I want to buy a reasonable quality bike, I am trying to find out locations of GOOD bike shops.
I don't want to spend mega bucks and I am not interested in a 500rmb bone shaker of basic quality. I see there are maybe hundreds of bike shops along the HuanCheng Lu (ring road) selling basic machines.
I would like to know where to find the bigger brands, specific locations if possible. Maybe somewhere with good service (asking too much perhaps).
I am also trying to find something other than a mountain bike or a road/racing/triathlon bike.
try here: www.gokunming.com/[...]
if you want a specific brand there are Specialized (there's a branch on beichen dadao) and Giant bike shops around.
The Specialized store ( beichen dadao - near Fortune Center, just East of the KFC) has good service. I will use them for my next bike.
I second the above recommendation. Xiong Brothers. They sell moderate 2k rmb to very expensive bikes 10k+ rmb. Service is excellent, but at if you don't live nearby, then it's not of much use.
Most bike shops in Kunming that sell a majority of higher quality bikes in general provide a high level of service. This would include brands such as Giant, Merida, Specialized, Eurobike, Kronos, and UCC. Conversing in English though is the exception rather than rule. I suggest you just find one of these type of shops that you live near. Unless, you have a specific preference, budget, or recommendation, all the above brands have on offer a selection of moderate to expensive bikes which would all have good quality components for a general enthusiast.
There's a guy named Alex that sells used (and maybe new) mountain bikes - you may want to pick up a slightly used bike from him - he just advertised some mtn bikes for sale or rent. Cheaper than the ¥1k+ you'll shell out for something new AND maybe you can sell it back to him when you leave (as a last resort).
If you're gonna LIVE here - then the Specialized bike store or the Giant brand is a good bet. Specialized of course comes at an extraordinary premium. They're up north just past the Metro and next to (across the parking lot entrance gate) from KFC.
Just beware the bike thieves - prolific.
If you are in Beichen area, from the Specialised store head towards metro (but don't cross the street to Metro), go across Beichen Middle Road at the intersection and keep walking for about 100m towards Expo gardens. You will find a pretty good bike shop there which sells some big brands and the prices aren't ridiculous. English is a problem though, you will want to speak some Chinese if you go here! The guys at the Specialised bike shop are awesome but the prices in the shop are a tad ridiculous (I can buy the same bikes in the west for around 10-50% less). And of course they pretty much only stock Specialised...
Very, very happy with the service by the Xiong brothers. I didn't buy a new bike there, but they know better what they're doing than any bike mechanic whose services I've ever required.
@tigertiger
Don't forget the helmet! The Specialized store sells extremely pricey but good bicycle helmets - after all - what's your head worth?
