Quest to find a Decent Bike in Kuwait

Trek 3700 Disc -2015

     I know Kuwait doesn't sound synonymous with Biking. But off late I have developed an interest in Biking and I went out looking for one. I did my homework online and soon realized there aren't a wide variety of Bike Shops in Kuwait. 

     I have based this blog on Mountain Bike Type, since that’s what I wanted to buy. The other common Bike Type is Road Bike. However, most of the contents here should be common for both bike types and prices would be similar as well. Well, with time I have learned that Road Bikes are very different from Mountain Bikes. Road Bikes are designed to run on paved road with speed. Their sizes are different from Mountain Bikes. Road bike prices are also much higher than mountain bikes.

List of Bike Shops in Kuwait:

• Extreme Sports – Trek Bikes, USA (Popular Bike Shop in Kuwait)
• VIB Bikes - Orbea, Spain
• Decathlon - B’twin, France (Budget Friendly Bikes)
• LillyWhites - Trek and Giant
• Sports Direct - MuddyFox (Affordable)
• BMTS Salmiya - Raleigh and Diamond Back (More of a Repair Shop)
• Marina Mall Food Court - I spotted a couple of mountain bikes at one of the toy shops there for around 45/-KD but I'm uncertain about its quality.
• Sharq Bike Market - Mostly all cheap bikes here and are not likely to last  for long and tough terrain

     The choices are limited; however these shops have just enough Bike Types for the Sport Enthusiastic and New Bikers. So what are you waiting for... Just Go for it!

Prices:

     I am listing the prices of some of the models that I have:

Extreme Sports:

• Trek 3500: KD. 166/- + 20/- for Disc Brakes
• Trek 3700: KD. 204/-
• Trek 3900: KD. 224/-
• Trek 4300: KD. 272/-
• Trek 4700: KD. 328/-
• Trek 4900: KD. 400/-

Lillywhites:

• Giant Rincon Disc: KD. 219/-
• Trek 3500: KD. 195/-
• Trek 3700: KD. 185/- (w/o Disc)
• Trek 3700: KD. 215/-
• Trek 4300: KD. 320/-

Decathlon:

• B’twin Rockrider 300: KD. 69/- (Leisure MTB, 21 Speed)
• B’twin Rockrider 5.1 C2 2013: KD. 92/-
• B’twin Rockrider 500: KD. 137/- (Sport MTB)
• B’twin Rockrider 520: KD. 210/-                                
• B’twin Rockrider 8.0: KD. 265/-
• B’twin Rockrider 9.1: KD. 460/-

Sports Direct:

• MFX 20” Download du: KD. 49/-
• MFX 24” Boys Mayhem: KD. 64/-
• MFX 24” Girls Kansas: KD. 64/-
• MFX 26” Gents Devil: KD. 64/-
• MFX 26” Ladies White: KD. 64/-
• MFX 26” Ladies Minne: KD. 69/-
• CDT Bellano 700c Tou: KD. 145/-
• CDT Braus Road Bike: KD. 149/-
• CDT Loire 700c Comm: KD. 145/-

     Note: The Prices have been collected a couple of months back and may not reflect the current price.

                       

Bike Size

     Two important aspects to consider for Bike Size:

Bike Frame:

     16” & 18” are the most common sizes that would fit an average adult.

Bike Frame Size                  Rider Height                 Rider Height (cm)

13-14 inches X Small              4 ’ 10” - 5 ’ 2”               148   -   158

15-16 inches Small                 5 ’ 2”   - 5 ’ 6”               158   -   168

17-18 inches Medium              5 ’ 6”   - 5 ’ 10”             168   -   178

19-20 inches Large                 5 ’ 10” - 6 ’ 1”               178   -   185

21-22 inches X Large              6 ’ 1”   - 6 ’ 4”               185   -   193

23-24 inches XX Large            6 ’ 4”   - 6 ’ 6”               193   -   198

Source: Evan Cycles

Bike Tires:

     26” is the standard size that available for an average adult. However, 29” has started to get more popular off-late.

     There are a lot of sources online giving you exact details as to what you might need to consider for buying a bike. So, don’t be in a hurry and make sure the size is right for you.

Important Bike Accessories:

• Saddle Bag
• Spare tube
• pair of tire levers
• mini pump
• mini multi-tool
• Head and Tail Lights
• Bike Computer
• Bell / Horn
• Water Bottle
• Locks

Apparel:

• Helmet
• Shorts
• T-Shirt
• Gloves
• Shoes
• Glasses

     Note: Decathlon in Marina Mall is a good value Bike Shop in Kuwait, especially for Bike Gear & Accessories.

FAQs:

What Bike did I Buy?

I bought myself Trek 3700 Disc - 2015. It comes with Hydraulic disc brakes, 24-Speed, 26” wheels and aluminum frame.

What Next?

There is a group called DBCK which goes on weekly trips every Friday to different locations in and around Kuwait. I have been riding with them for a few weeks now and it has made my money spent on the bike worthwhile. If you are interested in joining them, here's their link: http://www.dbck99.blogspot.com/

Alternatively you could cruise along the Corniche on the gulf road for some good evening outings.

Can I use my Bike as a mode of transport?

Kuwait basically doesn't have a Biking culture as compared to many countries in the West. So, there aren't any ready-made tracks for Bikes etc. which means you have to make use of the existing footpath and roads. You could still go around from one place to another by finding your own way out and making sure it’s safe. Also, Bike parking is a problem here... So you have to take it with you wherever you go or park it at your own risk.

Why did I decide to buy a Bike in Kuwait?

I had been doing a bit of jogging during the evenings for a few years now, to keep a check on my weight. But I couldn't do it regularly and often lost motivation after a few weeks because of the effort that goes in. So I decided to look for alternatives and discovered that Biking takes less stress and comparatively easier to continue over a longer period of time.

     So far I'm not disappointed :)