Years ago, I was in my local bike shop in Saigon (downstairs in someone’s house), when I spied a carbon triathlon bike with a price-tag of $14,000. “Who in Vietnam would pay 14k for a Bike?” I asked the shop assistant. Without missing a beat, she replied, “Old person like you.” Cheeky.
Having just visited the cycling track that goes round Suvarnabhumi Airport, I can confirm
that this is indeed true. Another category that can reasonably be added to that is, 'moneyed folks' who have just got to have the top brand. To be sure, there are some seriously slick bikes on
display – don’t turn up with your rusty Mary Poppins number from the garden shed. The track is
25 kms long, with rest-drinks-toilet blocks every 6 kms. The set-up is super, offering lots
of choices for the après, and much merchandise to ogle. BYO or rent a bike-helmet for
400 baht. Early morning ​or evening are the most popular times. See you there!