1. The disk indicator on this limited edition Casio EF-550RBSP turns red or blue—the Red Bull team colors—depending on whether it’s day or night. $366 upwards from Casio G-Factory, #B3-47 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8582.
2. Made with the intricate craftsmanship of Puma and inspired by the power and stability of Ferrari, the Drift Cat III SF is sure to turn heads. $149 from Puma, #B2-15 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6737-7115.
3. Shield yourself from the sunlight with the groovy range of official Mercedes-GP Formula One Team shades, including these Ray-Ban Aviators. $250 upwards from DFS Galleria, Scottswalk, 25 Scotts Rd., 6229-8100.
4. This comfortable pair of Havaianas Limited Edition Auto-Racing flip flops are designed exclusively for Singapore and come housed in a trendy black-and-white checkered draw-string bag. $49.90 from H the All Havaianas Store, #B2-42 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-9042).

Formula One is a ballsy sport. That’s part of the attraction. That’s what makes next weekend’s Singapore night race the visual extravaganza that it is. Otherwise why cough up a chunky wedge to see drivers sling their machines around the city as such insane, inhuman speeds? (If it’s to watch a howling Mariah Carey, please keep it to yourself.) These guys hawk their talents in front of crowds that bay for a crash just as vociferously as they would a goal at a football match. So, is it any wonder then that in the quiet hours before strapping in for the race, these outwardly fearless heroes head for the privacy of their trailers … dealing with jangled nerves and knotted stomachs. Away from prying eyes, some throw up, others try and sleep. But at the end of the day, they still go out and get the job done—facing their fears and testing their mortality. Why, you might ask, do they do it? For one, the rush of adrenaline is incredibly fun—especially after conquering one’s nerves. (Alright, so the prospect of untold riches if they win helps a little.) We too all have our own fears; things that make us nervy, testy, jumpy. Instead of being held down by such fears, why not channel your daredevilry and live a little by doing something that’s well out of your comfort zone? Here are some of the best places to get your freak on.

High Flyer

Do you fear heights, yet find yourself digging documentaries on okto which extol the joyous, acrobatic virtues of Cirque du Soleil performers, batty flying lemurs and Sumatran orangutans? Then get up early one morning, sprinkle some carpe diem on your toast and head off to the enchanting utopia that is Sentosa. At the Flying Trapeze you’ll be coached on the various stunts and moves that go into becoming a passable amateur trapeze. Here, you’ll improve your coordination, get your vertigo fixed (you’ll do knee-hangs and somersaults 10 meters above the ground) and be fully prepared next time your company wants to do team bonding exercises (a horribly frightful prospect) down at Pulau Ubin’s Outward Bound School.
Where: Rasa Sentosa Resort, 101 Siloso Rd., Sentosa, 6371-2943. $10/swing; $20/3 swings.

Bike This Way

Not one for the faint of heart, this. If you want to combine extreme sports with the genuinely wild environment of a tropical jungle, mountain biking at Bukit Timah is it. After trying the six-kilometer “kamikaze trail” here, you can (with only a little exaggeration) say you’ve tested yourself against monitor lizards, icky tree snakes, nutty monkeys (bring extra bananas) and the prospect of slamming face first into a pile of mud, rock and chunky tree roots (fear not, Singapore’s rhinoplasticians are among the region’s best, we hear). Hey, it’s not all bad: It’s still better than cycling on the idiot-strewn roads of the city, and you won’t be the only headcase around, as this place is packed on weekends.
Where: Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail, start at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Car Park. Get off at the bus stop opposite Bukit Timah Shopping Centre and Beauty World Centre, or along Jalan Anak Bukit, opposite Courts, and walk to the end of Hindhede Drive.

Get Physical

Not since Chuck Palahniuk wrote Tyler Durden into our imaginations more than a decade ago has white collar boxing been so popular. If you can look past the macabre irony (that of lieutenants of industry subjecting the very brains that gave them the right collar color to participate in this sport to a pummeling) then step right in. On a more serious note, there’s a lot to learn here. If you’ve always wanted to be more confrontational and assertive in the office, this is the perfect breeding ground. After a walloping (or, better still, thumping the daylights out of your opponent), office skirmishes will be a cinch—just be sure to keep your fists to yourself in the workplace.
Where: Vanda Boxing Club (#03-00 Ganges Centre, 554 Havelock Rd., 6305-2288) has classes for both men and women, and will schedule fights.

Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’

Although it’s ridiculous that Singapore wants to send a team to the Winter Olympics in the not-too-distant future, we think that ice hockey is a pretty decent way to expend some excess adrenaline on a weekend. The reason why most give this sport a miss is the fear of landing ass over tit on ice. But once you learn how to stand, move and skate, the rest is a cakewalk. OK, we lie, it’s a little harder than that, but it’s still no biggie. Ice hockey builds concentration (take your eye off the puck and you might find someone’s skates slicing your jugular), engenders teamwork and keeps you lean (unless you spend the rest of the weekend a recovering wreck nursing a case of Tiger).
Where: Log on to www.singaporeicehockey.com or www.nihl.org.sg for more information.

Get Karting

The need for speed is as old as time. This controlled environment is perfect for stepping on the gas—big time—and channeling the ghost of Ayrton Senna. Though it’s one of the more expensive pursuits around, go karting is nevertheless a thrilling activity that allows you to pit your skills, bravery and determination against friend or foe.
Where: Kartright Speedway, #01-05 511 Upper Jurong Rd., 6265-3303, www.kartright.com. Adults $32-45, students $22-$34; 2-seater kart $50-$66 (Prices depend on time and day and are for a 10-minute session).

Kill with Color

Let say that due to some quirk of circumstance, you ended up being a sorry 9-to-5 clerk during your national service days. Now, when your office mates are busy swapping tales of removing leeches in the jungles of Brunei or careering down a mountain face in Taiwan, you sit sheepish in the corner wondering whether to offer up the anecdote of the missing medical docket circa 1996. Well, you can undo your pansy cred by rounding up those combat guys for a spot of paintballing. Get that adrenaline fix you’ve always craved for and put the rest to a skirmish test and try to get one up for the long-suffering, oft-misunderstood service vocation.
Where: Bottle Tree Park, 81 Lorong Chencharu, 6755-7537, www.weplaypaintball.com. From $10 (for 30 paintballs) to $84.90 (for 250).

Shark Attack

Ichthyophobia (fear of fish) is one of the most underrated phobias around. Many of you have it, we know; don’t even ask us how many people we’ve seen fainting at the sight of a busy aquarium. And since 1975, we’ve had a (horribly rational) fear of sharks (hey, how many can be as heroic as Roy Scheider or Richard Dreyfuss). So what better way to douse such a crippling fear than by plonking yourself in a public aquarium and swimming with sharks. You’ll even get a free t-shirt for your efforts. After all, we Singaporeans like nothing better than a free tee.
Where: Underwater World Singapore, 80 Siloso Rd., 6275-0030. $120 for 90 minutes.

Go Fly a Kite

Does spending the weekend with your arms raised skyward and your feet secured to a plank appeal to you? Perhaps you should give kite boarding a go, down under the flight path of Changi Airport by Stinky Bay (the newish patch of reclaimed land on which they have the airshow). Basically, its wakeboarding with flaps; but it’s quite a thrill being propelled so fast (and so high) by waves and wind. And don’t worry, you won’t drift off and get sucked into the engine of an A380; there are in-built safety release systems on these mod kites.
Where: Log on to www.singaporekiteboarding.com to get the latest information on the price of training and equipment, or alternatively, contact Vincent Lam on 9666-4625.

Who Ya Gonna Call?

Much more satisfying than raiding the National Library dressed as Egon Spengler, Peter Venkman and Ray Stanz, ghost hunting involves expeditions with local paranormal interest societies to spooky outposts throughout the island. If you can summon the courage to investigate the alleged vengeful ghosts at the Old Ford Factory, to go on a pontianak hunt in Sembawang or even investigate UFO sightings island wide, then call up the relevant intrepid ghost hunters and tag along. You may even want to make a watchable docu-film (unlike the recent one about the Old Changi hospital) about your exploits.
Where: Log onto the websites of the Singapore Paranormal Investigators (www.spi.com.sg) or the Asia Paranormal Investigators (www.api.sg).

Smooth Ass Scrotum

Yanking follicles off one’s privates in a sterile environment isn’t for everyone. But, in the spirit of trying everything once, we dare you to give it a try. A tip from those who know: Once you get your boyzilian done, you’ll want to keep it powdered for a few weeks. (Ladies, since you not unfamiliar with this, how about doing something else just as scary—like holding a snake?)
Where: Pink Parlour, #01-229 Marina Square, 6 Raffles Blvd., 6100-5489. $68.

Feel this Snake

Easily the most loathed reptile around, snakes induce the kind of fear that nothing else can. Face your fear, like they always say, and allow one to coil itself around your hands or neck. It might not cure your ophidiophobia, but on the plus side you’ll learn all sorts of interesting facts, including that a mini reticular python has the strength of a WWE wrestler and that it’s not slimy at all; just cold and dry. Try to keep your brekkie in.
Where: Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Rd., 6269-3411. The chance to feel up a snake comes as part of the Jungle Breakfast buffet. $25++ (adult); in addition to entry fee of $18 (adult).

Standup and Curl

Easily one of the most nerve-wracking things you’ll do—far scarier than getting a boyzilian in a haunted attap kampong house full of cobras. Jerry Seinfeld once remarked in his standup routine that people are more terrified of speaking in public than death: “This means to the average person, if you’re at a funeral, you’d rather be in the casket than give the eulogy.” So give standup a go (it’s far scarier if you’re not funny) and experience the horror of mentally disintegrating in the moments before you go on stage. You’ll find that a mere five-minute set can feel like 20 years in a Soviet gulag.
Where: First Wednesday of every month, 9:30pm. BluJaz Café, 11 Bali Lane, 6292-3800.
 

PLUS: Around The Region

PLUS: Around The World

Bull running

Man and beast face-off in Pamplona, Spain every year. It’s insane. Need evidence? Here: http://tinyurl.com/pamplonabulls.

Extreme cycling

The “Death Road” in Bolivia is considered one of the world’s most dangerous. You may have seen it in one of those lush Lonely Planet documentaries, but nothing can prepare you for the real thing. 
www.gravitybolivia.com.

Top gunning

Always wanted to fly a MiG like Maverick? With enough advance warning, you can do it in the Russian city of Nizhny. 
www.incredible-adventures.com

Cast your nerves aside and try some of these thrilling activities in Singapore.

Bungee Jumping

Enjoy the stunning sunset as you throw yourself off one of Bali’s hottest nightclubs on Kuta Beach. AJ Hackett Bali Double Six Nightclub, Bali, Indonesia., +623 6173-1114; www.ajhackett.com/bali

Tandem Skydiving

Hotfoot it over to the magnificent (or not) town of Segamat, Johor to experience jumping off a plane (in tandem with an instructor) for an almighty adrenaline rush. Log on to www.whoa-adventures.com for more information.

BASE Jumping

This illegal activity gets on the right side of the law once a year. This year, try hurling yourself off from one of Malaysia’s tallest buildings at the KL Tower International Jump Malaysia 2010 (Sep 29-Oct 10). KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., +603 2020-5444, www.kltowerjump.com, www.menarakl.com.my. 

Cast your nerves aside and try some of these thrilling activities in Singapore.

1. CLEAN AIR

Bangkok is mobilizing to throw cars out of our city. Finally! On Car Free Day, organizers will be giving out flags to stick on every participating bike as they cycle around town en masse. While Car Free Day is on Sep 20-22, the rally to raise awareness about the event is on Sep 19. Register and checkout the itinerary and schedule at www.thaicycling.com or call 02-612-4747. Bikers will also get free BTS trips on 19-22 Sep 2010

2. A Great Ass

Studies have shown that cycling to work improves cardiovascular fitness by 3-7%, tones muscles, burns approximately 300 calories per hour, reduces the threat of heart attacks by 50% and is one of the few exercises that can reduce cellulite. It is also low impact creating less stress on the knees and ankles than other exercise regimes like running or aerobic workouts.

3. Fixie Fashion

Every single graphic designer and ad creative already has one, so what are you waiting for? The fixed gear bike or “fixie” is the perfect archetype of the original two-wheeler. This is a single-speed bike without a free-wheel, meaning that whenever the bike is in motion, the pedals will turn. (Backpedalling is also the only way to brake.) A favorite with NYC bike messengers, the fixed gear has found a lot of fans here in Bangkok and there are numerous crews around the city. Some ride the bikes for sport, doing tricks not unlike skateboarding, but most of the recent adopters are in it for the lifestyle and fashion statement. On http://www.bkkfixed.net/forum/ you’ll see a score of small banners for fixed gear bicycle shops, cafes and even places selling cool fixie-focused T-shirts. For the bike pictured above, check out at Cog’n’Roll (126, Soi Wat Mahaputaram, Siphaya Rd., MRT Hualumpong, 081-376-9696, http://cognroll.wordpress.com/)

4. Compact Convenience

Ok, so we appreciate that Bangkok is just a little too hot and a little too scary to cycle long distances, which is where a fold up bike comes in. These bikes are convenient for commuting around the city, as you can fold up the bike, carry it with you on the BTS or MRT, and then pedal off into the sois without having to hail a cab. Try the foldables from classic brand Dahon (from B5,900) or this stylish hipster option by Mini Cooper at www.aimbike.com, price B16,500.

5. Budget Bikes

If B16,5,000 is a little out of your reach, but you you still want to ride in style, then check out some of the cool secondhand bicycles from Japan at www.bicyclestu.com. We particular like the foldables starting from B2,500, and some elegant all-purpose road bikes from B5,000.

6. Yummy yogurt

Riding your bike burns calories, so once you finished pedalling you’ll need a little pick me up. Stop by Sealee Fixed Gear Shop & Café. (33/306 Chokchai 4, Ladprao 53, 083-808-9061. www.sealeeefixed.com. Open daily 3pm-midnight) for a complete fixed gear bicycle (and parts) and some homemade yogurt (with toppings like strawberry, blueberry, cereals), choc lava cake, coffee and smoothies menus. You earned it.

7.Happy Feet

Head down to Bike Station (2456 Phathanakan Road corner of Phatanakarn 58, Suan Luang, 02-722-9999) for a range of cycling shoes (they have large sizes, too, for cycling giants) from B3,500-12,000. They carry Merida, Bianchi, and Colnago. It’s also a great bike shop and they’ll service your bike with parts from Shimano, Mavic, Campagnolo, and Sram. Wait, there’s more: check with them for info on their weekend and holiday riding trips.

8. Caffeine Cycle

The Tour de France used to be infamous for the Belgium cocktail, a potent mix of coke and speed that did wonders on tired legs. Short of that, you’ll have to settle for caffeine and we suggest you get your dose at Velayenn (59/27, Soi Thanpuying Puangrat-Prapai, Sugarlust Café & Bistro, Sukhumvit 26, 080-900-2610, www.velayenn.com, Open Tue-Sun 5pm-midnight). As well as coffee, you can get cake, pasta, and Thai dishes. Beware, you’re in fixie zone, so expect plenty of hipsters.

9. You Need a Unicycle

Two wheels bad, one wheel good. Well that’s what unicyclists will tell you anyway. Pick your own up at the S.Sombat Kanamuji (5-7 Chula Soi 8, Bundathong Rd., 02-611-7832-3, 081-423-1438. www.sombatkanamuji.com/) megastore. They have a huge range of imported Japanese bikes for sale including one wheeled offerings. A unicycle should set you back around B1,000 but that doesn’t include the protective gear needed while you learn to ride it, though. (The shop is currently out of stock but check back or place an order).

10. Cruise Control

There’s nothing like cruising alongside the Chao Phraya River, wind blowing in your face. With its old-school simplicity meets modern design flourishes, the cruiser bike has witnessed a mini renaissance here as of late. Choose your own cruiser at NYLA (G/F, Esplanade Cineplex, Ratchada Rd., 02-660-9297-8). The shop offers several cruisers from Nirve, with prices ranging from B18,000-B36,000.

11. Training Ground

Wachirabenchatat Park (Suan Rot Fai) is a great picnic and cycling spot. You don’t even need a bike here, with rentals available for B20-30 each, depending on the bike model or your negotiation skills. They’ll take your ID so you don’t cycle off into the sunset with their precious ride. There’s also a butterfly park and a faux urban environment (complete with traffic lights) for kids to practice riding their bikes.

12. ATVS

If you’re going off-road, you’ll want a bike with (at the very least) front suspension to handle the bumps. Mountain bikes aren’t just for mountains. Any uneven terrain will do, from dirt roads in Kanchanburi to sidewalks on Sukhumvit. However, if you’re planning to use it primarily on the road you can drop the suspension and save yourself a chunk of cash. Bike Zone (2/F, Outdoor Unlimited Zone, Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd., 02-652-1559, www.bikezone.co.th) offers a good range from Marin. Beginners can settle for the Iron Springs (B23,800) but we’d date anyone with a Full Carbon Team CXR at B155,000 (right).

13. Get High

At just two and half hours from Bangkok. the area around Khao-Eto in Prachinburi, is the place that mountain bikers in the know come to get their off-road kicks at weekends. There are actually three main trails that cover varying levels of difficulty, there’s also a bike shop for repairs nearby and a restaurant for recharging the batteries. Get full details and maps of the trails at http://www.mountainbiketoursthailand.com/ as well as loads of other suggestions for other MTB trails all over Thailand. 

14. X-Factor

The human-powered cousins of the motocross motorbike, BMX are made for jumping ramps and tearing down dirt tracks. If you’re the outdoorsy type with a daredevil streak, this bike is definitely for you. For street-riding, wheels with 48 wire spokes and fairly smooth tire threads are decent enough for you to maneuver through tight alleys and ramps. If mud is your middle name, bikes with 36 rugged 13-gauge spokes, 24-inch heavily threaded wheels and just rear brakes should do the trick. Track down your own BMX ride at Rollyas (Ramkamhaeng 24, 087-919-7719. www.rollyas.com), price starting from B6,240.

15. Lazy Sundays

If the romance (and environmental friendliness) of getting around on a bicycle moves you, but moving your ass doesn’t, try www.la-bicycle.com for an electric bicycle, which can bring you to places up to 40-km per one battery charge. Alternatively, aim high to something evern more exciting like the Eneloop bike from Sanyo, (ashamed you have to order it from Japan at cost around B77,500) works a bit like hybrid, allowing you to charge it by pedaling and then use its battery when you get tired.

16. Tandem Trips

Cha-am may not be as chic as Hua Hin, but the seafood there is cheaper and better. More importantly, the 3km long beach has plenty of tandem bicycles for rent. And they are pink! B20-30 per hour for a single seat. B90-150 for more a tandem—some even have three seats if you fancy a seaside menage a trois!

17. BAAN BAAN ELEGANCE

We like Cog’n’Roll (126, Soi Wat Mahaputaram, Siphaya Rd., MRT Hualumpong, 081-376-9696, http://cognroll.wordpress.com/) as much for its fixed gear bicycles painted in original Bangkok taxi colors as for its low-key workshop vibe (wooden walls, location tucked by a temple—see below & left). Bikes start at B25,000 but you could start with a pair of brand new wheels (B2,500). Added bonus: they’ll help you install them and provide all the neccessary tools.

18. Reduce Reuse Recycle

Join the bike recycling campaign at www.thaicycling.com to share your old, unused rides to the schools in the rurals. Just drop those off at their office, or give them a ring (02-612-4747), so they know where to pick the bikes up.

19. High-Tech Luxury

If you want the very best in bicycles then you could do worse than splash out on this B330,000 road bike available from Probike (231/9 Sarasin Rd., Lumpini, 02-253-3384. www.probike.co.th, Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 8.30am-7pm, Sun 8.30am-5pm). The frame is feather-light, the gear changes like a Ferrari, and the sales staff claim that this is the same model as used by the pros in the Tour de France. Your rich uncle is going to be so jealous.

20. Friendship Rides

The best part about bicycles is the camaraderie. Join a club to meet like-minded enthusiasts, or just people with really well-developed calf muscles. Pick a flavor: BKKCYC (www.bkkcyc.com) is the no-pretense option, for those who just ride their bike for relaxation or with their family. JNSNP (http://jnsnp.wordpress.com) is a bunch of creative industry hipsters riding fixies. Their events (including an upcoming short film festival) and attitude is way cool. For serious cycling trips, get in touch with the Thai Cycling Club (www.thaicycling.com): they’re headed to Ampawa on Oct 3, and Ayutthaya on Oct 10.

21. Messenger Chic

The hottest fixed gear crew is probably FarFast, which you’ll see on Wednesday nights at Tawanna Square (Ladprao 124, next to Macro Bangkapi, 02-734-1215). If you can’t stand the heat, then just look the part with this awesome striped messenger bag available at the uber hip Sneaka Villa (422/6 Siam Square Soi 11, 02-658-1970. www.sneakavilla.net).

22. Size Matters

One of the most important things when picking your bike, is to make sure it fits you. And since fancy bikes can run into the tens of thousands of baht, you don’t want to end up with a bike that’s anything less that perfect. For US$4.99, www.sizemybike.com has an iPhone app that will compute the optimal bike for you, based on six of your measurements: frame size, pedal length, seat height and more.

23. Bicycle Polo

Another fixed gear crew in Bangkok, another quirky space. Apart from bringing out beer and turntables, the 1000 Ways Commune also holds bicycle polo games, which is just like the version with horses except you don’t have to be obnoxiously rich to play. Add them on Facebook, find them at Sai Mai Market (km 19), or call 081-828-2132. (Cog’n’roll also sells bicycle polo kits for B1,500, contact: 081-376-9696). 

24. Incoming!

Even if Bangkok drivers learnt to actually respect cyclists as human beings worthy of life, you would still better off wearing a helmet. Try the handsome ones from Giro, at Probike (B1,700-B8,900), or this Prowell for B1,000 at Bike Zone. Top tip, price isn’t that important but if you can, do make sure you look for the MIPS certification which shows it meets international safety standards.

25. Need for Speed

If Super Sonic is who you feel like you really are, get yourself on track with your riding speed by one of the Cat Eye speedometers at Probike (B750-B2,000).

26. Time Travel

Fancy a day spent cycling past Chedi Chet Yot or up the steps of Preah Vihea but don’t actually have the time to head up North? Why not just jump in a cab and visit Muang Boran, the Ancient City (02-709-1644. Open daily 8am-5pm. www.ancientcity.com). This cultural park, about 30 minutes past On Nut BTS, features 3/4 size replicas of most of the Kingdom’s major historical sites set in a gorgeous parkland in the shape of Thailand. You can rent bikes there—B50-B150 (single-triple)/ or bring your own and pay B50 to cycle round the Kingdom in an afternoon.

27. Amp it Up

Best known for its cute floating market and fire flies, the small town in Samut Songkram is also a great place for a bike trip. As well as offering bikes to rent Thai Theeb @ Ampawa (2/1, Prachasret Rd., Ampawa, Samut Songkram 082-777-5999. Mon, Wed, Thu 10am-8pm/ Fri-Sun 10am-9pm) provide maps to places of interest and historical sites in the area so you can explore on your own. Cost: free for rides under 30 min, B30 for 60min, B120 for 120min, B150 for 3hrs, B180 for 4hrs, B250 for a day.

28. 1,900km Rides

This charity event won’t see a lot of performance enhancing drugs but the Tour de Thailand will raise money for good causes and draw some international entrants to our fair kingdom. The 25-day event weaves its way down through Thailand starting in Chiang Mai and ending up in Phuket 1,900kms later. More details about how to get involved at http://www.tourdethailand.com/

29. Bangkok Green

Bang Kra Jao might be just across the river from Bangkok but it really is like entering another world, one full of banana plantations, winding waterways, sleepy hamlets, ancient temples, and tropical jungle all interconnected through a series of narrow raised walkways.  It’s perfect for cycling and there are various companies offering guided tours. Try Spice Roads who offer a half-day trip with bike rental for B1,000. Just visit their website (www.spiceroads.com) for more info and a complete schedule.

30. Easy Peasy

Triathlons involve a spot of swimming, running and cycling. In the case of an Iron Man triathlon, we’re talking a 3.8 km swim, 180 km ride, and a marathon (42.2). Want in? Warm up with the Laguna Phuket Triathlon (Nov 28) and finish strong with the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship (Dec 5). Visit www.trimapper.com for details.

31. Flat Feeling

Getting a puncture on your bike is no fun, but guess what, you don’t have to buy a new tire. Just fix it! If you don’t know where to start, head down to Bike Zone (2/F, Outdoor Unlimited Zone, Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd., 02-652-1559, www.bikezone.co.th) where they offer free puncture repair workshops to get you pumped up and back on the road again.

THE INTERVIEW

Nakwan Sriarunothai

27, Graphic Designer
How often do you ride your bike?
Three days a week to get to work and nearly every day around my neighborhood.
Aren’t you covered in sweat by the time you make it to the office?
No. Sweat can dry [laughs]. I can shower there, too.
Do you think Bangkok is dangerous for cyclists? If so why?
Well I think it’s less dangerous than riding a motorcycle but it’s still very inconvenient to cycle in Bangkok. The paths are bumpy and crowded, and cars and buses don’t think cyclists have any rights. But the biggest problem is that there are so many thieves waiting for you to leave your bike unattended.
Do you worry about pollution?
Not really. I don’t think it’s any worse than taking a bus.
How could cycling here improve?
Bike lanes that actually connect to the public transport system. Now you can’t even carry your bike on the MRT. And safe places to leave your bike would be nice, too.

Jett Virangkabutra

30+, product design program director
How often do you ride your bike?
Not enough actually. The weather has not been great for commuting recently. But once a week I will go mountain biking somewhere beautiful.
Why do you ride a bike?
Riding a bike is like a virtual time machine. As a child it made me felt like a grown up because of the freedom. As an adult riding a bike makes me feel like a child again.
Is Bangkok dangerous for cyclists?
From my experience, I don’t think it is as bad as it looks. But for novice riders, it is. The buses are the worst. Most cycling fatalities in Bangkok are caused by buses.
Do you worry about pollution?
Not as much now. I feel that the pollution levels have improved a lot over the years.
How could the city improve cycling here?
The government needs to seriously support this issue. In London the government even sponsor people to buy bikes and commute to work!
How much did your bike cost?
Which one? I have 10 bikes. My bike for commuting is about B12,000. The rest, don’t ask!

Suwanee Kerdsaeng

34, graphic designer
What do you use your bike for?
To commute to work, from Bangkae to Rama 3 ablout three days a week. It saves time and money. You don’t have to pay for petrol.
What do you when you get to where you’re going?
I just wash my face and lock my bike. That’s all.
How much did your bike cost?
It starts from B8,000 but I reckon I’ve spent about B80,000 on parts.

Peerasit Poltan

24, lead singer of Lomosonic
What do you use your bike for?
I use it every day to go to work, to go out and buy stuff and for exercise.
What do you do when you get where you’re going?
I have to shower. If it’s a formal meeting, I can’t go by bike. Where I work at Small Room, there’s a totally safe parking.
What would make cycling in Bangkok better?
Less traffic! Especially on Friday evening at the end of the month.
How much did your bike cost?
B20,000 and counting. I’m still adding parts.
What do you get from riding a bike?
It teaches me to push myself, to be tough. A bike is a vehicle that can reveal a lot about yourself. It depends on each person to find out what it means to them.

Nupin Jansuttipan

56, housewife
How often do you ride your bike?
Every day, to go and buy food and pay bills.
What do you when you get where you’re going?
I leave my bike with someone I know, like shop owners I know in the area.
Do you think Bangkok is dangerous?
Yes. Drivers drive cars so fast so I prefer to ride on the pavement.
Do you worry about pollution?
Yes, I really hate the toxic fumes from cars.
How much did your bike cost?
B450.
What do you get out of riding a bike?
Health and food!

Arak “Pae” Amornsupasiri

26, singer/actor
How often do you ride your bike?
I used to ride every day, but now I’m very busy so I ride less.
Why do you ride a bike?
For work and as a hobby. It’s very fast and costs nothing. I’m really satisfied when I pull ahead of other cars that are stuck in traffic. [laughs]
What do you when you get to where you’re going?
I have to lock the bike and go to shower.
Do you worry about pollution?
Yeah. I used to wear a mask but it didn’t work. I couldn’t breathe.
How much did your bike cost?
B40,000.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

B1,619,000-1,799,000 from Toyota dealers nationwide. www.toyota.co.th
Toyota merges two successes: Prius’s hybrid engine and Camry’s saloon design—and the result is the Camry Hybrid, the first hybrid car manufactured in Thailand, featuring a 2.4-liter four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine and a nickel-metal hydride battery with 34 modules and 204 cells. Seven colors available but you need to pay B10,000 extra to get the popular white pearl option.

Honda CR-Z Hybrid

B2,450,000 from TSL Auto Corporation, 02-269-9999. www.tsl.co.th
Style-conscious drivers may love the new Honda CR-Z that features a 1.5-liter I-VTEC four-cylinder engine that gives 122 horsepower. Inside the cute, sporty, two-door model is a CVT 7-speed transmission gear that can shift between three driving modes: normal, sport and eco. The car is imported and available in white only, for now.

Toyota Alphard Hybrid

From about B1,800,000 from Eton Import, 02-721-1222.www.eton-import.com
The 2.4-litre MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) features an exclusive technology that detects brake pedal pressure and speed to calculate the optimum hydraulic pressure, which results in less fuel consumption and 75% less emissions than normal MPVs. Unfortunately, with the high maintenance cost (the battery can cost nearly B300,000), new ones are no longer available. But you can still find secondhand ones in good condition.

The buzz: Ying, a jewelry designer, has waited ten years for a chance to combine her skills with her sister Cherry’s passion for baking. The result is a jewelry shop-cum-café-cum-spa at the heart of Silom that is attracting nearby office workers and the local Japanese community.
The vibe: The store, bathed in velvet purple and glittering gold, is filled with over the top furniture, lamps and decorative items—kind of Mad Hatter meets gold leaf. The jewelry is showcased throughout the store on the walls, in special cabinets and under glass-top tables.
The goods: Handmade jewelry created from silver, coral, ceramics, plastic and stones (B800-2,500). You can also order custom-made designs and materials. While searching for the perfect accessory, enjoy a cup of hot or cold coffee together with cupcakes and ice cream. On the second floor is Escape de Spa offering treatments starting from B500 for a traditional 60-min Thai massage.
Why you’ll be back: The jewelry pieces are affordable and also pretty unique. It’s also a good spot for coffee with air-con and a peaceful atmosphere.

G/F, Yada Building, Silom Rd., 02-662-0196. Open daily 7am-11pm.

Any self-respecting business has a Facebook page. But while these pages were originally little more than another form of advertising, stores are increasingly using them to do real business. De Veen, which is selling women’s fashion, has over 5,000 followers who shop or make inquiries over photos of merchandise posted regularly on its page. No address, no .com, no phone number—you’ll only find De Veen on Facebook. Welcome to the new lunch break retail therapy!

Not everyone is as advanced, and many other shops are in transition. Avant-garde brand WWA and beauty parlor Rabbo post new merchandise on their wall but aren’t yet taking online orders. Likewise for Kan’ser, although the fashion brand does list its prices, making the window shopping experience more complete.

“Facebook photos draw people to our real shop but we don’t accept orders on Facebook yet. It’s complicated, and Thai shoppers still prefer looking at and trying on real items,” explains Puntit Dinakara, owner of Kan’ser.

That’s not the case for Sarinthorn Eiamfang, a co-owner of another Facebook shop, Parallel: “With Facebook, I don’t have to pay the fixed costs of a proper store. It’s cheaper to take online orders and do delivery, too. And for buyers, they don’t even have to move from their PC screen.”

Most shops will require clients transfer money to a bank account, then send the receipt to the store before it ships the products. The system is clunky and incredibly unsafe compared to rigorous e-payment and e-reputation systems like ebay, but it’s also a lot more friendly thanks to the power of Facebook’s comment, share and like functions. By “liking” a shop, you also subscribe to its feed, which means regular updates on your fave boutique’s latest arrivals.

As for sizing issues, there’s also a bit of everything. Parallel has its own system where they show photos of people wearing their products with indications on their height as a size-guide. De Veen has a more professional sizing standard with options for colors and fabrics, too.

Check Them Out

Parallel

www.facebook.com/paralell.apparel
Two girls who love striped t-shirts share their love with these tees in Japanese-style colors. Prices range from B350 for short-sleeves, B550 for long.

Kan’ser

www.facebook.com/kanser.page
Kan’ser features minimal masculine looks in black, white and a few basic colors for both men and women. Products are affordable, starting from B350 for a t-shirt.

De Veen

www.facebook.com/deveenshop
De Veen’s Facebook Page is always busy with updates and comments. Expect trendy girly products, from silky tops and dresses (B390-1,090) to high-heel shoes (B690-890).

Rabbo

www.facebook.com/rabbofan
This famous grey-market beauty product importers stocks the latest items from Japan, Korea and Western countries, ranging from rose-color blush-on to cleansing oil for sensitive skins.

WWA

http://ow.ly/2ArA6
As this avant-garde fashion store has recently turned into a multi-label shop, WWA keeps its wall busy with collections of sophisticated fashion by young designers with prices starting from B2,000-2,500 for a top.

SiamSquare.co.th

www.facebook.com/SiamSquare.co.th
This fashion store for girls just started posting a few new items created by their young designers.

It used to be that Au Bon Pain was the place in Bangkok to catch a bite of the curious round bread with a hole in the middle. But with the arrival of Dean and Deluca, and its typically New York-style salmon and cream cheese version of the hearty bagel, we can’t help wonder what else is out there for wheat dough enthusiasts.

Au Bon Pain

For a full list of branches, visit www.aubonpainthailand.com
A New Yorker won’t fall to the floor in nostalgic tears upon spying these, but Au Bon Pain does get credit for their daily offering of plain, wholewheat, poppy seed, sesame and onion bagels. And the option to have it with cream cheese or as a breakfast sandwich (egg, cheese and bacon/ham) reminds us of Brooklyn bodegas.
The bagel: Not the six slices of bread they say a bagel is worth, but we like the thickness, the dark color, the shine and the chewiness of the crust, even if the bread inside feels like it’s storebought.
The prep: Hard to go wrong with herbalicious cream cheese, but the industrial quality of the bacon and the factory-cooked eggs in the breakfast sandwich are scary.
How much: B55 with cream cheese and B80 with egg and bacon. Or B40 for a plain bagel, if you want to make your own sandwich at home.

Dean and Deluca

Mahanakhon Project, 92 Narathiwas-Rajanakarin Rd. BTS Chong Nonsi
With its New York City cred, Dean and Deluca has a lot to live up to, which is why we’re surprised they only do one, pre-prepared bagel sandwich. Still, we give them props for making it a salmon and cream cheese one.
The bagel: Covered with sesame seeds, the flavor is quite nice, but the taste of the actual bread is a bit insipid. The crust is suitably bagel-esque, though the body of the bagel is not substantial.
The prep: This would make a great platter, the bagel toasted and sliced and the salmon, cream cheese and onions (some capers would be nice) on the side. But they have them in a display case, ready to be stuck in the panini press. The cream cheese is a bit too much, but the salmon is nice and the crunchy onions do cut the creaminess nicely.
How much: B200—ouch!

Oriental Coffee Shop

5/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Road, 02-664-8000. BTS Phrom Phong
It’s a shame you can’t just take home an unprepped, plain bagel, because their baked goods are so mouth-watering. The onion bagel with turkey breast is one of their many sandwich options, one they’ve had for years and which delivers consistent quality.
The bagel: Hands-down the best bagel: dark, shiny, chewy crust and an inside beautifully pocked with different-sized holes (a sign of less industrial baking).
The prep: Lovely to behold, with generous amounts of turkey and greens. Also a nice, herby butter that is inconspicuous but imparts good flavor without making the whole thing soggy.
How much: B110

Terrace

The Landmark, 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404. BTS Nana
You can get any of their sandwiches with fries for B250, but we say it’s way cheaper to get it to go at their cafe, where their sesame salmon bagel is made fresh everyday.
The bagel: On par with Dean and Deluca: nice crust, lots of sesame seeds, enormous size but uninspiring bread flavor.
The prep: The salmon is generous, and we like the textural contrast of the thinly-sliced cucumbers and onions. What is baffling, though, and a real deal-breaker is that instead of cream cheese, they do mayonnaise. And lots of it too, oozing out of the bagel hole. Gross! And with all the girth of a bagel and all that mayo, the fries are beyond overkill.
How much: B130 from the bakery

The Art of the Bagel

A staple in places with large Jewish populations, the bagel has many variations around the world. But it’s much more than just a roll with a hole. Not for low-carb diets, a good bagel should be thick with a dense interior and a chewy, slightly crisp crust—two qualities often achieved by boiling the rolled dough briefly before sticking it in the oven. The traditional New York bagel uses a salted dough, making it less sweet than its Montreal counterpart, and is boiled in water and malt, giving it a shiny crust.

There’s a new cowboy in town. Chef Randy Torres, all the way from Austin, Texas, has shaded-up at Temptations (91 East Coast Rd., 6440-9200). Go Longhorns! While I wouldn’t venture so far as to call his food Tex-Mex, some of the dishes definitely exhibit a different sensibility from what we usually get here. I wasn’t able to sit down for a bite as I caught them just as they were closing up, but I’m raring to see if chef Torres has the guns to whip up dishes that’ll live up to fond food memories I have of Austin.

Right next door is month-old Pavé Chocolates & Confections (93 East Coast Rd., 6342-0677). They’re just starting to get into the swing of things, and what I’ve tried so far is certainly promising. Their Laputa Blanca ($8.50) is a creamy thyme-scented hazelnut and almond frozen parfait, while Ooze ($14.90) is a dark chocolate bar hiding sea salted-caramel. I can’t wait for them to start rolling out more goodies, but I’ll try my best to be patient (although that’s not been known to be one of my strong suits).
 

Despite my hectic schedule, I managed to nip out for lunch at Table 66 (66 Tras St., 6225-6690). If you haven’t found the time to eat at this modern European restaurant yet, here’s a good one. They’ve cleverly partnered up with G.H. Mumm, the official champagne of F1, to celebrate the season from now through Sep 26. Chef Vincent Teng has created a four-course set lunch or dinner ($98) to be paired with G.H. Mumm bubbly, of course. Foie gras on sushi rice with ume plum sauce and a pan-seared seabass in vanilla butter jus, let’s just say it was mighty hard to go back to work after. Chef Matthew Baker has been a busy boy, having just introduced lunch at Krish (9 Rochester Park, 6779-4644). Pick from three or four-courses ($28, $42), depending on how greedy you are. There’s spiced carrot ravioli in a ginger-brown butter emulsion, braised beef short ribs and the Krish burger. To end things on a sweet note, opt for a chai masala crème brulee. After several months of painstaking labor and a multitude of weight gain, my baby, Sweet Spots 2010, hits the stands next week It’s a guide to the best dessert parlors in my book this year, so be sure to grab it for some irresistible treats.