Bicycles are a very common mode of transportation, but in the eyes of enthusiasts, those two wheels continuously trace elegant arcs.
This master is named Zhao Hang, 41 years old. As one of the most seasoned bicycle technicians in Chengdu, he is also a cycling enthusiast who owns five bikes. Having five bikes isn’t rare, but his list of accessories is enough to turn heads — eight helmets, six pairs of clipless shoes, and twenty pairs of gloves, all top-tier brands.
Bicycles are a very common mode of transportation, but in the eyes of enthusiasts, those two wheels continuously trace elegant arcs. Last Saturday, the Lehashi Bicycle Club held an unusual indoor cycling competition, where many participants gathered around a repairman to ask about bicycle knowledge. This master is named Zhao Hang, 41 years old. As one of the most seasoned bicycle technicians in Chengdu, he is also a cycling enthusiast who owns five bikes. Having five bikes isn’t rare, but his list of accessories is enough to turn heads — eight helmets, six pairs of clipless shoes, and twenty pairs of gloves, all top-tier brands. According to Lao Zhao, he has spent a total of 160,000 yuan over the past six years “burning money on bikes.”
Journalist Investigation>>>
Bikes Priced Between 3,000 and 5,000 Yuan Sell Best
In an interview, Lao Zhao once said, “Back then, my bike was considered top-tier in Chengdu, but now it’s not uncommon to see a single bike worth more than all five of mine combined.” Lao Zhao’s words are no exaggeration — behind them lies the current boom in high-end bicycle sales, with even many traditional bike shops switching to selling “high-end bicycles.”
The journalist visited several bicycle shops in Chengdu and learned that, contrary to expectations, low-end bikes aren’t the biggest sellers. Shop owners all said that the best-selling price range is now 3,000–5,000 yuan. It’s not uncommon to see consumers purchasing bikes priced over 10,000 yuan. The journalist once witnessed a high-end bicycle worth over ten thousand yuan being bought on the spot by an enthusiast near Sichuan Normal University.
Fixing Cars Is a Job, Fixing Bikes Is a Hobby
“I graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and have always been interested in mechanical things,” Lao Zhao introduced himself. From 1995 to 2000, Zhao Hang worked at an agricultural vehicle company, handling car maintenance and personnel management. In 2001, he left the automotive industry and joined Shimano, the world’s top-selling bicycle component manufacturer, where he worked for nine years, rising from a newcomer to a senior technician. In 2007, Zhao Hang also became a national first-class cycling referee.
When talking about transitioning from fixing cars to fixing bikes, he said, “It’s just a change of industry, nothing special. Compared to cars, I prefer the simplicity and refinement of bicycles.” Lao Zhao stated. “People who fix cars often treat it as a job, while those who fix bikes usually end up falling in love with them.”
Getting Started with Chengdu’s First FOX After Being Inspired
In 1992, Lao Zhao spent nearly two months’ salary — 700 yuan — to buy a mountain bike. But what really sparked his passion for cycling was the inspiration he got at the Chengdu Cycling Festival in 2004. “Back then, a few cyclists from Nanjing came. Most of us were riding hardtail bikes like Merida and Giant, but the experts from Nanjing were already using full-suspension bikes and expensive FOX forks.”
After that experience, Lao Zhao saved up and, in 2005, spent over 6,000 yuan to buy Chengdu’s first FOX fork. Over the years of “tinkering,” he has consistently put half of his salary into bicycle gear. Now, among his five “treasures,” four are worth over 10,000 yuan, with the most expensive one, a full-carbon fiber bike, costing 30,000 yuan.
Getting Family Support: Spending Within One’s Means Without Over-Consuming
Burning money on bikes isn’t any cheaper than on DSLR cameras — components and forks can easily cost thousands or tens of thousands. Without family support and understanding, it’s hard to keep it up. Fortunately, although Lao Zhao’s wife isn’t passionate about cycling, she is very understanding of his hobby. “I hand over my monthly salary to her first. If I want to buy a bike, I have to report to her,” Lao Zhao paused, “and she usually approves.”
In fact, the reason Lao Zhao gets his wife’s support is related to his rational approach to spending on bikes. “I never go beyond my means. Although I’ve spent quite a bit, it’s all been step-by-step according to plan. I never overspend out of obsession.”
What the Enthusiast Says>>>
Lao Zhao: Ridden Over 100,000 Kilometers
Burning money is similar to collecting, yet different. “If you’re burning money, even the best bike is meant to be ridden, and the best clothes are meant to be worn.” Every one of Lao Zhao’s bikes serves a specific purpose: “One mountain bike for downhill, one for daily rides, one for touring, and one for racing on the road.” He has explored areas around Chengdu and various routes in western Sichuan. According to his cycling computer, he has ridden over 100,000 kilometers.
There are so many types of bicycles, but is it necessary for someone like him to own so many helmets and outfits? Lao Zhao explained: “My physical condition isn’t great, and I sweat much more than the average person. I need things that are breathable and quick-drying. Winter gear also needs to provide warmth. I have 20 cycling outfits covering all seasons.” As for gloves, “Good gloves have 3D fit technology, which ensures they stay snug no matter how your hands move.”
Enthusiast’s Gear List>>>
Helmets: 8 (over 10,000 yuan) | Bikes: 5 (90,000 yuan) | Clipless Shoes: 6 (8,000 yuan) | Clothing: 20+ sets (over 40,000 yuan) | Gloves: 20 pairs (4,000 yuan)
High-End Bike Recommendations>>>
Single-Sided Shock Absorber: This Luxury Bike Costs 35,000 Yuan
You read that right — the shock absorber is only on one side. The mountain bike in the picture, which might look “disabled,” is actually quite pricey, selling for as much as 35,000 yuan. This luxury bike is Lao Zhao’s next savings goal. This technology comes from a patented design by top mountain bike brand CANNONDALE (Cannondale), and because it has only a left fork, everyone calls it the “lefty.”
According to Lao Zhao, the Lefty’s design was inspired by the single-arm nose wheel of airplanes. Aside from its eye-catching unique appearance, its most obvious advantage is its light weight — because it has only one fork. It also allows for more precise steering, ensuring excellent grip and smooth handling even on rough mountain terrain.