The perfect pit stop

A NORTHBOUND bicycle trek up the Ngarmwongwan-Chaeng Wattana Road just wouldn’t be the same without a stop at Bike Story, which is a lovely little cafe (in case you need a nibble) that also happens to mend bikes (in case you’ve had a puncture). It opened six months ago and is easy to spot thanks to the hundreds of second-hand machines lined up out front. You’ve got your BMX models, road and touring bikes, motorised cycles and those absurd but convenient folding ones.

Co-owner Niwat Ruantongdee has been importing second-hand bikes for years and, with enthusiasm for cycling soaring in Thailand, the wheels of his mind were spinning. A bike cafe seemed a perfect concept, a place where riders could meet, eat and do repairs on the roll. Bike Story stocks all the accessories – headsets, grips, tyres, gloves, helmets, saddles and bells – and the aromatic coffee and mouth-watering desserts are well worth a pit stop.

“We wanted to be a kind of rest stop where a cyclist can take a break on his route,” says Niwat. “You can get a cup of espresso with cake or have a quick meal while your bike is fixed. We do repairs for all categories of bikes – but we don’t custom-make bikes.” Cyclists have an area where they can fix their own bikes using the shop’s tools – within reason. 

“Our second-hand bikes are from Japan, with prices ranging from Bt3,000 for a foldable bike up to Bt25,000 for a touring bike. We offer popular brands like Trek, Giant, Bianchi, Merida, Specialize and Tokyo Bike.”

The food prices are modest as the decor, running from Bt30 to Bt45. Niwat uses Suzuki beans to make hot and cold coffee, like his hot Bike Story Premium (Bt40), which is rich and smooth in flavour with an intense aroma. A cold Brownie Coffee (Bt45) is espresso topped with brown sugar and fresh milk. There’s also Americano, cappuccino, latte, mocha, coffee caramel and chocolate to make sure you stay awake on the road. 

Lemon juice topped with honey jelly (Bt40) is a refreshing drink to boost your energy before climbing onto two wheels, and the fig and mango smoothie is sweet and sensuous. 

“A friend of mine has a fruit orchard in Phichit and he supplies me with mango, figs and santol in season that are perfect for refreshing drinks,” says Niwat. “So this place isn’t just for cyclists – we also get people who just like the coffee and sweets.”

Niwat orders his cakes from a friend’s cafe, Mousse Mellow on Soi Chokchai 4 (Lat Phrao Soi 53), and sell them for Bt55 a slice. Among the best-sellers are white chocolate, lava chocolate and milk coffee. And you can have heartier fare too – pork lasagna, a mushroom sandwich or baked spinach with cheese.

 

 

IT’S QUITE A STORY

>>Bike Story is on the Ngarmwongwan-Chaeng Wattana Local Road adjacent to the Museum of Contemporary Art. 

>>It opens weekdays from 7 to 7 and weekends from 6. 

>>Call (02) 953 0894 or visit the “Bike Story Cafe" page on Facebook.