Singapore Expats

i know people must bike for leisure....

but do people use bikes for commuting to work or moving around the city...
i know other places in asia are big on bikes...
but so then..
more specifically if i may, do expats use bikes much for getting to/from places or is it mostly car or public transport...

and if you do buy a good road bike, are they overpriced as well?

Again, look at the average temperature. Biking is gaining in popularity for fun, but you would need a shower if you commuted to work on a bicycle.

no comment - you're right. I was no thinking straight... no pun intended.
I have to keep reminding myself to compare the SG weather to Miami and not to NY...
not the same, but closer...

It doesn't cool off in Singapore like it does in Miami! This is the equator. Where things are equal (or almost): sunrise and sun set at almost the same time every day, almost same weather all year round. Cools off to 78 at night and warms up to 92 during the day. There is always 90% humidity.

if you got bicycle parking and a shower at work, then possible.

durain wrote:if you got bicycle parking and a shower at work, then possible.

And good medical insurance!

ugh! nasty... humidity is bad!
i know i know, it's just that I used to only be in Miami for the summers... although lately it's more like for either thxgiving or xmas...

OK then.. so I hear electricity is expensive.
I'm going to need constant AC. Is that bad?
How much can the elec bill be? Here its pretty bad can be $100-$200...

stacey wrote:ugh! nasty... humidity is bad!
i know i know, it's just that I used to only be in Miami for the summers... although lately it's more like for either thxgiving or xmas...

OK then.. so I hear electricity is expensive.
I'm going to need constant AC. Is that bad?
How much can the elec bill be? Here its pretty bad can be $100-$200...

Your body does adjust to the humidity after time!

As for public utility bills, read a thread in general which is very eye opening.

We personally hardly use air con at our place, a ceiling fan for the day and a fan for the night time. But other people prefer to use air con 24/7

No, not constant. Probably when you sleep and to cool things off when you are at home, at least for a little while. I have no air/con running now. Your utility bill depends on the size of your place, hard to estimate.

I've not used aircon at home at all. Course 15 years in B&W's almost precluded the need for AC. But even, now in my flat I only use ceiling fans. It's do-able if you want to but some like their A/C.

sundaymorningstaple wrote:I've not used aircon at home at all. Course 15 years in B&W's almost precluded the need for AC. But even, now in my flat I only use ceiling fans. It's do-able if you want to but some like their A/C.

Yes, yes. We've all be treated to you parading your badge of honor like the guy who took out the whole foxhole

It's just that most expats would find that a bit difficult and to lead young Stacey astray would not be a very nice or responsible thing to do.

I'm also interested in buying a bike in Singapore (for leisure not to commute to work!). Where is a good place to buy one, and how much would I expect to pay for a simple bike with a few gears etc?

There is a Trek dealer and a Giant dealer on Orchard Road near the Tanglin shopping center.

I have not been in either store, but it looks like they have bikes for novices and serious riders.

edited to say I now think those shops are on Tanglin Road--not Orchard.

road.not.taken wrote:

sundaymorningstaple wrote:I've not used aircon at home at all. Course 15 years in B&W's almost precluded the need for AC. But even, now in my flat I only use ceiling fans. It's do-able if you want to but some like their A/C.

Yes, yes. We've all be treated to you parading your badge of honor like the guy who took out the whole foxhole

It's just that most expats would find that a bit difficult and to lead young Stacey astray would not be a very nice or responsible thing to do.

You know, if you don't like it you don't have to read it do you. And how would you know what "Most" expats would find difficult. Assuming a bit much I would think. Or is your definition of expat different that the majority of expats in Singapore (around 1 million at last count).

At least we do give alternative views and also we need to point out that our resident colonial tai-tai's way isn't the only way available.

blondi wrote:I'm also interested in buying a bike in Singapore (for leisure not to commute to work!). Where is a good place to buy one, and how much would I expect to pay for a simple bike with a few gears etc?

If you are looking for a simple/inexpensive bike most mom & pop bike shops in the housing estates are a good choice or any large department story like Carrefour. Most are Taiwanese made but at least they're something you can leave here as they can be had for a S$100~200. As the police will not really look for a stolen bike as they no longer register them with serial numbers, sometimes the cheap method is best. Course you can also go for Trek or other name brands where they are lighter and will lighten you wallet accordingly. I haven't bought a new bike for 11 years no so have no idea what they cost today as my old "Iron Horse" still suits me fine.