Preventing Bicycle Theft

In Singapore, over 1 bicycle gets stolen a day. In 2005, this figure increased to around two each day and bicycle theft was raised in Parliament. Minister for Home Affairs revealed the following:

• There are no particular geographical locations or 'hot spots' that are more prone to bicycle theft. Bicycle theft cases take place island- wide at areas ranging from common areas of public housing estates to streets, commercial premises, landed residential premises, outside MRT stations and at private apartments or condominiums.


• In 2004, 9 out of 10 bicycles stolen in public places were not secured at designated bicycle bays. Instead, the vast majority of those stolen were secured to lamp posts, railings and pipes.

If you stay in landed property, don't assume your bike is safe if you part it inside your front porch. Thieves have been known to climb in and out of the gate and make off with the bike, especially in the Kembangan area.

Some ways to prevent bike theft:

• Get a thick cable lock. If you want to be extra safe, use a U lock. Thick cable locks take some time to be cut whereas U locks have to be sawed.


• Replace any quick release handles. This will prevent thieves from making away with your front wheel or saddle and seat post easily.


• Engrave your bike.


• Install a bike tracking system and hide it inside your frame.


• Buy a "powerlink" chain that you can remove if you are parking your bike for a long period.

This is a rather ingenious method:

If your bike gets stolen...

1. Go to your neighbourhood police post (NPP) and file a report. However, if your bike doesn't have any engraving or any distinguishing mark on it, it's extremely unlikely that they're going to find your bike.
2. Go to the flea market at Sungei Road and let them know your bike has been stolen. Give them details and a photo of your bike if you have one. Who knows, your bike may already be there!
3. Notify your local bike shop. Let other bike shops around the vicinity know, especially those who buy used bikes.
4. Post on online forums such as http://www.togoparts.com/ or http://www.sgcycling.org/.
5. Check the buying and selling section of online forums.

If you have to leave your bicycle unattended without a lock...

Taken from a thread in VR-Zone.

1) With your chain on the largest chainring (the front gear part thingy), shift so that the front derailluer (the front shifting thingy) would move to the smallest chainring. But do this WITHOUT pedalling. Anyone who tries to cycle off would have to kick the pedals into position first, and this would render the chain jumping off the gears and getting stuck between the bike frame and smallest chainring. This effectively makes your bike unridable.

2) If you are using V brakes, disengage the front and rear brakes. This can be done by pressing both sides of the brake arms together and unhooking the brake cable from its holder. Anyone trying to cycle off with your bike will be in for a nasty shock when he finds out that he can't brake!

3) Unscrew the knob on your brake levers just enough so that it backs out without being disengaged from the rest of the brake lever body. This tightens your brakes. Meaning, it'll only require very little finger movement to give a heckuva powerful stopping power! This should give the person a rude shock as well!

4) If you are using quick release skewers on your wheels, unscrew the front skewers out and rest the front fork ends on the skewer rod. This should give the illusion that the front wheel is still attached to the fork, but the moment the would-be thief tries to cycle off, the fork would slip off the skewers and give da fella another shock.

Cycling saves $$$

Although there has not been any study showing how much the average cyclist can save in Singapore, there has been a great deal of research around the world.

In the UK, it's calculated that every new cyclist just starting out on the road provides an economic benefit for himself and the nation around GBP 382 (around S$1000). Cycling saves Australia over A$200 million a year in health costs, and cyclists live an average of two years longer than non cyclists. Most importantly, it can also prevent unnecessary deaths.

Fold it and Ride it

In May this year, LTA, SBS Transit and SMRT introduced a six month trial, allowing foldable bicycles to be brought onto trains during off peak hours.

Click here for the rules on when bicycles can be brought on buses and trains.

Parts of a bicycle

If you're not familiar with the bicycle parts, read the Wikipedia article on the list of bicycle parts. Or click here to see some labelled images.

Although there is a wide variety of bicycle frames around (Wheeler, Giant, Specialized, Fuji etc), the most popular brand for drivetrains you will encounter will be Shimano. For mountain bikes, the "pecking order" is something like this:

Shimano XTR [lightest and most expensive]
Shimano (Deore) XT*
Shimano (Deore) LX*
Shimano Deore
Shimano Acera
Shimano Alivio
Shimano Tourney [heaviest and cheapest]

* note that Deore is not normally included in the name.

Low end MTBs normally have Alivio and Tourney parts, mid range bikes will have Deore and Acera. The Shimano website also includes products such as Saint, Hone, but these are not common in Singapore.

Here is the full range for road bikes, in descending order of price but ascending order of weight:

Shimano Dura Ace
Shimano Ultegra
Shimano 105 [mid range]
Shimano Tiagra [low/mid]
Shimano Sora [low end]

The other brand sometimes seen in bike parts is Campagnolo.

Every year, bike manufacturers will improve on the parts that they manufacture, but for the past few years, the improvement has been rather minor (1-2%), such that whenever there is a great improvement, it is big news among the cycling community. For example, many reviewers the new ten speed 105 was a great improvement over the old nine speed 105. So if the bikeshop man talks about a "new model" with "new parts", don't automatically assume that it is much better than previous models.

Important Skills

Essential Skill #1. Know how to clean a bicycle chain

Without periodic maintenance, bicycle chains undergo wear and tear much faster. Moreover, performance is compromised.

It's surprising that experts have very different ways of doing such a routine task. Below are some examples.

thebicyclechain.com: http://thebicyclechain.com/page.cfm?pageID=125 (hmm... who can be more specialist?)
Togoparts article: http://www.togoparts.com/articles/article.php?artid=156&pageid=1 (written by a local rider)
Sheldon Brown's article: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html (comprehensive, for advanced riders)
MTB World: http://www.mountain-bike-world.com/bicycle-chain-cleaning.html (more suitable for MTBs)


Essential Skill #2: Change a flat tire

You don't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire! From experience, it will take a long while for taxis to come into Lim Chu Kang / Neo Tiew Area even during daytime.

Make sure that you carry the essential equipment with you. Patch Kits can be a handy alternative to replacing the tube.


Togoparts on how to replace a flat tire & using an emergency patch kit:

Doctor Danger: http://www.doctordanger.com/Mountainbiking/repair.htm

Youtube video on replacing tires:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSor9XdshM4&feature=related

Youtube video on replacing tubular tires: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IqAX2Hvrks (note: this only pertains to tubular tires, which are rare. If you don't know what they are, you probably don't have them)

Cycling Routes

Popular Cycling Routes in Singapore

- Changi Coast Road

This is the easternmost road on mainland Singapore. It runs parallel to the Changi Airport runway, in an almost North-South direction. As the road is completely flat, it is also a popular place for ITT (Individual Time Trial) races held to determine the National Cycling Team of Singapore. A rather windy place.

- Lim Chu Kang Road

Every Sunday morning this road is filled with riders of all calibres. It can be slightly smelly with the farms beside it but nevertheless it is a great place to race.


- Mandai Road

Unlike the previous two, this road is hilly. A perfect place for training leg power and for setting speed records downhill. It is unfortunate that the longest downhill also has a traffic light at the end. The Shell Station at the western end is a popular regrouping point for cycling groups, who either turn left to go down Upp Bt Timah Road or turn right to go to Lim Chu Kang (assuming they have started from the East).

- Old Choa Chu Kang Road

This road passes by several military camps. It is rather narrow, as there is only one lane going in each direction so one needs to be extra careful about safety. It is a convenient way to return to Choa Chu Kang if one has just cycled from the Kranji/LCK area.

- Upper Thomson Road

Another hilly road that is often used en route to Mandai Road (if travelling northwards) or Lornie Road (if travelling southwards).
The road here is wide but the problem comes from heavy traffic.

- Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim.

This is a flat and windy road. Groups cycling along this road find it necessary to draft each other due to the strong gusts of wind. It can get rather scary/exciting with AYE traffic whizzing past just metres away.

Overseas Destinations

- Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia

Take the bumboat from Changi Village to TLDM Tg Pengelih. It is $7 per person each way, with $2 surcharge if you carry a bicycle. Bumboats only depart when full (generally speaking, 12 people). A very common route is to cycle to Kampong Sungei Rengit, around 20km away. There is a famous seafood restaurant there (Jade Garden Seafood Restaurant). Note that the last bumboat departs Tg Pengelih at 3:30pm.

- Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia

You can either reach Kota Tinggi via the Causeway (37km from JB) or taking a ferry to Tg Pengelih. (around 50+ km). A quiet and rustic town. The waterfalls are some 15km away from the main town and there is an additional charge for entry.

- Batam (The Seven Bridges of Barelang), Indonesia

This is an awesome journey. Take a ferry to Batam and do a 160km roundtrip. You will certainly not be disappointed by the panoramic scenes. The name "Barelang" comes from a combination of the names of islands Batam, Rempang, and Galang.

- Bintan, Indonesia

Hilly terrain and sunny beaches await you. This is more suited for leisure than for hard riding though. Though it is certainly enjoyable on a daytrip, it is advisable to stay overnight to make the most of this island.

Bicycles and bike shops

Finding a bicycle shop should not be a problem in Singapore.

Number of bikeshops: 114
Number of rental shops: 14
Area of mainland Singapore: 692 sq km.
That means that there is around 1 bikeshop for every 6 sq km.

Sources:
http://www.smbf.com.sg/bikeshop.htm, accessed 19 Oct.
http://www.smbf.com.sg/rental.htm, accessed 19 Oct

How to choose a bicycle

If you have already decided that you want to buy a bicycle but have only a hazy clue over brands such as Shimano and Giant, or the best bikeshops, don't worry.

1. Why do you want to go cycling?

Are you thrilled by the prospect of going on mountain bike trails and the forested areas of Singapore? Or do you prefer a road riding, which emphasizes fitness over riding skill?

There are two main classes of bicycles: mountain bikes (MTB), road bikes. Mountain bikes are generally cheaper than road bikes, but are slower and less aerodynamic. A beginner who just wants a leisurely ride should generally buy an low to mid end MTB, budget not over $600.

However, there may be certain cases where buying a roadbike is advisable, such as if you are intending to join a group that is dominated by road bikes. In this case, prepare a budget of at least $1500, though I wouldn't recommend splurging over $3000 on your first bike.

Other types of bicycles, such as downhill and touring bikes, are sometimes sold but are not popular. Don't be conned into buying them if you are just a first time cyclist.

2. What is your budget?

The rule of thumb is to start off with a low to mid end bike, depending on how much you can spare.

Low end MTB: $150 to $300
Mid range MTB: $250 to $600
Low end roadbike: $1000 to $2000
Mid range roadbike: $1800 to $3000

Don't forget to leave around $100 to $200 for accessories such as pumps, spare tubes, helmets, bottle cages, cycling shoes, cycling tights, jerseys, and most importantly, lights.

3. Which bikeshop do you want to go to?

Although bikeshops are very common, they are certainly also very different from each other. .

When you ask around for a bikeshop, its best not to ask for a general recommendation, but with your needs in mind. Different bikeshops cater to different cliente. A shop that has an impressive range of roadbikes often is far less impressive in the mountain bike section (though not always; there are a few "all rounder" shops). A few otherwise "normal" shops may distinguish themselves by specializing in certain brand names. If you are attracted to a particular brand, try to find out if there is a preferred / sole distributor within Singapore. Also, which is more important to you, budget or sales service? Better sales service usually comes at the expense of a higher profit margin (though once again, not always).

But no matter what the recommendations from online forums or your friends say, choose a bikeshop that you are comfortable with. Don't worry about being disappointed with a bikeshop that everyone seems to like. The "bike search" is all about finding the shop that you like.

4. Choose your bicycle

Do take into account the recommendations of the bikeshop owner, but walk away if you sense any hardsell tactics. Conversely, don't pressure your way into getting a low price.

Take your bike for a test ride before making the final decision. Ensure its geometry fits you, especially for roadbikes where a good fit is crucial. If you are unsure, you can always come back another day. Ask your friends or online forums for their opinions too.

5. Start riding.

Enjoy! If you have done your homework carefully, you should be happy with your new bicycle.

6. Forge relationships

Assuming you get good after sales service from the bikeshop, consider making it your local bikeshop (LBS). Most LBS give good discounts to their regular customers. At the same time, don't feel obliged to patronize that shop only. Very good shops will even recommend that you go to another shop for a brand or item which they feel the other shop can bring in more cheaply.

Besides the bikeshop, do find some good riding kakis and some groups. Riding alone can be a rewarding experience, especially when you need to destress and want to determine the pace of the ride, but there is strength in numbers.

Going to Malaysia via the Causeway

If you have not crossed the causeway before by bicycle, your first time will be an interesting experience. The first thing to note is that bicycles are welcome to use car lanes on the Singapore side, but this is not the case on the Malaysian side.

Rules regarding immigration cards have changed and changed. At time of publishing, Malaysian immigration cards are needed for all foreigners to cross over, so it is advisable to get a set and fill in well before you reach the Malaysian side. If you stay near Tanjong Pagar, the Malayan railway station is a good place to get the "white cards". (Edit: The railway station has since been transferred to Singaporean hands, so this is no longer applicable. And in fact, white cards no longer seem mandatory)


When crossing from Singapore to Malaysia

At the Singapore side, if you feel that the queue is shorter in the motorbike lanes, just dismount and carry your bike across the low barrier. Some customs officers will require you to take out your helmet.
At the Malaysia side, be aware of the many humps. The road quality is not very good even within the customs complex itself. Check that your immigration card and passport are stamped. Once you have completely cleared customs, turn left. Make an immediate U turn towards the city centre if you are heading towards Kota Tinggi (~40km away), keeping a watchout for the signs. Continue with the road if you are heading west (e.g. to Pontian (~50km away)).

When crossing from Malaysia to Singapore

There are not that many signs indicating "Singapura", so look out for signs pointing towards "Pusat Bandaraya" (City Centre). The City Centre is where the customs complex is. There is only one motorbike lane and the drain covers there are quite wide, so beware of them. It is also easy to miss the customs officers desk if you are crossing over for the first time. Don't leave Malaysia illegally!

Links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johor-Singapore_Causeway

NB. It is illegal to cross the Second Link by bicycle. Generally speaking, the Malaysian authorities are OK with crossing their side of the Second Link (Linkedua) but not the Singapore side, as cycling on Singapore expressways is illegal. Only if you are in dire distress (e.g. fallen sick in Malaysia and very near the Second Link) should you do so. A small number of cyclists have done it and received warnings.

Going to Malaysia by Sea

**Prices change, things move. Consult up to date sources in order to be safe.**

There are several ways to go to Malaysia by sea:

1. Changi Point Ferry Terminal (SIN) - TLDM Tg Pengelih (MAS)

The most popular choice. Bumboats ply this route back and forth roughly from 8:00am to 3:30pm. The cost is around $7 per person and additional $2 with the bicycle. Note that when planning your trip, you must make sure that you can cycle back to Tg Pengelih in time, otherwise you have two unattractive options: go back via the causeway (80km cycling/taxi) or staying overnight in Pengerang. Most bumboats have a capacity of 12 people and only move off when full, unless you book the entire bumboat.

Changi Point Ferry Terminal is located at Changi Village, near the hawker centre. If you need some last minute bike repairs/accessories there is a bike shop in Changi Village, near the famous nasi lemak stall.


2. Changi Ferry Terminal (SIN) - Tg Belungkor (MAS)

This is somewhat more "high class", the boat's capacity is in the hundreds. The journey is faster and more comfortable and it is around $30 per ticket, though there may be fuel surcharges and other taxes. Unlike the bumboats in (1), there is a fixed schedule.

3. Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (SIN) - Sebana Cove (MAS)

The least popular. Tickets are also around $40 after surcharges and taxes, but the main catch is that check in is one hour before departure time. The service operates four to five times a day, except for Tuesday when there is no operation. Consult http://www.sebanacove.com/ferry_service.htm for more info.

Batam, Indonesia

This is an awesome journey. Take a ferry to Batam and do a 160km roundtrip of eight islands. There are a total of seven bridges, the first six are normal tarred roads. The last one, a much simpler bridge, is not easy to find. You will certainly not be disappointed by the panoramic scenes throughout the journey. Normally you will take a ferry from Harbourfront in Singapore to either Sekupang or Batam Centre. If you disembark at Sekupang, the directions should be pretty clear. But if you are taking a ferry to Batam Centre, it is advisable to download a map, waterproof it, and remember the directions beforehand. Still, the locals are friendly in giving directions when u ask where is "Barelang" (the name is a combination of Batam, Rempang and Galang islands)

You will definitely need to know basic Malay. Unlike in Malaysia, there are very few Chinese especially once you leave Batam Island. The locals that know English can only speak a smattering of it.

Basic Bahasa Indonesia:
Jambatan - Bridge
Satu - One
Dua - Two
Tiga - Three
Ampat - Four
Lima - Five
Enam - Six
Tujuh - Seven
(e.g. Jambatan Dua = second bridge)

Teksi -Taxi
Basikal - Bicycle
Hotel - Rumah Tumpangan
Food - makanan
Tolong - please / (call for) help
Saya orang Singapura - I am from Singapore
Feri ke Singapura - ferry to Singapore
Harga - price
Terima Kasih - Thank you

Links:

1. Jan Boonstra describes his amazing discovery in 1999 (Updated Dec 2005)
http://user.chollian.net/~hwayon/sing/batam.htm

2. Martin Schmidt describes his journey from Singapore to Barelang to Bintan and back
http://www.kutu.com/indo/riau/6bridges.htm

3. Kevin Lee writes on his journey in February 2004
http://home.pacific.net.sg/~kevkblee/bikelog28-29Feb04.html

4. Pictures of Rempang and Galang island. Note that these pictures were taken on a car trip.
http://nedbatam.com/daytrips/rempang/rempang.htm
http://nedbatam.com/daytrips/galang/galang.htm

5. Wikitravel site, with links to ferry companies
http://wikitravel.org/en/Batam

6. Map of Barelang, including pictures of bridges
http://www.batam-center.web.id/images/map_barelang.jpg

Bintan, Indonesia

Well known for its pristine beaches, Bintan is slightly farther away from Singapore than Batam. The most famous of them all is Trikora beach overlooking the South China Sea. Although it is probably not as popular as Batam for cycling, the annual Bintan Triathlon is held there.

You can certainly enjoy the island on a daytrip, but many choose to stay overnight at a resort or kelong.

Links

1. Jan Boonstra's Guide to Bintan. An excellent guide (last updated Oct 2004)
http://user.chollian.net/~hwayon/sing/bintan.htm

2. Two accounts of rides to Bintan on 21-22 June 2008
http://rosandseungadventures.blogspot.com/2008/07/cycling-in-bintan-21-22-june.html
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=3Tzut&page_id=81479&v=1e

3. Kevin Lee's writeup of his ride to Bintan in Oct 2005
http://home.pacific.net.sg/~kevkblee/bikelog8-9Oct05.html

4. Wikitravel Guide to Bintan
http://wikitravel.org/en/Bintan

5. Information on resorts on Bintan, as well as travel tips and visa info
http://www.bintan-resorts.com/brcms/

6. Detour Outdoors, a company that organizes trips to Bintan and the Riau archipelago
http://www.detouroutdoors.com/index.htm

Map of Bintan
http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/riau-archipelago/map/bintan-island-map.png

Thousand Kilometre Rides

A twenty four year old man from England rode 4000km from Singapore to Hong Kong to raise funds for Cambodia's troubled population.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/read_this/2004/02/tim_smith.shtml