i m driving a myvi which apparently a hatchback ler bro...hahaha..then how ar...are those carrier also can be mounted onto myvi back too? i doubt it and if it does, abit awkward la wei
btw, where r u from brother look368?
Hi bangteow,
Welcome to the club. I am one of those that carry the bicycles using the bike carrier at the back of the car. I find it rather easy and convenient. Before that, I use to put my bike inside the car. Sometimes, I even put it in my Kenari or Kelisa. Actually, I can put two bikes in my Kenari. Anyway, by carrying your bikes at the back, you don't have to worry about any low obstacles like low branches. I sometimes cycle in B'worth. Maybe, we can get to ride together if the timing is right. I know Poh Lee but I have not seen him for quite awhile. If you are looking for a bike and bargain for little things maybe you can try The Pink Biker in Alma or Oz Cycle in Simpang Empat. If I can find the time, I can even go with you because I will be looking for a roadbike too.
of cz bro wayne..we can go cycle together when timing is right..but dun expect much from me lo i tell u
i m easily pancit 1 hahaha.u actually mounting bike carrier at the back of your kenari/kelisa? how will it looks like wor..nvm let me google sin.. poh lee reply my email that most of the time he attend G club activity alone.. yea so if this is the case we can form a gang of 3..where do u live by the way? hhehehe. i went to Lim cycle opposite sunshine just now.. he recommend me RMB sammoanie-dunno whether if i spell it correctly or not. When asking him about the comparison in between RMB sammoanie and raleigh elite disc, he mentioned that RMB is better in terms of wheelset used, crank bearing, etc.. i dunno whether this is true, but i am gonna need a third voice to confirm that.. later will go kakaciao ciao in KT cycletron 
luckily pink bicycle got gps coordinate mentioned in the webpage. shouldnt be hard to get it.. other than these 2 brand, what brand you could name me...budget around 1.5k and preferably is those can be done with credit card instalment 1..hehhe...one time transaction can cause internal bleeding one mar..
Hi bangteow
Welcome to GClub.
We have a Myvi and we can fit two bikes in the back with the back seat down, albeit not as cool as having a bike rack but it works!
Thanks Diana... then i think i shall have to fast fast master the wheel set quick release stuff liao... Just chat with bro stingray about the raleigh elite, sounds convincing...should be able to grab it in the next few weeks.
what else i should get together with the bike ar? helmet, front and back light, glove... did i miss out anything? Did call up KT Cycletron, will pay them a visit whenever i am available...too bad it is closing at 7.30pm...
abang teoh,
don't rush when getting new bike. check everything properly, if too excited can missed out defects, scratches and faults. or perhaps buy the wrong bike and later regret. try bargain for rear light and other small items. usually the bottle, bottle holder and display stand come free from the seller. but don't quote me, different seller may offer other freebies.
don't forget mini pump, spare tubes, saddle bag, tire opener or u can use what taukeh chin aik taught us, use the skewers from your quick release hub as tire opener.
oh yea hor i really will overlook those criteria lo if it wasnt you :)
thanks thanks! every seller keep saying that this is the best deal already...well i keep on bargaining with them, hopefully one day they will dulan jor and slice the price a couple more bucks for me
btw, what is saddle bag for jek?
it is a small bag attached to the seatpost/saddle rails. u can put your spare tubes, tools, wallet, phone and etc....
they are optional anyway. i have known ppl who cycled long distance, participated in races/events without spare tube/tools and never had a puncture.
some prefer front storage bag, mounted on the top tube of the frame. easier to access their stuff, eat their food or pick up the phone when it rings. unlike saddle bag u have to stop to get your stuff.
if you go offroad then better get hydration bag or also known as camel bag. u can carry more water for long distance offroad rides. offroad there is no petrol kiosk/coffee shop where u can stop and get your food/fluids. probably if lucky still can drink from the river.
for longer rides it is more comfortable to wear cycling pants. jersey is up to you. can also wear coolmax/dri-fit shirts but unlike cycling jerseys, no pockets at the back to keep things. cycling pants/jerseys very expensive, can buy later, get your bicycle first.
if u get serious and like the pros, maybe u want to get mtb shoes with spd clipless pedals. i can't ride mtb with clipless pedals, will fall. prefer ordinary shoes with platform pedals.
wow brother ayam sounds pro..thanks for your kind advise... i really need guidance from para para veteran like brother ayam..hahaha..other than doing some homework online, personal interaction in between bikers is also one kind of source to extract valuable information. Stay put brother ayam, i'll come and getcha
abang teoh,
no pro lah.. just an ordinary dude who likes playing and reading about bicycles. still learning from pros like bro turbo and sifu chan. only ride once or twice a month, how to be pro.