Dainese Alpine star riding gear in Tachilek

[David Learmonth]

Got my sister-in-law (registered guide) to buy the Alpinestar saddlebags for me. Ordered them over a month ago but shop was out of stock. They arrived last week. Not used them yet, but quality seems OK & they open up to a reasonable size. It is handy to have family in the tourist business - no way will traders in Tachilek risk selling her (or her guests) substandard rubbish because they know if they do she only has to report it to the market police & there is big trouble!

 

[David Learmonth]

They were posted at 3000 baht but s-i-l got them for 2800 baht. Come complete with an inner bag that looks like it should be "waterproof" Not tried fitting them yet, though they seem pretty idiot proof - no need & want to keep them clean for as long as possible. The useless Triumph leather saddlebags will suffice for now! :thumbup:

 

[DavidFL]

1st November 2010

They had 1 pair of M-X boots

More stock coming? They did not know.

They also had a range of new helmets

LSR brand, that they proudly displayed at the front of the shop.

 

[schackster]

Just returned from Mae Sai and visited this shop . One thing that was plain and simple was that after they quote you the price , upon request they will discount the item marginally but no point trying to haggle because they wont go down anymore . They really stick to their guns unlike all the surrounding shops. If they make a sale or not they dont really care.

WARNING : Do not take your wife or girlfriend with you to Mae Sai or beyond , took her there to buy some bike gear which she did and then she also managed to fill the entire car with every bit of crap that she could find from every single vendor on both sides of the bloody border . If that wasnt enough we had to stop at every fruit, flower and food stall from Mae Sai back to CMX. God its good to finally be back home ..

 

[jethro69]

schackster;260887 wrote:
WARNING : Do not take your wife or girlfriend with you to Mae Sai or beyond , took her there to buy some bike gear which she did and then she also managed to fill the entire car with every bit of crap that she could find from every single vendor on both sides of the bloody border . If that wasnt enough we had to stop at every fruit, flower and food stall from Mae Sai back to CMX. God its good to finally be back home ..

LOL, that's why I go there with the bike, What more she buys, that more she has to carry in plastic backs behind, meanwhile she got the lesson :thumbup: I've to go tomorrow for my run, good that I fall over this post today.

 

[mastamax]

Went to Taichalek for the first time last month, I found the place horrible, over-crowded, and selling to my opinion only crap...
For people who wants to save some money, think first if it's not better going to BKK and pay a bit more than going there and get a horrible time of street vendors harressing you with their fake viagra and blank cds which are supposed to contain movies and tuktuk rides and fake iphones (still costs like 2k baht even though I checked one out, they aren't even worth 500baht).
Well that's for my opinion, some people may like it to go buy cheap bike gear, but that may be the only thing. I had a horrible 2 hours in Burma and was very happy to rush back to Thailand.

 

[wimpy]

After one trip to Nan, my "Alpinestar" tank bag is starting to fall apart.

 

[jethro69]

mastamax;264287 wrote: Went to Taichalek for the first time last month, I found the place horrible, over-crowded, and selling to my opinion only crap...
For people who wants to save some money, think first if it's not better going to BKK and pay a bit more than going there and get a horrible time of street vendors harressing you with their fake viagra and blank cds which are supposed to contain movies and tuktuk rides and fake iphones (still costs like 2k baht even though I checked one out, they aren't even worth 500baht).
Well that's for my opinion, some people may like it to go buy cheap bike gear, but that may be the only thing. I had a horrible 2 hours in Burma and was very happy to rush back to Thailand.

Well, when this was the first time you did a border crossing to Burma, I can fully understand you. I went many times, most of the times just for the stamp, means you don't have to go inside. Just pay the 500 bath, (they don't accept the 10 US$ anymore, every time new excuses to get the extra 200 bath in their own pocket :shh

Did you check out one of the shops who sell motorcycle gear?
I'm quite happy with my purchase for exactly 10000 Thb. It's not top end, but much better than running around with shorts and T-shirt.

Bates Jacket
Pants Yellow corn
Gloves Yellow corn
Shoes ZXE ??? I don''t know this brand, but they have exchangeable wear plates. I once lay down on a ice plate in China with new safety boots(20 KM/H), the leather was gone to the stole nose, so I'll not run on running shoes again.

Of course you have to live with that what they have (especially regarding sizes). I would have been more happy with other brands/products, but at least they could get me some gear for a more than reasonable price.

 

[jethro69]

wimpy;264289 wrote: After one trip to Nan, my "Alpinestar" tank bag is starting to fall apart.

I don't know from what shop you got it from, but I was quoted a cheap price (900 THB if my mind serves me well), didn't go for it as I ride a Phantom (meter on tank). Did they say it's the real thing??

 

[wimpy]

jethro69;264301 wrote: I don't know from what shop you got it from, but I was quoted a cheap price (900 THB if my mind serves me well), didn't go for it as I ride a Phantom (meter on tank). Did they say it's the real thing??

I got it from the shop we are discussing. I think I paid close to 2000 for it. I didn't ask if it was real. Looked real.

 

[captain_bob]

Great info. I picked up some jackets and riding boots on my last visit to Tachilek too. Dainese zip-up boots, Duhan Yamaha and Alpinestar mesh padded jackets for 1500-3000b. Then oops some genuine Alpinestar riding boots back in Chiang Mai (Japan & China imports) for 5000+ prices. I'm now wearing 8000 baht Jap import Alpinestars (wife will kill me for that outlay!) =)

 

[DavidFL]

wimpy;264289 wrote: After one trip to Nan, my "Alpinestar" tank bag is starting to fall apart.

Wimpy
Any chance of a photos to see the exact bag & the wear?
I had a bit of trouble with a zip on one of the AS sport saddle bags, but it is ok now & during my ride to Hanoi & back last year I had no trouble with the saddle bags.They held up & performed real well.

If you look here
https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/threads/25935-Chiang-Mai-Handy-Motorcycle-Related-Shops
and check out
Pattana Sin
18/1 Ratchiangsaen Road.
Southside of the moat, (slightly) diagonally opposite - west - of Pratu Chiang Mai.
Tel: 053271053.
he is really good for repairing bags & boots.

 

[mastamax]

Is it really worth the hassle at the end of the day if you have to replace/fix the stuff after every ride? I rather pay more to get quality stuff but that's just my opinion.

Went I went there only thing I ended up buying was a pair of shoes size 42. When I got home opened the box and realized they switched the box with a pair of 46... didn't even surprise me, just thought they found a pretty immaginative way to "trick" the customer this time.

 

[Cruising]

Was at the markets last week but didnt see the shop in question.

Has anyone seen Kevlar riding jeans there?

 

[wimpy]

Davidfl;264370 wrote: Wimpy
Any chance of a photos to see the exact bag & the wear?
I had a bit of trouble with a zip on one of the AS sport saddle bags, but it is ok now & during my ride to Hanoi & back last year I had no trouble with the saddle bags.They held up & performed real well.

This is the bag.

These shots show where it is falling apart in two spots.

Thanks for the info on repairs.

 

[DavidFL]

wimpy;264386 wrote: This is the bag.

These shots show where it is falling apart in two spots.

Thanks for the info on repairs.

Hmmh. The bag sort of looks like the real thing in the photo doesn't it, but the stitching aint very good for that to happen on trip 1.
That is one rumour about these products: made in the same export factory, but using cheaper materials & stitching for the local market - if you want to believe it.

Give the guy Pattana Sin at Pratu Chiang Mai go.

There's also a tent / bag shop across the river, that I have a card for, that I've been considering ordering a one-off bag from to see how good they are.

 

[wimpy]

Off to Nan again tomorrow. We'll see if it is still worth repairing when I get home! :roll:

 

[DavidFL]

17th Jan 2011

Some new stock & a few items that might be of interest to some riders

mastamax;264287 wrote: Went to Taichalek for the first time last month, I found the place horrible, over-crowded, and selling to my opinion only crap...
For people who wants to save some money, think first if it's not better going to BKK and pay a bit more than going there and get a horrible time of street vendors harressing you with their fake viagra and blank cds which are supposed to contain movies and tuktuk rides and fake iphones (still costs like 2k baht even though I checked one out, they aren't even worth 500baht).
Well that's for my opinion, some people may like it to go buy cheap bike gear, but that may be the only thing. I had a horrible 2 hours in Burma and was very happy to rush back to Thailand.

Yeah well if it is your first time it can be a testing experience, especially if you're already hot & bothered from riding & parking your bike on the Thai side. Then have to queue up for immigration both sides.
But if you go with the flow & focus on the interesting scenarios there it can be kinda enjoyable.
I totally ignore the pushy vendors, don't even acknowledge them, don't blink an eye lid, keep on walking. Stop turn around & keep on walking. It is all part of the game.
Some of the guys remember me & even tell me which shops I go in & in what sequence, & I still don't even acknowledge them. Funny eh?
It's a bit like riding in heavy traffic & getting frustrated about all the vehicles around you - just watch the spaces & ride there, through the traffic, not in it.
There is some good merchandise - not everything is crap, take your time & look around.
Tachilek is nearly always good for a laugh & photo - you get used to it.

 

[monsterman]

I went in the shop in Tachilek last week and found a nice set of Alpinstars panniers which i bought , they are identical to the set I have in UK from a genuine Alpinstars dealer but cost only 1800 baht instead of 4000 in UK .most of the other stuff looks genuine end of line to me

 

[LivinLOS]

Anything for the (cough) "larger gentleman" ?? At 6'3" and brother 6'4".. Me 110 kg kinda sized I need man sized gear.. Most Thai XL is too small.

Current need off road pants and shirt.. 46 EUR 12 USA off road boots.. and open to any bargains. Not found a mesh jacket I am happy with yet and want one before it gets much hotter.

Dont mind having a ride up, but if its going to just be a mai mee experience would rather wait.

 

[schackster]

Its hit and miss up there. Sometimes you can go into this shop and they have exactly what your looking for in the right sizes and then other times they dont. Nobody can assure you that if you make the trip up that you will find what youre looking for.

 

[LivinLOS]

schackster;265283 wrote: Its hit and miss up there. Sometimes you can go into this shop and they have exactly what your looking for in the right sizes and then other times they dont. Nobody can assure you that if you make the trip up that you will find what youre looking for.

That I understand.. Was more do they ever have big sizes ??

Shopping for me in asia is normally a bust.

 

[DavidFL]

wimpy;264389 wrote: Off to Nan again tomorrow. We'll see if it is still worth repairing when I get home! :roll:

Wimpy how's the bag holding up? Or did you get it repaired?

 

[DaRider]

Hi folks,

Just in case anyone is heading up there to get a pair of those Alpinestars soft panniers (i just did) they're out of stock. They said they expected them back in about two weeks. Don't know how much one can rely on that, probably not a whole lot... Still had a great trip

 

[cdrw]

I made my first trip to Tachilek on March 14th. I rode there for two reasons: I'd never been there and mainly wanted a decent rain jacket.
I noted one change in the fees: Burma still charges 500-Bt for the days visa, but although I'd taken photocopies of my passport the Thai side charged me 100-Bt to process keeping my passport, prior to my entering Burma.

As earlier stated, the staggering amount of shops can be overwhelming to some, but it was fun to explore. I'd a copy of MotoRex's map of the 3 bike shops...sadly it was not specific enough and proved to be no help. None-the-less...with a little diligence I found all of them.

Only one bike shop had any rain gear...and that was a mere 4-sets of all black pants & jackets that lacked any night reflective tape and they were all emblazoned with the Harley Davidson name. Ah...no thanks! I felt I had to buy something...so bought 2-prs of riding gloves...though adding the cost of the visa to such a small purchase made them a good but not a great deal.

Though I was hot and sweaty, I liked experiencing the hordes of people and shops of Tachilek and will surely go again sometime.