As some might know (one of my four readers perhaps) I have been taking the SurLeRivet on business trips to Malaysia and enjoying some of the rides there. One ride is here for those interested :https://www.strava.com/activities/8662047182

Malaysia is a truly incredible place to visit. A real melting pot of cultures (Malay, Chinese and Indian) and every time I go I find something new. The food is simply superb and a visit to Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang has the senses assailed from every direction. I have learned to sit down and order one dish at a time to be able to savour all the flavours individually. Ordering all at once sees you bombarded with so many dishes if you are trying to attempt a wide selection of small plates.

When I first rode there I was worried about the traffic but within 30 minutes realised it was the same as Paris. Yes, lots of vehicles but that same awareness from most drivers of Moto scooters feeding the traffic lanes causing everyone to have 360 degree awareness makes it not so bad. The climate is interesting due to the humid, hot conditions and I have been wondering what it would be like to bike pack there. Well, I might be about to find out and tonight I’ll sit now with some homemade Laksa and watch Francis Cade ride through Malaysia, from George Town down to KL. He is sponsored by Decathlon, Kask and Tailfin for the this adventure and Decathlon have provided him with the bike, a Triban GRVK 520 equiped with SRAM Apex and 650 tubeless, 47mm tires. He has made some mods, all of which make sense. Triban bikes are excellent value for money and I bought both kiddos a GRVL 120. Are they any good? Well I just rode one down to the Catovian here in Chatou for a beer and to write this article. They ride great and the microshift gearing is superb. I cannot fault them for the price tag they come at, being seriously and other brand trying to be at this price point. These are perfect bikes for beginners because they are so well set up they will serve 90% of riders with some simple upgrades. If I did not already have my Cannonade SLATE I would definitely be looking at one. I haven’t watched his vlogs from Malaysia as yet but here is a video of him explaining the Triban set up and mods. Apologies to just posting about a vlog but I have been on the road for two weeks for work, and yes the bike did come. Some great rides in Texas! So jet lagged right now but it’s wonderful to be back home after a great trip.