# Platoon Cycles > Experience expert Trek service and lifetime support from Pyeongtaek’s most seasoned cycling professionals. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### About this site URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/about/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T02:15:08.000Z **Our** **Story** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/3DC05135-F5B8-42A4-8C53-4F955B998550.JPG) Southpost, Yongsan base What started inside a U.S. military base in Yongsan, Seoul back in 2012 has grown into one of the most trusted bike shops in the Camp Humphreys community. For over 15 years, founder Mike Kwak has been building, fitting, and servicing bikes for riders who demand more than just a bike off the shelf. After relocating to Pyeongtaek in 2018 to be closer to Camp Humphreys, Platoon Cycles has become the go-to destination for service members and cycling enthusiasts looking for premium bikes and expert service. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8890.jpeg) Platoon Cycles Pyeongtaek ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/14-L1005533.jpg) This short video gives you a quick look at who we are: a Trek dealer and full-service bike shop where the conversation starts with how you ride, not with a spec sheet. Have a watch, and come by when you're in the area. ***(Video by Tyler — thanks!)*** ## What We Do ## **Trek** **Authorized** **Dealer** We carry the full lineup of Trek bikes — from road and gravel to mountain and e-bikes — backed by official warranty and dealer support. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/2-L1005503.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8898.jpeg) ## **AI** **Bike** **Fitting** **(MyVeloFit)** No two riders are the same. Our AI-powered fitting system analyzes your body geometry to find the perfect riding position — reducing pain, improving efficiency, and making every ride better. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8897.jpeg) ## **Custom** **Builds** With over 15,000 possible configurations, we build bikes tailored to how you ride. From frame selection to component spec, every detail is dialed in for you. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/1-L1005497-1.jpg) ## **Expert** **Service** **&** **Maintenance** Our technicians handle everything from basic tune-ups to full high-end overhauls. 15 years of hands-on experience means your bike is in the right hands. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/5-L1005516-1.jpg) Mechanic Room **Visit** **Us** Platoon Cycles 157, Paengseong-daegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do Open daily (Mon–Sat) Tel: 070-8845-7351 Email: bhkwak@platooncycles.com **플래툰사이클 이야기** 2012년, 서울 용산 미군부대 안에서 작은 자전거 매장으로 시작했습니다. 15년 넘게 자전거만을 다뤄온 현장 전문가입니다. 수천 대의 하이엔드 바이크를 조립하고, 정비하고, 라이더 한 명 한 명에게 맞는 세팅을 찾아주는 일을 해왔습니다. 2018년 평택 캠프 험프리스 인근으로 자리를 옮긴 뒤, 플래툰사이클은 주한미군은 물론 국내 라이더들에게도 신뢰받는 프리미엄 자전거 전문 매장이 되기위해 노력하고 있습니다. 또한 단순히 자전거를 파는 곳이 아닌, 고객에게 맞는 자전거를 찾기위 해 최선을 다하고 있습니다. **서비스** **Trek** **공인** **딜러** 글로벌 No.1 브랜드 Trek의 공인 딜러로서 로드, 그래블, MTB, e-바이크까지 전 라인업을 취급합니다. 정품 보증과 공식 A/S를 받으실 수 있습니다. **AI** **바이크** **피팅** **(MyVeloFit)** AI 기반 피팅 시스템이 체형을 분석하여 최적의 라이딩 포지션을 찾아드립니다. 무릎 통증, 허리 불편함 — 잘못된 피팅에서 오는 문제를 데이터로 해결합니다. **커스텀** **빌드** 15,000가지 이상의 조합으로 나만의 바이크를 완성합니다. 프레임 선택부터 구동계, 휠셋, 핸들바까지 — 라이딩 스타일에 맞춰 한 대 한 대 조립합니다. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/1-L1005497.jpg) **정비** **서비스** 기본 튠업부터 풀 오버홀까지. 15년 경력의 전문 메카닉이 직접 작업합니다. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/5-L1005516.jpg) **오시는** **길** 플래툰사이클 경기도 평택시 팽성읍 팽성대교길 157 영업시간: 월\~토 전화: 070-8845-7351 이메일: bhkwak@platooncycles.com ### Contact URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/contact/ Last updated: 2026-02-20T21:58:49.000Z **Visit** **Our** **Shop** **Platoon** **Cycles** 157, Paengseong-daegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea *5* *minutes* *from* *Camp* *Humphreys* *Gate* **Hours** Mon – Sat 10:00 AM – 7:00PM / Sunday Closed *Hours* *may* *vary* *on* *U.S.* *holidays* *—* *check* *our* *Instagram* *for* *updates.* [AI Bike Fitting Reservation](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNjvrn8blmEfgOgo4cEfRqDRuIMvHWN-GLBj2AA3ab9pL%5Fxw/viewform?ref=platooncycles.com) **Get** **in** **Touch** \- **Phone**: 070-8845-7351 \- **Email**: bhkwak@platooncycles.com \- **Instagram**: @platoon\_cycles [Contact via WhatsApp](https://wa.me/message/PZKBSQSDKGMVG1?ref=platooncycles.com) ### Service & Pricing URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/service-pricing/ Last updated: 2026-04-25T07:25:39.000Z ## Service & Pricing Fair pricing and the best service — that's our promise. 합리적인 가격과 최고의 서비스 — 그것이 저희의 약속입니다. Basic Tune-Up ₩70,000 - Brake, drivetrain & headset adjustment - Safety inspection across all components - Tire pressure & fastener check - Minor wheel truing (on-bike) Full Tune-Up ₩150,000 - Everything in Basic Tune-Up - Complete drivetrain cleaning & lube - Full wheel truing & spoke tension - Frame cleaning & polish Overhaul ₩350,000 - Full disassembly, cleaning & reassembly - New brake & derailleur cables included - Brake bleed available (+₩50,000) Bike Box Packing ₩70,000 - Full disassembly & secure travel packing - PCS-ready for shipping stateside Free for bikes purchased at Platoon Cycles ## A La Carte Services ServicePrice (KRW) Wheels & Hubs Flat tire repair — tube replacement₩15,000 Flat tire repair — tubeless₩25,000 Wheel truing₩15,000 Wheel build (professional, per wheel)₩100,000 Drivetrain Derailleur adjustment₩15,000 Derailleur replacement & adjustment₩30,000 Cassette replacement₩15,000 Bottom bracket service₩80,000 Brakes Brake pad replacement₩15,000 Hydraulic disc brake bleed₩30,000 Hydraulic disc brake bleed (SRAM)₩40,000 ## Turnaround Time **Tune-Ups** 3–4 business days **General Repairs** 24-hour target Parts are not included in service fees. Turnaround times may vary depending on parts availability. 부품비는 서비스 요금에 포함되지 않습니다. 부품 재고 상황에 따라 소요 시간이 달라질 수 있습니다. [Contact via WhatsApp](https://wa.me/message/PZKBSQSDKGMVG1?ref=platooncycles.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/7-L1005522.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/11-L1005528.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/13-L1005532-3.jpg) ### Gallery URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/gallery/ Last updated: 2026-02-23T01:00:01.000Z _No content available._ ### Bike Fitting URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/bike-fitting/ Last updated: 2026-02-25T08:38:08.000Z # Find Your Perfect Fit --- ## AI-Powered Bike Fitting at Platoon Cycles The right bike is only half the equation. How it fits *you* is what transforms a good ride into a great experience. At Platoon Cycles, we use **MyVeloFit** — the world's leading AI bike fitting solution — to ensure every rider gets a position that's comfortable, efficient, and built around how their body actually moves. #### How It Works **1\. Mobility Assessment** We start by recording two short videos of your body's range of motion. The AI analyzes how you move — your flexibility, restrictions, and strengths — so your fit is based on *your* body, not a generic formula. **2\. On-Bike Video Capture** Next, we record a short video of you pedaling on a trainer. No markers, no special sensors — just you riding. MyVeloFit's markerless motion capture technology does the rest. **3\. AI Analysis** The system processes your video using algorithms trained on thousands of professional bike fits. It tracks your joint angles at multiple points in your pedal stroke and identifies any excess movement or misalignment. **4\. Your Personalized Fit Report** Within minutes, you receive a detailed report with specific adjustment recommendations — saddle height, fore/aft position, handlebar reach, and more. Every suggestion is tailored to your mobility, your riding style, and your goals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/-------------------------------2026-02-25--------------5.35.55.png) #### Why We Chose MyVeloFit - **Works for every type of bike** — road, gravel, MTB, hybrid, and e-bikes - **Data-driven, not guesswork** — recommendations based on thousands of validated fits - **Quick and non-invasive** — the entire process takes minutes, not hours - **Track your progress** — reassess anytime as your fitness and flexibility change - **Pairs with our expertise** — AI provides the data, we provide 15 years of experience to interpret it for you #### Bike Fitting Is Part of the Experience We believe a bicycle is a tool for experience. A tool that doesn't fit you properly limits the experiences you can have. Whether you're commuting across base, exploring Korea's cycling paths, or training for the cross-country ride from Incheon to Busan — a proper fit means more comfort, more power, and more enjoyment on every ride. **Book your bike fit at Platoon Cycles today.** [Schedule a Fitting](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNjvrn8blmEfgOgo4cEfRqDRuIMvHWN-GLBj2AA3ab9pL%5Fxw/viewform?ref=platooncycles.com) --- ### AI 바이크 피팅 — Platoon Cycles 좋은 자전거는 절반일 뿐입니다. 그 자전거가 *당신에게* 얼마나 잘 맞느냐가, 좋은 라이딩과 최고의 라이딩의 차이를 만듭니다. Platoon Cycles에서는 세계 최고의 AI 바이크 피팅 솔루션 **MyVeloFit**을 사용하여, 모든 라이더가 편안하고 효율적이며 자신의 신체에 맞는 포지션을 찾을 수 있도록 합니다. #### 프로세스 **1\. 모빌리티 평가** 짧은 동영상 두 개를 촬영하여 신체의 가동 범위를 분석합니다. AI가 유연성, 제한 사항, 강점을 파악하여 일반적인 공식이 아닌 *당신의 몸*에 기반한 피팅을 제공합니다. **2\. 라이딩 영상 촬영** 트레이너 위에서 페달링하는 짧은 영상을 촬영합니다. 마커나 특수 센서 없이, 라이딩하는 모습만으로 MyVeloFit의 마커리스 모션 캡처 기술이 분석을 수행합니다. **3\. AI 분석** 수천 건의 프로 바이크 피팅 데이터로 훈련된 알고리즘이 영상을 분석합니다. 페달 스트로크의 여러 지점에서 관절 각도를 추적하고, 불필요한 움직임이나 정렬 문제를 감지합니다. **4\. 맞춤 피팅 리포트** 몇 분 안에 구체적인 조정 권장 사항이 담긴 상세 리포트를 받습니다 — 안장 높이, 전후 위치, 핸들바 리치 등. 모든 제안은 당신의 유연성, 라이딩 스타일, 목표에 맞춰 제공됩니다. #### 왜 MyVeloFit인가 - **모든 자전거에 적용** — 로드, 그래블, MTB, 하이브리드, 전기자전거 - **데이터 기반** — 수천 건의 검증된 피팅 데이터를 기반으로 한 추천 - **빠르고 간편** — 전체 과정이 몇 분이면 완료 - **변화 추적** — 체력과 유연성이 변할 때마다 재평가 가능 - **전문성과의 결합** — AI가 데이터를 제공하고, 15년의 경험이 해석합니다 #### 피팅은 경험의 일부입니다 자전거는 경험을 위한 도구입니다. 맞지 않는 도구는 경험을 제한합니다. 출퇴근이든, 한국의 자전거길 탐험이든, 국토종주 도전이든 올바른 피팅은 더 많은 편안함, 더 많은 파워, 그리고 매 라이딩마다 더 많은 즐거움을 의미합니다. **지금 Platoon Cycles에서 바이크 피팅을 예약하세요.** [바이크 피팅 예약하기](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNjvrn8blmEfgOgo4cEfRqDRuIMvHWN-GLBj2AA3ab9pL%5Fxw/viewform?ref=platooncycles.com) ### Support Van — Getting There & Back URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/support-van-getting-there-back/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T08:59:36.000Z # Support Van — Getting There & Back The hardest part of a Cross-Country or East Coast ride is often just getting you and your bike to the start, and home from the finish. Our van handles both — one-way or round trip. One flat price per trip, split between everyone who rides along; show up solo and join others heading the same way. ## How it works **1** **Submit a trip — anytime**Choose one-way or round trip, your dates and times, and your route. **2** **We confirm within 24 hours**We check the van and lock it in — then it appears on the calendar below. **3** **Others can join**Open trips show their seats left. Ride together, split the cost. ## Price per trip RouteFlat price **Incheon drop-off**Pyeongtaek → Incheon (Cross-Country start)₩200,000per trip **Busan / Pohang / Goseong — one way**Drop-off or pickup, long distance₩400,000per trip **Incheon → Busan (round trip)**Cross-Country: drop-off + pickup₩600,000per trip **Pohang → Goseong (round trip)**East Coast: drop-off + pickup₩750,000per trip ## What you'll pay per person Riders₩200k₩400k₩600k₩750k 1 rider₩200,000₩400,000₩600,000₩750,000 2 riders₩100,000₩200,000₩300,000₩375,000 3 riders₩67,000₩133,000₩200,000₩250,000 4 riders₩50,000₩100,000₩150,000₩188,000 Split evenly by how many ride. **₩200k** Incheon · **₩400k** one-way long · **₩600k** Incheon→Busan round · **₩750k** Pohang→Goseong round. **How the price is set — at cost, not for profit** We're not running this to make money. The flat prices are set to cover what a trip actually costs us: • English-speaking driver — ₩200,000 per day • Fuel — about ₩15,000 per 100 km (≈ ₩102,000 for the 680 km Busan round trip) • Tolls — around ₩40,000 round trip Add the van's wear and the time to arrange each run, and that's the minimum a trip costs. For example, an **Incheon → Busan round trip** is two driver days (drop-off + pickup): driver ₩400,000 + fuel \~₩130,000 + tolls \~₩55,000 ≈ **₩585,000** — which is why it's priced at ₩600,000. Sharing the van with other riders is what brings the price per person down. **Riding solo? Most of our riders are.** Submit your dates and we'll try to put you on a trip with others heading the same way, so you can share the van — and the cost. Like showing up alone at a golf course and getting paired up for the round. ## Trip times **Drop-offs**Depart from 6:00 AM at the earliest. **Pickups**Wrap up by 8:00 PM at the latest. **Why**These hours keep the driver fresh and safe on long drives. **Running late?** We hold your agreed time with a **1-hour grace window, free**. After that, waiting is **₩20,000 per hour** — the driver's whole day is tied to your trip. If you're more than 3 hours past the agreed time, or it would push past the 8:00 PM cutoff, the driver heads back and the pickup is rebooked as a new trip. Confirm your time the evening before and message the driver when you're about an hour out. ## Trip calendar ‹ **—** › Open Filling (1 seat left) Full Round trips show on both the drop-off and pickup days. Faint **4 seats open** \= a free day you can book. **One trip a day — joiners follow the first rider's time** The van runs once per day, so each date holds a single shared trip. If you join an open trip, you'll travel on the drop-off and pickup times the first rider already set — that way everyone rides together. If those times don't work for you, just submit a different date and we'll set up a new trip. **Want to ride? Submit a trip.** One-way or round trip — pick your dates and route, and we'll confirm within 24 hours. Don't see your date? Just start a new one. [Request / Join a trip](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1JlHi2yIjQ6bAWyNmpmMB2li0uFlx3dWEp9XESRsnrmW%5Fdg/viewform?ref=platooncycles.com) ## Upcoming open trips DateRouteSeatsStatus Loading trips… ## Good to know **Lead time**Please submit at least one week ahead. **Capacity**Up to 4 riders and 5 bikes per trip (front wheels off). **No minimum**A trip runs at the flat price no matter how many join. Prices cover the driver, fuel, and tolls — we're not running this to make money. Your contact details stay private; only the route, seats, and dates appear on the calendar. Trips are confirmed within 24 hours. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9634.jpeg) ## Posts ### A Shirt for Everyone Riding Incheon to Busan URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/a-shirt-for-everyone-riding-incheon-to-busan/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T02:06:04.000Z We made a shop T-shirt. It is a shop shirt, with the logo on it, and we are happy if people wear it for that. But when we chose the design, we were thinking about the people who ride Incheon to Busan. You come back with a stamped passport, maybe a medal, and a lot of photos of the same river. There is not much else to show for it. We wanted something you could keep and wear. So the back of this shirt is the route. And if you have finished it, the shirt is yours. Black, quick-dry fabric. A small logo on the left chest. And on the back, the whole route. ## The line is a real track The route on the back was not drawn by hand. It comes from the GPS files we recorded riding it, joined end to end in order: Ara, Han, Saejae, Nakdong. We cleaned out a couple of detours and bridged a few short gaps where the recorder dropped out, then simplified the line just enough to print cleanly on fabric. That is all we changed. Every bend you see is a bend in the actual path. The big turn where the Han swings east past Yangpyeong is there. The tight kinks through the Saejae section are there. The long, slow run down the Nakdong is there. If you have ridden it, you can put a finger on the back of the shirt and find the place you stopped for the night. Two pins mark Incheon and Busan. The logo sits over the middle of the country. Below the line, the four sections are named. A small star just west of the route marks where the shop is. ## What it looks like Three colours on black: grey for the logo, a copper line for the route, and a khaki star for the shop. From across a room it reads as a plain black tee. Up close, it is a map. The pins have an open centre, so the fabric shows through. The route line is about two millimetres wide, which is as thin as we could go before the tight corners started to fill in. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/09/-------------------------------2026-09-04-----------------11.01.35.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/09/-------------------------------2026-09-04-----------------11.01.44.png) ## The fabric We did not want a shirt that only works for standing around. The fabric is a quick-dry knit, the kind used for training tees, not cotton. Sweat moves through it and dries instead of soaking in and hanging on your back. That makes it usable for an easy ride, a trainer session, a run, or the walk to the café afterwards. It is not a cycling jersey. There are no rear pockets, and the fit is a regular T-shirt fit, not a race cut. For a jersey-length ride you will still want a jersey. For everything shorter and slower, this is fine. ## Price and sizes ₩29,000, in the shop. Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL. These are Korean sizes, and they run smaller than US sizes. If you normally wear a US medium, take a large here. If you are between sizes, go up. You can try one on in the shop. ## If you have finished the route The shirt is yours. Bring your stamped bike passport or your finisher medal, tell us about the ride, and take one. It does not matter when you finished it or where you bought your bike. That was the point of putting the route on the back. It makes more sense on someone who has ridden the line than on a shelf. ## ### Trek Bikes: Korea vs. US Prices — August 2026 URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/trek-bikes-korea-vs-us-prices-august-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T06:05:29.000Z We ran this comparison in July. Four weeks later, the answer is different enough that it is worth running again. In July, the won was at ₩1,480 to the dollar and the matched models we checked were 16–32% cheaper in Korea. Today the won sits around ₩1,380, and Trek's US site has cut list prices on a number of models — the Madone SL 5 went from $3,699.99 to $2,999.99, the Procaliber 6 from $1,799.99 to $1,499.99\. Both of those changes push in the same direction. So we pulled current list prices for every model we could match exactly in both markets and converted at **$1 = ₩1,380**. **The short version: most of the lineup is still cheaper in Korea, but the gap is roughly half what it was in July, and at the top of the range it has flipped.** ## The Numbers Cheaper in Korea — the 10 biggest gaps Buying here saves you money on these. Model US List Korea List You Save in Korea **1\. Madone SL 6 Gen 8** *Road · aero carbon* $5,299.99 ₩5,850,000 **20%**₩1,464,000 **2\. Marlin 7 Gen 3** *Mountain · hardtail* $1,399.99 ₩1,550,000 **20%**₩382,000 **3\. Marlin 5 Gen 3** *Mountain · hardtail* $799.99 ₩899,000 **19%**₩205,000 **4\. Madone SL 7 Gen 8** *Road · aero carbon* $6,599.99 ₩7,750,000 **15%**₩1,358,000 **5\. FX 2 Gen 4** *Fitness hybrid* $799.99 ₩940,000 **15%**₩164,000 **6\. Domane SL 7 AXS 1x Gen 5** *Road · carbon* $6,499.99 ₩7,690,000 **14%**₩1,280,000 **7\. FX 1 Gen 4** *Fitness hybrid* $649.99 ₩770,000 **14%**₩127,000 **8\. Domane AL 2 Gen 4** *Road · aluminum* $1,199.99 ₩1,450,000 **12%**₩206,000 **9\. FX Sport SL 6** *Fitness · carbon* $3,499.99 ₩4,250,000 **12%**₩580,000 **10\. Domane SL 6 AXS Gen 5** *Road · carbon* $4,199.99 ₩5,190,000 **10%**₩606,000 Cheaper in the US — where the gap runs the other way On these, the Korea list price is higher than the US price converted. Model US List Korea List Korea Costs More **Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3** *Gravel · carbon* $2,999.99 ₩4,950,000 **+20%**₩810,000 **Madone SLR 7 AXS Gen 8** *Road · aero carbon* $9,499.99 ₩14,900,000 **+14%**₩1,790,000 **Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 5** *Road · carbon* $11,499.99 ₩17,900,000 **+13%**₩2,030,000 **Domane SLR 9 Gen 5** *Road · carbon* $10,999.99 ₩16,900,000 **+11%**₩1,720,000 **Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 5** *Road · carbon* $8,499.99 ₩12,900,000 **+10%**₩1,170,000 **Madone SLR 9 AXS Gen 8** *Road · aero carbon* $13,499.99 ₩20,200,000 **+8%**₩1,570,000 **Domane SLR 7 Gen 5** *Road · carbon* $7,999.99 ₩11,900,000 **+8%**₩860,000 **Madone SLR 7 Gen 8** *Road · aero carbon* $8,999.99 ₩13,000,000 **+5%**₩580,000 Compared 21 August 2026 at $1 = ₩1,380\. Both columns are current manufacturer list prices on trekbikes.com (US site and Korea site). Percentages are the Korea list price against the US list price converted at that rate. List prices only — dealer sale prices on both sides will move these numbers. ## Where the Line Falls Once you sort all 28 matched models, the pattern is easy to state: **Below about ₩8,000,000, Korea is cheaper. Above it, the US is cheaper.** Every SL-tier and aluminum bike we checked — Madone SL, Domane SL and AL, FX, Marlin, Procaliber — is cheaper here, by 6% to 20%. Every SLR-tier bike we checked is cheaper in the US, by 5% to 14%. A Domane SLR 9 AXS Gen 5 is $11,499.99 in the US, which converts to about ₩15,870,000; the Korea list price is ₩17,900,000\. That is ₩2,030,000 the other way. There is one exception worth knowing about, because it is not a top-end bike: the **Checkpoint SL 5 AXS Gen 3** is $2,999.99 in the US and ₩4,950,000 here. Converted, that is 20% more in Korea — the largest reverse gap in the whole comparison, and it sits in the middle of the price range where everything else favors Korea. Carbon gravel is the category to check model by model rather than assume. A few other things worth pulling out: - **The best absolute saving is the Madone SL 6 Gen 8.** $5,299.99 in the US converts to about ₩7,314,000\. It lists at ₩5,850,000 here — ₩1,464,000 less, the biggest won gap in the Korea-cheaper column. - **Entry hardtails and hybrids held up best.** Marlin 5 and Marlin 7 are 19–20% cheaper here; FX 1 and FX 2 are about 14%. These are the models where Trek Korea's pricing hasn't moved much while the US number came down. - **Three models are now effectively even.** Domane AL 4 Gen 4, Checkpoint ALR 5 Gen 3, and Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 all land within 3% either way. At that margin, the exchange rate on the day you buy matters more than the market. ## The Caveats, Stated Plainly We compared list price to list price. That is the only comparison where both sides are measuring the same thing, but it is not the whole picture: - **US dealers discount, and some of these are already discounted.** Trek's US site is currently showing sale pricing on several models. A US sale price will close part of a Korea gap, and can open one where none existed. - **The exchange rate moves.** ₩1,380 is today. Every number above is a snapshot, and a 5% move in the won shifts every percentage in this table. - **Some Korea colorways are listed below the standard price.** The Madone SL 5 and SL 6 both appear on the Korea site at two prices depending on the finish. We used the higher, standard list price in every row, so the Korea column here is the conservative number. - **A bike bought abroad is a bike you have to get here, and get serviced here.** Shipping, assembly, and warranty support are real costs that don't appear in either column. ## What This Means If You're Shopping If you're looking at an FX, a Marlin, a Procaliber, a Domane AL or SL, or a Madone SL, the numbers still favor buying in Korea — and you get a bike you can ride out the door with local warranty and service behind it. If you're looking at an SLR-tier Domane or Madone, the price advantage that existed in July is gone. That doesn't automatically mean buy elsewhere; it means the decision is now about service, fit, and timing rather than about price, and you should make it on those terms. If you're looking at a carbon Checkpoint, check the specific model before anything else. Come by Platoon Cycles and we'll go through where your model actually lands. If the number doesn't work out in your favor, we'll tell you that too. > Compared 21 August 2026 at $1 = ₩1,380\. US prices are current list prices on trekbikes.com (US); Korea prices are the current 소비자가 on trekbikes.com (Korea). Prices vary by size, color, and availability, and exchange rates move daily. --- **Call to action:** 📍 Platoon Cycles — 157 Pyeongtaek-daegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com ### All Day. All Road. — The New Trek Domane Gen 5 URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/all-day-all-road-the-new-trek-domane-gen-5/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T01:59:30.000Z **All Day. All Road.** The fifth-generation Domane is here, and it's in the showroom now. Trek's line for this bike is "All Day. All Road." That's the whole idea in four words: a road bike you can stay on when the surface stops being perfect, and stay comfortable on when the ride runs longer than planned. Here's what's new, and — more usefully — what those changes actually do once you're riding. *\[IMAGE — TK26\_Domane\_Slovenia\_DR\_NA\_11799.jpg\]* ### What actually changed ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/TK26_Domane_Slovenia_DR_NA_11799.jpg) **A lighter frameset.** The SLR frameset is up to 305g lighter than before. You notice this least on flat ground and most three hours in, on the fourth climb of the day, when the bike stops feeling like something you're hauling. **Clearance for 40mm tires.** This is the change that opens up the most riding here. Korea's riverside network keeps handing you unpaved connectors, loose gravel service roads, and construction detours between one paved section and the next. On 40mm rubber those sections stop being something you route around. **A revised carbon layout and a new seatpost.** Both work on the same problem: the small, constant, high-frequency buzz from rough asphalt and expansion joints that you don't consciously register but that quietly wears you down over a long day. **A taller front end.** Stack is up 20mm, and there's a new riser bar option. This is a fit change, not a performance claim — a higher, more upright front end holds a comfortable position over long hours, and it makes the bike easier to stay relaxed on when you're tired. ### The short version Trek Domane · Gen 5 What's new — and what it means on the road All Day. All Road. The change What you feel Up to 305g lighter SLR frameset Less weight to carry over long distances and repeated climbs — the difference shows up late in a ride rather than in the first ten minutes. Clearance for tires up to 40mm Smooth asphalt stays fast, and unpaved connectors, gravel service roads and rough detours stop being sections you have to plan around. Revised carbon layout and new seatpost Less of the constant road buzz from coarse asphalt and expansion joints reaching you — the fatigue you don't notice building until it has. Stack up 20mm, new riser bar option A more upright, settled riding position that's easier to hold for hours, and easier to stay relaxed in once you're tired. Figures are Trek's, for the SLR frameset. Fit is set up per rider — the riser bar is an option, and the front end can be run lower. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/TK26_Domane_Slovenia_DR_NA_11789.jpg) ### What this bike is for No bike does everything. A lighter frame with 40mm clearance and a taller front end is a set of choices, and those choices point in a clear direction: long days, mixed surfaces, and staying comfortable enough to finish well. If your riding is mostly long routes on the riverside paths, all-day rides where the road quality changes without warning, or the kind of distance where how you feel at hour five matters more than how fast you were at hour one, this is a bike worth sitting on. If you ride short and hard, or almost entirely on smooth road, it's worth a conversation before you decide — the taller front end and the wider tires are exactly the choices you'd want to think about. ### Come and ride it The bike is on the floor. You're welcome to look at it, sit on it, and take it out — the only way to know whether a riding position suits you is to actually get on it. We'll set it up to your fit either way. The riser bar is an option, not a requirement, and the front end can be run lower if that's what works for you. **Platoon Cycles** 157, Paengseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 070-8845-7351 Open daily — walk in any time, or message us to arrange a test ride. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/TK26_Domane_Slovenia_DR_NA_11801-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/TK26_Domane_Slovenia_DR_NA_11800.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/TK26_Domane_Slovenia_DR_NA_11799-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/TK26_Domane_Slovenia_DR_NA_11797.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/TK26_Domane_Slovenia_DR_NA_11796.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/TK26_Domane_Slovenia_DR_NA_11795.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/TK26_Domane_Slovenia_DR_NA_11789-1.jpg) --- ## `#Trek #Domane #TrekDomane #AllDayAllRoad #PlatoonCycles #Pyeongtaek` ### KOREA RUNS A BICYCLE TRAIN - A Bike Trip You Can Do on a Saturday URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/a-bike-trip-you-can-do-on-a-saturday/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T07:21:10.000Z If you ride, you have probably had the thought at some point. It would be good to spend a day riding around a town you do not know. Doing that properly usually turns into a project. The cross-country route is a fine thing and worth doing, but it wants planning, leave, and a week you can actually give it. So the thought comes and goes, and most weekends you ride the same paths you always ride. This is a much smaller version of the same idea. You put your bike on a train, get off a few hours later somewhere you have never been, spend the day riding around it, and take the train home that night. Lunch and dinner are included, and it asks nothing of you but a Saturday. It also costs less than you would expect, and there is a straightforward reason for that: these are government-run tours, and the Korea Tourism Organization pays for part of every one of them. I am writing about it because it exists and almost nobody I talk to knows that it does. ## How it works The thing that normally kills this idea is the bike. It will not fit in a taxi. A regular KTX will not take it unless it is boxed. Renting a car with a rack means first finding a car with a rack. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/-------------------------------2026-08-10--------------1.49.27-2.png) Korea has a green train called EcoRail that solves exactly this — a dedicated bicycle train, with a bike car built into it, racks inside, and staff whose job is taking the bike off you on the platform and loading it. Nothing gets boxed, bagged, or has a wheel removed. You hand it over and go find your seat. The shape is the same every time. The train leaves Seoul early, then stops to collect riders on the way south — Yeongdeungpo, Suwon, Cheonan — before putting everyone off at a rural station a few hours out. You ride. In the evening it is waiting where you left it, and it sets people down at those same stations on the way back up. That last part is worth more than it sounds. You do not have to get yourself to Seoul first. If Suwon or Cheonan is closer to you, you get on there and you get off there at the end of the day, and Seoul never enters the plan at all. Which stations a given train uses depends on which line it is running down, so check the stops for the tour you want — but from here, Cheonan is usually the obvious one. The train part is not wasted time either. You spend the morning in a window seat with breakfast in your hands, and on the way home you eat dinner and fall asleep, rather than driving three hours at the end of a day of riding. ## What it looks like Rather than take our word for any of that, here is someone doing it. [https://youtu.be/CszabHaqJdA](https://youtu.be/CszabHaqJdA?ref=platooncycles.com) A Korean cycling channel, OysterHong, took one of these tours out to Wanju and filmed the lot — the platform, the bike car, the staff loading his bike, the day's riding, and the trip back. It is in Korean and it runs forty-eight minutes, so skim it rather than sit through it. The part worth seeing needs no language at all: what the bike car actually looks like from the inside, how the racks work, and how ordinary the whole business is once you see it happening. If you want the words too, YouTube will translate them. Turn captions on with the CC button, then go to Settings → Subtitles → Auto-translate → English. They are machine-made from Korean speech and they are rough, but they are enough to follow along. **One thing in that video is now out of date.** He is riding an electric bike, which was permitted when he filmed it in late 2025\. It is not permitted any more. The battery rule changed on 1 July 2026 and there is more on that below — please do not watch this and turn up at the station with an e-bike. ## What one day actually looks like The Jeonju tour on 29 August is a fair example. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/-------------------------------2026-08-10--------------1.50.35-2.png) Out of Seoul Station at 07:13 — or Yeongdeungpo at 07:30, Suwon at 07:57, Cheonan at 08:36 — into Samnye Station at 10:31\. There is no meeting point and no roll call. A text a day or two ahead gives you your train, carriage and seat number, and on the morning you walk to the platform, hand your bike to the staff at the bike car, and go find it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/-------------------------------2026-08-10--------------1.51.23-1.png) You are rolling by 10:50\. Three routes are marked from the same station: - 44 km with 130 m of climbing, up the Mangyeong River into the Jeonju hanok village and back along the Samcheon - 61 km with 360 m, adding the Ajungcheon and the climb over Waemokjae - 69 km with 660 m, swapping in the Majaebong and Soyongjae forest roads The 44 is the one to look at first. It is not so much the easy option as the one that leaves you time to get off the bike, which is rather the point of going to Jeonju. Everyone is back at Samnye by 17:30\. The train is into Cheonan at 19:56, Suwon at 20:33 and Seoul at 21:18. Which is the argument for getting on at Cheonan in one line: the day runs 08:36 to 19:56 instead of 07:13 to 21:18\. Same tour, same riding, two hours and forty minutes less of it spent getting to and from a station. Both meals are included and both are handed to you in your seat — gimbap on the way down, and on the way back a Jeonju bibimbap box, which is a reasonable thing to be eating on a train out of Jeonju. Nobody is asking you to find lunch in a town you do not know, in a language you do not read, with a bike you would rather not leave outside. ## Why it costs what it costs ₩79,000 covers all of it. The round trip, the bike's passage, both meals, the staff, and a support vehicle that follows the route and will pick you up if something breaks. That number tends to raise an eyebrow, so it is worth saying where it comes from. EcoRail is not a private operator buying up seats and reselling them at a margin. The train is KORAIL, the national railway, and these tours run because the Korea Tourism Organization pays for part of every one of them. The stated purpose is to get more people cycling in parts of the country that would like more visitors. You are, fairly directly, the point of the subsidy. Work out what a return ticket to Jeonju would cost on its own, subtract it from ₩79,000, and have a look at what the remainder is buying. ## What's on the calendar Sixteen of these run between now and the end of October, and the list reads less like a race calendar than a list of reasons to go somewhere. Two are built around food festivals. One is an island in the West Sea, reached by ferry. One follows the coast road from Uljin down to Yeongdeok. The cheapest on the list, the Gimje Horizon Festival day in early October, is ₩39,000 — and that still includes the train both ways. EcoRail Bicycle Train · Autumn 2026 Tours Departing — August to October Run by KORAIL with Tour Gongbang · Part-funded by the Korea Tourism Organization · Prices per person, all ages the same Day Trips DateTourPrice Aug 17Okcheon · Daecheong Lake*Train · open*₩72,000 Aug 29Jeonju Hanok Village*Train · open · three route options, 44–69 km*₩79,000 Aug 30Gimje Horizon Plains*Train · open*₩69,000 Sep 6Chungju · Goesan · Eumseong*Train · open*₩64,000 Oct 2Gimje Horizon Festival*Train · scheduled*₩39,000 Oct 3Wanju Wild Food Festival*Train · scheduled*₩64,000 Oct 5Chojeong Springs · Okhwagugok*Train · scheduled*₩55,000 Oct 9Sejong Festival*Train · scheduled*₩58,000 Oct 31Miryang · Eoreumgol*Train · scheduled*₩69,000 Overnight — 2 Days, 1 Night DateTourPrice Sep 12Deokjeokdo & Soyado, Incheon*Ferry · open · forest and coast island riding*₩145,000 Sep 19Jangseong & Damyang*Train · open · bamboo forest and southern food*₩185,000 Oct 10Gyeongbuk East Coast*Train · scheduled · Uljin to Yeongdeok coast road*₩155,000 Oct 17Buan · Byeonsan Peninsula*Train · scheduled · Chaeseokgang cliffs, Naesosa*₩115,000 Oct 24Samcheok · Donghae · Gangneung*Train · scheduled · autumn colour and east coast*₩139,000 Long Tour — 4 Days, 3 Nights DateTourPrice Oct 26Jeju Island*Train + ferry · provisional · full ring route or oreum climbing route*₩358,000 What the Price Covers IncludedRound-trip train, bicycle carriage and loading, meals as listed per tour, staff, support vehicle Not includedAny meal not listed, travel insurance, bicycle insurance, personal spending Trains pick up and set down at stations along the way, not only in Seoul — southbound routes usually call at Yeongdeungpo, Suwon and Cheonan, so check the stops for the tour you want. Prices and dates as listed by the operator in August 2026 and subject to change. Electric bikes cannot be carried; batteries over 160 Wh are banned from all Korean trains. **Booking is in Korean only. Come to the shop and we will do it with you, at no charge.** Full schedule: [tour08.co.kr](https://www.tour08.co.kr/home/goods%5Fview/index.asp?ts=goods%5Flist&strApart=E&strBpart=1&strCpart=1&ref=platooncycles.com) ## The parts nobody puts in the brochure This is a good product. It is not a frictionless one, and some of the friction matters more than the rest. **It is self-guided.** You are sent a GPX file a day or two before and you ride your own pace. No group, no pace line, nobody waiting at junctions. Bring a phone mount and a battery pack, because your phone is the route. Staff will ride with anyone who cannot work the GPX, but they are also the safety crew, so that is not a guide service. **Electric bikes cannot come.** Since 1 July 2026, batteries over 160 Wh are banned from all trains, EcoRail included. Turn up with one and you will be refused at the station, and that counts as a same-day cancellation with no refund. A non-electric bike, or an e-bike with the battery removed. Tour Gongbang says they are working with KORAIL on it, but for now it is a hard no. The rule is new enough that almost everything you will find online about these tours — the video above included — was filmed while e-bikes were still fine, so do not take an old clip as permission. **There is no insurance.** Not included, and the operator states plainly that accidents are your own responsibility. Whatever you carry — personal liability, travel cover, a cycling policy — check it covers you before you book rather than after. **The cancellation terms are strict.** Full refund up to 14 days out, 90% from 13 to 7 days, 50% from 6 to 3 days, and nothing inside two days. Weather is not an exception; the train runs regardless. The one useful escape is that handing your place to another person costs nothing, so a friend who wants your spot solves it completely. **Day trips have no bag storage.** Whatever you bring, you carry on your back all day. Pack light. **Everything runs in Korean.** The site, the booking form, the confirmation text, the GPX notes, and the staff on the day. That last one is the real barrier, and it is the one we can do something about. ## Come by the shop If something on that list looks good to you, come in and we will book it with you. Not for you — with you. You sit at the counter, we go through the Korean form together, and the booking goes in under your own name with your own payment. It can also be done by phone, and paid by bank transfer rather than card, which sidesteps the usual trouble with foreign cards on Korean payment systems. When the confirmation message arrives we will translate it, and we will open the GPX file with you so you know what you are looking at on the day. We make nothing from this. No commission, no arrangement, no relationship with the tour company at all. We are not a travel agency and have no interest in becoming one. It is also worth getting the bike serviced before you go. Brakes, tires, chain, bolts — the sort of thing that is a minor annoyance at home and a much larger one forty kilometres from the station. Bring it in whenever suits you before the trip and we will go through it. Service is free here, as it always is. While it is on the stand we will show you what the train rack needs: computer, lights, mirror and bottles off, and the rear derailleur dropped to the smallest cog so nothing gets bent in transit. It takes two minutes once you know what you are looking at, and it is worth knowing, because you will be doing it again on the way home. ## That's all it is Almost nobody comes back and tells you about the ride. They tell you about the town — the place they stopped because the smell coming out of it was too good to ride past, the festival they had no idea was on until they rode into the middle of it. This is a cheap and low-effort way to go and collect a day like that. If you want one, come and see us and we will get you on a train. --- *Platoon Cycles · Paengseong, Pyeongtaek · 070-8845-7351* ### Same Road, Twice a Day URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/same-road-twice-a-day/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T03:30:35.000Z Nine in the morning. Seven in the evening. The same stretch of river path, five days a week. The footage is mixed together. Different mornings, different evenings, all from July, all on the same road at the same two hours. Nothing in it was planned. I wasn't riding out to find anything — I was going to work, and then I was going home. That turned out to be the point. Same road, same hour, and it kept looking different. A few things the video can't tell you: July in Korea is hot. Properly hot, and humid with it. Nine and seven are the two windows that still work — early enough and late enough that the heat lets go a little. Midday is not a choice you make twice. Even in those windows I didn't ride every day. Two or three times a week, most weeks. In this heat that's a pacing decision. By nine in the morning it's already 30°C. There isn't much shade on a river path, but there is some — trees along the water on parts of it, enough that about a third of the ride in sits underneath them. After a few weeks you know exactly where they start and where they end. The evenings are the stranger half. I set off around seven, and by the time I'm nearly home it's close to eight and the sun still hasn't started going anywhere. Summer days here run long. It's an evening ride that doesn't look like evening. Going the other direction those same trees are on the wrong side and give me nothing — but the sun isn't overhead anymore, it's somewhere off my shoulder, and that turns out to be the part that matters. Being next to the river means there's usually wind. Mostly straight into my face — on the way out and on the way back, somehow. None of this is a route recommendation. The path runs along the Anseongcheon (안성천), near Paengseong Bridge (팽성대교). Keep heading west and it carries on toward Pyeongtaek Port — the river opens out, and eventually it's the sea. I don't ride that far. My commute turns off well before any of that. But it's there, and it's connected, which is worth knowing. This isn't what cycling in Korea looks like. It's what one ordinary road looks like, morning and evening, across one July. Same hour, same road. It never looked the same twice — it just took me a while to start noticing. ### Trek Bicycle Korea — 2026 Mono Brand Excellence Award URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/trek-bicycle-korea-2026-mono-brand-excellence-award/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T03:15:47.000Z On August 3, Trek Bicycle Korea gave us the Mono Brand Excellence Award at the 2026 Best Dealer Awards. Being a mono-brand Trek store isn't only about the sign out front. It means the diagnostic tools, the service training, and the parts pipeline all come from one place. When something goes wrong with your bike, that's the part you actually feel — how quickly we can get the right part and process the warranty. That's the whole reason the award matters to us. Not the trophy. The fact that we can keep answering the question every rider asks when they walk into a shop in a country they didn't grow up in: can I trust this place with my bike? Platoon Cycles, Pyeongtaek. Come by anytime. ### The New Domane Has Arrived — But We Can't Show You Photos Until August 14 URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/the-new-domane-has-arrived-but-we-cant-show-you-photos-until-august-14/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T03:16:23.000Z The new Trek Domane arrived at the shop this week. It's built up, it's on the floor, and you can look at it right now. What we can't do is put it on the internet. There's an embargo in place until **August 14**, which means no photos, no detail shots, no spec sheets from us until then. That's the deal with new model launches, and we're going to keep to it. So this is a short post with nothing to look at. Sorry about that. The bike itself is a different story. It's sitting in the showroom, and there's nothing stopping you from coming in and seeing it — turning the cranks, looking at the frame up close, asking whatever you want to ask. If you've been waiting on this one, that's the only way to see it before the 14th. After the embargo lifts we'll post proper photos and go through the details. Until then, the door is open. **Platoon Cycles** 157, Paengseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 070-8845-7351 ### The New Domane: Where Your Size Went, and Why the Numbers Are Gone URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/the-new-domane-where-your-size-went-and-why-the-numbers-are-gone/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T03:17:05.000Z Trek's fifth-generation Domane arrives with six sizes instead of eight, labeled XS through XL instead of 47 through 62. The easy read is that Trek trimmed the lineup. That's part of it. But put the two geometry charts side by side and something more specific shows up: the frame didn't get simpler. What changed is how Trek describes fit, and where the bike's comfort comes from. We compared both charts row by row. Here's what's in them. ## Where your size went ### Old size → New size Gen 4 Gen 5 Reach (cm) Stack (cm) 47 XS Reach36.4 → 36.8 *(+4mm)* Stack52.7 → 52.4 *(−3mm)* 49 S Reach*not offered on the Gen 4 Domane* Stack*—* 50 S Reach36.8 → 37.1 *(+3mm)* Stack54.6 → 55.5 *(+9mm)* 52 M Reach37.1 → 37.4 *(+3mm)* Stack56.1 → 57.5 *(+14mm)* 54 M Reach37.4 → 37.4 **(same)** Stack57.5 → 57.5 **(same)** 56 ML Reach37.7 → 37.7 **(same)** Stack59.1 → 59.6 *(+5mm)* 58 L Reach38.0 → 38.0 **(same)** Stack61.1 → 61.8 *(+7mm)* 60 L Reach38.3 → 38.0 *(−3mm)* Stack63.2 → 61.8 *(−14mm)* 62 XL Reach38.6 → 38.4 *(−2mm)* Stack65.6 → 64.8 *(−8mm)* Size conversion as published by Trek. Reach and stack figures are from the Gen 4 and Gen 5 Domane geometry charts, and describe the frame only — stack is measured to the top of the head tube, not to your hands. Trek's conversion covers its road range as a whole, which is why a 49 appears; the Gen 4 Domane didn't offer one. That conversion is Trek's own. The reach and stack figures beside it come from the two geometry charts. What's worth noticing is what Trek matched on. Old and new reach figures line up almost perfectly — the 54, 56 and 58 carry their reach across to the millimetre. But reach isn't what decides your new size. Trek matched on **stack**. That's the right call, and it's the logic of the whole new chart in a single decision. Reach is what a stem fixes. Stack is what a stem can't. So the conversion protects your handlebar height and lets reach land where it lands. Three sizes barely move. A 54 becomes an M with identical reach and identical stack. The 56 and 58 shift by 5 and 7mm, which is one spacer. Two move a long way. A 52 becomes an M and gains 14mm of stack. A 60 becomes an L and loses 14mm. Trek's white paper says the new bike keeps the endurance geometry and fit that came before it. Across most of the range, the chart backs that up. But the chart isn't the whole answer, because stack is measured to the top of the head tube — not to your hands. ## Where the handlebar actually ends up The new Domane comes with a riser bar. It adds 20mm of height, and it's standard equipment across the range — not an upgrade, not an option, and not limited to the cheaper builds. One model is the exception: the SLR 9 AXS 1x, which gets an integrated cockpit instead. That 20mm sits on top of every stack number in the chart above. ### Where the handlebar actually ends up Conversion Frame stack At your hands 47 → XS Frame−3mm Hands+17mm 50 → S Frame+9mm Hands+29mm 52 → M Frame+14mm Hands+34mm 54 → M Frameno change Hands+20mm 56 → ML Frame+5mm Hands+25mm 58 → L Frame+7mm Hands+27mm 60 → L Frame−14mm Hands+6mm 62 → XL Frame−8mm Hands+12mm The right-hand column assumes the stock 20mm riser bar, which is standard across the range apart from the SLR 9 AXS 1x, and a like-for-like spacer stack. Every size ends up with the bar higher than the one it replaces. Swapping to a conventional bar takes 20mm back out. Every size ends up with the bar higher than the one it replaces. Not one comes out lower. A 54 rider moving to an M gets an identical frame and a bar two centimetres further up. A 52 moving to an M gains nearly three and a half. The 60 is the interesting one. On paper it loses 14mm of stack moving to an L, which reads like a problem. With the bar accounted for, it gains 6mm. Nothing to solve. ### Why build the height into the bar ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/-------------------------------2026-08-01--------------12.43.36.png) Because the alternative is a tower of spacers, and Trek says as much — the riser exists to give a more upright position "without complicating the front end." There's a second thing it buys, and it matters more. Frame stack and riding position are now separate decisions. The frame sets a floor; the bar sets where you actually sit. Want to be lower than stock? Fit a conventional bar and take the 20mm back out. Want upright? It arrives that way. Which is the same idea as the fixed seat tube angle, applied to the other end of the bike: the frame supplies a coordinate, the components supply the position. It's also a second reason eight sizes could become six. Height adjustment moved off the frame. There's a detail that confirms how deliberate this is. The one build that skips the riser bar — the SLR 9 AXS 1x — is also the one build Trek's white paper exempts from the 35mm tire spec. The fastest bike in the range opts out of both. Everything else gets the wide tire and the tall bar as the default, which tells you which bike Trek thinks it's actually making. ## Why the numbers went away ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/-------------------------------2026-08-01--------------12.43.51-1.png) On the old chart, the frame labeled "47cm" had a seat tube measuring 42.0cm. The one labeled "62cm" measured 58.6cm. Every label on that chart was four to five centimetres off the tube it was named after. That isn't a Trek problem. It's an industry holdover from when road frames had horizontal top tubes and seat tube length told you something real. Sloping top tubes ended that decades ago. The numbers stayed anyway. The old chart measured a tube. The new chart measures where your body ends up. **Stack** is how high the handlebar sits. **Reach** is how far forward it sits. Those two figures together describe a riding position. Frame size never did. ### The change that makes those numbers honest One other figure had to move first: seat tube angle — how steeply the saddle sits over the pedals. On the old Domane it ran from 74.6° on the smallest frame to 72.5° on the largest. Over two degrees of spread. Small frames pushed the rider forward, large frames set them back. Not because small riders want to sit forward, but because that's what the frame's proportions demanded. On the new Domane every size sits between 73.3° and 73.7°. Effectively one angle across the range. In practical terms, your saddle position is now set by your seatpost and your saddle rails, which is where it was always supposed to be set. The frame stays out of it. The side effect matters more than it sounds. When seat angle varies by size, a reach figure doesn't tell you the real distance from saddle to bar, because the saddle keeps moving underneath it. Hold the angle constant and reach finally means one thing across every size. The chart becomes a coordinate system instead of a list of tube lengths. ### What the range tells you ### Across the whole range Gen 4 Gen 5 Sizes Gen 48 (47–62) Gen 56 (XS–XL) Seat tube angle spread Gen 474.6° – 72.5° Gen 573.7° – 73.3° Stack range Gen 452.7 – 65.6 cm Gen 552.4 – 64.8 cm Reach range Gen 436.4 – 38.6 cm Gen 536.8 – 38.4 cm Stack step between sizes Gen 4about 18 mm Gen 5about 25 mm Reach step between sizes Gen 4about 3 mm Gen 5about 3 mm Trail Gen 45.9 – 6.1 cm Gen 56.2 – 6.3 cm Chainstay Gen 442.0 / 42.5 cm Gen 542.0 cm, all sizes Tire clearance Gen 438 mm Gen 540c Vertical range held; horizontal range cut by 27%. Seat tube angle went from a two-degree spread to effectively one angle across every size. Stack range across the new lineup runs 52.4cm to 64.8cm. On the old lineup it was 52.7 to 65.6\. Almost identical. Reach range is 36.8 to 38.4, against 36.4 to 38.6 before — 27% narrower. Trek kept the full vertical spread and cut the horizontal one. The reasoning behind that is straightforward: riders differ far more in height than in torso-plus-arm length, and the dimension that varies less can be handled by a stem. ## The wider tire, and three generations of subtraction Now the part that isn't about sizing. Trek has been removing things from this bike for three generations. **Gen 3** had IsoSpeed at both ends of the frame, with the rear adjustable. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/-------------------------------2026-08-01--------------3.01.00.png) DOMANE GEN3 **Gen 4**, in 2023, deleted the front IsoSpeed and the rear adjustment. Trek's stated reason at the time was that wide tires at low pressure do the same job. Clearance went up to 38mm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/-------------------------------2026-08-01--------------3.02.20.png) DOMANE GEN 4 **Gen 5** removes the rear IsoSpeed as well. Clearance goes to 40c, and the stock tire moves up with it — 35c, against 32c on the outgoing bike. Each generation has taken another piece out of the frame and put a little more air in the tire. This one finishes the job. Trek's own testing puts a number on where that ended up. Measured on their treadmill, a first-generation Domane — IsoSpeed fitted, 25mm tubulars, the pressures those required — transmits 19% *more* vibration energy to the rider than the new bike, which has no IsoSpeed at all. The mechanism lost to the tire, and Trek is the one saying so. The change shows up in the geometry chart without anyone having to announce it. Trail — the figure describing how strongly a bike holds a line — went from 5.9–6.1cm to 6.2–6.3cm. Head angles and fork offsets barely moved between generations, and those are the only other inputs. The one remaining variable is tire radius. Working backwards from the published trail figures, the new chart is built on a tire roughly 8mm larger in radius than the old one. That's more than the labels suggest, and the reason is worth knowing: a tire's printed size is a starting point, not a measurement. Rims have been getting wider, and a wider rim stretches the same casing further. A 35c on a current endurance wheel measures close to 37mm. The 32c the old chart was drawn around sat nearer 30mm. Three millimetres on the label. Closer to six or seven on the road. ### Where the smoothing happens now ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/-------------------------------2026-08-01--------------2.46.40.png) IsoSpeed was one part doing one job. The new bike splits that job three ways. **The seatpost** is shaped for it — an oval internal cross-section that gives under a sharp hit but stays stiff sideways when you load the saddle through a corner. **The frame layup** was tuned to allow vertical movement while holding pedaling stiffness. **The tire** does the rest, and does the most. Splitting it up works better than one clever part for a reason worth understanding. A frame that flexes to smooth the road also flexes when you push on the pedals — the two aren't fully separable, and riders tend to describe the result as muted, or vague under power. A tire deflects vertically. Pedaling load runs roughly perpendicular to it. Move most of the smoothing into the tire and the two jobs come apart: the tire handles the road, the frame handles the drive. Trek measured that side of it too. On the Tour magazine pedaling stiffness test, the new frame comes in 6% stiffer than the outgoing one — landing, by their description, between the old Domane and the current Madone. Not a race frame. But more of what you put in arriving at the chain. One more point that gets less attention: IsoSpeed only ever helped the saddle. Your hands got nothing from it, and neither did the front wheel. A wider tire works at every contact point, on both wheels. ### What's actually lost Less than you'd expect, provided the pressure is right. Trek ran both generations on an instrumented treadmill — force-sensing saddle and bars, accelerometers, 3D motion capture — at speeds from 12 to 32km/h. At the top of that range, the difference in vertical bottom bracket movement between the Gen 4 with IsoSpeed and the Gen 5 without it came to 0.08mm. The difference in how well the rider's pelvis stayed planted on the saddle was 0.11mm. Those aren't numbers anyone feels. There's still a case that a single sharp edge felt different with IsoSpeed. The saddle moving up and back out of the way is a distinct sensation and it isn't in the new bike. But as a system, over real terrain, Trek's data says the two sit close enough that the difference is hard to locate. That measurement comes with one condition attached, and it's the next section. ## The one number that has to change Going from a 32mm tire to a 35mm one increases the tire's internal surface area by about 10%. At the same pressure, the outward force on the casing goes up by the same 10%. A bigger tire at your old pressure is a harder tire. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/-------------------------------2026-08-01--------------3.10.00.png) DOMANE GEN5 TIRE 35C To keep the casing doing the same work, the pressure has to come down about 10%. That's the setting all of those comfort figures were measured at. Run 35s at your old 32mm pressure and the arithmetic behind them doesn't hold. This isn't a call for precision. A 35mm tire holds more air than a 32, which makes it *less* sensitive to being a few psi off, not more — Trek's own testing ran a band of plus or minus 20% around the target. The number doesn't need to be exact. It does need to move. And it matters more than it used to, because there's no longer anything sitting behind it. On the old bike, IsoSpeed sat between an over-inflated tire and the rider and quietly absorbed part of the mistake. On this one, the tire is the system. Whatever the tire doesn't take, you get. Trek set their own test pressures with the Wolf Tooth pressure calculator — free, takes about a minute, and asks for rider weight, bike weight, tire size and surface. Worth running once and writing the number down. ## From time to place Trek still calls this an endurance bike, and the white paper says so plainly. But look at what the engineering actually went after and the emphasis has moved. The old Domane made its case on duration — something you could stay on for a long time without falling apart. The new one makes it on terrain. The trail figure is the clearest evidence. It didn't only go up, it went flat: every size in the new lineup lands between 6.2 and 6.3, where the old range wandered between 5.9 and 6.1\. Small and large frames now steer the same way, which was not true before. Nobody spends engineering effort on that to make a bike comfortable. You do it for a bike meant to be ridden fast on surfaces that aren't good, for long enough that you get tired. One thing worth being clear about: a 35c tire is not faster than a 32c on smooth tarmac. It's heavier, it carries more rotating weight, and it costs something in aerodynamics. What it does is stop you slowing down when the surface goes bad. On the Korean river paths, that's the figure that matters. The Four Rivers network alternates between fresh asphalt, patched sections, expansion joints, and gravel detours around whatever is under construction that year. Nobody rides those routes at a constant speed. The question was never top speed. It's how much you give up in the parts that aren't smooth, and how much of you is left at hour six. The bike can still do long days. That's just no longer the pitch — it's the consequence. ## Which situations this suits Both directions, because neither list is much use alone. **It suits you if:** - Most of your riding ends up on the river paths, where good asphalt and patched asphalt alternate every few kilometres - You've been running 28s or 32s at high pressure and your hands and lower back give out before your legs do - You want one bike that handles paved routes and the occasional gravel detour without a second thought - You currently ride a 54, 56 or 58 Domane — those three convert with almost nothing changing - You've always ended up on the smallest frame a brand makes and never quite got low enough on it — the XS frame will finally do it, though not with the bar it ships with **It suits you less well if:** - Acceleration and climbing weight are what you notice most. Wider tires cost both, and the cost is real - You like a bike that changes direction quickly. The trail increase is a deliberate move toward stability, and stability is the far end of that trade - You ride with the bar low. Stock, this bike puts your hands 1.2 to 3.4cm higher than the size it replaces, and getting back down takes work That last one needs detail. ### If you were on a 52 Trek puts you on an M, which is where a 54 also lands. Reach goes up 3mm, which a stem covers. Frame stack goes up 14mm, and the riser bar adds 20 more. **That's 3.4cm of bar height** — the largest jump anywhere in the conversion. If you ran your 52 with a tall spacer stack, some of that comes straight back out. If you were already slammed, the honest answer is that the stock build is a long way above where you've been, and closing it means a conventional bar as well as no spacers. Worth sorting before delivery rather than after. ### If you were on a 60 The chart makes this one look worse than it is. Frame stack drops 14mm moving to an L, but the riser bar puts 20mm back, so your hands end up 6mm higher than on the 60\. Reach comes down 3mm and the seat angle is half a degree steeper, which nudges the saddle forward slightly. In practice this is close to a straight swap. The XL is the other option, and it's 3cm of frame stack above the L — a long way to go for a rider who only needed a little more. ### And one note on the smallest size ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/08/-------------------------------2026-08-01--------------3.15.01.png) Domane Size Charts (Height / Inseam) A 47 converts to XS with 4mm more reach and 3mm less stack. On paper, nothing. But the seat angle is 1.1° slacker, and that moves your saddle roughly a centimetre further back on its own. Added up, that's about 1.5cm more distance from saddle to bar — a stem length, plus some. It's the one conversion where the number that matters isn't in the stack column. The other thing worth knowing about the XS is a distinction between the frame and the bike. As a frame, it's the best-proportioned small Domane there has been. Stack-to-reach comes out at 1.42, which is race-bike territory — the old 47 sat at 1.45 and got there by being short rather than by being low, which is a different thing and not as useful. Small frames on 700c wheels can only go so low; the head tube is already down to 10.6cm and there isn't much floor left. Trek couldn't drop the bar much further, so they lengthened the bike instead. As a *bike*, though, the XS arrives 17mm taller at the hands than the 47 did, because the riser bar is on it. The low proportion is available. It isn't what turns up. For a small rider who has spent years unable to get low enough, that's good news with one step attached: the frame will finally do it, once the bar comes off. Whether that reads as a fix or a loss depends on what you wanted from the bike. It's a fix if you were fighting to get low on it. It's a loss if you were on the 47 because it was the shortest thing available. ### Domane Gen 5 — Geometry All measurements in cm unless otherwise noted. Letters match the labels on Trek's geometry diagram. Swipe the table sideways to see every size → Frame size XSSMMLLXL Wheel size 700c700c700c700c700c700c *A*Seat tube 44.447.650.053.355.359.3 *B*Seat tube angle 73.5°73.7°73.5°73.3°73.3°73.3° *C*Head tube length 10.613.915.917.019.222.6 *D*Head angle 71.3°71.1°71.2°71.9°72.0°72.1° *E*Effective top tube 52.053.054.155.356.257.5 *G*Bottom bracket drop 8.08.08.07.87.87.5 *H*Chainstay length 42.042.042.042.042.042.0 *I*Offset 5.35.35.34.84.84.8 *J*Trail 6.26.36.36.36.36.2 *K*Wheelbase 98.7100.2101.1101.0101.9103.3 *L*Standover 72.175.377.580.582.686.3 *M*Frame reach 36.837.137.437.738.038.4 *N*Frame stack 52.455.557.559.661.864.8 Front center 58.059.560.460.261.162.4 Reach and stack are highlighted because they're the two rows that decide your size. Both describe the frame only — stack is measured to the top of the head tube, so the 20mm riser bar sits on top of every figure in that row. ## Choosing a size One figure changed the arithmetic here. Steps between sizes on the old chart were about 18mm of stack and about 3mm of reach. On the new chart it's about 25mm of stack and still about 3mm of reach. Reach barely moves between sizes. Stack moves a lot. Which means picking a size is now almost entirely a decision about handlebar height — reach is the stem's job. The practical consequence is about which mistake you can undo, and the riser bar changes the answer from what it used to be. **Too high is now the easy mistake to fix.** You have 20mm in the bar and whatever your spacer stack holds — call it three to four centimetres of downward range before you run out. That's more room than any previous Domane gave you. **Too low is the hard one.** Below zero spacers and a flat bar, the frame's own stack is a floor with nothing underneath it. And going up beyond stock means steerer length, which arrives cut and can't be added back. So if you're genuinely between two sizes, the smaller one still leaves you more room to work with — but the reason has changed. It isn't that you can stack spacers forever. It's that the bike now ships high, so almost all of the adjustment you're likely to want runs downward, and downward is the direction that's covered. If you're converting from a bike you already own, use Trek's table. It's built to protect the number that's hardest to get back. Initial stock here is M, ML and L, which between them cover the old 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60. ## Weight Trek quotes a 292g saving against the outgoing bike — with the IsoSpeed assembly gone, and its service interval gone with it. Two things are worth knowing about that figure. Trek doesn't specify whether it's measured at the frame or at the complete bike. And the wider tires add weight at the wheels, which is usually where a frame saving gets spent. Read 292g as the direction rather than the number you'll feel lifting it off the rack. One more, since it's easy to run into: the "300g" and "700g" savings quoted around the internet belong to Gen 4's launch in 2023, not to this bike. The numbers are close enough to be mistaken for each other. ## The short version Trek didn't simplify the Domane. They finished something they started three generations ago — taking the job of smoothing the road away from a single mechanism and handing it to the tire, the seatpost and the layup between them — and then rebuilt the size chart around where the rider actually sits instead of how long a tube is. Your frame fit mostly comes along unchanged. Your handlebar doesn't — stock, it sits 1.2 to 3.4cm higher than the size it replaces, and whether that's a welcome change or a thing to undo is worth deciding before the bike is built rather than after. Either way, set the pressure for the tire that's actually on it, because nothing else is going to cover for it now. The chart gets you to a short list. The rest of it is sitting on one. ### Trek Bikes: Korea vs. US Prices — The 10 Biggest Gaps (July 2026) URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/trek-bikes-korea-vs-us-prices-the-10-biggest-gaps-july-2026/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T01:13:18.000Z Every few months we run the same check: what does a Trek actually cost in Korea compared to the US? This month we pulled current list prices for the same models and trims in both markets and converted them at the mid-July exchange rate ($1 = ₩1,480). Then we ranked the gaps. The result: of the models we could match exactly, the ten below are 16–32% cheaper in Korea. The won is weak right now, and Trek Korea's pricing hasn't moved with it — so if you earn in dollars, the math is unusually in your favor. ## The 10 Biggest Price Gaps Model US List Korea List You Save in Korea **1\. FX 3 Gen 4** *Fitness hybrid* $1,149.99 ₩1,150,000 **32%**₩552,000 **2\. Madone SL 5 Gen 8** *Road · carbon* $3,699.99 ₩3,850,000 **30%**₩1,626,000 **3\. FX 2 Gen 4** *Fitness hybrid* $899.99 ₩940,000 **29%**₩392,000 **4\. Procaliber 6** *XC mountain · hardtail* $1,799.99 ₩1,900,000 **29%**₩764,000 **5\. Marlin 5 Gen 3** *Mountain · hardtail* $849.99 ₩899,000 **29%**₩359,000 **6\. FX 1 Gen 4** *Fitness hybrid* $699.99 ₩770,000 **26%**₩266,000 **7\. Madone SL 6 Gen 8** *Road · carbon* $5,299.99 ₩5,850,000 **25%**₩1,994,000 **8\. Marlin 7 Gen 3** *Mountain · hardtail* $1,399.99 ₩1,550,000 **25%**₩522,000 **9\. Madone SL 7 Gen 8** *Road · carbon* $6,599.99 ₩7,750,000 **21%**₩2,018,000 **10\. Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3** *XC mountain · hardtail* $2,699.99 ₩3,350,000 **16%**₩646,000 Savings = Korea list price vs. US list price converted at $1 = ₩1,480 (mid-July 2026). List prices only — US sale prices vary by dealer. A few things stand out: - **The biggest percentage gap is a fitness bike.** The FX 3 lists at $1,149.99 in the US and ₩1,150,000 here — about 32% less once you convert. - **The biggest won savings are on carbon road.** A Madone SL 7 costs about ₩2,000,000 less here than its US list price converted. The SL 6 is close behind. - **The pattern is simple.** For much of the lineup, Trek Korea prices roughly track the dollar figure times 1,000 (a $1,150 FX 3 is ₩1,150,000). With the actual rate at ₩1,480, that's the whole story. ## Where the Gap Disappears This isn't across the board, and it's worth being straight about that. At the top of the range, the gap shrinks to nearly nothing — a Madone SLR 7 is $8,999.99 in the US and ₩13,000,000 here, which is almost exactly parity at today's rate. High-end full-suspension mountain bikes also don't follow the pattern above; if you're shopping in that range, check the specific model before assuming anything. One more honest caveat: we compared list prices. US dealers discount, sometimes heavily, and a US sale price can close part of the gap. But you'd be comparing a discounted bike over there with a bike you can walk in and ride today — with local warranty support and service. ## The Bottom Line - **Commuting or fitness?** FX 1, FX 2, and FX 3 run 26–32% less here. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-26-----------------9.51.34.png) Trek FX Series ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-26-----------------9.51.52.png) Trek FX Series - **First mountain bike?** Marlin 5 and Marlin 7 are about 25–29% less. The Procaliber 6 and 9.5 hardtails, 16–29%. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-26-----------------9.52.22.png) Trek Marlin Series - **Carbon road?** Madone SL 5/6/7 save you ₩1.6M–2.0M against US list. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-26-----------------9.53.10.png) Trek Madone SL If you're riding in Korea and wondering whether to buy here or wait — the numbers say here, for most of the lineup. Stop by Platoon Cycles and we'll walk you through what fits your riding. No pressure, just the numbers and a test ride. > Compared in mid-July 2026 at $1 = ₩1,480\. US prices are current manufacturer list prices as shown by authorized Trek dealers; Korea prices are the current list price at authorized Trek dealers in Korea. Prices may vary by size, color, and availability, and exchange rates move daily. --- **Call to action:** 📍 Platoon Cycles — 157 Pyeongtaek-daegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com ### Korea Cross-Country Route: Section Data & Free GPX URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/korea-cross-country-route-section-data-free-gpx/ Last updated: 2026-07-18T08:57:31.000Z The cross-country bicycle route (국토종주) runs about 600 km from the west coast at Incheon to Busan on the south coast, almost entirely on dedicated bike paths. This page is our working reference for the route: measured distances, certification centers, and GPX files you can load onto your bike computer. Everything here is free. We keep this page updated as the official route data changes — the date on each table tells you when it was last rebuilt. ## How the route works The route is made of five sections that connect end to end. At certification centers along the way (small red phone booths), you stamp a passport that you can buy at Incheon or at bike shops along the route. Complete all the stamps and you can register the ride and receive a medal at the finish. You don't need the passport to ride — the path is public — but most riders find the stamps become half the fun. ## Cross-Country Route — Sections Incheon to Busan on the certification route. Typical schedule: 5-7 riding days. SectionDifficultyDistance Ara Bikeway Ara West Sea Lock (Incheon) → Ara Hangang LockEasy21 km Hangang Route (Seoul) Ara Hangang Lock → Paldang BridgeEasy56 km Namhangang Route Paldang Bridge → Chungju DamEasy-Moderate131 km Saejae Route Chungju Tangeumdae → Sangju Sangpung BridgeChallenging99 km Nakdonggang Route Andong Dam area → Nakdonggang Estuary Bank (Busan)Moderate (long)366 km Nakdonggang distance is the full route from Andong; cross-country riders join it at Sangju Sangpung Bridge (301 km to Busan). Updated 2026-07-18. ## GPX files One file per section. Each file contains the track plus the certification centers as waypoints. Two honest notes: - The tracks are built from the government route database (MOIS, data.go.kr), not hand-drawn. On the Ara and Seoul sections the database has a few short breaks (1.5-2.6 km); they appear as track breaks rather than invented lines. We are verifying these on the ground and will update the files. - The tracks carry no elevation data. Your bike computer or app will fill elevation from its own maps. [PlatoonCycles\_XC\_01\_Ara\_v10PlatoonCycles\_XC\_01\_Ara\_v10.gpx6 KBdownload-circle](https://www.platooncycles.com/content/files/2026/07/PlatoonCycles%5FXC%5F01%5FAra%5Fv10.gpx "Download") [PlatoonCycles\_XC\_02\_Hangang\_Seoul\_v10PlatoonCycles\_XC\_02\_Hangang\_Seoul\_v10.gpx25 KBdownload-circle](https://www.platooncycles.com/content/files/2026/07/PlatoonCycles%5FXC%5F02%5FHangang%5FSeoul%5Fv10.gpx "Download") [PlatoonCycles\_XC\_03\_Namhangang\_v10PlatoonCycles\_XC\_03\_Namhangang\_v10.gpx64 KBdownload-circle](https://www.platooncycles.com/content/files/2026/07/PlatoonCycles%5FXC%5F03%5FNamhangang%5Fv10.gpx "Download") [PlatoonCycles\_XC\_04\_Saejae\_v10PlatoonCycles\_XC\_04\_Saejae\_v10.gpx226 KBdownload-circle](https://www.platooncycles.com/content/files/2026/07/PlatoonCycles%5FXC%5F04%5FSaejae%5Fv10.gpx "Download") [PlatoonCycles\_XC\_05\_Nakdonggang\_v10PlatoonCycles\_XC\_05\_Nakdonggang\_v10.gpx228 KBdownload-circle](https://www.platooncycles.com/content/files/2026/07/PlatoonCycles%5FXC%5F05%5FNakdonggang%5Fv10.gpx "Download") ## Section 1 — Ara Bikeway (21 km, Easy) Ara West Sea Lock (Incheon) → Ara Hangang Lock. A flat canal-side path and the ceremonial start of the ride: the west-coast start stamp is here. Riding time is under two hours, so most riders combine it with the Seoul section on day one. ## Ara Bikeway — Certification Centers Ara West Sea Lock (Incheon) → Ara Hangang Lock · 21 km · Easy Certification CenterLegFrom Start Ara West Sea Lock 아라서해갑문+0.0 km0.0 km Ara Hangang Lock 아라한강갑문+20.6 km20.6 km Distances measured from official route data (MOIS, data.go.kr). Signage on the ground may differ slightly. Updated 2026-07-18. ## Section 2 — Hangang Route, Seoul (56 km, Easy) Ara Hangang Lock → Paldang Bridge, following the Han River through Seoul. Flat and fully paved. It is the busiest stretch of the whole route — expect other riders, walkers, and full convenience stores rather than solitude. Good coffee and food options the entire way. ## Hangang Route (Seoul) — Certification Centers Ara Hangang Lock → Paldang Bridge · 56 km · Easy Certification CenterLegFrom Start Yeouido (Seoul Marina) 여의도서울마리나+16.9 km16.9 km Ttukseom Observatory Complex 뚝섬전망콤플렉스+11.6 km28.5 km Gwangnaru Bike Park 광나루자전거공원+8.0 km36.5 km Paldang Bridge 팔당대교+19.5 km56.0 km Distances measured from official route data (MOIS, data.go.kr). Signage on the ground may differ slightly. Updated 2026-07-18. ## Section 3 — Namhangang Route (131 km, Easy-Moderate) Paldang Bridge → Chungju. Much of it follows a converted railway line along the South Han River, with old stations and tunnels. Mostly flat with a few short hills. Cross-country riders turn off toward Chungju Tangeumdae around km 119; the final stretch to Chungju Dam completes the separate Namhangang certification if you want it. ## Namhangang Route — Certification Centers Paldang Bridge → Chungju Dam · 131 km · Easy-Moderate Certification CenterLegFrom Start Neungnae Station 능내역+5.7 km5.7 km Balgeun Plaza (Bukhangang route junction) 밝은광장+4.0 km9.8 km Yangpyeong Art Museum 양평군립미술관+19.2 km28.9 km Ipo Weir 이포보+13.7 km42.6 km Yeoju Weir 여주보+13.5 km56.2 km Gangcheon Weir 강천보+10.3 km66.5 km Binae Island 비내섬+30.3 km96.9 km Chungju Dam 충주댐+34.0 km130.9 km Distances measured from official route data (MOIS, data.go.kr). Signage on the ground may differ slightly. Updated 2026-07-18. ## Section 4 — Saejae Route (100 km, Challenging) Chungju Tangeumdae → Sangju Sangpung Bridge. The mountain stage: two real passes, Sojo-ryeong and Ihwaryeong (about 530 m). The climbs are steady rather than brutal, but with luggage they earn respect. What goes up comes down — the descent toward Mungyeong is long and fast. ## Saejae Route — Certification Centers Chungju Tangeumdae → Sangju Sangpung Bridge · 99 km · Challenging Certification CenterLegFrom Start Chungju Tangeumdae 충주탄금대+0.0 km0.0 km Suanbo Hot Springs 수안보온천+27.5 km27.5 km Haengchon Intersection 행촌교차로+13.9 km41.5 km Ihwaryeong Pass 이화령휴게소+3.7 km45.1 km Mungyeong Buljeong Station 문경불정역+21.9 km67.0 km Distances measured from official route data (MOIS, data.go.kr). Signage on the ground may differ slightly. Updated 2026-07-18. ## Section 5 — Nakdonggang Route (366 km full / 301 km from Sangju, Moderate) The long haul south along the Nakdong River to Busan. The full route starts at Andong; cross-country riders join it at Sangju Sangpung Bridge, which leaves 301 km to the estuary. Mostly flat riverside riding, but the section south of Hapcheon has a handful of short, steep climbs that surprise tired legs. Plan resupply ahead here — services are thinner than in the northern half. ## Nakdonggang Route — Certification Centers Andong Dam area → Nakdonggang Estuary Bank (Busan) · 366 km · Moderate (long) Certification CenterLegFrom Start Sangju Sangpung Bridge 상주상풍교+64.8 km64.8 km Sangju Weir 상주보+10.6 km75.4 km Nakdan Weir 낙단보+17.0 km92.4 km Gumi Weir 구미보+17.8 km110.1 km Chilgok Weir 칠곡보+31.3 km141.4 km Gangjeong Goryeong Weir 강정고령보+26.4 km167.8 km Dalseong Weir 달성보+20.7 km188.6 km Hapcheon Changnyeong Weir 합천창녕보+34.3 km222.9 km Changnyeong Haman Weir 창녕함안보+54.5 km277.4 km Yangsan Water Culture Center 양산물문화관+60.9 km338.2 km Nakdonggang Estuary Bank 낙동강하구둑+28.0 km366.2 km Distances measured from official route data (MOIS, data.go.kr). Signage on the ground may differ slightly. Updated 2026-07-18. ## Data source and updates Route and facility data: Ministry of the Interior and Safety bike path database (data.go.kr), open for any use. Distance measurement and packaging by Platoon Cycles. Signage on the ground may differ slightly from measured figures. Last data build: 2026-07-18\. If you find a spot where the track and the real path disagree, tell us — that is exactly the kind of correction this page exists for. ### The New Domane Is Coming — and It Might Close a 20-Year Chapter URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/the-new-domane-is-coming-and-it-might-close-a-20-year-chapter/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T06:58:52.000Z A new Trek Domane appears to be on the way. Trek hasn't announced anything officially, but a blacked-out bike that doesn't match any current model was spotted under Lidl-Trek riders in the team's Roubaix footage, and the usual rumors point to a lighter frame in SLR, SL, and ALR versions. If the pattern holds, we'll see a Domane Gen 5 soon. Before it arrives, I want to step back and tell a longer story — because the Domane's history is, more or less, the history of the endurance road bike itself. And I think the Gen 5 might be the moment that category finally figures out what it wanted to be all along. ## Where endurance bikes started ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/TK25-WEB-FDP-RoadGravel-LifestyleCarousel-DomaneCarbon-3-4000x3000.jpg) Endurance road bikes began appearing one by one through the late 2000s. The idea was simple: take a lightweight road bike and make it easier to live with on long days. The first tool was geometry. A shorter top tube and a taller head tube let the rider sit more upright, which mostly meant one thing — your lower back hurt less after five or six hours in the saddle. The second tool was comfort hardware. Brands put elastomer inserts into seatstays, seatposts, and stems, or designed the seat tube to flex independently from the rest of the frame — Trek's own IsoSpeed decoupler, introduced on the first Domane, is the best-known example. The goal was a smoother ride without giving up the road bike underneath. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/1365767872156-sn9w5xzj8iju-1c5bfc1.webp) 2013 Trek Domane 2.3 (Source: [https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/trek-domane-2-3-review-2](https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/trek-domane-2-3-review-2?ref=platooncycles.com)) And that last part is the key: these were still road bikes. Tire clearance beyond 28mm was rare, because 23mm was the standard of the era and even a 28 was considered a fat tire. The endurance bike was a different flavor of road bike, not a different kind of bike. That's also why, for a long time, it stayed a niche. It was a reasonable product, but there was no strong reason to choose one. If you wanted a road bike, you bought a road bike. Endurance models sat in a corner of the catalog for riders who already knew exactly why they needed one. ## The turning point: Domane Gen 4 In my view, the bike that changed the category wasn't an early endurance model — it was the Domane Gen 4, released in 2022. Trek made a genuinely bold set of decisions with that bike: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_4395-1-1.JPG) 2023 Trek Domane SL6 with Pirelli Cinturato 45C Gravel tires Tire clearance jumped to an official 40mm — and in our own testing at the shop, a 45mm tire physically fit. That single number moved the Domane out of "road bike with a tall head tube" territory and placed it squarely in the gap between road and gravel. With the right tires, you could realistically use it as a gravel bike. It shipped with 32mm tires as standard — one of the first mainstream road bikes to do so, at a time when that still looked strange on a spec sheet. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/DomaneSL5-24-41348-C-Alt6.png) Original 32c tire It kept the rear IsoSpeed for ride quality and added down tube storage, a small trunk inside the frame that gravel riders had already learned to love. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/DomaneSL5-24-41348-A-Alt7.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/DomaneSL5-24-41348-A-Alt3.png) And it deleted the front IsoSpeed. The head tube suspension had been there through Gen 3, but Trek concluded the drawbacks outweighed the benefit — and honestly, wider tires were now doing that job better anyway. ## What the Gen 4 got wrong — honestly I respect the Gen 4, and I say this as a shop that sells and rides them: it wasn't a bike without problems. The frame was heavy for a road bike. My guess is Trek reinforced it to handle bikepacking loads, which is a fair trade — but riders who walked in expecting a road bike were often surprised by the number on the scale. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-14--------------3.45.43.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-14--------------3.45.30.png) source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/DomaneCrew/comments/p4n31c/the\_versatility\_of\_the\_trek\_domane\_love\_this\_bike/](https://www.reddit.com/r/DomaneCrew/comments/p4n31c/the%5Fversatility%5Fof%5Fthe%5Ftrek%5Fdomane%5Flove%5Fthis%5Fbike/?ref=platooncycles.com) > [The versatility of the Trek Domane - Love this bike!](https://www.reddit.com/r/DomaneCrew/comments/p4n31c/the%5Fversatility%5Fof%5Fthe%5Ftrek%5Fdomane%5Flove%5Fthis%5Fbike/?ref=platooncycles.com) > by [u/HiKenny](https://www.reddit.com/user/HiKenny/?ref=platooncycles.com) in [DomaneCrew](https://www.reddit.com/r/DomaneCrew/?ref=platooncycles.com) The weight balance sat slightly behind the bottom bracket, and the stock seatpost came with a 20mm setback. That position is genuinely good for long, steady riding — you pedal from behind the bottom bracket with a strong, relaxed downstroke that lasts all day. But the moment you want to go fast, the position feels in-between. You can't quite get your weight over the pedals, and the bike doesn't respond the way its road-bike silhouette suggests it should. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_0318.jpeg) 20mm offset Domane seatpost The IsoSpeed, for all its comfort, needed regular maintenance. Dust and grit work their way in, it develops noise, and if you don't service it on schedule it will eventually cause trouble — not a defect, just a real ownership cost that reviews rarely mentioned. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-14--------------3.49.54.png) So the Gen 4 ended up disappointing two groups at once: riders who expected a classic endurance road bike found it heavy and vague, and riders who bought it off glowing reviews found it neither fully road nor fully gravel. I think the direction was ahead of its time and the reasoning was sound — but it wasn't quite the bike the market understood itself to be asking for. ## Gen 5: from "how long" to "where" Everything we've seen and heard about the Gen 5 suggests Trek is correcting exactly those points: a significantly lighter frame with a more all-round road character, so it doesn't give up speed — while keeping the wide tire clearance that made the Gen 4 useful in the first place. If that's accurate, the new Domane lands very close to the genre people have started calling **all-road**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/TK25-WEB-FDP-RoadGravel-LifestyleCarousel-DomaneCarbon-2-4000x3000.jpg) The difference between "endurance" and "all-road" sounds like marketing, but I think it's a real shift in thinking. Endurance defines a bike by *time*: decide the ride will be long, then bolt on whatever a long ride needs. All-road defines a bike by *place*: it's a road bike first, built so that the road ending — or turning to dirt, or getting rough — doesn't end your ride. The old definition wasn't wrong. But **"goes anywhere"** is simply more intuitive than **"goes far."** A rider standing in a shop understands "you can take this down the river path, up a mountain road, and onto gravel" immediately. "It's comfortable over long distances" takes more explaining, and it quietly implies the bike is slow, which was never really the point. ## One interpretation No bike does everything well — fast and smooth, light and tough, cheap and good, you always trade something. So I won't claim the Gen 5 will be the answer for everyone. But my read is this: after nearly twenty years of trial and error, the endurance category is arriving somewhere. A bike that **sits at the center of road and gravel**, covers most of what cyclocross bikes used to do, and doesn't ask you to explain to your friends why it's slower than their road bikes. If the Domane Gen 5 is what the leaks suggest, it won't be a niche flavor of road bike anymore — **it will be the general-purpose road bike**, full stop. When it officially lands, we'll build one, ride it on the roads (and non-roads) around here, and tell you what it actually is. Until then, this is one shop's interpretation of where the story has been heading. --- *References: the unreleased bike sighting was discussed at* [*Escape Collective's community*](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/possible-new-bike-in-lidl-trek-video-domane-gen-5/5283?ref=platooncycles.com) *and* [*Bikerumor*](https://bikerumor.com/leaked-trek-2027-domane-madone-emonda/?ref=platooncycles.com)*.* ### An All-New Trek Domane Is Coming — Here's How to Be First in Line URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/an-all-new-trek-domane-is-coming-heres-how-to-be-first-in-line/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T08:58:45.000Z There's a completely new generation of the Trek Domane arriving — **Gen 5** — and it will be revealed on **August 4**. Until then, we can't show you the bike — no photos, no spec sheet, no published pricing. Trek keeps new models under embargo until reveal day, and that applies to us too. What we can tell you is that it exists, it's a full redesign rather than a color update, and August 4 is the day everything becomes public. ## What we can say The details stay sealed until August 4, but the direction of the new Domane is something we can talk about: - **A more all-round, all-road identity.** Tire clearance goes up to **40c** — territory that borders on gravel — so the same bike covers fast road rides and rough surfaces without pretending to be two different bikes. - **The Domane ride, lighter.** The smooth ride the Domane is known for stays; the weight comes down considerably. Less of a trade-off between comfort and climbing than the outgoing generation asked you to make. - **On price:** we're not allowed to publish numbers online before the reveal. What we can say is that it's priced noticeably more competitively than the equivalent Madone. If that comparison matters to you, come by the shop — that's a conversation we can have in person now. So instead of asking you to buy a bike you haven't seen, we're doing something simpler: a **free reservation list**. ## How it works ## Reservation Details **Reservation List Open** Now – August 3 **Reveal Day** August 4 **Confirm By** August 11, in store — sizing & fit checked before ordering What You Get on a Confirmed Order Trek 50th Anniversary water bottle — limited editionFree Trek 50th Anniversary bottle cage — limited editionFree LAZER Sphere helmet — fitted in store at pickupFree No deposit. Joining the list costs nothing and commits you to nothing — see the bike on August 4, then decide. Cancel anytime. Reservation order determines priority on the first stock allocation. First Gen 5 stock arrives ahead of the reveal: Domane SL 6 from July 20, with SL 5 and SL 7 following before August 4 — so confirmed orders can be delivered quickly once the embargo lifts. Early stock centers on sizes 54, 56, and 58; other sizes follow with later shipments. This is a Platoon Cycles store promotion. 1. **Join the list** — no deposit, no commitment. A message with your name and contact is all it takes. 2. **August 4** — the new Domane is revealed. We'll send you everything the moment we're allowed to: photos, specs, pricing, and our honest take. 3. **Decide by August 11** — if you like what you see, visit the shop within one week of the reveal to confirm your order, and the perks below are yours. **Order confirmation happens in store** — we check your sizing and fit before anything is ordered, so the bike that arrives is the right one. If it's not for you, just tell us. Nothing owed, no hard feelings. Your place in line matters for one practical reason: **reservation order decides priority on the first stock allocation.** New-model first batches are usually limited, and riders who wait for reviews often end up waiting for the second or third shipment too. ## The bikes arrive before the reveal does Here's the part that makes this window unusual: **the first new Domane SL 6 bikes start arriving at the shop on July 20** — two weeks before anyone gets to see what they are. SL 5 and SL 7 models follow in sequence before August 4. They stay under wraps until reveal day; that's the deal with Trek and we're keeping it. But it means that when the embargo lifts, the bikes aren't on a boat somewhere — they're already here. Early stock centers on **sizes 54, 56, and 58**. Confirm your order in that first week and, if you ride one of those sizes, you could be on the new Domane within days of seeing it for the first time. Other sizes can still be ordered with the same perks — they'll just follow with later shipments. ## What confirmed orders get - **Trek 50th Anniversary water bottle and bottle cage** — limited-edition items made for Trek's 50th year. Once they're gone, they're gone; these aren't things you can simply buy later. - **A LAZER Sphere helmet** — fitted in store when you pick up the bike, so the size and color are right. This is a Platoon Cycles promotion, not a Trek campaign — it's our way of making the wait worth something during the quiet season. ## The honest version You're not risking anything by reserving, and that's the whole point of the structure. You lock in a place in line and a set of perks; the decision itself waits until you've seen the actual bike. If the new Domane isn't what you hoped for, you walk away and you've lost nothing. And if you'd rather not wait at all — the current-generation Domane is a bike we know well and still stand behind. Come talk to us and we'll lay out both paths. ## Reserve your spot Getting on the list is easy: message us, call, or drop by the shop with your name and contact. That's it. The order itself is confirmed **in person at the shop** after the August 4 reveal — sizing and fit come first, and that's not something we're willing to guess at over a message. **Platoon Cycles** — Paengseong, Pyeongtaek 📞 070-8845-7351 ### Trek Project One 2027 Colors — and a Launch Promotion Worth Knowing About URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/trek-project-one-2027-colors-and-a-launch-promotion-worth-knowing-about/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T02:12:15.000Z Trek has refreshed the entire Project One paint lineup for 2027, and it launched on July 10\. To go with it, there's a short launch promotion: **Project One framesets ordered between July 10 and July 26 get ₩500,000 off — and if you upgrade to a custom color, the usual ₩1,000,000 upgrade fee is waived on top of that.** If you've been thinking about a Project One build, this is a good window. Here's what's new. ## What's new in the 2027 lineup ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-10-----------------10.27.11-1.png) Project One is Trek's custom program — you pick the frame, the paint, and every component, and the bike is built to your order. The 2027 refresh replaces the paint lineup with four collections. ### Hyper ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-10-----------------10.29.06.png) ****Hyper Dream, Hyper Bloom, and Hyper Void** Three colorways — **Hyper Dream, Hyper Bloom, and Hyper Void** — built around soft color shifts and a fine metallic grain. Bloom is the loud one of the three; Dream and Void are quieter than they photograph. ### Marble ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-10-----------------10.29.17.png) ****Era White/Luna Silver Marble / Nichols Under Carbon Smoke Marble / Nichols Under Red Smoke Marble** **Era White/Luna Silver Marble, Nichols Under Carbon Smoke Marble, and Nichols Under Red Smoke Marble.** A marbled pattern applied over the frame, so no two frames come out exactly the same. ### 50th Anniversary ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-10-----------------10.29.28.png) ****Heritage Blue / Prairie Gold / Robin Red.** Trek's 50th anniversary colors: **Heritage Blue, Prairie Gold, and Robin Red.** All three use a dense metallic flake over classic base tones. These are tied to the anniversary, so they won't be around indefinitely. ### Signature Essentials ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/-------------------------------2026-07-10-----------------10.30.01.png) ****Trek Red / Root Beer Smoke / Party Purple / Tidal Teal / Nightfall Blue / Team Yellow / Polar White / Carbon Smoke** The refreshed core palette: **Trek Red, Root Beer Smoke, Party Purple, Tidal Teal, Nightfall Blue, Team Yellow, Polar White, and Carbon Smoke.** If you want a single clean color done well, it's here. ## The launch promotion ## Launch Promotion **Promotion Period** July 10 – July 26, 2026 **Applies To** Project One framesets ordered during the period BenefitValue Discount on the built price — every Project One frameset₩500,000 off Custom color upgrade fee (normally +₩1,000,000) — waived₩1,000,000 saved Benefits apply to the final built price, VAT included. The Project One configurator on Trek's website will still show regular prices — the discount and fee waiver are applied when we place and bill your order. Orders placed before or after the promotion period are not eligible. Two benefits, and they stack: - **₩500,000 off the built price** of every Project One frameset ordered during the promotion. - **The custom color upgrade fee is waived.** Upgrading from a standard color to a custom one normally adds ₩1,000,000 to the price. During this window, that fee is dropped entirely. If there was ever a time to pick the paint you actually want instead of the one that fits the budget, this is it. A few honest notes: - The promotion applies to **framesets ordered between July 10 and July 26**. Existing orders don't qualify retroactively, and we can't extend the window. - Trek's online Project One configurator will keep showing **regular prices**. The discount is applied when we place and bill your order at the shop — so don't let the configurator price put you off. - Project One is a factory custom order, so normal Project One lead times apply. The promotion affects the price, not the queue. ## How to order Come by the shop and we'll walk through the configurator together — frame, paint, groupset, wheels, fit. It usually takes about an hour to spec a build properly, and there's no obligation at the end of it. If you already know what you want, a message with your frame and color choice is enough to get the order started before the window closes on **July 26**. **Platoon Cycles** — Paengseong, Pyeongtaek 📞 070-8845-7351 ### Jebudo Riding on Saturday URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/jebudo-riding-on-saturday/ Last updated: 2026-07-04T07:03:12.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1702.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1701.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1698.jpeg) JEBU-DO ### An All-Road Touring Gravel Build URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/an-all-road-touring-gravel-build/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T09:11:20.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/-------------------------------2026-06-30--------------6.07.17.png) There's a moment when the light hits the chain and you notice the gold. Then the chainring bolts, the small details across the build — all pulled toward one quiet theme. We didn't start with the color. We started with a question: what does a gravel bike need to go faster and easier, wherever the road decides to go? This is our answer to that — built part by part, and finished in gold. SCAN-Korean Titanium Brand Gravel Touring Bike ## Faster and easier, wherever the road goes Most gravel rides aren't one surface. You leave on tarmac, drop onto a riverside path, hit a stretch of loose gravel, then climb back onto pavement to get home. An all-road touring build is made for exactly that — not the fastest on any single surface, but composed across all of them, and comfortable enough that the day doesn't have to end at lunch. So the build leans two ways at once. Light where speed matters — lightweight cranks, carbon wheels, a clip-on aero extension for the long flat stretches into a headwind. Settled where comfort matters — a wide-range cassette for the climbs, touring bags and a light for the days that run long, a saddle and fit that hold up hour after hour. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0075.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0077-2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0078.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0073.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0079.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0080.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0072.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0124.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0123.JPG) ## No bike does everything A bike that's fast isn't always comfortable. One that's light isn't always tough. Cheap and good rarely share a frame. That's not a problem to hide — it's just true, and any build is a set of choices about where to land. This one lands on all-road touring. It's not the answer; it's one reading of a sweet spot — tuned for the way roads and paths run together here, and for riders who'd rather keep going than turn back early. Spec it for racing and you'd choose differently. Spec it for pure bikepacking and you'd choose differently again. We're happy to tell you where each part gives and where it takes. ## Built part by part Platoon Cycles · Custom Build All-Road Touring Gravel — Gold Accent Scan Gravel Open GT · SRAM Force 1× Frame & Fork FrameScan Gravel Open GT ForkENVE Carbon Drivetrain ShiftersSRAM Force Rear DerailleurSRAM Force CassetteSRAM Force XPLR 10–46T CranksetELILEE Lightweight ChainringSuncord Carbon 44T + Spider ChainKMC Gold Bottom BracketTOKEN T47 PedalsCrankbrothers Wheels & Tires WheelsetPARZO Carbon TiresHutchinson (×2) Brake RotorsQuest (×2) Cockpit HandlebarRitchey Comp Corralitos Bar TapeGUEE SL Speed StemENVE Aero ExtensionsShimano PRO Compact Carbon SeatpostShimano PRO Vibe Saddle & Touring SaddleBontrager Aeolus Elite Frame BagBontrager Adventure LightBontrager Panther Every part on this list was a choice — and every choice can be yours. **Each component is fully customizable** to your fit, your riding, and your roads. A few of the choices, and the thinking behind them: The **Scan Gravel Open GT** frame is the foundation — open geometry that stays calm when the surface turns rough, with the clearance and mounts a touring setup needs. Paired with an **ENVE carbon fork** to take the edge off the front end. **SRAM Force 1×** keeps it simple. One chainring, nothing to trim, nothing to think about when you're tired — and the **XPLR 10–46T** cassette gives the range to spin up a loaded climb and still hold speed on the flat. **Lightweight cranks** and a **carbon wheelset** are where the build sheds its grams, so it accelerates and climbs without feeling heavy underneath you. Up front, a **compact carbon aero extension** is the touring detail people overlook — on a long, flat, windy stretch it gives you a place to rest and a lower line through the air, and that adds up over a full day in the saddle. ## And the gold? That was a choice too The gold accent theme isn't a paint job. It's the chain, the small hardware, the details chosen to pull together — one idea carried consistently across the bike. It's there because someone decided it should be. That's the real point of this build. Every part on that list was a decision, and **every part is fully customizable.** A different group, a wheelset matched to your weight and roads, a fit dialed to your body — a different accent color, if gold isn't yours. We don't sell a fixed spec. We help you arrive at the one that's right for how you ride. If a build like this is somewhere in your head, come in and we'll work through it together — part by part, the way this one came together. ### How to Read a Tire: The One Part That Tells You What a Bike Is For URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/how-to-read-a-tire-the-one-part-that-tells-you-what-a-bike-is-for/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T07:51:15.000Z A bike can't talk. But if it could introduce itself, it wouldn't start with its frame material or its geometry chart. It would point at its tires. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/2026_Checkpoint_ALR_Lifestyle_JPG8.jpg) TREK CHECKPOINT ALR 5 Tires are the one part of a bike that openly states what it was built to do. Frame numbers, head angles, stack and reach — that's the engineering underneath, and most of it stays invisible until you've ridden the bike for a while. The tires are different. They're right there, at the bottom, doing the talking. Learn to read them and you can pick up almost any bike, glance down, and get a real sense of what it's for — and, more usefully, whether it's for the riding *you* actually do. ## What the width says There's a number printed on the sidewall of every tire. On a road bike it might read `700 × 28C`. On a gravel bike, `700 × 40C`. On a mountain bike, `29 × 2.4"`. The first number is the wheel size; the second is the tire's width. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/-------------------------------2026-06-29--------------4.21.01.png) That width is the single most honest line in a bike's introduction, because width is a trade-off, and the trade is always the same one. As a tire gets wider, it loses speed and gains stability and grip. Narrower rolls faster but feels nervous; wider feels planted and sure-footed but slower. The two move in opposite directions, and there's no tire that escapes it. So the width isn't really telling you about the road — it's telling you which of those two the bike decided mattered more. When stability and grip matter more than outright speed — on loose or unpredictable ground, where staying upright and in control is the whole point — the tire goes wide. The bike has accepted being slower in exchange for being sure of itself. But watch what happens at the other end, because this is the part most people miss. A bike built to cover long distances doesn't just keep getting wider for the sake of comfort. Past a certain point a thicker tire would cost too much speed — and for a distance bike, speed *is* the purpose. A slightly less stable tire that holds a higher average pace gets you farther in the same hours of riding. So a long-distance bike settles on a width that's stable enough to ride all day and no wider, because every extra millimeter past that would quietly shorten how far it can take you. That's the whole logic of width in one line: - A narrow tire is a bike that chose speed, and expects ground smooth enough that it never has to trade any away. - A wide tire is a bike that chose stability and grip, on ground where staying in control matters more than the clock. - And a long-distance bike lands deliberately in between — wide enough to stay composed for hours, but held back from going further so it can keep covering ground. Neither end is "better." They're answers to different questions about what the riding is for. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/MY25_-Checkpoint_SL_Lifestyle_RD-NA-DR-57468.jpg) ## What the tread says If width tells you how much surface the bike expects, the tread tells you what kind. Two things matter here: the **shape** of the knobs and the **spacing** between them. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/-------------------------------2026-06-29--------------4.44.08.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/-------------------------------2026-06-29--------------4.43.22.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/-------------------------------2026-06-29--------------4.43.37.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/-------------------------------2026-06-29--------------4.12.03.png) A smooth, nearly patternless tire — a "slick" — is built for pavement. On a hard surface, tread does almost nothing useful; a smooth tire actually grips better there, because more rubber stays in contact with the road. So a slick tire is a bike saying plainly: *I live on paved roads and bike paths, and I want to roll fast and quiet.* As the ground gets looser, the knobs grow and spread apart. Small, low, tightly packed knobs are for light, dry gravel and hardpack — enough bite to feel secure, not so much that they drag on pavement. Tall, aggressive, widely spaced knobs are for mud and loose dirt: the gaps let the tire dig in and then shed the muck instead of clogging. Wide spacing is a tire telling you it expects to fight for grip. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/-------------------------------2026-06-29--------------4.46.06.png) The shoulder of the tire — the knobs out at the edge — tells its own small story. Pronounced side knobs are there to hold the bike when it's leaned over in a loose corner. A bike with big shoulder knobs expects to be ridden hard off-road. A bike without them expects to stay upright on grippy ground. ## Reading the two together Put width and tread side by side and the bike's intent gets specific. A narrow slick is a road bike — built for paved speed. A wide tire with tall, spaced knobs is a mountain bike — built to go where there's no road at all. A medium-wide tire with small, tight knobs is the in-between bike, the one that wants to handle a paved commute on Monday and a gravel path on Saturday without complaint. The table below lays out the common combinations and what each one is quietly telling you. What the width says Narrow The Road Tire \~23–30 mm Chose speed - Speed**Highest** - Stability & grip**Lowest** - Expects**Smooth pavement** - Built for**Going fast** Medium The All-Road Tire \~32–45 mm Held in between, on purpose - Speed**Moderate** - Stability & grip**Moderate** - Expects**Mixed surfaces** - Built for**Distance, versatility** Wide The Off-Road Tire \~2.1–2.6" Chose stability & grip - Speed**Lowest** - Stability & grip**Highest** - Expects**Rough, loose ground** - Built for**Control, capability** What the tread says Slick Smooth No knobs Lives on roads & bike paths - Best on**Pavement** - Knob spacing**None** - Feel**Fast, quiet** - Off-road**Nervous on loose** Light Tread Small & Tight Low knobs Dry gravel & hardpack - Best on**Gravel, hardpack** - Knob spacing**Close** - Feel**Secure, still quick** - Off-road**Confident on dry** Aggressive Tall & Spaced Big knobs Mud & loose dirt - Best on**Mud, loose dirt** - Knob spacing**Wide** - Feel**Grippy, loud on road** - Off-road**Digs in, sheds muck** Most real tires sit somewhere between these columns, not dead-on one of them — a bike's true character is the **width and tread read together**. The widths shown are typical ranges, not hard lines: a 32 mm tire can wear a light tread, a 45 mm one can go knobby. Read both, then hold the answer up against the riding you actually do. ## The honest part: no tire does everything Here's the thing the tire can't hide, and shouldn't. Every choice it makes costs something somewhere else. The wide, knobby tire that floats over a rocky trail is slower, heavier, and buzzes loudly on pavement. The narrow slick that rolls fast and silent on a smooth road is nervous and skittery the moment the surface turns to gravel. You can move toward grip and comfort, or toward speed and efficiency, but you can't have the far end of both at once — not on the same tire. That's not a flaw to engineer around. It's just physics being honest. A tire is a single, clear answer to the question "what kind of riding is this for?" — and the clearer the answer, the more it gives up at the opposite extreme. When a bike's tires try to be good at everything, what they're really telling you is that they've picked a middle, and the middle is a real choice too. ## So, next time You don't need the geometry chart. You don't need to know the frame's modulus or the head tube angle. Before any of that, look down. Read the width: how rough a road is this bike expecting? Read the tread: how loose? Then hold that answer up against the riding you actually do — the roads near you, the surfaces you'll really ride, the distances you have in mind. If the tire's story matches yours, the bike underneath it is probably built for you. If it doesn't, no spec sheet is going to fix that. A bike introduces itself at the bottom, in rubber. It's worth learning to listen. ### Road, Gravel, or MTB? Choose It Like You'd Choose a Car URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/road-gravel-or-mtb-choose-it-like-youd-choose-a-car/ Last updated: 2026-06-27T05:16:36.000Z People usually choose a bike by category — road, gravel, mountain — but those words are the *answer*, not the question. They don't tell you which one is yours. The usual shortcuts don't help much either. "Pick by what you'll use it for" is too vague. And "pick the fastest one" falls apart immediately, because nobody actually wants a slower bike. If speed were the whole story, everyone would ride a road bike and the conversation would be over. So speed isn't the question. Here's a question that works better, and you already answer it every day with your car: **What do you want the machine to be?** Put four people on the same road and they'll drive completely different cars — not because of speed, but because of character. Bikes split the exact same way. ## What kind of driver are you? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_23SM-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/Gemini_Generated_Image_q7tphiq7tphiq7tp-2.png) **The drive is the point — the road bike.** Some people are drawn to a car built around driving — a sports car, a coupe, something quick and direct. The purest version of that instinct is a thoroughbred like a Porsche 911, where every part exists to go fast. For them the essence of the car *is* the driving — the directness, the way it answers when you push. A road bike is the same instinct on two wheels. Forward motion, made as pure and quick as possible. If the act of riding is the reason you ride, this is your car. **"What can I do with it?" — the gravel bike.** Other people gravitate to an SUV. Driving still matters, but the real draw is everything the vehicle *lets them do*. Carry a load, take a trip, commute Monday, explore Sunday — one machine for all of it. A gravel bike is built around that same do-everything mindset. Not the most specialized at any one thing, but ready for almost anything. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/TK25_Checkout_Colorado_DR_NA_62146.jpg) Trek Checkout **Both, no compromise — the high-end gravel bike.** Then there's the person who looks at an SUV and still wants the performance version — the SUV's own AMG. They refuse to give up either the driving or the versatility. In bikes, that's a high-end gravel build: it keeps the go-anywhere range but adds the sharp, light, fast-feeling parts. The do-it-all bike that still loves to be pushed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/2026_CheckmateXTopo_NA_DR_Lifestyle_12.jpg) Trek Checkmate SLR **The character itself — the mountain bike.** And some people are drawn to a rugged off-roader — a Jeep — without ever planning to touch a trail. Sure, some genuinely need the rough-terrain ability, but plenty just love the rugged character: the sense that the machine could go anywhere, climb anything, shrug off whatever's in front of it. A mountain bike scratches that exact itch. Speed isn't the appeal; unstoppable is. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/-------------------------------2026-06-27--------------1.47.38.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/2026_Roscoe_Tahoe_Lifestyle_33.jpg) Road Bike The Sports Car e.g. Porsche 911 The drive is the point - You value**The ride itself** - Home speed**\~32 km/h** - Best surface**Smooth pavement** - Character**Direct, quick, focused** Gravel Bike The SUV One bike, many jobs - You value**Versatility** - Home speed**\~28 km/h** - Best surface**Mixed · distance** - Character**Do-everything** **Want the AMG version?** A high-end gravel build keeps the do-everything range but adds sharper, lighter, faster-feeling parts. Mountain Bike The Off-Roader e.g. Jeep Go-anywhere character - You value**Capability, toughness** - Home speed**\~19 km/h** - Best surface**Steep, loose, technical** - Character**Unstoppable** "Home speed" is the cruising pace each bike is geared around, at a comfortable **\~90 rpm** cadence on its real tire (Road 700×28C, Gravel 700×40C, MTB 29×2.2"). It's a fingerprint of the bike's character, not a ranking — and on rough ground the wider tires pull ahead regardless of the numbers. ## So how does that character show up in the bike itself? Here's where speed finally earns its place — not as the thing you choose, but as the *evidence* of the choice. A character isn't just a vibe; the engineers build it in. Your legs are the engine. Gearing is the translator that decides which speed range your effort comes out in. And because you have one comfortable pedaling rhythm — a cadence around 85–95 rpm where your legs work efficiently — the designer arranges the gears so that comfortable rhythm lands wherever the bike is meant to live. That cluster is the bike's **sweet spot**, its home speed. The chart below shows it. Each bar is the road speed a setup delivers at that comfortable cadence; the tick marks are individual gears, and the shaded zone is the home speed. Each bar is the road speed a setup delivers at the same comfortable pedaling cadence. Tick marks are individual gears (closer = finer steps); the shaded zone is where the gears cluster — the speed the bike is really built for. At **90 rpm** cadence · real tires — Road **700×28C** · Gravel **700×40C** · MTB **29×2.2"** You can read each character right off it: - The **road bike** packs its gears high and tight — built to hold a fast, steady pace and fine-tune your cadence while doing it. The M-sedan, tuned for the drive. - The **gravel bike** stretches one set of gears across a huge range. Its top end nearly matches the road bike (a big tire and a tiny 10-tooth cog see to that), and it still keeps a low climbing gear. The SUV: wide reach, in bigger steps. - The **mountain bike** drops the whole range down to buy very low gears. Top speed isn't the goal; getting up and over anything is. The Jeep. The numbers aren't a scoreboard. They're a fingerprint — they don't say who's fastest, they show what each bike was optimized to do. ## The road rewrites the ranking One important catch: everything on that chart assumes smooth pavement. Change the surface and the order can flip. On gravel, broken tarmac, wet roots, or hardpack, a thin road tire stops being the fast choice — it skips, loses grip, and risks a flat. A wider tire that looks slower on paper rolls *over* the rough stuff instead of fighting it, so on that ground the gravel or mountain bike is genuinely faster, not just comfier. There's the speed a bike reaches on perfect asphalt, and the speed you actually average once the road gets real — and they're rarely the same number. On Korea's riverside paths, mostly paved but with their rough stretches, that's exactly why a gravel character fits so many riders here. ## Tire width is the exchange rate between speed and comfort There's one last trade hiding in the tire. Narrow is quick on smooth ground but passes every bump straight to your body. Wide gives back a little rolling speed in exchange for soaking up the road. On a short sprint, narrow wins. On a four-hour ride, the math flips — a body that isn't being hammered stays fresher, and fresher legs hold a higher average to the finish. Over distance, comfort *becomes* speed. Tire width isn't a speed dial; it's an exchange rate, and which way it pays off depends on the road and the distance. ## Find your character first ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_12.jpg) TREK MADONE SLR 9 TEAM EDITION There's no best bike on that chart — only the one whose character matches yours. Start with what you want the machine to *be*, let the speed numbers confirm it, then layer on the surfaces you ride and how far you go. The shortlist gets short fast. And if you find yourself between two of these — wanting the drive *and* the versatility, or drawn to the rugged character but riding mostly pavement — that overlap is real, and it's exactly the conversation we like having in the shop. ### When Shifting Goes Wrong: A Snapped Derailleur Hanger on a Cannondale Synapse URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/when-shifting-goes-wrong-a-snapped-derailleur-hanger-on-a-cannondale-synapse/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T07:24:34.000Z ## The Job A Cannondale Synapse 1 (aluminum frame, Shimano Tiagra 2×10) came into the workshop with a clear problem: the rear derailleur hanger had snapped clean through. The derailleur was hanging loose, and the bike wasn't going anywhere until it was replaced. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0012-1.jpeg) 2026 Cannondale Synapse 1 ALU Tiagra ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0013-1.jpeg) Broken Hanger If you've never heard of a derailleur hanger, it's worth knowing about. It's one of the smallest parts on the bike, and one of the most important. ## What a Derailleur Hanger Actually Does The hanger is the small metal bracket that connects your rear derailleur to the frame. On most aluminum and carbon bikes, it's a separate, replaceable piece bolted onto the frame — not part of the frame itself. That design is on purpose. The hanger is meant to be the **sacrificial part**. If the drivetrain takes a hard hit, the hanger is supposed to bend or break first, so the force doesn't travel into the frame or destroy the derailleur. A bent hanger is a cheap, quick fix. A bent frame is not. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0020.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0021-1.jpeg) On this Cannondale, the hanger had failed exactly the way it was designed to — it gave way and took the damage so the frame didn't. ## Why This Happens So Often This is one of the most common drivetrain failures we see, and the cause is almost always the same. When a bike falls over to the **right side**, or takes an impact on that side, the hanger bends slightly **inward** — toward the wheel. You often can't see it. The bike looks fine, and it mostly shifts fine. The problem shows up at the extreme. When you shift into the **lowest gear** — the largest cog, the one closest to the spokes — the derailleur now sits a little too far inboard. Push it far enough and the derailleur cage makes contact with the spokes. The spinning wheel grabs it, and the hanger snaps. In a worse case, the derailleur itself gets pulled into the wheel and destroyed, and the frame can be damaged too. The hanger breaking is the *good* outcome. ## The Repair Replacing a hanger is straightforward when the right part is on hand. The Cannondale uses a specific hanger — marked **M12×1 Single-Lead** — so matching the exact model matters. The wrong hanger won't thread correctly or align properly. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0016.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0018.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0023.jpeg) New Hanger ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0024.jpeg) Re-installing Rear Derailleur With the new hanger fitted, the derailleur went back on, the shifting was re-indexed, and the bike was running cleanly again. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0028.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0026.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0031-2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0032.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0033.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0034.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_0035.jpeg) ## How to Catch It Before It Breaks Here's the part worth remembering, because a snapped hanger is avoidable. **If your bike has fallen on its right side and shifting suddenly gets worse, do not shift into the lowest (innermost) gear.** That's the exact gear that pulls a bent derailleur into the spokes. Stay out of it until the bike has been checked. Get the hanger alignment looked at as soon as you can. With a hanger alignment tool, a shop can straighten a bent hanger quickly — unless it's badly bent, it's usually a fast fix and a lot cheaper than a new derailleur or a damaged frame. And even if you can't see any damage: any time shifting feels off, it's worth checking the rear derailleur from behind. Sight down the bike and look at how parallel the derailleur sits relative to the wheel and cassette. If it looks like it's leaning inward at all, have a shop confirm it. A few minutes of checking can save the whole drivetrain. ## The Takeaway The derailleur hanger is a small part doing a big job — quietly protecting your frame and your derailleur. When it bends, it's a warning. When it breaks, it's usually because that warning went unnoticed. If your shifting has changed after a knock or a fall, get it checked early. It's almost always a small repair when it's caught in time. *If you're not sure what you're looking at, bring the bike in — we're happy to take a look.* ### 2026 Stage 4 - Tour Auvergne Rhone Alpes Race URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/2026-stage-4-tour-auvergne-rhone-alpes-race/ Last updated: 2026-06-13T09:28:22.000Z Quinn Simmons U.S. National Champion on Lidl- Trek Team win ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/poster_caption_A1.jpg) QUINN SIMMONS ### Before You Pump: The Two Tire Pressure Mistakes I See Most URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/before-you-pump-the-two-tire-pressure-mistakes-i-see-most/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T02:17:22.000Z # Tire pressure is not complicated. But before talking about how to get it right, it is worth talking about what not to do — because not doing the wrong things comes before doing the right ones. After years of checking bikes in the shop, the pressure problems I see come in exactly two forms. **Mistake one: never checking at all.** Tires lose air on their own, a few psi every week, even with no puncture. A bike that sat in the hallway for two weeks is a bike with soft tires. If you cannot remember the last time you checked, that is the answer. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9995.jpeg) Too low pressure tire **Mistake two: pumping to the maximum.** Many riders find the biggest number printed on the tire and pump until they reach it — or simply pump until the tire feels rock hard. This one deserves a closer look, because it comes from a misunderstanding of what that number means. ## What the number on your tire actually means Look at the sidewall of your tire and you will find a maximum pressure, usually in psi. This is not a recommendation. It is the most pressure the tire can safely hold — a ceiling, not a target. (On some recent high-end wheels, the rim sets its own, lower limit — if you ride a modern carbon wheelset, especially tubeless, check what the rim maker says too. For most bikes, the tire's number is the one that matters.) One pattern worth knowing: the wider the tire, the lower its maximum. A narrow road tire might say 100 psi or more, a wide mountain bike tire closer to 50\. Roughly speaking, maximum pressure runs inverse to tire width. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9988.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9987.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9984.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9985.jpeg) ## A simple starting point So if the maximum is not your number, what is? Here is the simplest way I know to think about it: **Treat the maximum as the pressure for a 100 kg rider, and scale it to your weight.** - Maximum 100 psi, you weigh 100 kg → 100 psi - Maximum 100 psi, you weigh 80 kg → 80 psi - Maximum 50 psi, you weigh 80 kg → 40 psi That is it. Your weight in kilograms, as a percentage of 100, applied to the tire's maximum. It is not a laboratory-grade formula, but as a starting point it will put you far closer to right than either of the two mistakes above. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_9999-1.jpeg) ## The myth that refuses to die Here is the most important thing ***not* to believe: that higher pressure always rolls faster.** It feels true — a hard tire feels fast. But on real roads, rolling resistance increases when pressure is too high *and* when it is too low. An overinflated tire stops absorbing the road surface and starts bouncing off it, and that vibration costs you energy. Somewhere between too hard and too soft is a sweet spot — and because it depends on your weight, your tire, and your road, that sweet spot is different for every rider. That is the real reason "correct tire pressure" exists as a question at all. If harder were simply faster, the answer would be the same for everyone: maximum. ## Adjusting from the starting point Once you have your weight-based number, two small adjustments are worth making: - **Road surface.** On smooth pavement — like most of Korea's riverside bike paths — go about 5 psi higher. On rough or broken roads, about 5 psi lower. - **Comfort.** If a smooth ride matters more to you than outright speed, take another 5 psi off. That is a perfectly good trade. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_3854.jpeg) ## You probably DO NOT need a pressure gauge Some riders, once they start caring about pressure, buy a standalone tire pressure gauge. For most people this is money better spent elsewhere. A standalone gauge earns its place when you ride off-road and need to raise and lower pressure depending on terrain, out on the trail. For everyday riding, the gauge on a floor pump is all you need: **check before you ride**, top up, done. ## If you want a more precise number The weight rule above is a starting point, and for most riding it is close enough. But if you want a number tuned to your exact setup, there are free online calculators that factor in tire width, rim type, and road surface. [SRAM's tire pressure guide](https://axs.sram.com/guides/tire/pressure?ref=platooncycles.com) is a good one — answer a few questions and it gives you a pressure for each wheel. Using one of these is a perfectly good way to find your sweet spot, too. [SRAM | AXS![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/icon/favicon-86b99fff-07ea-4701-a013-362148083adf.ico)AXS](https://axs.sram.com/guides/tire/pressure?ref=platooncycles.com) Tire Pressure Calculator by SRAM ## Check yours today Before your next ride, look at your tire's sidewall, find the maximum, and do the math against your own weight. It takes one minute. **Correct tire pressure will not make cycling wonderful** by itself — it is a necessary condition, not a sufficient one. But wrong pressure quietly takes something away from every single ride, and it is the easiest fix there is. And if everything here was already familiar — there are more dials to turn: temperature, season, riding style. But if you are at that level, you will find those answers on your own. ### 10 Trek Bikes That Cost Less in Korea Than in the US (June 2026) URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/10-trek-bikes-that-cost-less-in-korea-than-in-the-us-june-2026/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T04:28:56.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/06/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_23SM.jpeg) TREK MADONE SLR 9 TEAM If you're heading back to the States this season, here's something worth checking before you start packing: a lot of 2026 Trek bikes cost less here in Korea than they do in the US — and because Trek's warranty follows the bike, not the country, the one you buy here stays covered when you get home. We pulled current MSRP from the **Trek US** and **Trek Korea** websites, converted at today's rate of **$1 = ₩1,500 (June 1, 2026)**, and lined them up. Below are ten models where Korea comes out ahead, from 19% to 30% lower. --- ## The Warranty Comes Home With You This is the part that changes the math, so it's worth saying first. Trek's warranty is tied to the bike, not to where you bought it. It's honored through Trek's network of authorized retailers worldwide — including every Trek dealer in the US. So if you buy here in Korea and PCS home, you don't lose anything: register the bike with Trek, keep your receipt, and you can walk into a Trek shop in the States for warranty service like any other owner. In other words, the lower Korean price isn't a trade-off against support down the road. You get the price *and* the coverage. A couple of practical notes: - **Register the bike** at Trek's website (or we'll do it with you at pickup). Registration ties the frame to you and makes warranty claims simpler later. - **Keep your proof of purchase.** A photo of the receipt on your phone is enough. - Warranty terms vary by component and frame — the same terms Trek publishes everywhere apply to your bike regardless of where you rode it last. --- ## 10 Trek Models That Cost Less in Korea Model US Price Korea Price Savings You Save 1FX 2 Gen 4Fitness Hybrid $900 ₩940,000 30% ₩410,000 2Madone SL 5 Gen 8Road $3,500 ₩3,850,000 27% ₩1,400,000 3FX 1 Gen 4Fitness Hybrid $700 ₩770,000 27% ₩280,000 4Madone SL 6 Gen 8Road $5,300 ₩5,850,000 26% ₩2,100,000 5Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3XC MTB $2,700 ₩2,990,000 26% ₩1,060,000 6Marlin 7 Gen 3Trail MTB $1,400 ₩1,550,000 26% ₩550,000 7Rail+ 8 Gen 5E-MTB $7,700 ₩8,690,000 25% ₩2,860,000 8Madone SL 7 Gen 8Road $6,600 ₩7,750,000 22% ₩2,150,000 9FX Sport SL 6Performance Hybrid $3,500 ₩4,250,000 19% ₩1,000,000 10Domane AL 4 Gen 4Endurance Road $1,800 ₩2,200,000 19% ₩500,000 US prices converted at $1 = ₩1,500 (June 1, 2026). All figures are MSRP from the official Trek US and Trek Korea websites and may vary by color, size, and availability. Every model on this list is cheaper in Korea than in the US. A few things stand out: - **Biggest percentage on this list:** the **FX 2** at 30% — one of the best-selling fitness bikes in the world, for about ₩410,000 less than the US price. (One bike beats it overall — keep reading for the kids' lineup.) - **Biggest amount saved:** the **Rail+ 8 e-MTB** at ₩2,860,000, with the **Madone SL 7** close behind at ₩2,150,000. - **The volume models** — FX 1/2, Marlin 7, Domane AL 4 — land in the 19–27% range, which is where most riders are actually shopping. --- ## Kids' Bikes: The Biggest Gap of All If you've got kids, this is where Korea really pulls ahead. We checked Trek's **Precaliber** kids' lineup the same way, and the percentages run even higher than the adult bikes. Model US Price Korea Price Savings You Save 1Precaliber 24 8-Speed Suspension24-inch wheel $550 ₩529,000 36% ₩296,000 2Precaliber 1212-inch wheel $300 ₩320,000 29% ₩130,000 3Precaliber 2020-inch wheel $360 ₩399,000 26% ₩141,000 4Precaliber 1616-inch wheel $320 ₩369,000 23% ₩111,000 5Precaliber 20 7-Speed20-inch wheel $420 ₩489,000 22% ₩141,000 US prices are MSRP rounded to the nearest dollar, converted at $1 = ₩1,500 (June 1, 2026). From the official Trek US and Trek Korea websites; prices may vary by color, size, and availability. The **Precaliber 24 8-Speed Suspension** is the single biggest gap of any Trek we compared — **36%**, or about ₩296,000 off the US price. Even the entry **Precaliber 12** runs 29% lower here. Kids outgrow bikes — that's just how it goes — so it's fair to ask whether it's worth buying before a move. A few honest points: - **The gap is real and it's largest right here.** Setting up a 12" or 16" bike for ₩100,000–130,000 less than the US price is straightforward value. - **These bikes hold up and hand down.** Precaliber frames are built to take a beating and pass to the next kid or resell — and Trek's warranty travels with the bike just like the adult models. - **Sizing matters more than anything with kids.** This is the one purchase we'd really rather you didn't do blind online. Bring the kids in, we'll size them properly, and they ride out on something that actually fits. --- ## Why Are Trek Prices Lower in Korea? Three reasons, none of them a catch: - **Regional pricing.** Trek sets MSRP market by market. Korea has been priced to compete and grow, so several lines simply carry a lower sticker here. - **The exchange rate.** At ₩1,500 to the dollar, a US price converts to more won than it used to — which widens the gap for anyone earning in dollars. - **You're buying local retail.** No international shipping, no customs, no middleman markup added on your end. --- ## Not Everything Is Cheaper We'd rather be straight about it: a handful of top-tier race models are actually *more* expensive in Korea — certain Speed Concept and Supercaliber SLR builds, for example, run higher here than in the US. Those are niche, halo-level machines that most riders aren't cross-shopping. For road, endurance, trail, fitness, commuting, and e-bikes — the categories most people are buying — Korea comes out ahead. But if you're after one specific high-end race build, it's worth checking that exact model both ways before you decide. We're happy to do that with you. --- ## Why Buy Before You Go There's a reason this is worth doing now rather than after the move: - **The price is here, today.** Once you're back in the States, you're paying the US sticker — the gap you see in the table closes. - **The warranty doesn't expire at the airport.** As covered above, the bike stays supported by Trek dealers back home. - **We can box it PCS-ready.** We pack bikes for travel in a proper box, fully disassembled and protected for shipping — and that service is **free on any bike you buy from us**. You leave with the bike and the box, ready to ship. - **30-day returns, free service while you're here.** If something isn't right, you have room to sort it out before you go, not after. So the bike you've been thinking about costs less here, comes home covered, and we'll have it packed for the move. That's most of the friction gone. --- ## The Bottom Line If you're in Korea and a Trek has been on your mind, the timing works in your favor: - **Commuter or fitness ride?** → FX 1 or FX 2: 27–30% less here. - **Road or endurance?** → Madone SL 5/6/7 or Domane AL 4: ₩500K–2.15M off the US price. - **Trail riding?** → Procaliber 9.5 or Marlin 7: 26% less. - **E-bike?** → Rail+ 8: ₩2.86M off. - **Bikes for the kids?** → Precaliber: 22–36% less — the widest gap of the lot. **Stop by Platoon Cycles** and we'll walk you through the options — and check any specific model both ways so you know exactly where you stand. No pressure, just the numbers and what fits your riding. > Prices compared June 1, 2026 at $1 = ₩1,500\. All prices are MSRP from the official Trek US and Trek Korea websites and may vary by color, size, and availability. Warranty service is provided through authorized Trek retailers; register your bike and keep your proof of purchase. --- 📍 Platoon Cycles · 157 Pyeongtaek-daegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com ### A Quick Look Inside Platoon Cycles URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/a-quick-look-inside-platoon-cycles/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T02:13:01.000Z Here's a short video that gives you a feel for the shop. Platoon Cycles is two buildings joined together — a Trek showroom on one side, service and accessories on the other. We carry road, MTB, hybrid, city, and electric bikes, and we handle service in-house. But the layout isn't really the point. We've always treated a bike as a tool for experience rather than a list of specs, so most of our day is spent talking with riders about where they ride and what they're after, not pushing numbers. If the video makes you curious, the easiest thing is to drop by. Coffee's usually on, and there's no pressure to buy anything. A thank you to Tyler, who made the video for us — we appreciate it. --- ### Trek Domane AL 2: A Road Bike That Quietly Does More URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/trek-domane-al-2-a-road-bike-that-quietly-does-more/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T07:43:06.000Z Most customers walk into the shop with a clear bucket in mind. "I want a road bike." "I want a gravel bike." "I want something for touring." The Trek Domane AL 2 is interesting because it sits a little outside those buckets — not loud about it, just quietly capable in a few directions at once. This post is for the rider who's looking at the Domane and wondering if it can do more than its category suggests. The short answer is yes, within limits. Here's the honest version. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.07.10.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.07.26.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.07.47.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.08.02.png) 2026 Domane AL 2 ### What the Domane AL 2 actually is At its core, the Domane AL is an endurance road bike. The geometry is upright rather than aggressive — a slack head angle, longer fork offset, a low 80 mm bottom bracket drop, and 420 mm chainstays. Trek's design language here is "all-day comfort on pavement," and that's the bike you get. The current Gen 4 frame is built around a 100 Series Alpha Aluminum tubeset with a full carbon fork. It ships with a Shimano Claris 2×8 drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes — a sensible spec for the price point, not flashy. The AL 4 steps up to a wider-range groupset on the same frame. So far, so road bike. ### The case for it as a first road bike Here is the part that often gets lost. Even before you start thinking about gravel or touring, the Domane AL is one of the smarter first road bikes you can buy — and not because of the price. Most entry-level road bikes inherit the geometry of their brand's higher-end race frames and just pair it with cheaper parts. You end up with an aggressive, low, stretched position built for a rider who can already hold an aero tuck for two hours. For someone just getting started, that position is a tax. You spend energy bracing your back, fighting your hamstrings, and managing the front end instead of pedaling. The Domane AL takes a different approach. The stack is taller, the head angle is slacker, the wheelbase is longer. The position is more upright — you sit on the bike, not in it. The handling feels predictable instead of twitchy. A rider new to drop bars can actually concentrate on what matters at this stage — staying smooth, learning to corner, building cadence — instead of negotiating with the frame. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.07.37.png) 2026 Domane AL 2 Speed on a bike is not only about being aero. It is also about not wasting energy on a posture you cannot yet sustain. The Domane AL is one of the few entry road bikes that takes that idea seriously, and it is why we keep recommending it to first-time road riders even when other models in the same price bracket look more aggressive on paper. The stock 32c tires are part of the same idea. Most entry road bikes ship with 25c or 28c, partly to look fast and partly to inherit specs from their racing cousins. The Domane comes with 32c, and we think that is the right call for almost every rider buying this bike — more air volume means a smoother ride, better grip in turns, and more composure over rough pavement and the expansion joints you find all over Korean bike paths. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.12.24.png) Bontrager Road Tire 32c There is a real tradeoff and we will not pretend otherwise. 32c tires carry slightly more rolling resistance than narrower ones. But that difference really only starts to show up at sustained averages above 30 km/h. Below that — which is where most riders, including most riders training to get faster, actually spend their time — a 32c tire gives you more than it takes. You ride longer because you are more comfortable. You ride more often because you trust the bike. That is what makes people faster in the long run. ### The detail that changes the conversation: tire clearance Trek lists the Domane AL 2 with official clearance for tires up to about 35c. In practice, the frame and fork measure closer to 40 mm, and 38–40c gravel tires fit without rubbing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.15.31.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.15.38.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.15.45.png) NEW Trek Girona Pro Gravel Tire That single fact moves the bike from "endurance road" into "if you want, this can be your light gravel bike too." ### Why this matters at our price point Here is the budget reality a lot of riders run into. Korean retail prices, current model year, with Trek's US MSRP shown for comparison: - **Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4** — **1,450,000 KRW**\*\* (≈$970). US MSRP: **$1,199.99**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.03.38-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.04.39-1.png) 2027 Domane AL 2 - **Trek Domane AL 4 Gen 4** — **2,200,000 KRW**\*\* (≈$1,470). US MSRP: **$1,849.99**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.38.39.png) 2026 Domane AL 4 - **Trek Checkpoint ALR 5** (Trek's most affordable aluminum gravel bike) — **2,990,000 KRW** (≈$1,990). US MSRP: **$2,299.99**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.39.54.png) 2026 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 \* *USD conversions at roughly 1,500 KRW per dollar; check current rates for exact numbers.*\* The Korea-to-Korea gap matters too. Stepping from the Domane AL 2 to the Checkpoint ALR 5 is over 1.5 million won — more than the price of the AL 2 itself. Even the better-specced Domane AL 4 lands almost 800,000 won under the Checkpoint. If you have been pricing out a Checkpoint and the number does not fit, the Domane AL 2 (or the AL 4 if you want a stronger groupset and hydraulic brakes) is worth a real look — not as a compromise, but as a different entry point into the same kinds of rides. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.41.46.png) Domane AL 4 The geometry comparison is closer than people expect. The Checkpoint runs a slightly longer reach, a taller stack, and a higher bottom bracket — it is built for technical gravel. The Domane sits lower and a touch more compact, which is faster on pavement and still composed on the kind of gravel paths most riders in Korea actually ride: the river paths, the smoother sections of the Cross-Country and 4 Rivers routes, the unpaved farm roads that connect them. It is not a Checkpoint. It is a road bike that will go where you point it, as long as where you are pointing it is not too technical. ### The mount list — quietly the most useful part The Domane AL frame carries rack mounts, full fender mounts, and a top tube mount. That is the same kind of mounting set you would expect from a touring frame at this price. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-28--------------3.04.12-1.png) 2027 Trek Domane AL 2 For our customers this matters in two specific ways: 1. **Light touring**\*\* — a rear rack, panniers, fenders for the wet season, and you have a bike that can ride from Incheon to Busan and back without complaint. 2. **Bikepacking**\*\* — top tube bag, frame bag, seat bag, and the bike disappears under the load instead of fighting it. You do not get that on most road bikes at this price. You usually have to step up to a dedicated touring or gravel frame to find this many threaded inserts. The Domane AL gives you that headroom from day one. ### The honest tradeoffs We try not to oversell anything here, so the parts we would want a customer to hear before deciding: - **No bike does everything well.** Fast and comfortable, light and rugged, cheap and good — you pick two. The Domane AL 2 is a road-first bike that has been built generously enough to absorb other uses. It is not a Checkpoint at a discount. - **Mechanical brakes and 8-speed Claris on the AL 2.** Reliable and easy to service, but if you ride a lot of wet descents or steep loaded climbs, the Checkpoint's hydraulic brakes and 1×12 range will feel noticeably better. The AL 4 closes most of that gap — Shimano Tiagra 10-speed with hydraulic disc brakes — for the riders who want it. - **Aggressive gravel.** Loose rock, steep loose descents, technical singletrack — go Checkpoint, or go full mountain bike. The Domane is happiest on pavement and on smoother dirt. - **Position.** The Domane is upright endurance, not race. If you already know you want a low, aggressive road position, the Émonda line is the better starting point. ### Who this bike is for It is a good fit if you: - **a comfortable road bike as your primary use, but like the idea of running 38–40c tires when you want to explore.** - **Are putting together your first drop-bar bike and want one that can grow with you — fenders for the rainy season, a rack for a weekend tour, gravel tires for the river-path detours.** - **Were looking at a Checkpoint but the budget does not reach 2,990,000 KRW yet.** - **Want one bike, not three.** It is not the right bike if you are already committed to technical gravel, or if you want race-grade road performance. ### Come ride it The best way to figure out where you fall is to ride one. We keep the Domane AL 2 and AL 4 in the shop in multiple sizes, and we can swap tires if you want to feel the difference between 32c on pavement and 38c on a mixed-surface loop. Drop by anytime — no appointment needed. ### Pyeongtaek to Seoul by Bike — The 5-River Route from Platoon Cycles URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/pyeongtaek-to-seoul-by-bike-the-5-river-route-from-platoon-cycles/ Last updated: 2026-05-20T10:06:34.000Z # **Excerpt:** A flat, river-following route from our shop in Paengseong-eup all the way up to the Tancheon–Han River confluence in Jamsil. Five rivers, one lake, and almost no climbing. Komoot file ready to download. --- ## A great route, written up by someone else We didn't scout this one ourselves. The detailed write-up comes from a Korean cycling blog, **Ohappy.net (오해피넷)** by *Happy Uki (해피우키)*, published on 18 May 2026: > **Source:** ["\[자전거 라이딩\] 신규 국토종주 예정 코스! 평택역\~잠실 '5개 하천길' 완벽 가이드"](http://5happy.net/archives/9551?ref=platooncycles.com) — Ohappy.net The original post covers the route from **Pyeongtaek Station** up to Jamsil. We've adapted the GPX so it starts at **our shop in Paengseong-eup** instead, which skips the short Anseongcheon section near the station and drops you straight onto the Pyeongseong Bridge crossing. Everything from that point north is the same route described in the original article. All credit for scouting, photographing, and documenting the route goes to the original author. If you read Korean, the original post has photos and a full ride video that are worth a look. --- ## Why this route is worth your time According to the original author, this is one of **eight new Cross-Country Bike Path (국토종주) segments** currently being prepared by the Korean government, and it should eventually be added to the official certification network. For now it's unofficial, but the path is already rideable end-to-end. Three things make it stand out: 1. **It's almost entirely flat.** Five rivers and a lake, no real climbs. Comfortable on any bike — road, hybrid, gravel, even a recumbent. 2. **Train access the whole way.** Line 1 runs parallel to the southern half, and several Seoul subway lines touch Tancheon. If someone in your group runs out of legs, they can bail at almost any point. 3. **It connects Camp Humphreys to Seoul under your own power.** No car, no shuttle. Ride out the door, end up on the Han River. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-20--------------6.54.15.png) --- ## The route at a glance - **Start:** Platoon Cycles, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek - **Finish:** Tancheon–Han River confluence, Jamsil (Seoul) - **Distance:** approximately 85 km (using the Singal-ro shortcut; closer to 90 km on the original loop via Dongbaek Lake Park) - **Elevation gain:** roughly 250–320 m total — gentle the whole way - **Surface:** mostly dedicated bike path; some levee roads and a few short detours on public roads - **Difficulty:** beginner-friendly if you're comfortable with the distance **Komoot tour (starts at our shop):** 👉 [View / download GPX on Komoot](https://www.komoot.com/ko-kr/tour/2967528384?share%5Ftoken=aD7J4TNfgDeDb0ETixRt8S508YG8qrRdDTURurKiavY9ChF56R&ref=wtd&t%5Fs=referral&t%5Fcid=route%5Fshare&t%5Fref%5Fusername=3761507192382) --- ## Segment-by-segment guide The original post breaks the ride into six segments. Here's the same structure, adapted for a start from our shop. ### From the shop → Pyeongseong Bridge → Anseongcheon (about 2 km) Roll out of the shop, head north onto Pyeongseong Bridge (팽성대교), and drop down onto the bike path along Anseongcheon (안성천). Riders coming from Pyeongtaek Station would have ridden the first 6 km of Anseongcheon to get here; you skip that section. ### Segment 1 — Jinwicheon (진위천), about 20 km Most of this is levee road (둑방길). Some sections aren't officially marked as bike-only paths on the map, but there's no car traffic and the surface is flat and easy. Where blue cycling lines are painted, it rides exactly like a dedicated bike path. **Note:** When you reach Hwangguji Stream, take the **Hwangguji Bridge (황구치교) detour**. If you try to go straight, you'll hit a stepping-stone river crossing that's not rideable. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-20--------------6.54.26.png) ### Segment 2 — Osancheon (오산천), about 10 km The east-side path is nicely landscaped but has heavy foot traffic — keep your speed down. The west-side path is wider and easier to ride. **Construction detour:** The Banseoksan Neighborhood Park section is currently closed for construction, so you'll need to take roughly **6 km of public road** to detour around it until you reach Giheung Lake Road. The Komoot file above already includes this detour. When construction wraps up, a new connected path between Osancheon and Giheung Lake should make this section much smoother. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-20--------------6.54.40.png) ### Segment 3 — Giheung Lake (기흥호수) You join the Giheung Lake bike path near Gongsecheon. It's the third-largest lake in Gyeonggi Province — wide, open, and a nice change of scenery from the river paths. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-20--------------6.58.55.png) ### Segment 4 — Singalcheon (신갈천) — shortcut tip The official route loops out toward Dongbaek Lake Park, which is about **12.5 km**. The original author recommends a **shortcut along Singal-ro that's only about 5 km** — a flat public road that cuts roughly **7.5 km off the total ride**. Our Komoot file uses this shortcut. If you'd rather have a fully separated bike path, the longer Dongbaek loop is fine, just note that the back half of Singal-ro on the official route has a gentle but noticeable uphill grade. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-20--------------6.59.33.png) ### Segment 5 — Tancheon (탄천), about 30 km The home stretch. Tancheon is one of the best-maintained bike paths in the Seoul area — smooth pavement, fully separated from pedestrians, and fast. Several subway stations sit right next to the path, so anyone in your group can call it a day whenever they want. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/-------------------------------2026-05-20--------------6.55.01.png) **Recommended rest stop:** the **Tancheon Freshwater Fish Eco-Center** near Gachon University. Quiet, with ponds and a riverside walking path — a good place to stretch your legs before the final push to the Han River. The ride ends where Tancheon meets the Han at the **Jamsil confluence**, with easy access to Jamsil Station (Lines 2 and 8) for the trip home. --- ## Things to know before you go - **The Osancheon detour is mandatory right now.** Don't try to push through the closed Banseoksan section — load the Komoot file before you ride so the detour is on your screen. - **Hwangguji Bridge crossing on Jinwicheon** is also a must — going straight dead-ends at a stepping-stone river crossing. - **Bail-out points:** Line 1 stations (Pyeongtaek, Songtan, Osan, Suwon area) cover the southern half. Once you're on Tancheon, you have Bokjeong, Suseo, Gachon University, and several other stations close by. - **Best season:** spring and autumn. Summer is rideable early in the morning but the rivers offer almost no shade. - **Convenience stores** are easy to find along all five rivers — resupply isn't a problem. --- ## Why we're posting this We get asked a lot — especially by riders at Camp Humphreys — *"What's a good long ride from here that doesn't involve a car?"* This is one of the few routes that actually answers that question. It starts at our front door, it's flat, and it ends at a Seoul subway station. If you want help loading the Komoot file onto your Garmin or Wahoo before you head out, or if you want a tune-up before a long ride, drop by the shop. We're at the start line either way. **Original article and full route documentation:** [Ohappy.net — 평택역\~잠실 5개 하천길 가이드](http://5happy.net/archives/9551?ref=platooncycles.com) — Happy Uki, 18 May 2026. --- *Platoon Cycles · 157 Paengseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do ·* [*www.platooncycles.com*](https://www.platooncycles.com/) ### Renting a Car in Jeju with a SOFA License — What Actually Works Online URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/renting-a-car-in-jeju-with-a-sofa-license-what-actually-works-online/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T02:34:18.000Z Most USFK members in Korea never convert their license to a Korean one. The SOFA license (USFK Form 134EK — the orange card) is what you drive on, and that's perfectly legal under the SOFA agreement. But when it comes to renting a car — especially booking online with a foreign-issued credit card — a lot of people aren't sure if it'll actually go through without showing up in person or calling around. A friend just rented a car in Jeju and walked through the whole process online, so this is a quick note on what we confirmed works, plus a few other options worth knowing about. --- ## Confirmed: SK Rent-A-Car **English booking site:** [https://homepage.skdirect.co.kr/en](https://homepage.skdirect.co.kr/en?ref=platooncycles.com) What works on this site: - SOFA license info can be entered directly in the reservation form - Foreign-issued Visa / Mastercard accepted for online payment - Pickup at Jeju Airport via the standard rental shuttle This was the actual path used. Reservation → payment → pickup all went through without needing a Korean credit card or a phone call. There may well be other companies that work this smoothly online — I just haven't personally seen them confirmed end-to-end. --- ## Other Options Worth Knowing **Lotte Rent-A-Car** — English site at [lotterentacar.net/eng](https://www.lotterentacar.net/hp/eng/reservation/index.do?ref=platooncycles.com). Their published FAQ accepts SOFA licenses for vehicles **9 passengers or fewer**, within **1 year of your arrival in Korea**. Foreign cards accepted online. **Jeju One Rent-A-Car** — [jejuonecar.net](https://www.jejuonecar.net/?ref=platooncycles.com). A Jeju-based company that explicitly welcomes USFK orange license + passport. Smaller operation, English support available. Worth a direct email if you want a local company — confirm whether online payment is supported or whether it's pay-at-pickup. What I'd skip for now: car-sharing apps like Socar and Greencar generally require a Korean license, which makes them impractical on a SOFA license alone. --- ## What You'll Need at Pickup - **Passport (여권)** - **USFK Form 134EK (orange card / 오렌지 카드)** — name must match your passport exactly - **The credit card used for the reservation** — most companies want to see the physical card --- ## Insurance — Don't Skip Super CDW Korean rental insurance works a little differently than what you may be used to. - Basic liability is mandatory and bundled in - A basic CDW is usually included, but the **deductible can be steep** (typically ₩300,000–500,000) - **Super CDW** brings the deductible to zero. Runs about ₩10,000–20,000/day depending on the vehicle Worth paying for, especially in Jeju where tight parking lots, narrow coastal roads, and unexpected obstacles add up. Note: your US credit card's "rental insurance" benefit typically does **not** waive the Korean rental company's CDW requirement — they'll still require their own coverage. --- ## A Few Driving Notes for Jeju - **Speed cameras** are everywhere and unforgiving — set your nav to alert for them - The **1100-도로 (Hallasan Road)** can have fog and icy patches even in shoulder seasons - Coastal roads are narrow and shared with pedestrians, electric scooters, and the occasional tractor - Most rentals come with Korean-language navigation by default — ask for an English option at pickup, or use **Naver Map / Kakao Map** on your phone. Google Maps driving directions don't work well in Korea --- ## Age and Experience Most companies require **age 21+ with at least 1 year of driving experience**. Larger vehicles (Carnival, imports, SUVs) often jump to **26+**. On-base MWR rentals at Osan and Humphreys also typically use 26 as the cutoff. --- ## Bottom Line If you're heading to Jeju on a SOFA license, you don't need to do anything special. Book online with **SK** or **Lotte**, bring your orange card and passport to pickup, add Super CDW at the counter, and you're set. If you've used another company that handled SOFA license + foreign card payment online cleanly, let us know — happy to update this list. ### 700km Across Korea by Bike — A Vlog Worth Watching Before You Ride URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/700km-across-korea-by-bike-a-vlog-worth-watching-before-you-ride/ Last updated: 2026-05-13T06:18:54.000Z # If you've been thinking about doing the 국토종주 — Korea's coast-to-coast bike route — this video is the best starting point I've seen in a while. YouTuber "젠가" recently completed the full ride from Incheon to Busan and documented every day of it. Not a highlight reel. The whole thing — the hills, the fatigue, the wrong turns, and the moments that make it worth it. --- ## The Route **Incheon Ara Waterway → Han River (Seoul) → Yangpyeong → Yeoju → Chungju → Mungyeong Saejae Pass → Andong → Sangju → Gumi → Daegu → Changnyeong → Busan Nakdong Estuary** He added the Andong Dam segment on top of the official 633km course, bringing the total to over 700km across 5 nights and 6 days. --- ## What Makes This One Different Most 국토종주 vlogs focus on the scenery. This one does too — but it also shows you the real parts. The infamous Ihwaryeong climb on day 3\. An 18-degree mountain road in the middle of nowhere on day 4\. Riding into a headwind for the entire final stretch into Busan. And scattered throughout: interviews with foreign riders doing the exact same route. Californians, Australians, a few others. All of them saying the same thing — the trail is safe, the facilities are solid, and it's easier to navigate than they expected. That tracks with what we hear from our customers who've done it. --- ## Practically Speaking The certification centers (인증센터) are spaced well enough that you always have a clear next goal. Bike-friendly accommodation exists along the route if you book ahead. The flat Nakdong River sections in the south are genuinely enjoyable — until the wind isn't cooperating. Gear matters more than most people think. Not because the route is extreme, but because 700km compounds every small fit issue into something you'll feel on day 4. --- ## Watch It Here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo-b6\_BrBTw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo-b6%5FBrBTw&ref=platooncycles.com) --- ## Planning Your Own Ride? We've been covering the 국토종주 in detail on this blog — gear, route segments, what to expect at each stage, and what most guides leave out. Seven posts so far: 1. [The Cross-Country Route : Korea's Ultimate Cycling Adventure \[Cross-Country Series #1\]](https://www.platooncycles.com/the-cross-country-route-koreas-ultimate-cycling-adventure-cross-country-series-1/) 2. [Planning Your Ride: Days, Budget & Gear \[Cross-Country Series #2\]](https://www.platooncycles.com/planning-your-ride-days-budget-gear-cross-country-series-2/) 3. [The Bike Passport: Korea's Stamp Rally System - \[Cross-Country Series #3\]](https://www.platooncycles.com/the-bike-passport-koreas-stamp-rally-system-cross-country-series-3/) 4. [Stage-by-Stage Breakdown - \[Cross-Country Series #4\]](https://www.platooncycles.com/stage-by-stage-breakdown-cross-country-series-4/) 5. [Where to Sleep & Eat Along the Way \[Cross-Country Series #5\]](https://www.platooncycles.com/where-to-sleep-eat-along-the-way-cross-country-series-5/) 6. [Navigation & Apps \[Cross-Country Series #6\]](https://www.platooncycles.com/navigation-apps-cross-country-series-6/) 7. [What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cross- \[Country Cross-Country Series #7 Final\]](https://www.platooncycles.com/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-my-first-cross-country-cross-country-series-7-final/) If you want to talk through a setup before you go, come by the shop. We've helped a lot of riders prep for this one. ### Saturday Morning Ride - May 2nd URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/saturday-morning-ride-may-2nd/ Last updated: 2026-05-04T05:49:58.000Z May 2nd Sat. Riding Pyeongtaek Asan loop ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/05/IMG_9788.jpeg) ### Selle Italia SLR 3D Carbon — A Saddle That's Not Trying to Fit Everyone URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/selle-italia-slr-3d-carbon-a-saddle-thats-not-trying-to-fit-everyone/ Last updated: 2026-04-23T03:54:19.000Z # > And that's exactly why some people love it. A customer ordered two Selle Italia SLR 3D Carbon saddles — one in the new Opal White, one in the standard black. Same saddle, same specs, just different colorways. When I had them side by side on the bench, I figured it was a good time to talk about Selle Italia saddles in general — because their lineup can be genuinely confusing, and most people don't know where to start. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9666.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9667.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9676.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9668.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9669.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9670.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9671.jpeg) ### The Opal White Selle Italia recently introduced the Opal White colorway across several models in the SLR lineup. It's a clean, warm white — not the bright clinical white you might expect. On the SLR 3D Carbon, it works. The 3D-printed padding texture is more visible in white, which actually shows off the technology better than the black version does. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9668-1-1.jpeg) SLR 3D OPAL WHITE Both models are identical underneath. Carbon shell, carbon 7x9mm rails, 3D-printed padding via Carbon DLS technology, Superflow cutout (the large center channel). 137mm width in S3, 143g. The only difference is the color of the cover. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9674-1.jpeg) --- ### How to Read Selle Italia's Lineup (Without Losing Your Mind) ### Selle Italia currently has over 130 saddle models on their website. The names are long. "SLR Boost 3D Kit Carbonio Superflow" is a real product name. It's a lot. But once you understand the system, it actually breaks down pretty simply. ### Step 1: Shape — This Is the Big One Selle Italia makes three saddle shapes. This is where your choice starts. | Shape | Who It's For | | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Flat**Flite series | You move around on the saddle a lot. Aggressive positions, dynamic riding. The flat profile lets you shift forward and back freely. | | **Neutral**SLR series | The most versatile shape. Works for most riding styles. If you're not sure where to start, start here. | | **Waved**Novus series | You sit in one position and stay there. The wave profile cradles your pelvis and keeps you locked in. Good for long, steady efforts. | This is the most important decision. Get this wrong, and no amount of padding or cutout size will fix it. ### Step 2: The Code — S3, L1, etc. Every Selle Italia saddle has a two-character code. Once you know what it means, you can decode any model instantly. | Code | Meaning | | ----- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **S** | **Small** — \~130-137mm widthFor riders with sit bones closer together | | **L** | **Large** — \~145-146mm widthFor riders with sit bones further apart | | Code | Meaning | | ----- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | **1** | **Closed** — No cutoutSolid top, no center channel | | **2** | **Flow** — Shallow channelPartial pressure relief | | **3** | **Superflow** — Large open cutoutMaximum pressure relief | So \*\*S3\*\* = narrow saddle with a large cutout. \*\*L1\*\* = wide saddle with no cutout. That's it. If you don't know your sit bone width, most bike shops can measure it in under a minute. Selle Italia's own idmatch system uses a digital caliper — takes about 30 seconds. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9684.jpeg) Saddle measurement tool ### Step 3: Rail Material — This Is Your Budget The shape is the same across all price points. What changes is the rail material, which determines weight and price. | Rail Material | Price | Weight | | -------------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | -------- | | **TM**Manganese — best value, same shape | \~$130-150 | 200-240g | | **TI 316**Titanium — good balance of weight & durability | \~$210-250 | 175-210g | | **Kit Carbonio**Carbon 7x9mm rails — performance tier | \~$280-380 | 118-180g | | **3D**3D-printed padding (Carbon DLS technology) | \~$360-450 | 137-200g | | **Tekno**Full carbon structure — lightest, pro level | \~$400-470 | 95-120g | The SLR 3D Carbon that's pictured here sits in the 3D tier — carbon rails plus 3D-printed padding, 143g in the S3 size. That's light. Very light. ### One More Thing: "Boost" If you see "Boost" in the name, it means short nose — about 248mm instead of the standard length. The newest SLR (4th generation, 2025) dropped the Boost name but is actually even shorter at 242mm. If you ride in an aggressive, aero position, shorter nose saddles tend to work better. If you move around a lot on the saddle, a standard length gives you more room. --- ## A Mechanic's Honest Take on Saddles I've been working on bikes and fitting customers for a long time. I've seen a lot of saddles come and go. Here's what I've noticed. ### **There are two kinds of saddles in this world.** **\*\*The first kind\*\*** is designed to be good enough for almost everyone. Short, wide, flat. Bontrager Aeolus, Specialized Power, PRO Stealth — these saddles are engineered to minimize discomfort for the widest range of body types. They work. For most people, switching to one of these from a bad saddle is a significant improvement. But here's the thing. When I ask customers — riders who switched to one of these popular short-and-wide saddles — "Is this the best saddle you've ever used?" almost none of them say yes. What they usually say is something like: \*"It's way better than what I had before. But on longer rides, I still get some discomfort."\* **It's a safe choice, not necessarily a perfect one.** **\*\*The second kind\*\*** is designed around a specific shape philosophy. Selle Italia falls into this category. Their saddles have a distinct profile — they're not just short and flat. The SLR has its neutral curve. The Novus has its wave. The Flite has its classic flat-but-different shape. These aren't shapes that came from a focus group trying to please everyone. They came from decades of studying how different bodies interact with a saddle. The result? Some people try a **Selle Italia** and immediately say it's not for them. That's fine — it happens. But the people who find the right Selle Italia for their body? They never go back. I've had customers tell me, **\*"I'm riding Selle Italia for the rest of my life."\*** Not because of the brand name — **because it genuinely fits them better than anything else they've tried.** That's the trade-off. A saddle that tries to work for everyone will be decent for most. A saddle that commits to a specific shape will be wrong for some and exactly right for others. --- ## So What Should You Actually Do? **\*\*If you can test saddles in person\*\*** — do it. Try different shapes. Try a Selle Italia alongside whatever else is available. Your body will tell you within the first 20 minutes if a shape works or doesn't. **\*\*If you're buying online and can't test\*\*** — go with one of the safe, wide-and-short options first. Bontrager Aeolus, Specialized Power, or similar. They're designed to work for most people, and "works for most people" is a reasonable starting point when you're buying blind. **\*\*If you're near Pyeongtaek\*\*** — come by **Platoon Cycles**. We let you test different saddles until you find the one that actually fits. Not the one that's popular, not the one that looks good — the one that works for your body. That's what a bike shop is for. --- ### Quick Specs: SLR 3D Carbon S3 | **Shape** | Neutral | | ----------- | ------------------------ | | **Width** | 137mm (S3) | | **Length** | 242mm | | **Channel** | Superflow (large cutout) | | **Rail** | Carbon 7x9mm | | **Padding** | 3D-printed (Carbon DLS) | | **Weight** | 143g (S3) | | **Colors** | Black, Opal White | --- **Platoon Cycles — Pyeongtaek, South Korea** **www.platooncycles.com** **Selle Italia Saddle Korean Importer's Page** [MBS Corporation(二�)�뿞鍮꾩뿉�뒪肄뷀띁�젅�씠�뀡, �뿕�뙆留�, ELFAMA, �뿕�뙆留덉옄�쟾嫄�, �뿕�뙆留늤tb, �뿕�뙆留� 濡쒕뱶, �뿕�뙆留� �궛�븙�옄�쟾嫄�, �뿕�뙆留� �뿉�룷移�, �뿕�뙆留� �솚���吏��븘, elfama mtb, DTSWISS, �뵒�떚�뒪�쐞�뒪, 寃뚮Ⅴ�꽕, GAERNE12![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)MBS CorpMBS Corporation![](https://mbscorp.co.kr/index.png)](https://mbscorp.co.kr/prod/prod%5Flist.html?s%5Fbase%5Fcategory%5Fseq=MTY=&s%5Fbase%5Fcategory%5Fh=Mjg=&s%5Fbase%5Fcategory%5Fm=MTQ5&ref=platooncycles.com) ### The Health Benefits of Cycling — A Korean Restaurant-Inspired Guide URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/the-health-benefits-of-cycling-a-korean-restaurant-inspired-guide/ Last updated: 2026-04-13T07:32:38.000Z --- ## Every Food in Korea Is Good for You If you've ever eaten at a Korean restaurant — and I mean really looked around while waiting for your food — you've probably noticed something on the walls. Posters. Framed printouts. Sometimes just a laminated sheet of paper taped next to the menu. They all say roughly the same thing: a detailed breakdown of why the food you're about to eat is *good for you*. Order samgyeopsal (pork belly), and the sign will tell you it helps flush out toxins. Sit down for a bowl of samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup), and you'll learn it boosts your stamina and strengthens your immune system. Even something as simple as kimchi jjigae comes with a list of benefits — digestion, metabolism, vitamins, probiotics. Walk into a gopchang (intestine) restaurant, and somehow, intestines are great for your skin. Jokbal (pig's feet)? Collagen. Tteokbokki? Well, someone will find a way. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-13--------------4.20.23.png) This isn't false advertising. It's not really marketing either. It's just... **Korean food culture**. There's an old saying in Korean medicine: **약식동원 (藥食同源)** — food and medicine share the same root. The idea is that what you eat isn't just fuel. It's care. It's prevention. It's treatment. Koreans have believed this for centuries, and it shows in how food is talked about, prepared, and served. What I find genuinely interesting about this is not whether every claim is scientifically bulletproof. Some are, some are a stretch. What's interesting is the *attitude*. In Korea, eating is never just eating. There's always an extra layer — a reason beyond hunger, a meaning beyond taste. When someone puts a bowl of seolleongtang (ox bone soup) in front of you and says "This is good for your joints," they're not running a clinical trial. They're sharing something they believe in. And honestly, that makes the whole experience of eating out in Korea more fun and more meaningful. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-13--------------4.22.08.png) seolleongtang (ox bone soup) You start paying attention. You look at the walls. You read the signs. You find yourself nodding along — "Oh, so *that's* why we're eating this." Whether it's true or not, it adds a story to your meal. And food with a story always tastes better. So if you're stationed in Korea or just visiting, do yourself a favor: next time you're at a restaurant, don't just look at the menu. Look at the walls. You'll learn something — or at least, you'll be entertained. --- ## So, What About Cycling? Now, cycling is obviously not food. You can't eat a bicycle. But living in Korea and being surrounded by this culture of "everything has health benefits" got me thinking. If a plate of gopchang gets its own health benefits poster on the wall, surely cycling deserves one too. The difference is — and I say this as someone who's been selling and riding bikes for 20 years — cycling's health benefits don't need any creative interpretation. They're real. They're well-documented. And unlike that poster claiming pork skin will make you look ten years younger, most of what cycling does for your body and mind is backed by actual research. So today, let's do this Korean restaurant style. Here's your wall poster for cycling. --- ## Cardiovascular Health — Your Heart Will Thank You Let's start with the big one. Cycling is an aerobic exercise, which means it gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing. Do it regularly, and your heart gets stronger. It doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood. Your resting heart rate drops. Your blood pressure improves. Your risk of heart disease goes down. A large-scale study published in the *British Medical Journal* followed over 250,000 commuters and found that those who cycled to work had a 46% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to non-cyclists. That's not a marginal improvement. That's significant. You don't need to be racing or grinding up mountain passes to get these benefits. Regular, moderate cycling — even just commuting a few kilometers — makes a measurable difference. The kind of riding most people can realistically do, most days. --- ## Mental Health — Cheaper Than Therapy This one doesn't get talked about enough. Cycling outdoors is one of the most effective natural mood regulators available. When you ride, your body releases endorphins — the same chemicals that make you feel good after a workout. But cycling adds something that a treadmill or a gym session can't: movement through space, changing scenery, fresh air, sunlight. Research from the *Lancet Psychiatry* study (covering over 1.2 million Americans) found that people who exercised — cycling being one of the top activities — reported 43% fewer days of poor mental health per month compared to those who didn't exercise. There's also the meditative quality of riding. When you're on a bike, especially on a quiet path or a long stretch of road, your mind settles. You're focused on the road, the rhythm of your pedaling, the wind. The noise in your head gets quieter. It's not a cure for everything, but as a daily pressure valve, it works. If you've ever come back from a ride and felt like the world made a little more sense — that's not in your head. Well, technically it is. But the science backs it up. --- ## Joint-Friendly Exercise — Your Knees Will Appreciate It Here's where cycling has a genuine advantage over running. Running is great exercise. But it's high-impact. Every step sends force through your ankles, knees, and hips. Over time, especially on hard surfaces, that adds up. Cycling is low-impact. Your weight is supported by the saddle, and the pedaling motion is smooth and circular — no pounding, no jarring. This makes it ideal for people who want serious cardiovascular exercise without putting stress on their joints. This matters a lot for people recovering from injuries, dealing with arthritis, carrying extra weight, or simply getting older. Cycling lets you work hard without breaking yourself down in the process. It builds the muscles around your knees (quadriceps, hamstrings) without the repetitive impact that wears cartilage over time. It's one of the reasons physical therapists frequently recommend cycling as part of rehabilitation programs. It's exercise that builds you up instead of wearing you out. --- ## Weight Management — Burn Without the Burnout Cycling burns calories. That's straightforward. How many depends on intensity, duration, and your body weight, but a general range: moderate cycling burns roughly 400 to 600 calories per hour. Push harder, ride longer, add some hills, and that number goes up. But here's the thing that makes cycling particularly effective for weight management — it doesn't feel like punishment. A lot of people struggle with exercise because it feels like a chore. Running on a treadmill staring at a wall for 45 minutes is not everyone's idea of a good time. Cycling gives you a destination. You're going somewhere. You're seeing things. You're exploring. An hour on the bike can fly by when you're on a riverside path watching the scenery change. You finish the ride and realize you just burned 500 calories without ever checking the clock. That sustainability is what matters. The best exercise for weight management is the one you'll actually keep doing. And cycling has a very high stick rate — people who start cycling tend to keep cycling. The barrier to entry is low, the experience is enjoyable, and the results show up quietly over time. --- ## Muscle Tone and Strength — Not Just Legs People assume cycling only works your legs. It mostly does — your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes are doing the bulk of the work. And they will get stronger. Noticeably. But cycling also engages your core — the muscles in your abdomen and lower back that keep you stable on the bike. The longer you ride, the more your core works to support your posture and balance. Over time, this translates to better overall stability and a stronger midsection. Your arms and shoulders also contribute, especially during climbs or when navigating technical terrain. It's not a full upper-body workout, but it's more engagement than people expect. The result, over weeks and months of regular riding, is a leaner, more functional body. Not bulky — cycling builds endurance muscles, not mass. But toned, efficient, and capable. --- ## Better Sleep — Ride Today, Sleep Tonight There's a direct relationship between physical activity and sleep quality, and cycling fits this perfectly. A study from the University of Georgia found that regular aerobic exercise (like cycling) reduced the time it takes to fall asleep and increased sleep duration. Participants reported feeling less daytime fatigue and more alertness during waking hours. The mechanism is fairly simple: physical exertion during the day helps regulate your body's internal clock. You tire your body out (in a healthy way), and when night comes, your system is ready to rest. Cycling outdoors adds natural sunlight exposure to the equation, which further supports your circadian rhythm. If you've been struggling with sleep — tossing and turning, waking up groggy, relying on your phone until your eyes give up — try replacing some of that screen time with saddle time. It won't solve everything, but a tired body sleeps better than a restless one. --- ## Immune System — Fewer Sick Days Moderate, regular exercise has been consistently shown to support immune function. Cycling falls right into that sweet spot. Research from the University of Bath found that regular, moderate-intensity exercise improves immune regulation, potentially reducing the risk of respiratory infections and chronic diseases. The key word is "moderate" — overtraining can have the opposite effect, but consistent, reasonable riding helps your immune system stay sharp. There's also an interesting study from King's College London that looked at amateur cyclists aged 55 to 79\. They found that the cyclists had immune systems that looked much younger than their age — their thymus glands (which produce immune T-cells) were producing as many T-cells as a young person's. The non-cycling control group showed typical age-related immune decline. In other words: regular cycling doesn't just keep you fit. It may help keep your immune system younger than your actual age. --- ## Social Connection — The Underrated Benefit This one won't show up on a medical chart, but it matters. Cycling is inherently social. Group rides, cycling clubs, even casual conversations at the bike shop — the cycling community tends to be welcoming and easy to connect with. Here in Korea, there are communities like DOPE Cycling Club running regular group rides, and the energy you get from riding with others is something a solo treadmill session can't replicate. For people who are new to Korea — especially military personnel on a PCS assignment — cycling is one of the fastest ways to meet people, explore the area, and build a social circle outside of work. You show up, you ride, you talk. That's it. No complicated social dynamics, no awkward small talk at a bar. Just shared effort and shared roads. Loneliness is a genuine health issue. The U.S. Surgeon General has called it a public health epidemic. Anything that naturally brings people together around a healthy activity is worth paying attention to. --- ## Brain Health — Pedal Your Way to Sharper Thinking Cycling increases blood flow to the brain. More blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients reaching your brain cells. This supports cognitive function — memory, attention, problem-solving, creativity. A study from the University of Illinois found that regular aerobic exercise (cycling included) led to a 15-20% improvement in mental test performance. Other research has linked consistent cycling with reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. There's also the immediate effect. Many people report thinking more clearly after a ride — ideas flow easier, problems feel more solvable, mental fog lifts. It's not magic. It's increased cerebral blood flow and a healthy dose of endorphins doing exactly what they're designed to do. If you have a tough decision to make or a problem you can't crack — go for a ride. You might come back with the answer. --- ## Practical Transportation — Exercise That Gets You Somewhere Here's one that the Korean restaurant health poster would never list, because food doesn't take you to work. Cycling is transportation. Real, functional, everyday transportation. You can ride to the office, to the grocery store, to a friend's place, to a café. Every trip you make by bike instead of by car is exercise you didn't have to schedule. It just... happens. In Korea, this is especially practical. The country has an incredible network of dedicated cycling paths — along rivers, through cities, between towns. The infrastructure here is genuinely world-class. You're not dodging traffic on a highway. You're riding on smooth, well-maintained paths with clear signage and rest stops. Commuting by bike means you start and end your day with exercise, fresh air, and a clear head. No traffic jams, no parking stress, no gas costs. Just you, your bike, and the road. --- ## Longevity — More Years, Better Years Let's wrap it up with the long game. A study published in the *British Medical Journal* found that regular cycling was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Cyclists lived longer, on average, than non-cyclists. Another study from Copenhagen tracked over 30,000 people for 14 years and concluded that regular cycling added an average of 3 to 4 years to life expectancy. But it's not just about adding years to your life. It's about adding life to your years. The cyclists in that King's College London study — the ones with younger-looking immune systems — also had better muscle mass, cholesterol levels, and overall physical function than non-cyclists their age. They weren't just living longer. They were living *better*. Cycling isn't a miracle cure. Nothing is. But the accumulated evidence from decades of research paints a consistent picture: people who ride bikes regularly tend to be healthier, happier, and more resilient — physically and mentally — than those who don't. --- ## Your Wall Poster So if Korean restaurants can put up a poster listing every benefit of their food, here's the cycling version. Clip it out. Tape it to your wall. Laminate it if you want. **The Health Benefits of Cycling (자전거의 효능)** | Benefit | What It Does | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | **Heart Health**심혈관 건강 | Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 46% | | **Mental Health**정신 건강 | Reduces poor mental health days by 43% | | **Joint-Friendly**관절 보호 | Full cardio workout without impact damage | | **Weight Management**체중 관리 | Burns 400–600+ cal/hour — and you'll actually enjoy it | | **Muscle Tone**근력 강화 | Builds legs, glutes, core — lean and functional | | **Better Sleep**수면 개선 | Fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, wake up sharper | | **Immune Support**면역력 강화 | Keeps your immune system younger than your age | | **Social Connection**사회적 연결 | Builds community, fights loneliness | | **Brain Health**뇌 건강 | 15–20% improvement in cognitive performance | | **Transportation**이동 수단 | Exercise that actually takes you places | | **Longevity**수명 연장 | +3 to 4 years average life expectancy | Unlike the gopchang restaurant's claim about glowing skin, every single line on this list has published research behind it. --- ## One Last Thing The beautiful thing about cycling is that you don't need to believe in it for it to work. You don't need to read the wall poster or memorize the statistics. You just need to get on the bike and ride. The benefits show up whether you're chasing them or not. Ride because it's fun. Ride because you want to explore Korea. Ride because it's Tuesday and the weather is nice. The health stuff? It just happens along the way. And if someone asks you why you ride so much, you can do the Korean restaurant thing — point to the wall and say, "It's good for you." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/20231004_101950.jpg) **And when this is your view from the saddle — how could you not get healthier?* --- *Platoon Cycles — Pyeongtaek, South Korea* *www.platooncycles.com* ### Trek Bikes: Korea vs. USA Price Comparison — April 2026 URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/trek-bikes-korea-vs-usa-price-comparison-april-2026/ Last updated: 2026-04-13T02:16:10.000Z # Think Trek bikes cost more overseas? Think again. We pulled current prices from both the **US Trek website** and the **Korean Trek website** this week, ran them through today's exchange rate ($1 = ₩1,490, April 13, 2026), and the results speak for themselves. **Some Trek models are up to 30% cheaper here in Korea.** Whether you just PCS'd in or you've been eyeing an upgrade, here's what you need to know. --- ## The Full Breakdown: 11 Models Compared (11개 모델 전체 비교) | Model | US Price | Korea Price | Savings | You Save | | ----------------------------------- | -------- | -------------- | ------- | ---------- | | **FX 2 Gen 4**Fitness Hybrid | $900 | **₩940,000** | **30%** | ₩401,000 | | **Madone SL 5 Gen 8**Road | $3,500 | **₩3,850,000** | **26%** | ₩1,365,000 | | **Madone SL 6 Gen 8**Road | $5,300 | **₩5,850,000** | **26%** | ₩2,047,000 | | **Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3**XC MTB | $2,700 | **₩2,990,000** | **26%** | ₩1,033,000 | | **Marlin 7 Gen 3**Trail MTB | $1,400 | **₩1,550,000** | **26%** | ₩536,000 | | **FX 1 Gen 4**Fitness Hybrid | $700 | **₩770,000** | **26%** | ₩273,000 | | **Rail+ 8 Gen 5**E-MTB | $7,700 | **₩8,690,000** | **24%** | ₩2,783,000 | | **Madone SL 7 Gen 8**Road | $6,600 | **₩7,750,000** | **21%** | ₩2,084,000 | | **FX Sport SL 6**Performance Hybrid | $3,500 | **₩4,250,000** | **19%** | ₩965,000 | | **Domane AL 4 Gen 4**Endurance Road | $1,800 | **₩2,200,000** | **18%** | ₩482,000 | | **Marlin 6 Gen 3**Trail MTB | $1,000 | **₩1,250,000** | **16%** | ₩240,000 | Every single model on this list is cheaper in Korea. The savings range from 16% to 30%. **Biggest percentage savings:** The FX 2 at 30% off — ₩400,000 saved on one of the best-selling fitness bikes in the world. **Biggest dollar savings:** The Rail+ 8 e-MTB saves you nearly ₩2.8 million (about $1,870). The entire Madone SL road lineup saves ₩1.3M–2.1M each. --- ## Why Are Prices Lower in Korea? (왜 한국이 더 저렴한가?) - **Regional pricing strategy** — Trek sets different MSRP by market. Korea has been priced competitively to grow market share in Asia. - **Exchange rate** — At ₩1,490/$, the won is still weak enough to create a meaningful gap for dollar earners. - **No import markup on your end** — You're buying locally at Korean retail. No shipping, no customs, no middleman. --- ## Not Everything Is Cheaper (미국이 더 싼 모델도 있음) A few high-end, niche models are more expensive in Korea: | Model (모델) | Korea Premium (한국 추가 비용) | | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------ | | Speed Concept SLR 7 | +20% more in Korea | | Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XTR Di2 Gen 2 | +9% more in Korea | | Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XX FA Gen 2 | +9% more in Korea | These are top-tier race machines that most riders aren't cross-shopping. For road, trail, fitness, commuting, and e-bikes — **Korea wins across the board.** --- ## The Bottom Line (결론) If you're in Korea and thinking about a Trek, the math is on your side. - **Commuter or fitness ride?** → FX 1 or FX 2: 26–30% cheaper here. - **Road bike upgrade?** → Madone SL 5/6/7: save ₩1.3M–2.1M vs. US prices. - **Trail riding?** → Procaliber 9.5 at 26% off. Marlin 7 at 26% off. - **E-bike curious?** → Rail+ 8 saves you ₩2.8M. **Stop by Platoon Cycles** — we carry Trek and can walk you through every option. No pressure, just straight talk about what fits your riding and your budget. > Prices compared on April 13, 2026 using the exchange rate of $1 = ₩1,490\. All prices are MSRP from the official Trek US and Trek Korea websites. Prices may vary by color, size, and availability. --- **Call to Action (행동 유도):** 📍 Visit us: Platoon Cycles, 157 Pyeongtaek-daegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek 📞 Call: 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com ### [평택] 트렉 어린이 자전거 '100% 가치 보장 플랜': 아이의 성장을 응원하는 약속 - 2026년 12월 31일 까지 계속 진행합니다. URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/kidsbikepromotion2026/ Last updated: 2026-05-22T08:03:53.000Z > **"아이들은 정말 빨리 자랍니다. 그래서 부모님은 늘 고민하시죠."** 좋은 자전거를 사주고 싶지만, 금방 사용하지 못 할 물건에 큰 비용을 쓰는 것이 비합리적이라 느껴져 결국 *적당한 가격의 자전거*를 선택하곤 합니다. 하지만 **품질이 낮은 자전거는 무게와 완성도 때문에 우리 아이들이 첫 번째 모험에서 느껴야 할 즐거움을 충분히 전해주지 못할 수 있습니다.** **플래툰 사이클**은 그 고민을 해결하기 위해, **부모님께는 \*\*'가장 합리적인 선택'\*\***을, **아이에게는 \*\*'최상의 경험'\*\***을 약속하는 특별한 프로그램을 시작합니다. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.00.27-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.01.57.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.01.36.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.01.22-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.00.46.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.00.36.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.36.18.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.36.27.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.36.10-1.png) Precaliber 16,20,24 ## **\## 제가 이 프로그램을 시작하게 된 이유** ### "아이들이 기왕이면 더 좋은 자전거로, 더 즐겁게 달렸으면 좋겠습니다." > 요즘 아이들은 예전만큼 밖에서 마음껏 뛰어놀 기회가 많지 않습니다. 아이들이 자전거를 통해서라도 다시 밖으로 나가고, 더 건강하고 밝게 자라기를 바라는 마음이 큽니다. > 사실 아이가 금방 자랄 것을 고려해 **비용**때문에 품질이 낮은 자전거를선택하는 부모님의 마음도 충분히 이해합니다. 하지만 완성도가 떨어지는 자전거는 그 무게와 조작감 때문에 아이가 자전거와 처음 만나는 소중한 즐거움을 온전히 전해주지 못할 때가 많습니다. > **이 프로그램은 전국 대상의 대규모 캠페인이 아닙니다. 오직 플래툰 사이클에서, 평택 시민분들만을 대상으로 진행합니다.** 지난 15년간 자전거를 만져온 전문가로서, 제가 가진 기술과 Trek이라는 최고의 브랜드를 통해 우리 지역 사회에 조금이라도 기여하고 싶습니다. 부모님께는 **합리적인 소비**를, 우리 평택의 아이들에게는 **최고의 경험**을 선물하는 매장이 되고 싶습니다. --- ## 핵심 혜택: 100% 트레이드업 (Trade-Up) 플랜 > **"소비가 아닌, 아이의 성장을 위한 투자가 됩니다."** **내용:** **플래툰 사이클에서 구매**한 Trek 어린이 자전거를 ***2년 이후* 반납**하고 다음 사이즈로 업그레이드 시, **기존 구매가 100%를 크레딧으로 인정**해 드립니다. **이유:** **아이의 성장에 맞춰 자전거 사이즈를 바꿔주는 것은 안전과 직결**됩니다. 부모님은 추가 비용 부담 없이(**차액만 결제**) **아이에게 늘 몸에 맞는 안전한 자전거**를 태워주실 수 있습니다. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.00.27.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.01.22.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-10--------------1.36.10.png) Precaliber 16 -> Precaliber 20 -> Precaliber 24 --- ## 신뢰의 근거: 왜 플래툰 사이클인가? - **15년의 전문성:** 15년 넘게 자전거를 만져온 미케닉이 아이의 신체 조건에 맞춰 직접 세팅합니다. - **글로벌 스탠다드:** 평택 미군 가족들이 90% 이상 이용하며 신뢰하는 정비 표준을 준수합니다. - **Trek 공식 대리점:** 세계 최고의 브랜드 **Trek의 기술력과 평생 보증 서비스**를 그대로 누리실 수 있습니다. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9342.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9282.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_7148.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_4627.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_2231.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1981.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/AB911819-4F3D-48E3-A2E3-013B1DD38581.jpeg) --- ## 특별한 선물: '트렉 성장 패스포트' 구매 고객에게는 아이의 성장 기록과 정비 이력을 담을 수 있는 **\*\*\[성장 패스포트\]\*\***를 증정합니다. - 6개월마다 진행되는 무상 점검 스탬프 서비스. - **아이의 첫 자전거 면허증이자, 2년 뒤 가치를 증명하는 보증서**가 됩니다. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/2.png) --- ## 6\. 이용 안내 및 오시는 길 (FAQ & Map) - **대상:** Trek Precaliber 시리즈 등 아동용 라인업 전체. - **기간:** 2026년 어린이날 기념 (재고 소진 시까지). - **위치:** 평택시 팽성읍 팽성대교길 157 - 플래툰 사이클 - **문의:** 070-8845-7351 --- ## ### Buying a Bike in Korea vs. Shipping One from the US URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/buying-a-bike-in-korea-vs-shipping-one-from-the-us/ Last updated: 2026-04-09T04:35:12.000Z ## Why buying local might be the smartest move you make at your new duty station You just got orders to Korea. You love your bike — or you're thinking about getting one before you leave. Either way, the question comes up: **Should I buy a bike in the US and bring it? Or just get one here in Korea?** We get this question almost every week at the shop. Here's what you need to know. --- ## Option 1: Bring Your Bike from the US If you already own a bike, absolutely bring it. Here's how: ### Fly it with you (cheapest) Most major airlines let you check a bike as luggage with no extra oversize fee: | Airline | Cost | Notes | | ---------- | ----- | --------------------------------------------- | | Korean Air | Free | Counts as one checked bag. Under 292cm / 32kg | | Asiana | Free | Under 23kg, included in baggage allowance | | United | Free | No oversize fee for bikes | | Delta | \~$35 | Standard first bag fee | | American | \~$35 | Standard first bag fee | You'll need a bike box or travel case. Ask your local bike shop to box it up, or pick up a cardboard bike box — most shops give them away for free. ### Ship it in your HHG (easiest) Your military Household Goods (HHG) shipment can include your bike — no extra charge. Under SOFA, your personal belongings enter Korea duty-free. The catch? **HHG takes 6 weeks to 3 months to arrive.** You might be riding a rental for a while. Also worth knowing: movers aren't always gentle with bikes. If it's a high-end carbon frame, consider flying it with you instead. ### Ship it separately (most expensive) Services like BikeFlights or ShipBikes run **$400–600+** to Korea. FedEx/UPS direct can hit **$1,000+**. Unless you have a very specific reason, this usually isn't worth it. --- ## Option 2: Buy a Bike in the US and Ship It to Korea This is where it gets tricky. **Trek (and most major brands) won't ship directly from the US to Korea.** Each country has its own distribution rules. The Trek US website only ships within the US. Same goes for Specialized, Giant, and others. So if you want to buy a new bike in the US and get it to Korea, you'd need to: 1. Have a friend or family member purchase it at a US shop 2. Have them pack and ship it to you internationally 3. Pay $400–600+ in shipping And here's the thing — **the warranty gets registered under the buyer's name.** So your friend in Texas is now the warranty holder, not you. That means any future warranty claim has to go through them, which is a logistical headache you don't need. --- ## The Price Surprise: Korea Is Actually Cheaper This is the part that surprises most people. Since the 2025 US tariff increases, **Trek bikes in Korea are often cheaper than in the US.** Here's a real comparison (April 2026, USD equivalent at \~1,500 KRW/$): | Model | US Price | Korea Price (USD) | You Save | | ----------------- | -------- | ----------------- | ---------- | | Domane SL 7 Gen 4 | $6,800 | \~$3,527 | **$3,273** | | Domane SL 5 Gen 4 | $3,800 | \~$2,467 | **$1,333** | | Madone SL 7 Gen 8 | $6,600 | \~$5,167 | **$1,433** | | Madone SL 5 Gen 8 | $3,500 | \~$2,567 | **$933** | | FX 2 Gen 4 | $900 | \~$627 | **$273** | | Domane AL 2 Gen 4 | $1,200 | \~$967 | **$233** | That's not a typo. A Domane SL 7 is over **$3,000 cheaper** in Korea. The US tariffs on imported goods (most bikes are manufactured in Asia) pushed American retail prices up significantly, while Korean prices stayed stable. Even on entry-level bikes like the FX 2, you're saving a couple hundred dollars. --- ## Warranty: It's Global One concern people have: *"If I buy in Korea, what happens to my warranty when I PCS back to the States?"* **Trek offers a worldwide lifetime warranty on frames and forks.** It doesn't matter where you bought the bike — the warranty follows the bike globally. If something goes wrong with your frame after you move back to the US (or anywhere else), any Trek authorized dealer can process the claim. So buying in Korea doesn't mean you're giving up warranty coverage. You get the same protection as if you bought it stateside. --- ## The Hidden Advantage: Buying Local Beyond price and warranty, there's a practical reality that online specs and price charts don't capture. ### Bike fit matters more than you think A bike that doesn't fit you properly will hurt — knees, back, neck, hands. And it'll make every ride less enjoyable. When you buy at a local shop, you get fitted on the spot. The saddle height, reach, handlebar position — all dialed in before you ride out the door. Ordering a bike from overseas? You're guessing on size based on a chart. And if it's wrong, returning an international shipment is a nightmare. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-03-23--------------3.49.29.png) ### Ongoing service and support Bikes need maintenance — brake adjustments, derailleur tuning, cable replacement, wheel truing. Having a shop nearby that knows your bike and speaks your language makes a huge difference, especially in a country where most local shops operate in Korean only. ### Community A good bike shop isn't just a store — it's a hub. Group rides, route recommendations, tips on where to go and what to avoid. That's hard to get from an online purchase 7,000 miles away. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/df84b191-6f90-487c-a802-ae9b38b9eba9.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/3B18CCB3-6128-42EE-BDAA-270DAE7C0F13DOPE-FLYER.jpeg) --- ## When You PCS Out: We've Got You Covered Here's something we do at Platoon Cycles that most shops don't: **When it's time to PCS back to the US (or wherever you're headed next), we'll box your bike up for free.** Professionally packed, ready for your flight or HHG shipment. No charge. We've done this for hundreds of customers. You ride it until your last week, bring it in, and we make sure it's packed safely for the journey home. --- ## The Bottom Line | | Buy in US & Ship | Buy in Korea | | --------------------- | -------------------------------------- | ----------------------------- | | **Price** | Higher (US tariffs) | Lower | | **Shipping cost** | $400–600+ | $0 | | **Warranty** | Registered to buyer (might not be you) | Registered to you, worldwide | | **Bike fit** | Guesswork | Professional fitting included | | **Service & support** | None locally | Ongoing | | **PCS out** | Figure it out yourself | Free boxing service | **The math is pretty clear.** Buying in Korea saves you money, gets you a proper fit, gives you local support for as long as you're here, and when it's time to leave — we'll pack it up for you. Come by the shop, tell us how you want to ride, and we'll find the right bike for you. #PCS #buying guide #Trek #Camp Humphreys #USFK --- **Platoon Cycles** 157 Paengseong-daegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek 070-8845-7351 | WhatsApp available www.platooncycles.com *Trek Authorized Retailer — Expert service, lifetime support.* ### Free Bike Rentals in Pyeongtaek — No Catch, Just Ride URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/free-bike-rentals-in-pyeongtaek-no-catch-just-ride/ Last updated: 2026-04-09T04:09:48.000Z You don't need to own a bike to ride in Pyeongtaek. The city runs **two free bicycle rental stations** along local streams — no cost, no app, no deposit. Just show your ID and go. The service is called **"두 바퀴의 행복"** (Two Wheels of Happiness), and it's open to everyone — residents, tourists, military families. Here's what you need to know. [https://bike.ptjahwal.or.kr/](https://bike.ptjahwal.or.kr/?ref=platooncycles.com) --- ## Two Locations ### 1\. Segyo Station (세교점) — Tongbokcheon Stream - **Address:** 174 Dongsak-ro, Pyeongtaek-si (평택시 동삭로 174) - **Where:** Along Tongbokcheon Stream, across from Buyoung Apartments - **Phone:** 070-4152-7003 / 010-6782-4788 - **Parking:** Tongbok Market public lot (90 min free, then ₩500/30 min) This is the central Pyeongtaek location, about a 20-minute walk from Pyeongtaek Station. The Tongbokcheon bike path runs roughly 10 km along the stream — flat, paved, and lined with cherry blossoms in spring. [Google MapsFind local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/icon/web_maps_icon_32dp.ico)Google Maps![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/thumbnail/staticmap)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nr66Wfr1HjKAGs1Q9?ref=platooncycles.com) ### 2\. Oseong Station (오성점) — Anseongcheon Stream - **Address:** 486, Gangbyeon-ro, Oseong-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si - **Where:** Dangeo Rest Stop along the Oseong riverside bike path - **Phone:** 070-8801-4788 / 010-3980-4788 - **Parking:** Free [Google MapsFind local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/icon/web_maps_icon_32dp-1.ico)Google Maps![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/thumbnail/staticmap-1)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/A32EgA1Yd93QSmLs6?ref=platooncycles.com) This one sits along the Anseongcheon riverside bike path. The full path stretches about 40 km from Gunmun Bridge to Paengseong Bridge — flat terrain, mostly dedicated bike lanes, good for a longer ride if you have the time. --- ## Hours & Rules | | | | ----------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | **Days** | Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays & holidays) | | **Open** | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | | **Rental window** | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | | **Return by** | 4:30 PM | | **Max rental** | 2 hours | On weekends the 2-hour limit is enforced more strictly since more people are waiting. --- ## How It Works 1. Show up during rental hours 2. Hand over your **ID** (passport, military ID, or Korean ID — they hold it while you ride) 3. Fill out a short form with your phone number 4. Pick a bike, grab a free helmet, and go That's it. No app, no credit card, no membership. --- ## What Bikes Are Available The Segyo station has around 40 adult city bikes (with front baskets), plus about 10 kids' bikes. They also have **tandem bikes** and bikes with **rear child seats** — useful if you're riding with family. Both stations combined have 60+ bikes total. They're basic city bikes — upright, comfortable, nothing fancy. Fine for cruising the path. --- ## Where to Ride **From Segyo (Tongbokcheon):** The Tongbokcheon path is a simple out-and-back along the stream. About 10 km total. Flat and paved. It connects toward the Jinwicheon bike path and Sopung Picnic Garden if you want to extend the ride. **From Oseong (Anseongcheon):** The riverside path here is longer — up to 40 km if you do the full route. It also connects to the **Pyeongtaek Lake cycling loop** (13 km north section, 11 km south section), which passes the UN Forces Memorial and Pyeongtaek Lake Art Park. Both paths are part of Pyeongtaek's 8 designated cycling routes. If you're into stamp collecting, there are 6 bike passport certification booths throughout the city. --- ## Good to Know - **Completely free** — no hidden fees, no deposit - **Foreign ID works** — passport or military ID accepted - **Helmets included** — provided at the station - **2-hour limit** — plan accordingly, especially on weekends - **Closed Mondays** — and public holidays - The stations are run by a local social cooperative (평택지역자활센터), not a private company --- ## Worth a Visit? If you've been thinking about getting into cycling but haven't committed to buying a bike yet, this is a zero-risk way to try it. Borrow a bike, ride along the stream for an hour, and see how it feels. And if you find yourself wanting more after two hours on a city bike — you know where to find us. --- *Platoon Cycles is located in Pyeongtaek, near Camp Humphreys. We sell, service, and obsess over bikes so you don't have to.* ### Getting to the Start Line — and Back Home URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/getting-to-the-start-line-and-back-home/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T07:33:47.000Z The hardest part of a long-distance ride in Korea isn't the ride itself. It's the logistics. How do you get your bike to the starting point in Incheon? What happens after you roll into Busan after 630km? Public transit with a bike is doable, but it's complicated — and after a week of riding, the last thing you want is to figure out a train connection. We just made that part easier. --- ## Platoon Cycles Support Van We have a van. We're using it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9363.jpeg) 5 Passenger Cargo Van If you're planning the Gukto Jongju or a multi-day route and need a ride to the start or a pickup at the finish, we can make that happen. This isn't a taxi service — it's just us helping customers get out and ride. **What's available:** | Route (노선) | Cost (비용) | | ----------------------------------------- | ------------------ | | Pyeongtaek → Incheon (Gukto Jongju start) | ₩40,000 per person | | Busan pickup (Gukto Jongju finish) | ₩70,000 per person | Cost covers fuel and driver. That's it. We're not making money on this. --- ## Capacity (탑승 및 적재) - **Riders:** Up to 4 passengers (driver not included) - **Bikes:** Up to 5 bikes (front wheels off for loading) - **Note:** 3 riders in the back row will be a little tight. Not unbearable, but worth knowing before you book. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9634.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9636.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9633.JPG) --- ## How to Book (예약 방법) Hit the **WhatsApp button** on our website — [platooncycles.com](https://www.platooncycles.com/) Please contact us **at least one week in advance**. We'll confirm availability and work out the details from there. **Minimum 2 riders per trip.** --- ## Why We're Doing This A lot of our customers have the fitness, the bike, and the motivation to do a big ride. The thing that stops most of them is the logistics problem on either end. This is just us removing that excuse. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/20230930_080745.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_4396.jpeg) ### Trek Fest is Running Through May — Good Time to Get the Kids on Bikes URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/trek-fest-is-running-through-may-good-time-to-get-the-kids-on-bikes-2/ Last updated: 2026-04-09T01:14:09.000Z Spring is a practical time to pick up a kids' bike. The weather is settling, school schedules are predictable, and kids have time to actually ride before summer. Trek is currently running Trek Fest 2026, a spring promotion on the Precaliber series — their lineup of entry-level kids' bikes in 16", 20", and 24" sizes. The event runs through May 10th. ## Every Bike Comes with Store Credit Buy any Trek during Trek Fest and you'll get a voucher to spend on accessories in the shop — helmets, lights, locks, bags, whatever you need. Here's how it breaks down: - Bikes under ₩1,000,000 → ₩100,000 voucher - Bikes under ₩3,000,000 → ₩150,000 voucher - Bikes under ₩5,000,000 → ₩300,000 voucher - Bikes ₩5,000,000 and up → ₩500,000 voucher The credit works on anything in the shop — accessories, gear, parts. No restrictions on what you pick. ## What the Precaliber Series Is The Precaliber is Trek's dedicated kids' line — not a department store bike, but a proper lightweight frame with age-appropriate geometry. The 16" fits most kids around 4–6 years old, the 20" for roughly 5–8, and the 24" for 8–11\. Sizing depends more on inseam than age, so it's worth bringing them in to check fit in person. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-07--------------2.29.49.png) Trek Precaliber 16 / 20 / 24 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-07--------------2.48.36.png) Size Chart: Wheel size(left) / Rider Height (Right) ## What to Keep in Mind Getting a bike that fits now is better than buying one they'll "grow into." An oversized frame makes it harder to learn and less fun to ride. If they're between sizes, sizing down is usually the better call for a first bike. Precaliber bikes come with hand brakes standard, which is what you want — coaster brakes (pedal back to stop) are a common issue on cheaper kids' bikes and tend to slow down the learning process. ## The Promotion Trek Fest runs April 6 through May 10, 2026\. It includes the Precaliber 16, 20, and 24 models. There's also a voucher included with purchase — applicable toward accessories and safety gear. If you're at Camp Humphreys or nearby and want to check fit before committing, come by the shop. We carry the Precaliber line and can size your kid on the spot.One More Thing If you're getting a first bike, a helmet is the one accessory that's not optional. We carry sizes for kids and can help fit one properly — a helmet that moves around on the head isn't doing its job. Trek Fest ends May 10th. After that, regular pricing resumes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-07--------------2.43.44.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-07--------------2.43.36.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-07--------------2.43.26.png) Trek Kids Helmet - Tyro --- ## 2025 Model Clearance — Also Running Now Alongside TrekFest, we're also clearing out remaining 2025 model inventory. These are last year's bikes — same components, same build quality — just making room for new stock. Selection depends on what's left, so it's worth coming in to see what's available in your size. If you've been considering a road, hybrid, or MTB and aren't particular about having the current model year, this is a practical window. 2026 models are already in, which means 2025 pricing reflects that. Come by the shop or reach out to check current availability. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-07--------------2.30.22.png) 100,000 KRW voucher for bikes less than 1M KRW ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-07--------------2.30.34.png) 150,000KRW Voucher for bikes less than 3M KRW ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-07--------------2.30.48.png) 150,000KRW Voucher for bikes less than 5M KRW ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-07--------------2.30.59.png) 150,000KRW Voucher for bikes less than 5M KRW ## ### Dinosaur Gran Fondo April 4. 2026 URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/dinosaur-gran-fondo-april-4-2026/ Last updated: 2026-04-06T08:49:37.000Z Special thanks to Ivan Ortiz for sharing this video ### The Best Map App for Cycling in Korea (And the One Setting You Need to Know) URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/the-best-map-app-for-cycling-in-korea-and-the-one-setting-you-need-to-know/ Last updated: 2026-04-02T06:34:30.000Z If you've tried using Google Maps to plan a bike ride in Korea, you already know the problem — it either puts you on a road that has no business being on a bike route, or it just doesn't work at all. The app most cyclists in Korea actually use is **Naver Maps**. It's not perfect, but it knows Korea's bike infrastructure better than anything else available. [네이버지도 - 장소의 발견과 예약, 내비게이션 앱 - App StoreApp Store에서 NAVER Corp.의 네이버지도 - 장소의 발견과 예약, 내비게이션 앱을 다운로드하십시오. 스크린샷, 평가 및 리뷰, 사용자 팁 및 네이버지도 - 장소의 발견과 예약, 내비게이션 앱과 비슷한 다른 앱을 볼 수 있습니다.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/icon/favicon-180.png)App StoreNAVER Corp.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/thumbnail/1200x630wa.jpg)](https://apps.apple.com/kr/app/%EB%84%A4%EC%9D%B4%EB%B2%84%EC%A7%80%EB%8F%84-%EC%9E%A5%EC%86%8C%EC%9D%98-%EB%B0%9C%EA%B2%AC%EA%B3%BC-%EC%98%88%EC%95%BD-%EB%82%B4%EB%B9%84%EA%B2%8C%EC%9D%B4%EC%85%98/id311867728?ref=platooncycles.com) There's one thing you need to set up before it's actually useful, though — and most people miss it entirely. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9469-1-1.PNG) Naver Map --- ## The Setting Most People Don't Know About When you open Naver Maps and search for a destination, the default route is built for cars. But there's a transportation mode selector right at the top of the directions screen — subway, bus, car, walk, and **bicycle**. Most people never tap it. Switch it to the **bicycle icon**, and the route changes completely. Instead of roads, it routes you along dedicated bike paths. That one tap is the difference between riding on a highway shoulder and riding on a proper trail. **How to switch:** 1. Search your destination in Naver Map 2. Tap **길찾기** (Directions) 3. At the top of the screen, select the **bicycle icon** from the transport options 4. The route rebuilds around bike-legal paths --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9471.PNG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9472.PNG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9473.PNG) --- ## Why It's Worth Using Korea has a serious cycling network — the Han River paths, the Four Rivers trails, the Gukto Jongju from Incheon to Busan. Naver Maps actually has this infrastructure mapped properly. In bicycle mode, it: - Prioritizes dedicated bike paths over roads - Calculates distance and time based on bike speed - Shows elevation so you know what the ride actually involves - Marks certification centers (인증센터) along major routes, useful if you're doing the Gukto Jongju or Four Rivers stamp tours --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9474.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9475.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_9476.PNG) --- ## One Thing to Know Voice navigation is in Korean only. The visual turn-by-turn works fine, but audio cues will be in Korean. For most riders it's not an issue — the two directions you'll hear most are **우회전** (right) and **좌회전** (left). --- ## One More Thing — Don't Run It Like a GPS It's tempting to mount your phone and run Naver Maps the whole ride like a car GPS. Don't. With the screen on and navigation running continuously, your battery will be dead in 30–40 minutes. That's a problem halfway down a river trail with no convenience store in sight. The better approach: check the route before you set off, get a feel for the general direction, then pull the phone out only at intersections or when the path splits. Most dedicated bike trails in Korea are well-marked — you don't need to stare at the screen the whole time. Save the battery for when you actually need it. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1546.jpeg) --- ## Worth Downloading Naver Map is free on both iOS and Android. If you're planning a longer route — a river trail, an overnight, or a cross-country section — stop by the shop. We can help you plan it out and flag anything worth knowing before you go. --- [네이버지도 - 장소의 발견과 예약, 내비게이션 앱 - App StoreApp Store에서 NAVER Corp.의 네이버지도 - 장소의 발견과 예약, 내비게이션 앱을 다운로드하십시오. 스크린샷, 평가 및 리뷰, 사용자 팁 및 네이버지도 - 장소의 발견과 예약, 내비게이션 앱과 비슷한 다른 앱을 볼 수 있습니다.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/icon/favicon-180.png)App StoreNAVER Corp.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/thumbnail/1200x630wa.jpg)](https://apps.apple.com/kr/app/%EB%84%A4%EC%9D%B4%EB%B2%84%EC%A7%80%EB%8F%84-%EC%9E%A5%EC%86%8C%EC%9D%98-%EB%B0%9C%EA%B2%AC%EA%B3%BC-%EC%98%88%EC%95%BD-%EB%82%B4%EB%B9%84%EA%B2%8C%EC%9D%B4%EC%85%98/id311867728?ref=platooncycles.com) ### Wahoo Trade-In Promotion [April 1–30, 2026 | Platoon Cycles] URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/wahoo-trade-in-promotion-april-1-30-2026-platoon-cycles/ Last updated: 2026-04-02T05:34:36.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/04/-------------------------------2026-04-02--------------2.25.32.png) --- ## Trade In Your Old Cycling Computer — Get 20% Off a New Wahoo Got an old cycling computer collecting dust? Bring it in and upgrade to a new Wahoo at 20% off the regular price. **Any brand. Any condition. Any model.** Speed sensors, cycling computers, rear lights — if it's cycling-related, we'll take it. --- ## Eligible New Products | Model | Regular Price | Trade-In Price | | ------------- | ------------- | -------------- | | ELEMNT ACE | ₩890,000 | **₩712,000** | | ELEMNT ROAM 3 | ₩750,000 | **₩600,000** | | ELEMNT BOLT 3 | ₩590,000 | **₩472,000** | | TRACKE RADAR | ₩380,000 | **₩304,000** | --- ## How It Works 1. Bring your old cycling computer or rear light to Platoon Cycles 2. Hand it over at the store 3. Purchase any of the eligible Wahoo products at 20% off That's it. No paperwork, no online forms. --- ## Details - **Period:** April 1 – April 30, 2026 - **Trade-in items:** Any cycling computer or rear light — brand, condition, and GPS capability don't matter - **This offer is only available in-store** at Platoon Cycles (Wahoo WSS authorized dealer) - The old device stays with us — it won't be returned --- ## Stop by the shop or message us if you have questions. 📍 Platoon Cycles | www.platooncycles.com ### Cherry Blossoms by Bike — The Best Spots Near Camp Humphreys URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/cherry-blossoms-by-bike-the-best-spots-near-camp-humphreys/ Last updated: 2026-03-31T06:38:48.000Z Spring in Korea hits fast. One week the trees are bare, and the next, everything is pink and white and suddenly everyone is outside. If you've got a bike — or you've been thinking about getting one — this is the week to use it. Here are the best cherry blossom spots you can reach from Camp Humphreys on two wheels, sorted by how far you want to go. --- ## Short Ride — Half a Morning **Jinwicheon Riverside Path (진위천 자전거길)** Distance from base: Starts right outside the gate Road type: Dedicated bike path, flat, paved ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/FDF3B859-38D0-482E-8DA7-1FD038F45B5B_1_105_c.jpeg) The easiest option. The Jinwicheon path connects directly from the base area and runs along the river with cherry trees lining sections of the route. You can go as far as you want — the path eventually connects all the way up toward Suwon. Even a 30-minute ride out and back is worth it right now. [PlatoonCycles to Bakery Cafe(Bread and You) | 자전거 투어 | KomootKwak Mike 님이 komoot로 야외 모험을 계획했어요! 거리: 14.1 km | 기간: 00:51 시간![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/icon/90b1ca0b470356e9-3.svg)komoot![](https://tourpic-vector.maps.komoot.net/r/big/idqUkeplA_@/%7BAuA%7DAJQMQWKgAmAuDTcC|C_J^KkAg@sBdGUV[Bs@%7BB[mC_CwEi@sBs@s@[kAmAKWm@o@a@MoAYm@d@aArAzA/?width=768&height=576&crop=true)](https://www.komoot.com/ko-kr/tour/2854350414?share%5Ftoken=avOlJ4ZRB0PFQ6vn1D0N1J4Zo7ASg8sYUPF4RlmEHvKmxLu5ML&ref=wtd) **Pyeongtaek Lake (평택호)** Distance from base: \~30–35km / 2 hours by bike Road type: Mixed path, mostly flat A short, easy ride out to the lake. The area around the waterfront has cherry blossom lining the walking and cycling paths. It's quiet, not touristy, and a good spot to stop, take some photos, and head back at your own pace. Riding on April (Pyeongtaek Lake) [평택호 자전거 순환도로(으)로 가는 자전거 투어 | 자전거 투어 | KomootKwak Mike 님이 komoot로 야외 모험을 계획했어요! 거리: 53.5 km | 기간: 03:08 시간![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/icon/90b1ca0b470356e9-2.svg)komoot![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/thumbnail/0)](https://www.komoot.com/ko-kr/tour/2854349085?share%5Ftoken=aNLWW63inzwjt7zbVpXzCKdLa0933vsZzOak6gDebmyaJo1gGd&ref=wtd) Timing As of late March, the blossoms around Pyeongtaek and Jinwicheon are at or near peak right now. Suwon and Osan should be peaking this weekend. Asan tends to run a few days behind — likely early next week. Cherry blossoms don't wait. If the weather looks good this weekend, go. --- ### Should You Get a Bike? (And Which One) URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/should-you-get-a-bike-and-which-one/ Last updated: 2026-03-31T01:50:18.000Z --- Every week, someone walks into Platoon Cycles and says some version of the same thing: *"I don't really know anything about bikes. I just… kind of want one."* That's a perfect place to start. You don't need to know the difference between a road bike and a gravel bike. You don't need to know what a derailleur is. You just need to know a little bit about your life — and we can figure out the rest together. Here are three people who walked in not knowing what they wanted. --- **Person A** drives to work every day, mostly out of habit. The commute is short — maybe 10, 15 minutes by car. Traffic is annoying. Parking is annoying. But somehow it never occurred to them that a bike might just... solve that. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-31-----------------10.36.17.png) Source: [https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/best-bike-commuting-345561](https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/best-bike-commuting-345561?ref=platooncycles.com) **Person B** has weekends free and nowhere to go. They've watched other people ride along the river path and thought it looked nice. Not competitive. Not intense. Just something to do outside that isn't a gym. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_2518.jpeg) **Person C** isn't sure yet. They just moved here, they're still figuring things out, and a bike feels like it might make Korea feel a little less like a waiting room. Recognize yourself in any of these? Good. Let's figure out what kind of bike actually fits. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_3328.jpeg) --- ## Quick Quiz — No Bike Knowledge Required Answer these three questions. Whatever comes to mind first. --- **Q1\. How far is your workplace (or gym, or PX) from where you sleep?** - A) Walking distance, or under 3km - B) A bit of a haul — 5km or more - C) I honestly don't know yet / it changes **Q2\. What does your ideal weekend look like?** - A) Relaxed. A slow ride, some fresh air, maybe coffee somewhere - B) Active. I want to actually feel it — cover some ground, get a workout - C) I'm open. I just want to be outside doing something **Q3\. Where would you actually ride?** - A) Streets, paths around base, getting from A to B - B) The river trails, bike paths, maybe longer routes on weekends - C) Honestly no idea — wherever the bike can take me --- ## Results **Mostly A's — A hybrid or city bike fits you well.** Comfortable, upright, easy to ride every day. Not flashy, not complicated. Gets you where you're going. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_1991.jpeg) Trek FX Series **Mostly B's — A road bike or fitness bike is worth a look.** Built for covering ground. Efficient, light, satisfying to ride when you want to actually go somewhere with purpose. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_6748.jpeg) **Mostly C's — Let's just talk.** There's no wrong answer here. Come in, tell us where you are, and we'll point you in the right direction. That's what we're here for. --- Not sure which category you landed in? That's fine too. Come by the shop — no pressure, no sales pitch. We'll ask you a few questions, show you some options, and you'll leave knowing more than when you walked in. That's the whole idea. ### What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cross- [Country Cross-Country Series #7 Final] URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-my-first-cross-country-cross-country-series-7-final/ Last updated: 2026-03-23T05:50:03.000Z This is the last post in the series. Parts [1](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-01/) through [6](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-06/) gave you the facts — route, gear, budget, stages, food, navigation. This one is different. **This is what I learned by doing it wrong first.** I've ridden the cross-country route and helped hundreds of riders prepare for theirs. Some things you only learn by being out there. Here's the stuff nobody told me — and the stuff I tell every rider who walks into the shop before their trip. --- ## 1\. Your Saddle Will Be Your Biggest Problem Not the hills. Not the heat. Not navigation. Your saddle. If you're not used to spending 8+ hours a day on a bike seat, nothing will prepare you for how Day 2 feels. Day 1 is fine — adrenaline carries you. Day 2 is when your body sends you the bill. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/923501A5-A2D8-4043-AA15-6EE005C6CB33_1_105_c.jpeg) **What actually helps:** - **Padded cycling shorts (or bibs).** This is non-negotiable. Cotton underwear under regular shorts for 633 km will hurt you. You don't need to spend $200 — even a basic pair of padded shorts from the shop makes a massive difference. - **Chamois cream.** Apply it before you ride. Reapply at lunch. It prevents chafing. You'll feel silly using it on Day 1\. By Day 3 you'll be grateful. - **Stand up every 20–30 minutes.** Pedal standing for 30 seconds. Shift your weight. Let blood flow. It sounds small — it matters a lot over 120 km. - **Your saddle might just not fit you.** If you've never done a multi-day ride, you won't know until you're on one. Come in before your trip and we'll check your saddle position. A 5mm adjustment can be the difference between finishing strong and limping into Busan. --- ## 2\. Start Slower Than You Think Day 1 energy is dangerous. You feel great. The weather is perfect. The path is flat. You push 25–30 km/h because why not? Here's why not: you have four more days. The riders who blow up on Day 3 are almost always the ones who went too hard on Day 1\. Your legs feel fine after the first 100 km — but the fatigue is accumulating. It shows up two days later, usually right when you're staring at Saejae Pass. **The pacing rule:** Ride at a pace where you could have a conversation. If you're breathing too hard to talk, you're going too fast. This isn't a race. Nobody is timing you. The goal is to arrive in Busan with your legs still working and a smile on your face — not to set a Strava record that you'll pay for on Day 4. --- ## 3\. The Wind Is the Real Hill Everyone worries about Saejae Pass and Ihwaryeong. Those climbs are hard — but they're predictable. You can see the hill. You know it ends at the top. You grind up, you come down, it's done. Wind is different. A headwind on the Nakdong River path — flat, open, no trees for cover — can slow you to 12 km/h for hours. It doesn't look hard. But it drains you just as much as climbing, and there's no summit where it stops. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20231004_101950-2.jpg) **What to do about it:** - **Check the wind forecast the night before.** Not just "windy" or "not windy" — check the direction. A tailwind day is a gift. A headwind day means adjusting your distance expectations. - **Start early on windy days.** Wind in Korea typically picks up in the afternoon. If you're on the road by 6–7 AM, you can get 60–80 km done before the wind hits. - **Lower your expectations.** A headwind day might mean 100 km instead of 130\. That's fine. Adjust your overnight stop. Don't fight the wind for an extra 30 km just to stick to the plan. - **Draft if you're riding with someone.** Take turns at the front. Even two riders alternating can save 20–30% of your energy in a headwind. --- ## 4\. Bring Less Than You Think — Way Less Every extra kilogram on your bike costs you energy over 633 km. I've seen riders show up with full panniers — rain gear for a typhoon, three changes of clothes, a laptop, a hardcover book. They regret it by lunchtime on Day 1. **The reality:** - You're passing through towns with convenience stores, laundromats, and shops. You can buy almost anything you forgot. - You're sleeping in motels, not the wilderness. You don't need camping gear unless you specifically choose to camp. - Korea in cycling season (spring/fall) has predictable weather. You don't need gear for every possible scenario. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/30EEF9C1-7392-4D85-B403-8D1104880691_1_102.jpeg) Mike's Setup **Cycling clothes: one set is enough.** This surprises people, but you only need what you're wearing. When you get to your motel, shower with your kit on — or just wash it in the sink. Hang it up overnight and it's dry by morning. Cycling gear is performance fabric designed to dry fast. Even if it's still slightly damp when you start riding, it'll be completely dry within an hour. You're generating heat and airflow — the clothes take care of themselves. There's no reason to carry a second set. **Socks: bring 2–3 pairs.** This is the one exception. If your feet get wet — from rain, a puddle, a creek crossing — you want dry socks immediately. Wet feet lead to blisters, and blisters on Day 2 can end your trip. Change into dry socks as soon as you can. If your shoes are soaked too, put plastic bags over your dry socks before putting the shoes back on. Ride like that until the shoes dry out. It looks ridiculous. It works. **What you actually need on the bike:** - 1 set of cycling clothes (what you're wearing) - 2–3 pairs of socks - 1 set of off-bike clothes (for evenings) - Rain jacket (lightweight, packable) - Basic toiletries - Phone, charger, power bank, cables - Flat repair kit + portable multi-tool (see below) - Cash (₩200,000 — enough for an unexpected motel, a taxi, or a mechanical emergency) - Sunscreen, sunglasses **A note on tire repair:** Bring a simple portable multi-tool and a flat repair kit — spare tube, tire levers, and a way to inflate. But if you're running tubeless tires, **do not use CO2 cartridges.** CO2 comes out extremely cold. That cold gas instantly hardens and dries out the sealant inside your tire — the very sealant that's supposed to seal the puncture for you. A hole that the sealant could have fixed on its own becomes a full flat because the CO2 killed the sealant before it could do its job. Use a portable hand pump or a rechargeable electric mini-pump instead. They're a little slower, but they actually work with tubeless setups. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/758723FF-0F6F-47DE-8FE4-93190505A344_1_102-1.jpeg) **Better yet — swap your tires before you go.** If you can, switch to puncture-resistant touring tires before the trip. Not getting a flat over 633 km makes the entire experience smoother and more enjoyable. The most well-known option is the Schwalbe Marathon series. They're a bit heavier than standard tires — but they can reduce your chance of a flat by 90% or more. On a trip this long, that trade-off is worth it every time. Of course, the harder the journey, the more unforgettable the memory — but a flat on the Nakdong River path at 3 PM in 35°C heat is a memory you can skip :) **That's it.** Everything fits in a saddlebag and a handlebar bag — or a small backpack if you prefer. You don't need panniers. You don't need a rack. Keep it simple and keep it light. --- ## 5\. Knee Pain Is a Warning, Not Normal Some riders treat knee pain as part of the experience. It's not. Knee pain during a multi-day ride almost always means one of two things: 1. **Your saddle is too low.** When your saddle is low, your knees bend too much at the bottom of each pedal stroke. Multiply that by 50,000+ pedal strokes a day and you've got a problem. Raise your saddle until your leg is almost fully extended (slight bend) at the bottom. 2. **Your cadence is too low.** Grinding big gears at 50–60 RPM puts massive load on your knees. Shift to an easier gear and spin at 80–90 RPM. It feels less "powerful" — but it saves your knees and actually uses less energy over a full day. **The rule:** If your knees start hurting, stop. Adjust your saddle height. Shift to an easier gear. If it doesn't improve in 30 minutes, take a longer break. Pushing through knee pain on Day 2 can end your ride on Day 3. Come in before your trip for a basic bike fit. It takes 15 minutes and can prevent days of pain. --- ## 6\. Day 2 Is the Hardest Day — Plan It Around Ihwaryeong Not because of the terrain — although Saejae Pass doesn't help. Day 2 is hardest because: - Your body is sore from Day 1 but hasn't adapted yet - The novelty has worn off — you know what 8 hours in the saddle feels like now - The big climbs (Saejae and/or Ihwaryeong) often fall on Day 2 - You're far enough from the start that turning back feels silly, but far enough from the finish that Busan feels impossible **The key to Day 2: build your entire schedule around Ihwaryeong Pass.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/EE913103-BA1F-48AF-B7E6-7976F4117E44_1_105_c.jpeg) Ihwaryeong is the highest point of the route and the hardest climb. Everything else on Day 2 is just getting to it and getting over it. Don't plan your day by distance or by city name — plan it by this one question: **can I get over Ihwaryeong before it gets late?** If the answer is yes, push through. Clear the pass, descend to Mungyeong, and you've conquered the hardest part of the entire trip. If the answer is no — if you're arriving at the base of the climb late in the afternoon, tired, with the sun already dropping — **don't force it.** Stop at Suanbo (수안보) instead. Suanbo is a hot spring town right before the climb begins. Find a motel, soak in the hot springs, get a proper night's rest, and start fresh the next morning. Hit Ihwaryeong at dawn when your legs are rested and the air is cool. You'll climb it twice as fast as you would have the evening before. This turns your 5-day trip into a 6-day trip. That's fine. A flexible schedule beats a miserable one. **What happens when you push through too late:** I learned this the hard way. I crossed Ihwaryeong late in the day and arrived in Mungyeong after dark — during autumn foliage season. Every motel was full. Every single one. I ended up riding all the way to Sangju to find a room. After already climbing two mountain passes. On Day 2\. Don't be me. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20231001_193409.jpg) **How to survive Day 2:** - **Plan around Ihwaryeong, not around a city.** The pass is the day's centerpiece. Everything else adjusts around it. - **Be honest about your pace by early afternoon.** If you're still far from the climb at 2–3 PM, Suanbo is the smart call. - **Accept that it will be slow.** Your average speed will drop. That's normal, not failure. - **Break the day into small segments.** Don't think "118 km to Mungyeong." Think "next stamp station." Get there. Stamp your passport. Eat something. Repeat. - **If you stop at Suanbo, use the hot springs.** They cost almost nothing and they'll do more for your legs than any amount of stretching. - **Remember: once you're over Ihwaryeong, the hardest part of the entire trip is behind you.** The terrain after Saejae flattens out. Day 3 is easier. You'll feel better than you expect. --- ## 7\. Convenience Stores Are Checkpoints, Not Just Stores Stop at every convenience store you see — even if you don't need anything right now. Especially south of Gumi. Here's why: the gap between stores in rural sections can be 30–50 km. If you skip one because you still have half a water bottle, you might not see another one for two hours. And two hours in 35°C heat with no water is a bad situation. **The rule:** Every convenience store, top off water. Every convenience store, grab a small snack — even if you're not hungry yet. You're not eating for now; you're eating for 40 km from now. --- ## 8\. Take the Photos This sounds like obvious advice. It's not — because when you're tired and just want to reach the next town, stopping to take a photo feels like wasting time. You will not remember your average speed. You will not remember your exact time for each stage. You will remember the photo of you at the top of Saejae Pass, the sunset over the Nakdong River, and the finish line at the estuary. **Photo tip:** Take a photo at every certification center with your bike and your passport. At the end, you'll have a visual record of the entire route — 29 stamps, 29 photos, Incheon to Busan. --- ## 9\. The Nakdong River Section Is Mentally Tough Physically, it's flat. That should make it easy. It doesn't. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20231002_162023.jpg) The Nakdong River path from Gumi to Busan is 300+ km of river path. It's beautiful for the first 50 km. After that, the scenery doesn't change much. River on one side, fields on the other. Long, straight sections where you can see the path stretching ahead for kilometers with no end in sight. This is where riders mentally check out. The excitement of the mountains is behind you. Busan is still far away. The riding isn't hard — but it's monotonous, and monotony is exhausting in its own way. **What helps:** - **Music or podcasts.** This is the section where earbuds earn their place. Keep one ear open for safety, but having something to listen to breaks the monotony. - **Set micro-goals.** "I'll ride to the next bridge." "I'll ride to the next weir." Don't think about the 150 km left to Busan. - **Ride with someone if you can.** Conversation makes flat kilometers disappear. If you're solo, chat with other riders at rest stops — you'll probably see the same people day after day. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20231002_175802.jpg) --- ## 10\. You Don't Need to Be a Cyclist The cross-country route is completed every year by people who barely ride. Office workers on cheap hybrid bikes. Families with kids. Retirees. Soldiers who haven't been on a bike since middle school. You don't need a carbon road bike. You don't need 10,000 km of training. You don't need to know what your FTP is. You need a bike that works, a basic level of fitness (can you ride for 3–4 hours?), and the willingness to be uncomfortable for a few days. That's the actual entry requirement. If you're reading this series and thinking "maybe I'm not ready" — you're probably more ready than you think. The route is designed to be accessible. The hardest part isn't the riding. It's deciding to go. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20231003_100320.jpg) --- ## The Quick Summary 1. **Saddle comfort** — Padded shorts + chamois cream + correct saddle height 2. **Pace yourself** — Conversational speed, especially Day 1 3. **Respect the wind** — Check forecasts, start early, adjust plans 4. **Pack light** — One cycling outfit, 2–3 socks, rain jacket, repair kit, ₩200k cash. No CO2 on tubeless. 5. **Protect your knees** — Saddle height + high cadence + stop if it hurts 6. **Day 2 = Ihwaryeong** — Plan around the pass, not the city. Late arrival? Stop at Suanbo, climb fresh at dawn. 7. **Stop at every convenience store** — Water and snacks, even when you don't feel like it 8. **Take photos** — You'll thank yourself later 9. **Nakdong = mental game** — Music, micro-goals, company 10. **Just go** — You don't need to be ready. You need to start. --- ## The Full Series 1. [What Is the Cross-Country Route?](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-01/) 2. [Planning Your Ride: Days, Budget & Gear](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-02/) 3. [The Bike Passport: Korea's Stamp Rally System](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-03/) 4. [Stage-by-Stage Breakdown](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-04/) 5. [Where to Sleep & Eat Along the Way](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-05/) 6. [Navigation & Apps](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-06/) 7. **What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cross-Country** ← You are here That's everything. Seven posts. If you've read through all of them, you know more about this route than most people who've actually ridden it. The only thing left is to do it. --- **Planning your cross-country ride?** Come in. We'll check your bike, dial in your fit, set up your Komoot, and go over the route with you. We've sent hundreds of riders down this path — we know what works. **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com --- ### Trek Bikes: Korea vs. USA Price Comparison — March 2026 URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/trek-bikes-korea-vs-usa-price-comparison-march-2026/ Last updated: 2026-03-22T01:39:18.000Z Think Trek bikes cost more overseas? Think again. We pulled current prices from both the **US Trek website** and the **Korean Trek website** this week, ran them through today's exchange rate ($1 = ₩1,505), and the results might surprise you. **Some Trek models are up to 40% cheaper here in Korea.** Whether you just PCS'd in or you've been eyeing an upgrade, here's what you need to know. --- ## The Numbers: Korea Wins Big (숫자로 보는 한국 가격 우위) ### Top Deals (최고 할인 모델) | Model (모델) | US Price (미국 가격) | US → KRW (원화 환산) | Korea Price (한국 가격) | You Save (절약) | | ------------------------ | ---------------- | ---------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------ | | **FX 2 Gen 4** | $899 | ₩1,353,000 | **₩819,000** | **40% off** · ₩534,000 | | **Madone SL 5 Gen 8** | $3,499 | ₩5,266,000 | **₩3,850,000** | **27% off** · ₩1,416,000 | | **FX 1 Gen 4** | $699 | ₩1,052,000 | **₩770,000** | **27% off** · ₩282,000 | | **Madone SL 6 Gen 8** | $5,299 | ₩7,975,000 | **₩5,850,000** | **27% off** · ₩2,125,000 | | **Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3** | $2,699 | ₩4,062,000 | **₩2,990,000** | **26% off** · ₩1,072,000 | That's not a typo. The **Madone SL 6** alone saves you over **₩2,100,000 (roughly $1,400)** compared to buying it stateside. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-22-----------------10.16.55.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-22-----------------10.17.57.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-22-----------------10.18.42.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-22-----------------10.19.41.png) Bikes on Trek Korea Pages --- ### More Models Worth a Look (추가 주목 모델) | Model (모델) | US Price (미국 가격) | Korea Price (한국 가격) | Savings (절약률) | | ------------------------- | ---------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------ | | **Rail+ 8 Gen 5** (E-MTB) | $7,699 | **₩8,690,000** | **25% off** · ₩2,897,000 saved | | **Madone SL 7 Gen 8** | $6,599 | **₩7,750,000** | **22% off** · ₩2,181,000 saved | | **FX Sport SL 6** | $3,499 | **₩4,250,000** | **19% off** · ₩1,016,000 saved | | **Domane AL 4 Gen 4** | $1,799 | **₩2,200,000** | **19% off** · ₩508,000 saved | The **Rail+ 8** is the standout here — an e-MTB that's nearly **₩2.9 million cheaper** than the US equivalent. If you've been curious about e-bikes, Korea pricing makes it a much easier decision. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-22-----------------10.25.19.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-22-----------------10.24.32.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-22-----------------10.24.03.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-22-----------------10.23.27.png) --- ## Why Are Prices Lower in Korea? (왜 한국이 더 저렴한가?) A few factors at play: - **Regional pricing strategy** — Trek sets different MSRP by market, and Korea has been competitively priced to grow market share in Asia. - **Exchange rate** — The won has weakened against the dollar in recent months (\~₩1,505/$), which amplifies the gap for dollar earners. - **No import markup on your end** — You're buying locally at Korean retail. No shipping, no customs, no hassle. --- ## A Word of Caution: Not Everything Is Cheaper (주의: 미국이 더 싼 모델도 있음) To be fair, a few high-end models are actually **more expensive** in Korea: | Model (모델) | Korea Premium (한국 추가 비용) | | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------ | | Speed Concept SLR 7 | +20% more in Korea | | Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XTR Di2 Gen 2 | +9% more in Korea | | Supercaliber SLR 9.9 XX FA Gen 2 | +9% more in Korea | These are niche, top-tier race machines. For the vast majority of riders — road, trail, fitness, commuting — **Korea pricing wins.** --- ## The Bottom Line (결론) If you're stationed in Korea and thinking about a new bike, you're in the right place at the right time. - **First bike or fitness ride?** → FX 1 or FX 2: up to 40% cheaper here. - **Serious road upgrade?** → Madone SL 5/6/7: save ₩1.4M–2.1M vs. US prices. - **Trail or XC?** → Procaliber 9.5 at 26% off is a steal. - **E-bike curious?** → Rail+ 8 saves you almost ₩2.9M. **Stop by Platoon Cycles** — we carry Trek and can walk you through every option. No pressure, just real talk about what fits your riding style and budget. **And right now, Trek is running its TREKFEST sale — 2025 model year bikes are an additional 20–40% off, making the Korea price gap even bigger.** > 💬 *Prices compared on March 22, 2026 using the exchange rate of $1 = ₩1,505\. Prices may vary by color, size, and availability. Check trekbikes.com for the latest.* --- **Call to Action (행동 유도):** 📍 Visit us: Platoon Cycles, 157 Pyeongtaek-daegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek 📞 Call: 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com ### Navigation & Apps [Cross-Country Series #6] URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/navigation-apps-cross-country-series-6/ Last updated: 2026-03-21T09:37:43.000Z In [Part 4](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-04/), we walked through each stage of the route. In [Part 5](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-05/), we covered where to sleep and eat. This post is about **not getting lost** — and what to put on your phone (and handlebars) before you roll out of Incheon. The cross-country route is well-marked. But "well-marked" and "impossible to miss" are two different things. You will miss a turn at some point. Everyone does. The question is how fast you catch it and get back on track. --- ## The Route Markers (경로 표지판) Before we talk about apps, you should know: the route has physical signs. Red lines painted on the ground, blue directional signs, and numbered distance markers. Most of the time, you can ride the entire route just by following these. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20230930_080745.jpg) **What the signs look like:** - **Blue lines on the pavement** — These are your primary guide. A blue line on the ground means you're on the official cycling path. When the line disappears, pay attention. - **Blue directional signs (이정표)** — Posted at intersections. They show distances to the next city, the next certification center, and sometimes the next rest area. Text is in Korean and English. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20230930_141324.jpg) - **Distance markers** — Small posts every few kilometers showing your distance from the start/end. Useful for tracking progress, not for navigation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20231001_090159.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20230930_155751-1.jpg) - **Certification center signs (인증센터)** — Brown signs with a bike icon pointing you toward stamp stations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20230930_170319.jpg) **When the signs fail:** They don't fail often — but when they do, it's always at the same kind of spot: - Road construction that reroutes you onto a detour with no cycling signs - Urban sections where bike path markings blend into city sidewalks - Bridge crossings where you need to switch sides of the river - The Saejae Pass descent — fast enough that you can blow past a turn before you notice This is where your phone and GPS come in. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20230930_170439.jpg) --- ## The Phone Setup (핸드폰 세팅) You need three things on your phone before departure: ### 1\. Komoot — Your Primary Navigation (주 내비게이션) Komoot is the best option for following the cross-country route. It has cycling-specific routing, turn-by-turn navigation, and — most importantly — it works with downloaded offline maps, so you're not dependent on cell service in the mountains. **Before your trip:** 1. Download Komoot (free, iOS/Android) 2. Download the offline map for South Korea (or at minimum, the regions you'll ride through) 3. Search for "국토종주" or "Cross-Country Cycling Route Korea" in Komoot's route discovery — other riders have uploaded the full route. Pick one with good reviews and a recent upload date. 4. Save the route to your profile. You can also import a GPX file directly if you have one (more on GPX below). **During the ride:** - Start the route in Komoot and follow the turn-by-turn directions - Komoot will give you audio cues through your earbuds — "Turn left in 200 meters" — so you don't have to stare at your screen - If you miss a turn, Komoot recalculates automatically - The offline maps mean it still works in dead zones (and there are dead zones on Saejae Pass and parts of the Nakdong River path) **Komoot tips:** - **Plan your daily segments.** The full 633 km route is one long line. Break it into daily segments (Day 1: Incheon → Yeoju, Day 2: Yeoju → Mungyeong, etc.) so the navigation is manageable and your ETA is useful. - **Check the route against reality.** Komoot routes uploaded by other users aren't always current. Construction detours and path changes happen. If Komoot tells you to go somewhere that looks wrong, trust the physical signs on the ground first. - **Battery drain is real.** Active navigation with screen on will drain your phone fast. Use audio turn-by-turn with the screen off, and check the screen only at intersections. [South Korea Cross Country Route | KomootThe collection contains the routes to complete the South Korea Cross Country Bicycle Route including stops for all certification stamps. Thanks https://www.koreabybike.com/ for detailed information.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/icon/90b1ca0b470356e9-1.svg)komoot![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/thumbnail/og-image-default-1.png)](https://www.komoot.com/ko-kr/collection/2922747/-south-korea-cross-country-route?ref=platooncycles.com) ### 2\. Naver Map (네이버 지도) — For Everything Else Naver Map isn't for following the cycling route — Komoot handles that. Naver Map is for everything around the route: finding motels, restaurants, convenience stores, bike shops, and train stations. **Why Naver, not Google Maps?** Korea's mapping data is restricted by law. Google Maps has inaccurate roads, missing buildings, and no transit directions. Naver Map is accurate. This isn't a preference — it's a practical necessity. **What you'll use it for:** - Searching "모텔" or "편의점" to find the nearest motel or convenience store - Getting walking/cycling directions from the bike path to a nearby town - Checking restaurant hours and reviews - Finding the nearest train station for emergencies (KTX, SRT, or local) **Setup:** - Download Naver Map (free, iOS/Android) - The interface has an English mode — tap the settings gear and switch the language. It's not perfect (some business names stay in Korean), but it's usable. - Download the offline map if you want — though Naver's offline support is limited compared to Komoot Naver Map Download - IOS [https://apps.apple.com/kr/app/네이버-naver/id393499958](https://apps.apple.com/kr/app/%EB%84%A4%EC%9D%B4%EB%B2%84-naver/id393499958?ref=platooncycles.com) ### 3\. Papago (파파고) — Translation Covered in [Part 5](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-05/), but worth repeating: Papago is Naver's translation app. It's better than Google Translate for Korean, especially for food menus and spoken phrases. Download the offline Korean language pack before you leave. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/20230930_173830.jpg) --- ## GPX Files (GPX 파일) A GPX file is a digital breadcrumb trail of the route — a series of GPS coordinates that draws the path on your map. It's the most reliable way to follow the cross-country route because it doesn't depend on anyone's routing algorithm. Someone rode the route, recorded it, and you follow that exact line. **Where to get a GPX file:** - **Komoot route discovery** — Search for cross-country routes uploaded by other riders. You can follow these directly in Komoot or export the GPX. - **자전거행복나눔 (bike.go.kr)** — The official Korean cycling portal has GPX files for all four rivers routes. The site is in Korean, but the download section is findable with Papago or browser translation. - **Cycling forums and blogs** — Search "국토종주 GPX" and you'll find downloadable files. Use recent ones (2024 or newer) to account for path changes. **How to use a GPX file:** 1. Download the GPX file to your phone 2. Import it into Komoot: open the app → Profile → Tours → Import (the "+" icon) → select the GPX file 3. The route appears on your map as a line to follow 4. Start navigation and ride **On a Wahoo GPS computer** (details below): you can load GPX files directly via the Wahoo companion app. The route shows as a line on your Wahoo screen — no phone needed. --- ## GPS Cycling Computers (GPS 자전거 컴퓨터) Your phone works fine for navigation. But if you ride regularly — or if you want to keep your phone battery alive for photos and emergencies — a dedicated GPS cycling computer is worth having. ### Wahoo ELEMNT Series (와후 엘리먼트) Wahoo's ELEMNT computers (BOLT, ROAM, or ACE) are the easiest to set up and use. The key advantage: everything syncs through the Wahoo companion app on your phone, so you configure routes and settings on your phone screen instead of fiddling with tiny buttons. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-21--------------6.30.08.png) **For the cross-country route:** 1. Plan or import your route in Komoot 2. Connect Komoot to the Wahoo app (one-time setup in the Wahoo companion app → Connected Apps → Komoot) 3. Sync the route — it appears on your Wahoo automatically 4. Start the route on your Wahoo. The screen shows a map with your route line, turn-by-turn arrows, distance to next turn, and elevation profile. **What the Wahoo gives you that your phone doesn't:** - **Always-on screen** — No battery drain from keeping the screen lit. The Wahoo BOLT lasts 15+ hours on a single charge. That's two full riding days without charging. - **Readable in sunlight** — Phone screens wash out in direct sun. The Wahoo screen is designed for outdoor visibility. - **Ride data** — Speed, distance, elevation, heart rate (with a sensor), power (with a meter). Useful if you care about pacing yourself over 633 km. - **No distractions** — No text messages, no social media notifications. Just the road. **Practical tips:** - Charge your Wahoo every night. Even with 15+ hours of battery, start each day full. - Load your daily segment the night before, so you just hit "start" in the morning. - The Wahoo's rerouting is basic compared to Komoot on your phone. If you go significantly off-route, use your phone to find your way back, then resume the Wahoo route. - Mount it securely. Korean bike paths are smooth, but bridge joints and occasional rough patches can vibrate a loose mount. The out-front mount that comes with it works fine — just make sure it's tight. **Don't have a Wahoo?** Any GPS cycling computer with GPX import works — Garmin, Hammerhead, Bryton, etc. The setup process is similar: import route via companion app, sync to device, follow the line. We're using Wahoo as the example because it's what we know and recommend, but the concept is the same across brands. --- ## The Offline Survival Kit (오프라인 대비) Cell service on the cross-country route is good — but not perfect. Two sections have spotty coverage: - **Saejae Pass (새재)** — Mountain terrain. Signal drops in valleys. - **Mid-Nakdong River (낙동강 중류)** — The rural stretch between Gumi and Changnyeong. Long sections with weak or no signal. **Before you leave, make sure you have:** - ✅ Komoot offline maps downloaded - ✅ Papago offline Korean language pack downloaded - ✅ GPX file loaded on your Wahoo (or other GPS computer) - ✅ Screenshots of your daily route overview (backup if everything fails) - ✅ Naver Map cached for the regions you'll ride through If both your phone and GPS computer die — follow the red lines on the ground and the blue signs. That's been the backup plan since before smartphones existed, and it still works. --- ## Tracking and Sharing Your Ride (라이딩 기록과 공유) ### Strava Most riders record their ride on Strava. It runs in the background while Komoot handles navigation. You end up with a complete GPS log of your trip — distance, elevation, time, speed — plus a nice map to share when you're done. **Tips:** - Start Strava recording when you leave each morning. Stop it when you arrive at your overnight stop. - Don't use Strava for navigation — it's a recording tool, not a routing tool. - Your daily segments will automatically upload to Strava when you have Wi-Fi at your motel. - If you're using a Wahoo, it records the ride data and auto-syncs to Strava — no need to run Strava on your phone separately. ### The Bike Passport App (자전거행복나눔 앱) Covered in detail in [Part 3](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-03/). The app lets you collect digital stamps at certification centers using QR codes. It's not a navigation tool, but you'll open it at every stamp station. --- ## Power Management (전원 관리) Your phone is your map, translator, camera, and communication device. If it dies, you lose all four. Take power management seriously. **Essentials:** - **Power bank** — Bring at least 10,000 mAh. 20,000 mAh if you're a heavy phone user or doing a lot of photography. One full charge of a 10,000 mAh bank gives most phones about 1.5–2 full recharges. - **Charging cable** — Bring two. One for the power bank, one for the Wahoo (micro-USB or USB-C depending on model). Cables break and get lost. - **Charge everything every night.** Phone, power bank, Wahoo, earbuds, bike lights. Make it a nightly routine at the motel — plug everything in before you shower. **Saving battery during the ride:** - Use Komoot with audio turn-by-turn and screen off. Check the screen at intersections only. - Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi scanning if you're not using them. - Airplane mode + GPS still works for navigation if you have offline maps. - Lower screen brightness. - If you're using a Wahoo for navigation, you can keep your phone in your bag with the screen off most of the day. This alone can double your phone's battery life. --- ## The Setup Checklist (출발 전 체크리스트) Do all of this before your trip — not the night before, and definitely not at the starting point in Incheon. **Apps to install:** - \[ \] Komoot (+ offline maps + route saved) - \[ \] Naver Map (+ English mode enabled) - \[ \] Papago (+ offline Korean pack) - \[ \] Strava (optional, for recording) - \[ \] 자전거행복나눔 / Bike Passport app (for stamps) **Routes to prepare:** - \[ \] Full cross-country GPX file imported into Komoot - \[ \] Daily segments broken out (5 segments for a 5-day trip) - \[ \] Routes synced to Wahoo (if using one) **Hardware:** - \[ \] Phone mount for handlebars (secure — not a friction mount that vibrates loose) - \[ \] Power bank (10,000+ mAh), fully charged - \[ \] Two charging cables - \[ \] Wahoo or GPS computer (if using one), fully charged, routes loaded **Backup:** - \[ \] Screenshots of daily route overviews saved to phone gallery - \[ \] Motel phone numbers for each overnight stop saved in contacts - \[ \] Emergency numbers: 112 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance), 1330 (Korea Travel Hotline — English support) --- ## Next in This Series 1. What Is the Cross-Country Route? 2. Planning Your Ride: Days, Budget & Gear 3. The Bike Passport: Korea's Stamp Rally System 4. Stage-by-Stage Breakdown 5. Where to Sleep & Eat Along the Way 6. **Navigation & Apps** ← You are here 7. What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cross-Country --- **Need help setting up your Wahoo or Komoot before the ride?** Bring your bike and your phone — we'll get everything configured and do a quick test ride to make sure it's working. **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com --- ### Where to Sleep & Eat Along the Way [Cross-Country Series #5] URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/where-to-sleep-eat-along-the-way-cross-country-series-5/ Last updated: 2026-03-16T02:58:19.000Z In [Part 2](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-02/), we gave you a budget overview. In [Part 4](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-04/), we flagged where food and water get scarce. This post fills in the rest: **where to actually sleep, what to actually eat, and how to handle it all when you don't speak Korean.** This is the practical stuff. No theory — just answers. --- ## Where to Sleep (숙소) You have four options. Most riders use motels. All four work. ### 1\. Motels (모텔) — The Default Choice Korean motels along the cycling route are clean, cheap, and always have hot showers. That's all you need after 120 km in the saddle. They're not fancy — but they have beds, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and usually a TV you won't watch because you'll be asleep in 3 minutes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/6B2F61B3-B657-4E9E-9569-A9B27650A2FD_4_5005_c-1.jpeg) Bathroom in motel room **What to expect:** - Private room with a bed (usually a firm mattress on the floor or a Western-style bed) - Hot shower with soap and shampoo provided. Toothbrushes and other personal items are usually sold at the front desk for about ₩1,000 — ask when you check in. - Wi-Fi and air conditioning - Some have laundry machines — ask at the front desk **Price:** ₩40,000–70,000 per night. Cheaper in rural areas, more expensive near cities. **Bike storage:** Ask at check-in whether you can bring your bike to your room. Motels in the Seoul–Chungju area (before Saejae Pass) are generally familiar with cyclists and almost always allow indoor storage — no questions asked. Koreans tend to be especially accommodating toward foreigners, so even when the official policy says no, you'll often get a yes. However, once you cross into the Gyeongsang-do region (after Saejae), many motels aren't used to cyclists bringing bikes inside. Some will say no. If you have other options nearby, try another place. If you don't — and in smaller towns you might not — be prepared to lock your bike outside. A good lock and well-lit spot are your best friends here. ### 2\. Jjimjilbang (찜질방) — Budget + Recovery A jjimjilbang is a Korean bathhouse with a communal sleeping area. For ₩10,000–15,000, you get a hot bath, sauna, and a spot on the floor to sleep. It sounds rough. It's actually incredible — especially for sore cycling legs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.34.52.png) source: [https://www.mk.co.kr/news/business/10798621](https://www.mk.co.kr/news/business/10798621?ref=platooncycles.com) **How it works (step by step):** 1. Enter. Remove shoes. Put them in a shoe locker. 2. Pay at the counter. You'll get a locker key (or wristband), two towels, and a set of shorts + t-shirt (the sleeping outfit). 3. Go to the bathing area (gender-separated). **You must be fully undressed.** No swimsuits. This is the rule, not a suggestion. 4. Shower first (sitting on a low stool), then soak in the hot tubs. Multiple temperatures — start warm, work up. 5. Dry off, put on the provided shorts and t-shirt. 6. Go to the communal area (mixed gender). Find a spot on the heated floor. Sleep. **What's provided:** Towels, sleeping clothes, soap, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, hair dryer. **What to know:** - Tattoos are generally fine in Korea (unlike Japan). Most jjimjilbangs won't turn you away. - It's a shared sleeping floor — bring earplugs. People snore. - **Bike storage is the biggest downside.** Most jjimjilbangs don't have anywhere to keep a bike, and asking to leave it inside usually won't work. You'll likely need to lock it outside. If bike security is a concern, a motel is the safer choice. - The hot bath after a day of climbing Saejae Pass is worth the entire ₩12,000\. Your legs will thank you. ### 3\. Camping & Shelters (캠핑 / 쉼터) The cross-country route has covered rest shelters (정자 / 쉼터) roughly every 8–10 km. They have roofs, benches, and usually restrooms and water nearby. Many riders sleep in these — just roll out a sleeping pad under the roof. It's free, it's safe, and Korea's crime rate is essentially zero. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.54.53.png) Source: [https://www.5gcamp.com/?m=camping&uid=2729&page=view](https://www.5gcamp.com/?m=camping&uid=2729&page=view&ref=platooncycles.com) **If you're bringing a tent:** - Flat grassy areas near weirs (보) and along riverbanks are popular camping spots - Some sections have designated camping areas — free or ₩10,000–15,000 for organized sites - Facilities vary: some have showers and electricity, others are just a patch of grass - Best camping spots are near the certification centers, which tend to have restrooms, water, and convenience stores nearby **The trade-off:** Camping saves money but adds weight. You'll need a sleeping pad, sleeping bag (or liner for summer), and possibly a tent. That's 2–4 kg extra on your bike for 633 km. If you're on a tight budget, it's worth it. Otherwise, motels win on convenience. ### 4\. Pensions (펜션) — Family Option Pensions are Korean-style vacation rentals — a standalone room or small house, usually in tourist areas. Most cross-country riders don't use them — a motel does the job for less money. That said, if you're doing a "rider + family support car" trip — you ride, your family drives and meets you at the overnight stop — a pension makes more sense than cramming everyone into a motel room. They sleep 2–4+ people and have more space for kids. Available near Yeoju and the more touristy areas along the route. ₩100,000–300,000+ per night. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.53.27.png) Source: [https://www.iminju.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=37043](https://www.iminju.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=37043&ref=platooncycles.com) --- ## How to Find a Room (외국인을 위한 숙소 찾기) This is the part most English-speaking riders stress about. Here's the honest truth: **walk-ins are the way to go.** ### The Walk-In Method (Most Reliable) When you're about 1–2 hours from finishing for the day, open Naver Map (not Google Maps — Google is inaccurate in Korea) and search for **모텔** or **숙박**. You'll see pins on the map. Ride to one. Walk in. Point at yourself, hold up one finger (one room, one night), and it works. **Tips for walk-ins:** - **Cards work almost everywhere.** Even in small towns, motels accept credit and debit cards. Carry some cash (₩50,000) as a backup, but you won't need it in most places. - Use **Papago** (Naver's translation app) if you need to communicate something specific. It's more accurate than Google Translate for Korean. - The phrase **"방 있어요?" (bang isseoyo?)** means "Do you have a room?" — but honestly, just walking in and gesturing works fine. ### Booking Apps (Backup Plan) The big Korean apps — **Yanolja** and **Goodnight** — require a Korean phone number and are entirely in Korean. They won't work for most foreigners. **What does work:** - **Agoda** — Best international option for Korean motels. Has decent coverage in larger towns (Yeoju, Gumi, Busan). Thin coverage in small towns. - **Booking.com** — Similar to Agoda. Good for cities, less useful for rural stops. - **Airbnb** — Useful in Yeoju and Busan. Not practical for mid-route towns. ### The Booking Strategy You should have a rough plan for which town you'll sleep in each night — but **don't pre-book everything.** Locking in reservations creates schedule pressure. If you're behind pace, you stress about making your booking. If you're ahead, you can't take advantage of it. Instead: aim for towns with plenty of options (Yeoju, Gumi, Busan), and walk in. If you're heading for a town with enough motels, you won't run into a "no rooms available" situation. **The one exception:** The Ihwaryeong Pass area on Day 2 (more on that below). That's the only section where pre-booking can save you real trouble. --- ## Stage-by-Stage: Where to Stay Each Night (구간별 숙박 가이드) Here's what's waiting for you at each overnight stop on the standard 5-day itinerary: ### Night 1: Yeoju (여주) — Day 1 finish, \~138 km from Incheon **Vibe:** A mid-sized town with plenty of options. You won't have trouble finding a room. - Motels clustered near Yeoju bus terminal and along the main road - Some accommodations visible from the bike path near Yeoju Weir (여주보) - Restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance - ATMs available (Shinhan, Hana, Woori — these work with foreign cards) **Why it works:** Big enough to have everything, small enough to be affordable. The easiest overnight stop on the route. ### Night 2: The Ihwaryeong Decision — Before or After? This is the most important accommodation decision of the entire trip. It comes down to one question: **what time are you reaching Ihwaryeong Pass?** **The problem:** After you cross Ihwaryeong, accommodation options drop dramatically. The towns on the other side are small, and during cycling season (April–May, September–October), rooms fill up — even in the tourist areas. If you summit at sunset, you could be looking at **2+ more hours of riding** just to reach a town with a vacancy. > **From experience:** I once crossed Ihwaryeong at around 6 PM. Every place nearby was full. I ended up riding until 10 PM to find a room. Don't let this happen to you. **The rule of thumb:** - **Reaching the summit by early afternoon?** Cross it. You'll have plenty of daylight to find accommodation on the other side in Mungyeong (문경) area. - **Looking like a late afternoon climb?** Stop and think. Either pre-book something on the other side before you start climbing, or stay on the near side at **Suanbo Hot Spring town (수안보온천)** — it's right on the bike path before the summit, with hot spring hotels and jjimjilbangs. A soak in the hot springs after a day of climbing is hard to beat anyway. **About Mungyeong:** - Small town — fewer motels than Yeoju, most clustered near the town center about 5 km from the bike path - Restaurants close early. Aim to arrive before 8 PM if you want a proper dinner. - **⚠️ During peak season (April–May, September–October), pre-book if you plan to sleep here.** It's the one stop on the route where rooms genuinely run out. ### Night 3: Gumi (구미) — Day 3 finish, \~112 km from Mungyeong **Vibe:** A proper city. Industrial, not pretty — but has everything a cyclist needs. - Motels everywhere. Walk-in is easy. - Full range of restaurants, convenience stores, and shops - If anything on your bike needs fixing, this is your last reliable chance before Busan. There are bike shops in the city. - ATMs, pharmacies, and a HomePlus (대형마트) for any gear you need to resupply **Why it works:** It's the most "normal city" overnight stop. Stock up on anything you're running low on — the next two days get rural. ### Night 4: Changnyeong (창녕) — Day 4 finish, \~105 km from Gumi **Vibe:** Small, rural, quiet. The thinest options on the route. - A handful of motels in town, about 2–3 km off the bike path - Limited restaurant options — eat before you arrive or rely on convenience stores - If Changnyeong feels too small, **Uiryeong (의령)** — about 20 km earlier — is another option with slightly more infrastructure. **Pro tip:** If you're worried about finding a room, use Naver Map to scope out motels while you're still riding. Screenshot the location so you don't have to search after dark. ### Night 5: Busan (부산) — FINISH You made it. Busan has everything — from ₩30,000 guesthouses to luxury hotels. Treat yourself. - The finish line at Nakdong River Estuary (낙동강하구둑) is in Saha-gu — not central Busan. Taxi to your hotel (\~30–40 minutes) or to Busan Station for the KTX home. - **Seomyeon (서면)** and **Haeundae (해운대)** are popular areas to stay for a celebratory night out. - Book this one in advance on Agoda or Booking.com — you've earned a nice room. --- ## What to Eat (식사 가이드) ### The Convenience Store Survival Kit (편의점 필수 아이템) Korean convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) are everywhere — and they're **good**. This isn't gas station food. Here's what to grab: **Best items for cyclists:** - **Samgak Kimbap (삼각김밥)** — Triangle-shaped rice balls wrapped in seaweed. ₩1,200–1,500\. The numbers on the wrapper show you how to open it (1→2→3). Best flavors: tuna mayo (참치마요), bulgogi (불고기). Compact, filling, and fast. The ultimate cycling fuel. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.36.45.png) source: [https://www.nongmin.com/article/20150603275984](https://www.nongmin.com/article/20150603275984?ref=platooncycles.com) - **Dosirak (도시락)** — Boxed meals with rice, protein, and side dishes. ₩3,500–5,000\. Ask the cashier to microwave it — point at the meal and the microwave, they'll heat it up. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.38.31.png) source: [https://the-edit.co.kr/67975](https://the-edit.co.kr/67975?ref=platooncycles.com) - **Cup Ramen (컵라면)** — ₩1,200–1,500\. Hot water is free at every convenience store. Perfect for a quick warm meal at a rest stop. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.41.48.png) Source - **Bananas (바나나)** — Sold individually. ₩500–1,000\. Nature's energy gel. - **Dr. You Energy Bars** — Korean energy bars, ₩1,500\. Found at most convenience stores. **Drinks:** - **Pocari Sweat (포카리스웨트)** — The go-to sports drink. Electrolytes without being too sweet. ₩1,500 for 500ml. Buy one at every stop. - **Water (물)** — 500ml ₩600, 1.5L ₩1,000–1,500\. Refill your bottles at every opportunity — especially south of Gumi where stores thin out. - **Canned coffee (캔커피)** — ₩500–1,000\. The morning kick-start before Day 2's mountain passes. **Nutrition strategy:** During the day, prioritize quick calories — samgak kimbap, energy bars, bananas, sports drinks. Things you can eat fast and get back on the bike. Unless there's a specific restaurant you really want to try, **eat at convenience stores during the day.** Sitting down for a full restaurant meal takes 30–60 minutes, and that's time you can't afford when daylight matters. Keep moving; save the real meals for dinner. In the evening, shift to protein. Your muscles need it to recover overnight. A protein-heavy dinner at a restaurant is ideal, but even at a convenience store, grab a protein drink (프로틴 음료), chicken breast snack, or eggs on top of your regular meal. It makes a noticeable difference in how your legs feel the next morning. **Pro tip:** Convenience stores have microwaves and hot water dispensers. You can eat a full hot meal for under ₩5,000 without sitting down at a restaurant. On long days, this saves serious time. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.56.53.png) Source: [https://www.hankookilbo.com/news/article/amp/A2022022015340002412](https://www.hankookilbo.com/news/article/amp/A2022022015340002412?ref=platooncycles.com) ### Restaurant Ordering Without Korean (식당 주문법) You'll want at least one real sit-down meal a day. Here's how to navigate Korean restaurants when you can't read the menu: **Method 1: Photo menu.** Many restaurants — especially near popular cycling routes — have menus with photos. Point at the photo. Done. **Method 2: The Papago trick.** Open Papago (Naver's app). Type what you want in English. Show the Korean translation to the server. "Bibimbap, not spicy please" becomes "비빔밥, 맵지 않게 해주세요" — and the server will understand. **Method 3: Point at another table.** See something that looks good at the next table? Point at it and say **"이거 주세요" (igeo juseyo)** — "This one, please." It works every time. **Method 4: Camera translation.** Google Translate or Papago camera mode — aim your phone at the Korean menu and it translates in real-time. Download the offline Korean language pack before your trip. ### Meals That Work for Cyclists These are common along the route, filling, and easy to order: **Bibimbap (비빔밥)** — Rice, vegetables, egg, and chili paste. Mixed together in a bowl. Balanced carbs and protein. Available almost everywhere. ₩8,000–12,000. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.46.45.png) Source: [https://brunch.co.kr/@wikitree/4753](https://brunch.co.kr/@wikitree/4753?ref=platooncycles.com) **Kalguksu (칼국수)** — Hand-cut noodle soup. Mild, warm, easy on the stomach. Great after a hard day. ₩8,000–10,000. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.48.09.png) Source: [https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EC%B9%BC%EA%B5%AD%EC%88%98](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EC%B9%BC%EA%B5%AD%EC%88%98?ref=platooncycles.com) **Doenjang Jjigae (된장찌개)** — Soybean paste stew with tofu and vegetables. Not spicy. Comes with rice and side dishes. ₩8,000–10,000. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.49.19.png) Source: [https://semie.cooking/recipe-lab/archive/doenjangjjigae](https://semie.cooking/recipe-lab/archive/doenjangjjigae?ref=platooncycles.com) **Sundae Gukbap (순대국밥)** — Blood sausage and pork soup with rice. Hearty and filling. A blue-collar classic. ₩7,000–10,000\. Add salt and chili flakes from the table to taste. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.50.19.png) Source: [https://gongu.copyright.or.kr/gongu/wrt/wrt/view.do?wrtSn=13279250&menuNo=200018](https://gongu.copyright.or.kr/gongu/wrt/wrt/view.do?wrtSn=13279250&menuNo=200018&ref=platooncycles.com) **Jajangmyeon (짜장면)** — Korean-Chinese black bean noodles. If you've never tried it, **this is your sign.** Cheap, filling, and impossible to get wrong — every Korean-Chinese restaurant makes it the same way. ₩6,000–8,000\. If noodles aren't your thing, order **bokkeumbap (볶음밥)** — fried rice — instead. Korean-Chinese restaurants (중국집) are everywhere, even in small towns where other restaurant options are limited. When nothing else looks promising, a 중국집 is always a safe bet. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-16-----------------11.51.33.png) Source: [https://www.ohmynews.com/NWS\_Web/View/at\_pg.aspx?CNTN\_CD=A0002270403](https://www.ohmynews.com/NWS%5FWeb/View/at%5Fpg.aspx?CNTN%5FCD=A0002270403&ref=platooncycles.com) ### Stage-by-Stage: Food Availability (구간별 식사 가능 여부) - **Incheon → Seoul (Ara + Han River):** Unlimited options. Convenience stores, restaurants, cafes every few hundred meters. Don't even think about food supply here. - **Seoul → Yeoju (South Han River):** Gradually thins out, but still manageable. Convenience stores at most weirs. Restaurants available in Yangpyeong and Yeoju. - **Yeoju → Mungyeong (Saejae):** **⚠️ This is the food desert.** Eat a big meal in Chungju (충주) before starting the mountain section. Between Chungju and Mungyeong, there's very little — a few vending machines and one or two small restaurants near Suanbo. Carry energy bars and extra water. - **Mungyeong → Gumi (Upper Nakdong):** Improving. Restaurants in Sangju (상주) and Gumi. Convenience stores at major weirs. - **Gumi → Changnyeong (Mid-Nakdong):** **⚠️ Second food desert.** The most remote section of the entire route. Convenience stores are sparse. Stock up in Gumi — carry enough food and water for 80+ km. The weirs have restrooms but not always stores. - **Changnyeong → Busan (Lower Nakdong):** Gradually improves as you approach Busan. The last 50 km is urban — food is everywhere again. --- ## The Foreigner Survival Phrases (생존 한국어) You don't need to learn Korean. But five phrases will make your life significantly easier: - **방 있어요?** (bang isseoyo?) — "Do you have a room?" - **이거 주세요** (igeo juseyo) — "This one, please." (pointing at menu/food) - **얼마예요?** (eolma yeyo?) — "How much?" - **맵지 않게** (maepji anke) — "Not spicy" (crucial if you don't do heat) - **감사합니다** (gamsahamnida) — "Thank you" Beyond that — Papago app, pointing, and smiling will get you through. Koreans are helpful. Even in small towns where no one speaks English, people will go out of their way to help a lost cyclist. --- ## The Quick Reference Card (빠른 참고표) Save this on your phone: **Overnight Stops (5-day itinerary)** - Night 1: Yeoju (여주) — Easy. Walk-in. - Night 2: Mungyeong (문경) or Suanbo (수안보) — Pre-book in peak season. - Night 3: Gumi (구미) — Easy. Walk-in. Stock up here. - Night 4: Changnyeong (창녕) — Small. Have a backup plan (Uiryeong). - Night 5: Busan (부산) — Book in advance. Celebrate. **Food Deserts (pack extra)** - Chungju → Mungyeong (Saejae mountain section) - Gumi → Changnyeong (mid-Nakdong River) **Apps You Need** - Naver Map — Finding motels and restaurants (NOT Google Maps) - Papago — Korean translation (better than Google Translate for food/directions) - Agoda — Pre-booking accommodations --- ## Next in This Series 1. What Is the Cross-Country Route? 2. Planning Your Ride: Days, Budget & Gear 3. The Bike Passport: Korea's Stamp Rally System 4. Stage-by-Stage Breakdown 5. **Where to Sleep & Eat Along the Way** ← You are here 6. Navigation & Apps 7. What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cross-Country --- **Questions about the route? Planning your trip?** We've helped hundreds of riders prep for this ride. Come in — we'll go through everything with you. **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com --- ### Stage-by-Stage Breakdown - [Cross-Country Series #4] URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/stage-by-stage-breakdown-cross-country-series-4/ Last updated: 2026-03-16T02:59:10.000Z In [Part 2](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-02/), we gave you a 5-day itinerary with distances and overnight cities. This post zooms in. **Every section of the route, kilometer by kilometer** — what the terrain looks like, where the hard parts are, where the views are, and what to watch out for. Print this. Bookmark it. Pull it up on your phone at rest stops. This is the post you'll actually use while riding. --- ## The Route: Four Paths, One Country Quick reminder — the cross-country route is made up of four connected bike paths: | # | Path (경로) | Distance | Stamps | Difficulty | | - | ------------------- | ---------- | ------ | ------------- | | 1 | Ara (아라) | 21 km | 2 | Easy | | 2 | Han River (한강) | 188 km | 9 | Easy | | 3 | Saejae (새재) | 100 km | 5 | Hard | | 4 | Nakdong River (낙동강) | 389 km | 12 | Easy–Moderate | | | **Total** | **633 km** | **29** | | Now let's break each one down. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/393AC1DB-7B5F-4542-A300-851CA6603021_1_105_c-1.jpeg) Starting Point of Ara Bike Path --- ## Stage 1: Ara Bike Path (아라자전거길) ### Incheon → Han River / 21 km / Easy **The warm-up lap.** You'll be done in under an hour if you push it — but don't. Take your time. This is where the adventure begins. ### What You're Riding A dead-straight canal path running along the Ara Waterway (경인아라뱃길), connecting the Yellow Sea to the Han River. Completely flat. Completely paved. Wide enough for two bikes side by side. ### Key Points | Km | Landmark | Notes | | ---- | ------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 0 | **Ara West Sea Lock (아라서해갑문)** | **START.** Take your photo at the starting monument. Buy your Bike Passport here if you haven't already. ✅ Staffed center. | | \~5 | Ara Marina | Boats and waterfront views. | | \~10 | Gimpo Area | Path runs between the canal and farmland. | | 21 | **Ara Hangang Lock (아라한강갑문)** | End of Ara path. Stamp station here. You're now at the Han River. | ### What to Know - **Wind:** The canal is open and exposed. If there's a headwind, you'll feel every bit of it — even though the path is flat. Check the wind direction before you start. A strong westerly headwind can make this 21 km feel like 40. - **Resupply:** There's a convenience store near the starting gate. After that, options are limited until you reach the Han River. Fill your bottles and grab snacks before you start. - **Don't rush it.** It's tempting to blast through this section because it's short. But you've got 600+ km ahead. Set your pace here — it'll define your whole trip. --- ## Stage 2: Han River Bike Path (한강자전거길) ### Seoul Section + South Han River / 188 km / Easy This is the longest flat section and where most riders find their rhythm. You'll ride through the middle of Seoul's skyline, then follow the South Han River deep into the Korean countryside. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/5CFBD50B-5DA9-491A-883E-7DA8B8C7B867_1_105_c.jpeg) Han River Bike Path ### Section 2A: Seoul (서울 구간) — \~56 km **The urban stretch.** The Han River bike path through Seoul is one of the best urban cycling experiences in the world — no exaggeration. Dedicated path, separated from traffic, running under bridges and past riverside parks. | Km (approx.) | Landmark | Notes | | ------------ | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | 0 | Han River junction | Where the Ara path meets the Han River. Turn east (upstream). | | \~15 | **Yeouido (여의도)** | ✅ Staffed center. Passport sold here. The National Assembly and 63 Building are right there. If it's cherry blossom season (April), this stretch is magical. | | \~30 | **Ttukseom (뚝섬)** | Stamp station. Trendy area — cafes and food if you want a break. | | \~45 | **Gwangnaru (광나루)** | Stamp station. Last stop in Seoul proper. | | \~56 | **Neungnae Station (능내역)** | Stamp station. Old abandoned railroad station — cool photo op. You're officially out of the city. | **What to know about the Seoul section:** - **Pedestrians.** The Han River path is shared with joggers, walkers, couples strolling, and families with kids. **Slow down in crowded areas.** Weekends and evenings are especially busy. Ring your bell, pass on the left, and don't be the cyclist everyone hates. - **Navigation.** The path is well-signed, but there are multiple junctions where you could take a wrong turn — especially where the north and south bank paths split. **Stay on the south bank (남쪽)** heading east. If you're on Naver Map, follow the "한강종주" route. - **Food & water.** No worries here. Convenience stores, vending machines, and restaurants are everywhere along the Seoul section. This is the easiest resupply stretch of the entire route. ### Section 2B: South Han River (남한강 구간) — \~132 km **Where Seoul disappears and Korea's countryside begins.** The concrete jungle fades into rice paddies, river valleys, and small towns. The path follows the South Han River upstream — still flat, still paved, but now it's just you and the river. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/A409F362-2D44-45CC-B65F-84B0906CA3FC_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/096462DC-9F5F-4589-A1DF-5B21281ECCE0_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/301F28A9-38E9-4721-AF8A-8F54BDC97ACD_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/DE03F5FD-009D-4411-A1F1-C65B74F636F2_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/3C7FA395-33C2-4197-AB89-33D39A7BEF42_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/50C22B85-E6C3-4FF1-895F-3E8E879D83C8_1_105_c.jpeg) South Han River | Km (approx.) | Landmark | Notes | | ------------ | ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | \~70 | **Yangpyeong (양평)** | Stamp station. Popular weekend cycling destination. Cafes along the river. | | \~100 | **Ipo Weir (이포보)** | ✅ Staffed center. Good rest stop. | | \~115 | **Yeoju Weir (여주보)** | Stamp station. Yeoju is a solid overnight option — plenty of motels and restaurants. | | \~145 | **Gangcheon Weir (강천보)** | Stamp station. Getting rural now. | | \~188 | **Chungju Dam (충주댐)** | ✅ Staffed center. End of the Han River path. Major milestone — you're about to enter the mountains. | **What to know about the South Han River section:** - **Weirs (보).** You'll pass several large weirs — they're part of the Four Rivers Restoration Project. Each one has a certification center, restrooms, and usually a small park. Use them as natural rest stops. - **The path quality is excellent.** Wide, smooth asphalt. Long, straight stretches where you can settle into a cadence and just cruise. This is the most "zen" part of the ride. - **Convenience stores thin out** as you leave Seoul's orbit. After Yeoju, resupply becomes less frequent. Top off your water at every opportunity. - **Yeoju (여주)** is a popular overnight stop for Day 1 if you're doing a 5-day itinerary (\~138 km from Incheon). Lots of accommodation options and restaurants. --- ## Stage 3: Saejae Bike Path (새재자전거길) ### Chungju → Sangju / 100 km / Hard **This is the one everyone asks about. And worries about. And talks about for years after.** The Saejae path crosses the Baekdudaegan (백두대간) — the mountain spine that runs the length of the Korean peninsula. Two major passes. Real climbing. Real descents. And the most stunning scenery on the entire route. If the Han River section was the body of the ride, Saejae is the soul. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/CF063A5E-B38C-43E4-A0BD-A99CA8001162_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/4B2F485D-F30D-4CAF-A660-51968652E608_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/366F38E8-B3B8-46DF-A3D2-14F0BB00746F_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/1A00B9F9-FAEA-42CC-B41C-483C78C8C748_1_105_c.jpeg) Ihwaryeong (이화령) ### The Two Passes Let's be clear about what you're facing: | Pass | Name | Elevation | Climb | What It Feels Like | | ---- | -------------------- | --------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | 1st | **Sojoryeong (소조령)** | \~350 m | Gradual, steady | A long grind. Not steep, but relentless. You'll be in your lowest gear for a while. | | 2nd | **Ihwaryeong (이화령)** | \~548 m | Steeper, more challenging | The real test. Steeper gradients, switchbacks through the forest. The summit is the highest point of the entire cross-country route. | ### Detailed Breakdown | Km (approx.) | Landmark | Notes | | ------------ | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 0 | **Chungju Tangeumdae (충주탄금대)** | ✅ Staffed center. Start of Saejae path. Fill your bottles, eat something substantial — the next few hours are all climbing. | | \~20 | **Suanbo Hot Spring (수안보온천)** | Stamp station. If you're overnighting here, the hot springs are exactly what your legs need. Even if you're passing through, it's worth a mental note for the return trip. | | \~35 | **Sojoryeong Summit (소조령 정상)** | First pass conquered. Catch your breath. The descent is your reward. | | \~50 | Valley section | Between the two passes. A brief rolling section before the second climb begins. | | \~65 | **Ihwaryeong Summit (이화령)** | Stamp station. **THE summit.** 548 meters. You're at the roof of the route. On a clear day, the view is endless — forested mountains in every direction. Take it in. You earned this. | | \~75 | **Mungyeong (문경)** | Stamp station (Buljeong Station). Mungyeong is the typical overnight stop for Day 2\. Small town, limited but sufficient accommodation. | | 100 | **Sangju Sangpung Bridge (상주상풍교)** | Stamp station. End of Saejae. You've crossed the mountain spine of Korea. Everything from here is river valley riding to Busan. | ### Survival Guide for Saejae **Pace yourself.** This is not a race. Shift into your easiest gear and spin. If you try to muscle through the climbs, you'll blow up halfway and have nothing left. Steady, sustainable effort is the way. **Start early.** Hit Chungju by 7–8 AM if possible. The climbs take longer than you think, and you want to clear both passes with daylight to spare. Getting caught on a mountain descent after dark is no fun. **Eat before you climb.** Have a real meal — rice, protein, something substantial — at Chungju before you start the Saejae path. There are very few food options between Chungju and Mungyeong. Pack extra snacks and energy bars. **Water.** Carry at least 1.5 liters. There are water fountains at some rest stops along the way, but don't count on them working. The hot spring town of Suanbo (수안보) is your last reliable resupply before the summit. **The descent is fast.** After Ihwaryeong, you'll descend rapidly. It's exhilarating — but the road has curves, and your brakes need to work. **Check your brakes before you start Saejae.** Wet conditions make the descent significantly more dangerous. **Weather changes fast in the mountains.** It can be sunny in Chungju and raining at the summit. Pack your rain jacket in an accessible pocket, not buried in your bag. > **The mental game:** The second pass (Ihwaryeong) is harder than the first — and you're already tired from Sojoryeong. This is where people quit. Keep pedaling. It ends. And when you reach the top, you'll understand why everyone says this is the best part of the entire route. --- ## Stage 4: Nakdong River Bike Path (낙동강자전거길) ### Sangju → Busan / 389 km / Easy–Moderate **The long glide south.** After the mountains, the Nakdong River path feels like a reward. You'll follow Korea's longest river — the Nakdong (낙동강) — from the interior all the way to the coast at Busan. 389 km sounds massive, and it is. But it's mostly flat, the path is wide, and the river keeps you company the whole way. This is where you settle into a groove and let the kilometers roll by. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/3829C636-8659-442B-ABCE-CD6C87A0B787_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/75842395-E997-419A-8F0B-D769291A89A0_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/EE273CF4-BFB8-47B1-84F6-7EA674B2C741_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/DBB5E890-483F-4A90-83E2-DE1662565AA7_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/876296C9-0AEA-4149-B934-33D6E5E12B4F_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/519FA380-5271-4D69-8B95-6D925CD427DF_1_105_c.jpeg) Nakdong River Bike Path ### Section 4A: Sangju → Gumi (구미) — \~80 km **The post-mountain recovery.** Your legs are sore from Saejae, but the terrain is gentle. Rolling hills, river views, and rural villages. | Km (approx.) | Landmark | Notes | | ------------ | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 0 | Sangju Sangpung Bridge | Start of Nakdong path. | | \~15 | **Sangju Weir (상주보)** | ✅ Staffed center. Good rest stop. | | \~40 | **Nakdan Weir (낙단보)** | Stamp station. | | \~80 | **Gumi Weir (구미보)** | Stamp station. Gumi is a mid-sized city — plenty of food, motels, and convenience stores. A natural overnight stop. | **What to know:** - This section has some gentle rolling terrain — nothing like Saejae, but not dead flat either. - **Gumi (구미)** is a good overnight city. It's big enough to have everything you need and marks a clean transition into the flatter southern sections. ### Section 4B: Gumi → Daegu Area (대구 권역) — \~100 km **Into the heartland.** The path straightens out and the landscape opens up — wide river, flat farmland, big sky. | Km (approx.) | Landmark | Notes | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | \~95 | **Chilgok Weir (칠곡보)** | Stamp station. Approaching Daegu. | | \~120 | **Gangjeong-Goryeong Weir (강정고령보)** | ✅ Staffed center. Convenience store and bike shop nearby — your last reliable bike shop until Busan. If anything needs fixing, do it here. | | \~140 | **Dalseong Weir (달성보)** | Stamp station. South of Daegu. | **What to know:** - **Gangjeong-Goryeong Weir** is a key stop. It's the last staffed center with a bike shop nearby. Check your tires, brakes, and chain here. If you need a tube or any parts, buy them now. - The Daegu area can be brutally hot in summer. If you're riding June–August, plan to start at dawn and rest during the midday heat. ### Section 4C: Daegu → Changnyeong (창녕) — \~80 km **The quiet stretch.** This is where Korea gets truly rural. Small villages, long straight paths, and fewer services. | Km (approx.) | Landmark | Notes | | ------------ | ------------------------------------- | -------------- | | \~160 | **Hapcheon-Changnyeong Weir (합천창녕보)** | Stamp station. | | \~180 | **Changnyeong-Haman Weir (창녕함안보)** | Stamp station. | **What to know:** - **This is the most remote section of the entire route.** Convenience stores are sparse. Restaurants are few. Water refill opportunities are limited. - **Stock up before you leave Daegu/Gumi.** Carry extra water (1.5–2 liters) and enough snacks to cover 80+ km without resupply. - The path is well-maintained but can feel monotonous — long, straight, flat. Put on some music or a podcast. Or embrace the silence. ### Section 4D: Changnyeong → Busan (부산) — \~130 km **The final push to the coast.** You can smell the ocean. Almost. | Km (approx.) | Landmark | Notes | | ------------ | ---------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | \~200 | **Gureumjae (구름재)** | Stamp station. Near Uiryeong. | | \~250 | **Bakjin Hill (박진고개)** | ⚠️ **A steep 1 km climb.** The route's last real hill. It comes out of nowhere after days of flat riding. Gear down and grind through it — it's short but sharp. | | \~310 | **Yangsan (양산)** | Stamp station. Last city before Busan. Last resupply. | | \~340 | **Binae Island (비내섬)** | Stamp station. You're in Busan's orbit now. | | \~389 | **Nakdong River Estuary (낙동강하구둑)** | ✅ Staffed center. **FINISH LINE.** You did it. Get your completion verified, take your photo, and breathe. | ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/810EDFC7-BB3B-419D-8054-15E8F6A9EAE0_1_105_c-1.jpeg) Nakdong River Estuary Finish Line **What to know:** - **Bakjin Hill (박진고개).** Don't let the flat Nakdong River path lull you into complacency. This 1 km climb is steep — around 10–12% gradient — and it hits you when your legs have been in "flat mode" for days. It's short, but it bites. Just stand up, grind, and it's over. - **The last 50 km into Busan** follow the river through increasingly urban areas. The path quality remains good, but you'll share it with more local cyclists and pedestrians. - **The finish line at Nakdong River Estuary (낙동강하구둑)** is in Busan's Saha-gu district. It's not in central Busan — you'll need to take a bus or taxi to get to Busan Station for the KTX home. About 30–40 minutes by taxi. --- ## The Elevation Profile: What It Actually Looks Like Here's the big picture of what your legs are in for: ``` Elevation (m) 600 ┤ │ ╱╲ Ihwaryeong (548m) 500 ┤ ╱ ╲ │ ╱ ╲ 400 ┤ ╱╲ ╱ ╲ │ ╱ ╲ ╱ ╲ 300 ┤ ╱ Sojoryeong ╲ │ ╱ ╲ 200 ┤ ╱ ╲ ╱╲ Bakjin │ ╱ ╲────────╱ ╲ 100 ┤──────╱ ╲ ╲──── │ Ara Han River Saejae Nakdong River 0 ┤──────┬──────────┬──────────┬──────────────────→ 0 21 209 309 633 km ``` **Translation:** Flat → Flat → MOUNTAIN → Flat (with one surprise hill). The first 200 km and the last 300 km are essentially flat. The 100 km Saejae section in the middle is where all the climbing happens. Once you clear Ihwaryeong, it's gravity-assisted cruising to Busan. --- ## Stage-by-Stage Quick Reference | Stage | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | Food/Water | Overnight Stop | | --------------------------- | -------- | -------------------- | ---------- | -------------- | -------------- | | Ara | 21 km | Flat | Easy | Limited | — | | Han River (Seoul) | 56 km | Flat | Easy | Abundant | — | | South Han River | 132 km | Flat | Easy | Moderate | Yeoju | | Saejae | 100 km | 2 major passes | Hard | Scarce | Mungyeong | | Nakdong (Sangju→Gumi) | 80 km | Rolling | Easy | Moderate | Gumi | | Nakdong (Gumi→Daegu) | 100 km | Flat | Easy | Moderate | — | | Nakdong (Daegu→Changnyeong) | 80 km | Flat | Easy | Scarce | Changnyeong | | Nakdong (Changnyeong→Busan) | 130 km | Mostly flat + Bakjin | Moderate | Moderate→Urban | Busan | --- ## The Hardest Parts, Ranked Let's be specific about where you'll suffer — so nothing catches you off guard. **1\. Ihwaryeong Pass (이화령) — Saejae, km \~265** The steepest sustained climb. Switchbacks through dense forest. Your lowest gear, your highest heart rate. The defining moment of the ride. **2\. Sojoryeong Pass (소조령) — Saejae, km \~235** Not as steep as Ihwaryeong, but it's the first real climb. Your body isn't ready for it — especially after 200 km of flat riding. The shock is what makes it hard. **3\. Bakjin Hill (박진고개) — Nakdong, km \~550** Short but vicious. 1 km at 10–12% after 300+ km of flat. Your legs have forgotten what climbing feels like, and this hill doesn't care. **4\. The Nakdong River mental game — km 310–550** Not hard physically. Hard mentally. Long, straight, flat path through rural Korea with limited visual variety. This is where boredom becomes your enemy. Bring entertainment or ride with a partner. **Everything else is manageable.** If you can handle these four challenges, you'll finish. --- ## Next in This Series 1. What Is the Cross-Country Route? 2. Planning Your Ride: Days, Budget & Gear 3. The Bike Passport: Korea's Stamp Rally System 4. **Stage-by-Stage Breakdown** ← You are here 5. Where to Sleep & Eat Along the Way 6. Navigation & Apps 7. What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cross-Country --- **Want to talk through the route before you go?** Bring your phone — we'll walk through every stage with you and help you plan your daily distances based on your fitness level. **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com --- ### The Bike Passport: Korea's Stamp Rally System - [Cross-Country Series #3] URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/the-bike-passport-koreas-stamp-rally-system-cross-country-series-3/ Last updated: 2026-03-16T02:59:20.000Z # In [Part 1](https://www.platooncycles.com/cross-country-series-01/), we covered the basics — what the Bike Passport is, how to get one, and the two ways to certify (physical stamps vs. app). If you haven't read that yet, start there. This post goes deeper: **every certification center on the route, how the app actually works, what happens after you finish, and the multi-level challenge system that'll keep you riding long after your first cross-country.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-09-----------------10.29.33-1.png) --- ## The Certification Hierarchy: It Doesn't End at Busan Most people think the cross-country route is the finish line. It's actually just Level 1. Korea's cycling certification system has **four levels** — and each one unlocks a new medal: **Level 1 — Individual Path** Complete any single bike path (e.g., Nakdong River only). Earns a path-specific sticker. **Level 2 — Cross-Country** Incheon → Busan: Ara + Han River + Saejae + Nakdong. Earns the Cross-Country Medal. **Level 3 — Four Rivers** All four major river paths: Han, Nakdong, Geum, Yeongsan. Earns the Four Rivers Medal. **Level 4 — Grand Slam** ALL 85 certification centers across ALL bike paths in Korea. Earns the Grand Slam Medal. **The full Grand Slam network includes:** | Path | Distance | Stamps | | ---------------------------- | -------------- | ------ | | Ara (아라) | 21 km | 2 | | Han River – Seoul (한강) | 56 km | 4 | | South Han River (남한강) | 132 km | 7 | | North Han River (북한강) | 70 km | 4 | | Saejae (새재) | 100 km | 5 | | Ocheon (오천) | 105 km | 5 | | Nakdong River (낙동강) | 389 km | 12 | | Geum River (금강) | 146 km | 6 | | Yeongsan River (영산강) | 133 km | 7 | | Seomjin River (섬진강) | 149 km | 8 | | East Coast – Gangwon (동해안) | \~200 km | 12 | | East Coast – Gyeongbuk (동해안) | \~120 km | 5 | | Jeju Island (제주환상) | 234 km | 10 | | **Total** | **\~1,855 km** | **85** | The Grand Slam is the cyclist's equivalent of climbing all the 14ers. Most riders start with the cross-country, get hooked on the stamp system, and end up riding every bike path in the country. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_3782.jpeg) Stamp Booth --- ## Every Certification Center on the Cross-Country Route Here's the complete list — all 29 certification centers from Incheon to Busan. ✅ = **Staffed** — you can buy a Bike Passport and get help here. Unstaffed = red phone-booth-style stamp stations, open 24/7. --- ### Ara Bike Path (아라자전거길) — 21 km / 2 stamps **1\. Ara West Sea Lock (아라서해갑문)** ✅ Staffed **START.** Passport sold here. K-water building, 1st floor. **2\. Ara Hangang Lock (아라한강갑문)** — Unstaffed End of canal, where Ara meets the Han River. --- ### Han River Bike Path (한강자전거길) — Seoul Section, \~56 km / 4 stamps **3\. Yeouido (여의도)** ✅ Staffed Passport sold here. Near Yanghwa Hangang Park. **4\. Ttukseom Viewpoint (뚝섬전망콤플렉스)** — Unstaffed Seongdong-gu, Seoul. **5\. Gwangnaru Bicycle Park (광나루자전거공원)** — Unstaffed Gangdong-gu, Seoul. Last stop in Seoul. **6\. Neungnae Station (능내역)** — Unstaffed Namyangju. Old railroad station turned rest stop. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/CROSS_C_M-4-1.jpg) --- ### South Han River Bike Path (남한강자전거길) — \~132 km / 5 stamps **7\. Yangpyeong Art Museum (양평군립미술관)** — Unstaffed Yangpyeong county. **8\. Ipo Weir (이포보)** ✅ Staffed Passport sold here. Yeoju area. **9\. Yeoju Weir (여주보)** — Unstaffed Yeoju city. **10\. Gangcheon Weir (강천보)** — Unstaffed Toward Chungju. **11\. Chungju Dam (충주댐)** ✅ Staffed Passport sold here. End of Han River section. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/CROSS_C_M-5-1.jpg) --- ### Saejae Bike Path (새재자전거길) — \~100 km / 5 stamps **12\. Chungju Tangeumdae (충주탄금대)** ✅ Staffed Saejae starting point. Passport available. **13\. Suanbo Hot Spring (수안보온천)** — Unstaffed Great overnight stop — hot springs for recovery! **14\. Ihwaryeong Pass (이화령)** — Unstaffed Near the summit. You earned this stamp. **15\. Mungyeong Buljeong Station (문경불정역)** — Unstaffed Mungyeong area. **16\. Sangju Sangpung Bridge (상주상풍교)** — Unstaffed End of Saejae, start of Nakdong River. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/CROSS_C_M-6-1.jpg) --- ### Nakdong River Bike Path (낙동강자전거길) — \~389 km / 12 stamps **17\. Sangju Weir (상주보)** ✅ Staffed Passport sold here. **18\. Nakdan Weir (낙단보)** — Unstaffed Between Sangju and Gumi. **19\. Gumi Weir (구미보)** — Unstaffed Gumi city area. **20\. Chilgok Weir (칠곡보)** — Unstaffed Chilgok county. **21\. Gangjeong-Goryeong Weir (강정고령보)** ✅ Staffed Daegu area. Passport sold here. Convenience store and bike shop nearby. **22\. Dalseong Weir (달성보)** — Unstaffed Daegu Dalseong-gun. **23\. Hapcheon-Changnyeong Weir (합천창녕보)** — Unstaffed **24\. Changnyeong-Haman Weir (창녕함안보)** — Unstaffed **25\. Gureumjae (구름재)** — Unstaffed Near Uiryeong. **26\. Yangsan Water Culture Center (양산물문화관)** — Unstaffed Yangsan city. Last resupply chance before Busan. **27\. Binae Island (비내섬)** — Unstaffed Near the coast. **28\. Nakdong River Estuary (낙동강하구둑)** ✅ Staffed **FINISH LINE.** Busan, Saha-gu. Passport & medal info here. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/CROSS_C_M-7-1.jpg) --- ### Quick Stats | | | | ---------------------------- | ------------------------------- | | **Total centers** | 29 | | **Staffed (passport sales)** | 8 | | **Unstaffed (24/7)** | 21 | | **Average spacing** | Every 15–25 km | | **Longest gap** | \~40 km (Nakdong River section) | > **Staffed center hours:** Generally 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Many are closed on Mondays. Hours vary — if buying a passport is your plan, arrive well before closing time. --- ## Don't Miss a Stamp: The GPX & Planning Trick This is the mistake that ruins people's rides: **they pass a certification center without realizing it, then have to backtrack 10–20 km to stamp their passport.** Two ways to prevent this: ### Option 1: Download a GPX File with All Centers Marked Before your trip, download a GPX file that has every certification center pinned as a waypoint. Load it onto your bike computer or phone, and you'll get an alert as you approach each one. **Where to get GPX files:** - [Sanguru (산구루)](https://sanguru.me/gpx-download/?ref=platooncycles.com) — GPX tracks for all Korean bike paths - [Rhyshan's Blog](https://rhyshan.com/431?ref=platooncycles.com) — Full cross-country GPX pack (ZIP download) - [Bike Magazine (바이크매거진)](https://www.bikem.co.kr/content/content%5Flist.php?gnum=89&ref=platooncycles.com) — GPX/FIT/TCX files for 114 courses **How to load GPX on your device:** **Wahoo** — ELEMNT Companion app → Routes → Import GPX file **Garmin** — Garmin Connect app or web → Courses → Import GPX → Sync to device **Phone (Guru Maps)** — Download Guru Maps app → Import GPX → Works offline with downloaded maps ### Option 2: Check the Next Center at Every Stop Make it a habit: **every time you stamp at a certification center, check where the next one is and how far away it is.** Most centers have a route map posted nearby. Take a photo of it. That way you always know what's coming and won't accidentally ride past one. This is especially important on the **Nakdong River section**, where centers can be 30–40 km apart and the path has fewer landmarks to remind you. **Do both.** GPX on your device + a quick check at every stop. Belt and suspenders. --- ## The App: 자전거행복나눔 (Bike Happiness Sharing) The app is a digital alternative to physical stamps. Here's how it actually works. ### Download - **iOS:** Search "자전거 행복나눔" on the App Store - **Android:** Search "자전거 행복나눔" on Google Play ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-09-----------------10.31.27-1.png) ### Setting Up (Important for Foreigners) Here's the catch: **the app requires Korean identity verification to register.** **Korean phone + ARC (Alien Registration Card)?** ✅ Likely yes — most USFK personnel qualify. **Tourist visa, no ARC?** ❌ No — use the physical passport instead. **Registration steps (if eligible):** 1. Go to [bike.go.kr](https://www.bike.go.kr/?ref=platooncycles.com) and create an account (Korean identity verification required) 2. Download the app and log in with the same account 3. If you have a physical passport, register its serial number under My Page → Cyber Passport (사이버인증수첩) ### Two Ways to Certify via App **GPS Auto-Certification:** - Enable location services for the app - Keep the app running while you ride - When you're within \~40 meters of a certification center, it automatically logs the stamp - No action needed — just ride past it **QR Code Scan:** - Open the app → Cyber Certification (사이버인증) menu - Point your camera at the QR code posted at the certification booth - The app reads it automatically — no need to press a button - Confirmation notification appears on screen ### Physical + Digital: Best of Both Worlds If you have the physical passport AND the app, register your passport's serial number in the app. This gives you: - A **digital backup** of all your stamps - The option to **skip physical stamping** at a center if it's raining, dark, or the ink pad is dry - Proof of completion even if you lose the physical book --- ## The Ink Pad Problem (And How to Solve It) Here's something nobody tells you until it's too late: **the ink pads at unstaffed stations sometimes dry out.** You arrive at a certification center after riding 35 km, ready to stamp your passport, and the ink pad is bone dry. Or worse — the stamp mechanism is jammed or broken. **The fix: carry your own ink pad.** A small ink pad (available at any Korean stationery store or Daiso for about ₩1,000) weighs almost nothing and saves you from this exact situation. Toss one in your bag before you leave. If the stamp booth is truly broken and you don't have an ink pad: - Take a clear photo of yourself with the booth (show the booth number/name) - At the next staffed center, show the photo — they'll stamp it for you --- ## After You Finish: Certificate & Medal You crossed the country. You have all 29 stamps. Now what? ### Step 1: Get Your Completion Verified At the **Nakdong River Estuary (낙동강하구둑)** — the finish line — or any staffed certification center: - Show your completed passport to the staff - They'll verify all stamps and apply an official **completion sticker** to your passport - You'll receive a **completion certificate (인증서)** — free of charge ### Step 2: Order Your Medal The medal is sold separately — it's not handed to you at the finish line. **How to order:** 1. Go to the **우리강 이용 도우미 (River Guide)** website: [riverguide.go.kr](https://riverguide.go.kr/?ref=platooncycles.com) 2. Apply for medal purchase (you'll need to prove completion) 3. Pay online and wait for delivery **Or** ask at any staffed certification center — they can help you through the process. ### Costs | Item | Cost | | ------------------------------ | ------ | | Bike Passport (인증수첩) | ₩4,000 | | Vinyl cover | ₩500 | | Route map | ₩500 | | Cross-Country medal | ₩7,500 | | Four Rivers medal | ₩7,500 | | Grand Slam medal | ₩8,000 | | Medal display case | ₩4,500 | | Certificate | Free | | Stickers (completion + helmet) | Free | **Delivery time:** About 2–3 weeks after ordering. > **Foreigner tip:** The online medal ordering system may require Korean payment methods. If you can't order online, ask a Korean friend or coworker to order for you — or ask the staff at the finish-line center for help. Alternatively, stop by Platoon Cycles and we'll help you sort it out. --- ## Foreigner Survival Guide Let's be honest: this system was designed for Koreans. As a foreigner, you'll run into a few friction points. Here's how to handle each one. ### Language Outside of Seoul, English is rare — including at staffed certification centers. Prepare these phrases: **"Bike Passport, please."** 인증수첩 주세요. (In-jeung su-cheop ju-se-yo) **"Please stamp this."** 도장 찍어주세요. (Do-jang jjik-eo ju-se-yo) **"I missed this stamp. Here's my photo."** 이 도장을 못 찍었어요. 사진 있어요. (I do-jang-eul mot jjik-eoss-eo-yo. Sa-jin iss-eo-yo) **"Where is the next center?"** 다음 인증센터가 어디예요? (Da-eum in-jeung sen-teo-ga eo-di-ye-yo) **"Completion certificate, please."** 완주 인증서 주세요. (Wan-ju in-jeung-seo ju-se-yo) **Papago** (Naver's translation app) is more accurate than Google Translate for Korean. Download it before your trip. ### Payment - **Physical passport:** Cash (₩4,000) at any staffed center. No card issues. - **Medal online order:** May require Korean payment. Ask a Korean friend to help. - **Carry cash:** ₩50,000–100,000 is plenty for the entire trip's certification needs. ### Navigation **Google Maps does not work well for cycling in Korea.** Use: - **Naver Map** — best for Korea, has a bike route mode ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/qrcode_apps.apple.com-1.png) Naver Map Download on IOS - **Kakao Map** — good alternative - **GPX file on bike computer** — the most reliable option (see GPX section above) ### The App Workaround Can't register for the app because you don't have Korean ID verification? **The physical passport works perfectly fine on its own.** The app is a convenience, not a requirement. Millions of Koreans completed the cross-country before the app existed — using nothing but stamps and ink. --- ## Your Certification Game Plan Here's the step-by-step, from "I want to do this" to "medal on my wall": 1. **Before your ride:** Download GPX files with certification center waypoints. Load them onto your bike computer or phone app. 2. **Day 1 (Incheon start):** Buy your Bike Passport (₩4,000) at the Ara West Sea Lock staffed center. Buy a vinyl cover (₩500) and route map (₩500) while you're there. 3. **Every center:** Stamp your passport. Check where the next center is and how far. Take a photo of the route map if posted. 4. **If a booth is broken:** Photo with the booth → get it stamped at the next staffed center. 5. **Carry a spare ink pad.** Just do it. 6. **Finish line (Busan):** Get your completion verified at the Nakdong River Estuary staffed center. Receive your certificate and stickers. 7. **After your ride:** Order your medal online (₩7,500) at [riverguide.go.kr](https://riverguide.go.kr/?ref=platooncycles.com) or get help at a staffed center. Wait 2–3 weeks for delivery. 8. **Get addicted:** Start planning the Geum River path, the Yeongsan River path, and everything else on the way to Grand Slam. --- ## Next in This Series 1. What Is the Cross-Country Route? 2. Planning Your Ride: Days, Budget & Gear 3. **The Bike Passport: Korea's Stamp Rally System** ← You are here 4. Stage-by-Stage Breakdown 5. Where to Sleep & Eat Along the Way 6. Navigation & Apps 7. What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cross-Country --- **Questions about the certification system? Stop by the shop** — we've walked dozens of riders through this process. **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com --- ### The 2026 Pro Cycling Calendar: Your Guide to Watching the World's Best Riders URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/the-2026-pro-cycling-calendar-your-guide-to-watching-the-worlds-best-riders/ Last updated: 2026-03-09T07:31:55.000Z # --- You ride a bike. You might even race one. But have you ever watched professional cycling? If not, you're missing out. Pro cycling is one of the most dramatic, beautiful, and brutal sports on the planet — and once you start watching, you'll never look at your own rides the same way. This is your guide to the 2026 pro cycling season: what to watch, when to watch it, and why it matters. All times are in **Korea Standard Time (KST)** so you know exactly when to tune in. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-09--------------4.30.05.png) Lidl-Trek Team on World Tour Race --- ## How Pro Cycling Works (30-Second Version) If you're new to this, here's all you need to know: **The season runs from January to October.** Riders compete in races all over the world — from one-day classics through Belgian cobblestones to three-week grand tours across entire countries. **Three types of races matter most:** | Type | What It Is | Think of It As... | | ------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ | | **Grand Tours** | 3-week, 21-stage races across a country | The Super Bowl × 21 days | | **Monuments** | The 5 oldest, most prestigious one-day races | The Masters of cycling | | **WorldTour Races** | Top-tier one-day and stage races all season | The regular season | **Grand Tours** are the biggest deal. There are only three in the world: - **Giro d'Italia** (Italy, May) — passion, drama, mountains - **Tour de France** (France, July) — the one everyone knows - **Vuelta a España** (Spain, Aug–Sep) — late-season chaos **Monuments** are the five legendary one-day races, some over 100 years old. Winning just one makes a career. Now let's get into the calendar. --- ## January ### Santos Tour Down Under (WT) | | | | ------------ | --------------------------- | | **Dates** | January 20 (Tue) – 27 (Tue) | | **Location** | Adelaide, Australia | | **Type** | WorldTour Stage Race | The season opener. A week of racing in the Australian summer heat around Adelaide. It's relaxed compared to what's coming, but it's your first chance to see the teams in their new kits and get a feel for who's in form. A gentle warm-up — for the riders and for you. --- ## February ### Omloop Het Nieuwsblad | | | | ------------ | ----------------------- | | **Date** | February 28 (Sat) | | **Location** | Ghent → Ninove, Belgium | | **Distance** | 207.6 km | | **KST** | Men's start \~19:05 KST | The unofficial start of the European season. Belgian one-day racing — cobblestones, short steep climbs called "hellingen," and unpredictable weather. This is where the spring classics begin. If you've never watched a Belgian classic, start here. --- ## March March is where it gets serious. The spring classics are cycling's most exciting racing — chaotic, unpredictable, and visually stunning. ### Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne | | | | ------------ | ----------------------- | | **Date** | March 1 (Sun) | | **Location** | Belgium | | **KST** | Men's start \~18:30 KST | The day after Omloop. A Belgian double-header weekend — watch both and you'll understand why Flanders is the heartland of cycling. --- ### Strade Bianche (WT) — "White Roads" | | | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------ | | **Date** | March 7 (Sat) | | **Location** | Siena, Tuscany, Italy | | **Distance** | 203 km | | **KST** | Estimated finish \~00:43 KST (Sun morning) | **The most beautiful race in cycling.** Riders race over Tuscany's iconic white gravel roads — the "strade bianche" — through rolling hills, past vineyards and medieval villages, finishing in Siena's Piazza del Campo. It looks like a Renaissance painting. If you watch one race to understand why people love this sport, make it this one. --- ### Paris-Nice (WT) — "Race to the Sun" | | | | ------------ | ------------------------ | | **Date** | March 8 (Sun) – 15 (Sun) | | **Location** | France | | **Type** | 8-day stage race | Starts in gray Paris, ends on the sunny French Riviera. A week-long battle between climbers and time trialists — and an early indicator of who might contend for the Tour de France. --- ### Tirreno-Adriatico (WT) | | | | ------------ | ------------------------ | | **Date** | March 9 (Mon) – 15 (Sun) | | **Location** | Italy | | **Type** | 7-day stage race | Runs the same week as Paris-Nice, but in Italy — coast to coast, from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Adriatic. The field splits: some riders choose Nice, others choose Tirreno. Both are elite. --- ### 🏆 MONUMENT — Milan-San Remo | | | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------ | | **Date** | March 21 (Sat) | | **Location** | Milan → San Remo, Italy | | **Distance** | 298 km | | **KST** | Estimated finish \~00:55 KST (Sun morning) | **The longest one-day race in pro cycling — 298 km.** Nearly 7 hours of racing from Milan to the Italian Riviera coast. It sounds boring on paper: mostly flat, one race, one day. But the last 30 km are pure chaos. The Cipressa and Poggio climbs shatter the peloton, and the finish often comes down to a sprint with less than 10 riders left. A Monument. --- ### E3 Saxo Classic (WT) | | | | ------------ | ----------------------- | | **Date** | March 27 (Fri) | | **Location** | Flanders, Belgium | | **KST** | Men's start \~19:00 KST | A mini Tour of Flanders. Same cobbles, same climbs, same brutal racing — just shorter. The perfect preview for the big one two weeks later. --- ### Gent-Wevelgem (WT) — In Flanders Fields | | | | ------------ | ------------------------------- | | **Date** | March 29 (Sun) | | **Location** | Middelkerke → Wevelgem, Belgium | Named after the WWI poem. The race passes through the Flanders Fields where soldiers fought a century ago. Wind, crosswinds, and the Kemmelberg climb make this a tactical war of a different kind. --- ### Volta a Catalunya (WT) | | | | ------------ | ------------------------- | | **Date** | March 23 (Mon) – 29 (Sun) | | **Location** | Catalonia, Spain | | **Type** | 7-day stage race | A stage race through the mountains of Catalonia. Barcelona, the Pyrenees, and Mediterranean coastline. Great racing and even better scenery. --- ## April The classics reach their peak. This is the month that separates legends from everyone else. ### Dwars door Vlaanderen (WT) — "Across Flanders" | | | | ------------ | ----------------------- | | **Date** | April 1 (Wed) | | **Location** | Flanders, Belgium | | **KST** | Men's start \~19:00 KST | The final tune-up before the Tour of Flanders. Short, sharp, and aggressive. --- ### 🏆 MONUMENT — Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) | | | | ------------ | ---------------------------------------- | | **Date** | April 5 (Sun) | | **Location** | Antwerp → Oudenaarde, Belgium | | **KST** | Estimated finish \~16:21 CET / 23:21 KST | **The biggest day in Belgian cycling.** The entire country stops to watch. Millions line the roads. Riders tackle 17 cobbled climbs — the Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, and Koppenberg are the most famous. Flanders is flat, but these short, steep, cobbled walls are among the hardest climbs in cycling. It's not about endurance — it's about explosive power and guts. An absolute must-watch. --- ### 🏆 MONUMENT — Paris-Roubaix — "The Hell of the North" | | | | ------------ | ---------------------------------------- | | **Date** | April 12 (Sun) | | **Location** | France | | **Distance** | 258.3 km — 30 cobblestone sectors | | **KST** | Estimated finish \~16:30 CET / 23:30 KST | **The most savage race in cycling.** 258 km including 30 sectors of bone-jarring cobblestones — some over 150 years old, originally laid for horse carts. Riders emerge covered in mud, dust, or both. Bikes break. Bodies break. The winner receives a cobblestone trophy. It's beautiful in the most brutal way possible. If you ride a bike and you've never watched Paris-Roubaix, clear your Sunday evening. --- ### Amstel Gold Race (WT) | | | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------ | | **Date** | April 19 (Sun) | | **Location** | Maastricht → Berg en Terblijt, Netherlands | | **Distance** | 257.4 km | The one Dutch classic. Rolling hills of Limburg — the "Dutch mountains." Thirty-five short, punchy climbs over 257 km. The Cauberg finish is legendary. --- ### La Flèche Wallonne (WT) | | | | ------------ | ----------------- | | **Date** | April 22 (Wed) | | **Location** | Wallonia, Belgium | One climb decides everything: the **Mur de Huy** — a 1.3 km wall averaging 9.6%, maxing out at 26%. The entire race builds to this one moment. Whoever has the most left in the tank on that wall wins. --- ### 🏆 MONUMENT — Liège-Bastogne-Liège — "La Doyenne" (The Oldest) | | | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------ | | **Date** | April 26 (Sun) | | **Location** | Belgium | | **Distance** | 259.5 km | | **KST** | Estimated finish \~00:53 KST (Mon morning) | **The oldest Monument — first raced in 1892.** 259 km through the Ardennes hills of southern Belgium. Unlike Flanders (short, steep cobbled walls), Liège features long, grinding climbs that favor pure endurance. La Redoute, the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons — names that make climbers smile and sprinters sweat. The final Monument of the spring. After this, the season shifts to grand tours. --- ### Tour de Romandie (WT) | | | | ------------ | ---------------------------- | | **Date** | April 28 (Tue) – May 3 (Sun) | | **Location** | Switzerland | | **Type** | 6-day stage race | The Swiss Alps in spring. A key tune-up race for Giro d'Italia contenders. Stunning mountain stages through the French-speaking part of Switzerland. --- ## May–June: The Giro ### 🏆🏆🏆 GRAND TOUR — Giro d'Italia | | | | ------------ | ---------------------------- | | **Dates** | May 8 (Fri) – May 31 (Sun) | | **Location** | Bulgaria → Italy (21 stages) | | **Stage 1** | Nessebar–Burgas, Bulgaria | | **Type** | 3-week Grand Tour | **The first Grand Tour of the year.** Three weeks, 21 stages, \~3,500 km across Italy (starting in Bulgaria this year). The Giro is the most passionate Grand Tour — Italian fans are next-level enthusiastic, the mountain stages are savage, and the race leader wears the iconic **Maglia Rosa (pink jersey).** The Giro often produces the most dramatic racing of the year because riders take bigger risks here than at the Tour de France. Expect surprise attacks, heartbreak, and at least one stage where the leader cracks in the mountains. **How to follow:** Watch the mountain stages (usually weeks 2 and 3) and the final time trial. Daily highlights are available on YouTube the same day. --- ### Critérium du Dauphiné (WT) | | | | ------------ | ----------------------- | | **Date** | June 7 (Sun) – 14 (Sun) | | **Location** | French Alps | | **Type** | 8-day stage race | **The final exam before the Tour de France.** Most Tour contenders ride the Dauphiné as their last prep race. Watch who wins here — they'll likely be on the Tour podium a month later. Alpine stages, time trials, and the first real look at Tour de France form. --- ### Tour de Suisse (WT) | | | | ------------ | ------------------------ | | **Date** | June 17 (Wed) – 21 (Sun) | | **Location** | Switzerland | | **Type** | 5-day stage race | The other Tour de France warm-up — through the Swiss Alps. Riders who skipped the Dauphiné usually race here instead. --- ## July: The Tour ### 🏆🏆🏆 GRAND TOUR — Tour de France | | | | ------------ | -------------------------------------------- | | **Dates** | July 4 (Sat) – July 26 (Sun) | | **Location** | Barcelona, Spain → Paris, France (21 stages) | | **Stage 1** | Team Time Trial, Barcelona | | **Type** | 3-week Grand Tour | **The biggest cycling race on Earth.** 180+ riders, 21 stages, \~3,500 km, 23 days, watched by billions worldwide. The Tour de France is not just a bike race — it's one of the biggest annual sporting events in the world, right up there with the World Cup and the Olympics. This year's Tour starts with a **Team Time Trial in Barcelona** — a dramatic opening. Then it's three weeks of racing through the Pyrenees, the Alps, and everything in between, finishing on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 26. The **Yellow Jersey (Maillot Jaune)** is the most iconic jersey in all of sports. The rider who wears it into Paris becomes immortal. **If you're going to watch one thing on this entire list, watch the Tour de France.** Start with the mountain stages — they're usually in weeks 2 and 3 — and the final time trial. The last stage into Paris is a celebration lap followed by a sprint finish. Open a beer, turn it on, and enjoy. **In Korea:** Mountain stage finishes usually land around **midnight to 1:00 AM KST** — perfect for a late-night watch with a cold drink. --- ## August ### Clásica San Sebastián (WT) | | | | ------------ | ----------------------- | | **Date** | August 1 (Sat) | | **Location** | Basque Country, Spain | | **KST** | Men's start \~19:00 KST | The first big race after the Tour de France. Held in the Basque Country — hilly, hot, and punishing. The riders who are still fresh after the Tour come here to prove it. --- ### Tour de Pologne (WT) | | | | ------------ | ------------------------ | | **Date** | August 3 (Mon) – 9 (Sun) | | **Location** | Poland | | **Type** | 7-day stage race | A WorldTour stage race through Poland. Mountain stages in the Tatras and a mix of sprinter-friendly flat stages. A good race for riders building toward the Vuelta. --- ### 🏆🏆🏆 GRAND TOUR — Vuelta a España | | | | ------------ | -------------------------------------- | | **Dates** | August 23 (Sun) – September 13 (Sun) | | **Location** | Monaco → Spain (21 stages) | | **Stage 1** | Individual Time Trial, Monaco — 9.6 km | | **Type** | 3-week Grand Tour | **The final Grand Tour of the year.** The Vuelta starts in Monaco this year with a short time trial, then moves to Spain for three weeks of racing in the late-summer heat. The Vuelta is the wildest Grand Tour. The climbs are steep and relentless — Spanish mountain stages are shorter but steeper than the Alps. The heat adds another dimension. And because it's the last Grand Tour, riders who missed out at the Giro or Tour come here with something to prove. Expect aggressive, attacking racing. **In Korea:** Stage finishes are typically around **midnight to 1:00 AM KST.** --- ### Bretagne Classic (WT) | | | | ------------ | ----------------------- | | **Date** | August 30 (Sun) | | **Location** | Brittany, France | | **KST** | Men's start \~19:00 KST | A hilly one-day race through the rolling Breton countryside. --- ## September ### GP Cycliste de Québec (WT) | | | | ------------ | ----------------------- | | **Date** | September 11 (Fri) | | **Location** | Quebec City, Canada | | **KST** | Men's start \~22:00 KST | The race hits North America. A punchy circuit race through the streets of Quebec City — cobblestones, steep climbs, and a charged atmosphere. Late-night viewing in Korea. --- ### GP Cycliste de Montréal (WT) | | | | ------------ | ----------------------- | | **Date** | September 13 (Sun) | | **Location** | Montreal, Canada | | **KST** | Men's start \~22:00 KST | The Montreal edition — a hilly circuit around Mont Royal with a demanding climb each lap. Back-to-back Canadian WorldTour weekends. --- ## October ### 🏆 MONUMENT — Il Lombardia — "The Race of the Falling Leaves" | | | | ------------ | ---------------- | | **Date** | October 10 (Sat) | | **Location** | Lombardy, Italy | | **Distance** | \~238 km | **The final Monument. The season finale.** Il Lombardia closes the pro cycling calendar every year with a race through the Italian Lake District as the autumn leaves fall. Long climbs around Lake Como — including the legendary Madonna del Ghisallo, a chapel at the top of a mountain that's become a shrine to cycling. It's the most poetic race on the calendar. The year ends where the leaves fall. If a rider wins here, they carry it through the entire off-season. --- ## How to Watch Pro Cycling in Korea (시청 방법) ### Live Coverage | Platform | What You Get | Cost | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | | **GCN+ / Discovery+** | Full live coverage of every race on this list. English commentary. The gold standard. | \~$8/month | | **Eurosport** | Same parent company as GCN. Live coverage + analysis. | Varies by package | | **YouTube (GCN Racing)** | Free daily highlights (15–30 min) posted same day. Extended highlights for big races. | Free | ### Tips for Watching in Korea - **Time zone works in your favor for some races:** North American races (Quebec, Montreal) are late-night KST — easy to watch live. European races typically finish between **23:00–01:00 KST** — doable if you're a night owl. - **Highlights are your friend:** Can't stay up? GCN Racing on YouTube posts highlights within hours. 15 minutes of highlights is often enough to get the full story of a stage. - **Start with the big ones:** Don't try to follow everything. Watch the 5 Monuments, the 3 Grand Tours (especially mountain stages), and Strade Bianche. That's the core of the season. - **The last 30 km rule:** If you only have limited time, tune in for the last 30 km of any race. That's when everything happens. ### Beginner's Watch List (Top 10 Must-See Days) If you're new to pro cycling, start with these. They're the most exciting, most dramatic, most visually stunning days of the year: | # | Date | Race | Why | | -- | ------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | 1 | Mar 7 | **Strade Bianche** | Tuscan gravel. The most beautiful race in cycling. | | 2 | Apr 5 | **Tour of Flanders** | Belgium's biggest sporting event. Cobblestone chaos. | | 3 | Apr 12 | **Paris-Roubaix** | "The Hell of the North." 30 sectors of cobblestones. | | 4 | Apr 26 | **Liège-Bastogne-Liège** | The oldest Monument. Pure climbing. | | 5 | May 8–31 | **Giro d'Italia** | The most passionate Grand Tour. Watch mountain stages. | | 6 | Jul 4–26 | **Tour de France** | The biggest race in the world. Period. | | 7 | Mar 21 | **Milan-San Remo** | 298 km — the longest day. Last 30 km are electric. | | 8 | Aug 23–Sep 13 | **Vuelta a España** | The wildest Grand Tour. Spanish heat + steep climbs. | | 9 | Oct 10 | **Il Lombardia** | The season finale. Falling leaves and Lake Como. | | 10 | Jun 7–14 | **Critérium du Dauphiné** | Tour de France preview. Who's in form? | --- ## Full 2026 Calendar at a Glance | Date | Race | Type | Location | | ------------- | ----------------------- | ---------- | -------------- | | Jan 20–27 | Santos Tour Down Under | WT Stage | Australia | | Feb 28 (Sat) | Omloop Het Nieuwsblad | One-Day | Belgium | | Mar 1 (Sun) | Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne | One-Day | Belgium | | Mar 7 (Sat) | Strade Bianche | WT One-Day | Italy | | Mar 8–15 | Paris-Nice | WT Stage | France | | Mar 9–15 | Tirreno-Adriatico | WT Stage | Italy | | Mar 21 (Sat) | 🏆 Milan-San Remo | MONUMENT | Italy | | Mar 23–29 | Volta a Catalunya | WT Stage | Spain | | Mar 27 (Fri) | E3 Saxo Classic | WT One-Day | Belgium | | Mar 29 (Sun) | Gent-Wevelgem | WT One-Day | Belgium | | Apr 1 (Wed) | Dwars door Vlaanderen | WT One-Day | Belgium | | Apr 5 (Sun) | 🏆 Tour of Flanders | MONUMENT | Belgium | | Apr 12 (Sun) | 🏆 Paris-Roubaix | MONUMENT | France | | Apr 19 (Sun) | Amstel Gold Race | WT One-Day | Netherlands | | Apr 22 (Wed) | La Flèche Wallonne | WT One-Day | Belgium | | Apr 26 (Sun) | 🏆 Liège-Bastogne-Liège | MONUMENT | Belgium | | Apr 28–May 3 | Tour de Romandie | WT Stage | Switzerland | | May 8–31 | 🏆 Giro d'Italia | GRAND TOUR | Bulgaria/Italy | | Jun 7–14 | Critérium du Dauphiné | WT Stage | French Alps | | Jun 17–21 | Tour de Suisse | WT Stage | Switzerland | | Jul 4–26 | 🏆 Tour de France | GRAND TOUR | Spain/France | | Aug 1 (Sat) | Clásica San Sebastián | WT One-Day | Spain | | Aug 3–9 | Tour de Pologne | WT Stage | Poland | | Aug 23–Sep 13 | 🏆 Vuelta a España | GRAND TOUR | Monaco/Spain | | Aug 30 (Sun) | Bretagne Classic | WT One-Day | France | | Sep 11 (Fri) | GP Québec | WT One-Day | Canada | | Sep 13 (Sun) | GP Montréal | WT One-Day | Canada | | Oct 10 (Sat) | 🏆 Il Lombardia | MONUMENT | Italy | --- **Follow the pros, then ride your own race.** Whether you're training for a gran fondo, prepping for the cross-country route, or just riding to the coffee shop — watching the best in the world will make you appreciate every pedal stroke a little more. **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com ### 2026 Cycling Events in Korea — Second Half URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/2026-cycling-events-in-korea-second-half/ Last updated: 2026-03-09T07:08:41.000Z # ## Your Guide to Races, Gran Fondos & Rides: July–December The second half of the year brings Korea's best riding weather — especially September and October, when the heat breaks and the fall colors come out. Here's what's on the calendar. > **Note:** Many second-half events haven't announced exact dates yet. We'll update this post as details are confirmed. Bookmark it and check back. > **Last updated:** March 2026. --- ## August (8월) ### 양평 그란폰도 — Yangpyeong Gran Fondo | | | | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | August 29 (Sat), 2026 (estimated) | | **Location** | Yangpyeong Sports Complex, Gyeonggi (경기도 양평군 종합운동장) | | **Distance** | Gran Fondo / Medio Fondo (details TBA) | | **Difficulty** | Moderate | | **Registration** | TBA | | **Website** | [yangpyeonggranfondo.com](https://www.yangpyeonggranfondo.com/?ref=platooncycles.com) | Yangpyeong is just east of Seoul along the Han River — familiar territory if you've done the cross-country route. A late-summer ride through river valleys and farmland. August heat is real, so hydration is key. --- ## September (9월) ### 현대시장투어 — Hyundai Market Tour (2nd Edition) | | | | ---------------- | ------------------------------------ | | **Date** | September 12 (Sat), 2026 (estimated) | | **Location** | TBA | | **Difficulty** | Easy–Moderate | | **Registration** | TBA | A unique cycling event that combines riding with visits to traditional Korean markets. Details for the 2026 edition are still pending. --- ## October (10월) October is peak cycling season in Korea — cool weather, clear skies, and fall foliage. Three gran fondos back to back. ### 홍천 그란폰도 — Wiawis Hongcheon Gran Fondo | | | | ---------------- | -------------------------------------- | | **Date** | October 3 (Sat), 2026 | | **Location** | Hongcheon, Gangwon (강원도 홍천군) | | **Distance** | Gran Fondo / Medio Fondo (details TBA) | | **Difficulty** | Moderate–Hard | | **Registration** | TBA | The fall edition of the Hongcheon Gran Fondo (the spring edition is in April). Same beautiful Gangwon-do terrain, now with autumn colors. October 3 is also National Foundation Day (개천절) — a public holiday, so no need to take leave. --- ### 비앙키 그란폰도 춘천 — Bianchi Gran Fondo Chuncheon | | | | ---------------- | -------------------------------------- | | **Date** | October 18 (Sun), 2026 | | **Location** | Chuncheon, Gangwon (강원도 춘천시) | | **Distance** | Gran Fondo / Medio Fondo (details TBA) | | **Difficulty** | Moderate | | **Registration** | TBA | Sponsored by Bianchi — the iconic Italian bike brand. Chuncheon is known for its lakes and mountains, and mid-October means peak fall foliage. One of the most scenic rides on the calendar. --- ### 금산 인삼셀로 그란폰도 — Geumsan Ginseng Cello Gran Fondo | | | | ---------------- | -------------------------------------- | | **Date** | October 31 (Sat), 2026 | | **Location** | Geumsan, Chungnam (충남 금산군) | | **Distance** | Gran Fondo / Medio Fondo (details TBA) | | **Difficulty** | Moderate | | **Registration** | TBA | Geumsan is Korea's ginseng capital — expect ginseng-themed refreshments at the aid stations. A Halloween gran fondo through the Chungnam countryside. Late October weather is ideal for riding. --- ## November (11월) ### 진도 해안도로 랠리 — Jindo Coastal Road Rally | | | | ---------------- | ------------------------------ | | **Date** | November 2026 (exact date TBA) | | **Location** | Jindo, Jeonnam (전남 진도군) | | **Distance** | TBA | | **Difficulty** | Moderate | | **Registration** | TBA | Ride along the coastal roads of Jindo Island in Korea's deep southwest. Jindo is connected to the mainland by bridge, and its coastal roads offer ocean views the entire way. A season-closer before winter sets in. --- ## Events to Watch For (추후 확정 예정) These events are expected in the second half but haven't announced 2026 details yet: | Event | Expected | Notes | | --------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 상주 낙동미로 자전거축제 (Sangju Nakdong Labyrinth Cycling Festival) | Fall | Sangju — a key city on the cross-country route | | 부산시민 자전거대축전 (Busan Citizens' Cycling Festival) | Fall | Busan's biggest recreational cycling event | | 영산강 그란폰도 (Yeongsan River Gran Fondo) | TBA | [granfondokorea.com](https://granfondokorea.com/?ref=platooncycles.com) | We'll add these as they're confirmed. --- ## At a Glance: Second Half 2026 | Date | Event | Distance | Difficulty | Status | | ------------ | ------------------------ | -------- | ---------- | ------ | | Aug 29 (Sat) | Yangpyeong Gran Fondo | GF/MF | Moderate | TBA | | Sep 12 (Sat) | Hyundai Market Tour | TBA | Easy–Mod | TBA | | Oct 3 (Sat) | Hongcheon Gran Fondo | GF/MF | Mod–Hard | TBA | | Oct 18 (Sun) | Bianchi GF Chuncheon | GF/MF | Moderate | TBA | | Oct 31 (Sat) | Geumsan Ginseng Cello GF | GF/MF | Moderate | TBA | | Nov TBA | Jindo Coastal Road Rally | TBA | Moderate | TBA | --- ## Planning Ahead Second-half events — especially the October gran fondos — tend to sell out fast once registration opens. Here's how to stay ahead: 1. **Bookmark this page** — we'll update it as registration dates are announced. 2. **Follow the organizers** — most post updates on Instagram and Naver Blog (Korean). 3. **Start training now** — if you want to ride a fall gran fondo, summer is your training season. 4. **Get your bike ready early** — don't wait until the week before to get a tune-up. Book your service in advance. --- ## How to Register as a Foreigner (외국인 접수 안내) Same as our [first-half guide](https://www.platooncycles.com/2026-cycling-events-first-half/) — most events use Korean-only registration. Your options: 1. **Korean friend or coworker** — fastest way to register. 2. **Papago / Google Translate** — camera mode to translate the registration page. 3. **Payment** — some events need Korean payment methods. Ask a friend to help. 4. **Platoon Cycles** — we can help you navigate registration and get your bike prepped for race day. --- **Want to ride one of these events?** We can help you pick the right one for your level, get your bike ready, and even help with registration. **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com ### 2026 Cycling Events in Korea — First Half URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/2026-cycling-events-in-korea-first-half/ Last updated: 2026-03-09T06:51:58.000Z ### Your Guide to Races, Gran Fondos & Rides: March–June Whether you're a weekend warrior or training for your first century ride, Korea has a packed cycling calendar. Here's every event worth knowing about in the first half of 2026 — with the info you actually need. > **Note:** Most Korean cycling events don't have English registration. If you need help signing up, stop by Platoon Cycles — we can walk you through it. > **Last updated:** March 2026\. We'll update this post as new events are announced or registration status changes. --- ## March (3월) ### 천호 벚꽃라이딩 챌린지 — Cheonho Cherry Blossom Riding Challenge | | | | ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | March 27 (Fri) – April 2 (Thu), 2026 | | **Location** | Cheonho Bike Street → Han River, Seoul (서울 강동구 천호자전거거리) | | **Distance** | 30 km (riding) / 1.5 km (walking) | | **Difficulty** | Easy — flat Han River path | | **Entry Fee** | ₩5,000 | | **Registration** | Open | | **Website** | [cheonho-bike.co.kr](https://www.cheonho-bike.co.kr/?ref=platooncycles.com) | The most beginner-friendly event on this list. A week-long cherry blossom ride along the Han River — ride anytime during the event window. Completion medal included. You can use your own bike, a rental, or even Seoul's Ddareungi (따릉이) bike share. Great for a casual outing, not a race. --- ## April (4월) ### 공룡나라 그란폰도 — Dinosaur Land Gran Fondo | | | | ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | April 4 (Sat), 2026 — 07:00 start | | **Location** | Goseong Sports Complex, Gyeongnam (경남 고성군 종합운동장) | | **Distance** | Gran Fondo / Medio Fondo (details TBA) | | **Difficulty** | Moderate | | **Registration** | Dec 23, 2025 – Jan 20, 2026 (check availability) | | **Website** | [speedagency.kr](http://speedagency.kr/?ref=platooncycles.com) | Ride through the southern coast countryside of Goseong — famous for its dinosaur fossil sites. --- ### 예천 저수령 그란폰도 — Yecheon Jeosuyeong Gran Fondo | | | | -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | April 18 (Sat), 2026 | | **Location** | Yecheon Stadium, Gyeongbuk (경북 예천군 예천스타디움) | | **Distance** | Challenge A: 103.6 km / Challenge B: 93.3 km | | **Difficulty** | Hard — multiple mountain passes (Jeosuyeong, Buljae, etc.) | | **Entry Fee** | \~₩70,000 | | **Website** | [jsrgf.com](https://www.jsrgf.com/?ref=platooncycles.com) | A climber's gran fondo. Back-to-back mountain passes through the Gyeongbuk countryside. Not for the faint of leg. --- ### 홍천 클래식 그란폰도 — Hongcheon Classic Gran Fondo | | | | ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | April 25 (Sat), 2026 — 08:00 start | | **Location** | Hongcheon Sports Complex, Gangwon (강원도 홍천군 종합운동장) | | **Distance** | Gran Fondo / Medio Fondo (details TBA) | | **Difficulty** | Moderate–Hard | | **Registration** | 1st round: Feb 13–14 / 2nd round: Feb 20–29 (check availability) | | **Sponsors** | Wheeler, iGPSPORT | Springtime in Gangwon-do. Rolling hills and river valleys through one of Korea's most scenic rural counties. --- ### 투르 드 진안고원 — Tour de Jinan Plateau | | | | -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | April 26 (Sun), 2026 | | **Location** | Jinan-gun, Jeonbuk (전북 진안군) | | **Distance** | Gran Fondo: 128 km / Medio Fondo: 76 km | | **Difficulty** | Moderate–Hard (plateau terrain) | | **Entry Fee** | ₩70,000 | | **Age** | 19+ | | **Website** | [jtvplus.com](https://jtvplus.com/?ref=platooncycles.com) | High-altitude plateau riding in Jeonbuk. The 128 km course covers serious elevation through Jinan's highland roads. --- ### 춘천 배후령 힐클라임 — Chuncheon Baehuryeong Hill Climb | | | | -------------- | ---------------------------- | | **Date** | April 26 (Sun), 2026 | | **Location** | Chuncheon, Gangwon (강원도 춘천시) | | **Distance** | Medio Fondo / Hill Climb | | **Difficulty** | Hard — it's a hill climb | Pure climbing. If you want to test your legs against a Korean mountain, this is it. --- ## May (5월) ### UCI MTB 월드시리즈 — UCI Mountain Bike World Series: Race of South Korea | | | | ------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | May 1 (Fri) – 3 (Sun), 2026 | | **Location** | Mona Yongpyong, Pyeongchang, Gangwon (강원도 평창군 용평리조트) | | **Events** | Downhill (DHI), Cross-Country Olympic (XCO), Cross-Country Short Track (XCC) | | **Prize** | ₩300,000,000 total | | **Website** | [ucimtbworldseries.com](https://www.ucimtbworldseries.com/?ref=platooncycles.com) | **Spectator event.** The first-ever UCI XCO/XCC World Cup in Asia, held at the 2018 Winter Olympics venue. This is a pro race — you can't enter, but you can watch world-class mountain biking on a stunning Gangwon-do course. Korea is hosting this for 3 consecutive years (2026–2028). --- ### 정읍 내장산 그란폰도 — Wiawis Jeongeup Naejangsan Gran Fondo | | | | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Date** | May 16 (Sat), 2026 — 07:00–15:00 | | **Location** | Naejangsan Waterpark area, Jeongeup, Jeonbuk (전북 정읍시 내장산) | | **Distance** | Gran Fondo / Medio Fondo | | **Difficulty** | Moderate–Hard | | **Entry Fee** | ₩70,000 (includes medal, supplies, timing chip) | | **Registration** | **CLOSED** | | **Website** | [thebike.co.kr](https://www.thebike.co.kr/race/view.php?r%5Fidx=327&ref=platooncycles.com) | Ride around Naejangsan National Park — one of Korea's most famous fall foliage spots, equally beautiful in spring green. Registration sold out. --- ### 설악그란폰도 — SENA Seorak Gran Fondo | | | | ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | June 20 (Sat), 2026 | | **Location** | Inje-gun, Gangwon (강원도 인제군 상남면) | | **Distance** | Gran Fondo: 208 km / 3,800 m elevation / 12-hour limit | | | Medio Fondo: 105 km / 1,700 m elevation / 7-hour limit | | **Difficulty** | **Extreme** — Korea's toughest gran fondo | | **Entry Fee** | GF \~₩60,000–70,000 / MF \~₩50,000–60,000 | | **Participants** | \~5,000 (sold out in 2 minutes in 2025) | | **Registration** | **CLOSED** | | **Website** | [granfondo.co.kr](https://granfondo.co.kr/?ref=platooncycles.com) | **The big one.** Korea's most iconic cycling event. The gran fondo course includes Guryongnyeong Pass (6.4 km at 10.9% average) and reverse Guryongnyeong (20.5 km, HC-rated). Sold out almost instantly — if you want to ride this next year, set an alarm on registration day. --- ## June (6월) ### 삼척 그란폰도 x ITT — Samcheok Gran Fondo x ITT | | | | ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | June 6 (Sat), 2026 — 08:00 start | | **Location** | Maengbang Beach, Samcheok, Gangwon (강원도 삼척시 맹방해변) | | **Distance** | Gran Fondo / Individual Time Trial | | **Difficulty** | Moderate–Hard | | **Registration** | March 3 – March 24, 2026 | | **Website** | [speedagency.kr](http://speedagency.kr/?ref=platooncycles.com) | Start at the beach, ride into the Gangwon mountains. The ITT (Individual Time Trial) format adds a competitive twist — it's you against the clock. --- ### Korea Epic Ride (코리아 에픽 라이드) | | | | ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | June 6 (Sat) – 21 (Sun), 2026 — 16-day window | | **Location** | Start: Yangyang-gun, Gangwon (강원도 양양군) | | **Distance** | 300 km / 500 km / 1,000 km (choose your course) | | **Difficulty** | Hard — self-supported bikepacking | | **Entry Fee** | ₩100,000 | | **Participants** | Limited to 100 riders | | **Website** | [koreaepicride.kr](https://www.koreaepicride.kr/?ref=platooncycles.com) | **The adventure option.** A self-supported bikepacking event — no team cars, no SAG wagons, just you and your bike for up to 1,000 km through Gangwon-do's mountains. English website available, foreigner-friendly. If the cross-country route felt too easy, this is your next challenge. --- ### 여주 세종대왕 자전거랠리 — Yeoju King Sejong Cycling Rally | | | | ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | June 7 (Sun), 2026 — 07:00–14:00 | | **Location** | Yeoju Ceramic World & Yeoju area, Gyeonggi (경기도 여주시) | | **Distance** | Road / MTB courses | | **Difficulty** | Moderate | | **Registration** | Open from February 27, 2026 | | **Website** | [thebike.co.kr](https://www.thebike.co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo%5Ftable=10&wr%5Fid=12281&ref=platooncycles.com) | A cycling rally through Yeoju — the city on the cross-country route known for ceramics and King Sejong's tomb. Road and MTB options available. --- ### 경기도 친환경 자전거 축제 — Gyeonggi Eco-Friendly Cycling Festival | | | | -------------- | ----------------------------------- | | **Date** | June 13 (Sat), 2026 | | **Location** | Gyeonggi Province (exact venue TBA) | | **Difficulty** | Easy — community festival | A family-friendly cycling festival. Details to be announced. --- ### 정선 동강 그란폰도 — Jeongseon Donggang Gran Fondo | | | | ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Date** | June 28 (Sun), 2026 — 07:00–15:00 | | **Location** | Jeongseon Gymnasium & Jeongseon area, Gangwon (강원도 정선군) | | **Distance** | Gran Fondo / Medio Fondo | | **Difficulty** | Moderate–Hard | | **Age** | 20+ | | **Registration** | Open from March 6, 2026 (first-come, first-served) | | **Website** | [jeongseongranfondo.co.kr](https://www.jeongseongranfondo.co.kr/?ref=platooncycles.com) | | **Contact** | 032-322-3379 | Ride along the Donggang River valley in Jeongseon — the same area famous for rafting and its dramatic limestone cliffs. --- ## How to Register as a Foreigner (외국인 접수 안내) Most Korean cycling events use Korean-only registration systems. Here's how to deal with that: 1. **Use a Korean friend or coworker** — the fastest solution. Registration usually takes 5 minutes if you can read Korean. 2. **Papago or Google Translate** — use your phone's camera to translate the registration page in real time. 3. **Payment** — some events require Korean payment methods (domestic card, bank transfer). International cards may not work. Ask a Korean friend to pay and reimburse them. 4. **Come to Platoon Cycles** — we can help you navigate registration, especially for events with limited spots. 5. **Korea Epic Ride** is the most foreigner-friendly event — it has a full English website and accepts international payments. --- ## At a Glance: First Half 2026 | Date | Event | Distance | Difficulty | Status | | ------------ | --------------------------- | ------------ | ---------- | ------ | | Mar 27–Apr 2 | Cheonho Cherry Blossom Ride | 30 km | Easy | Open | | Apr 4 (Sat) | Dinosaur Land Gran Fondo | GF/MF | Moderate | Check | | Apr 18 (Sat) | Yecheon Jeosuyeong GF | 93–104 km | Hard | Check | | Apr 25 (Sat) | Hongcheon Classic GF | GF/MF | Mod–Hard | Check | | Apr 26 (Sun) | Tour de Jinan Plateau | 76–128 km | Mod–Hard | Open | | Apr 26 (Sun) | Chuncheon Hill Climb | Hill Climb | Hard | Check | | May 1–3 | UCI MTB World Series | Spectator | — | — | | May 16 (Sat) | Jeongeup Naejangsan GF | GF/MF | Mod–Hard | Closed | | May 30 (Sat) | Seorak Gran Fondo | 105–208 km | Extreme | Closed | | Jun 6 (Sat) | Samcheok GF x ITT | GF/ITT | Mod–Hard | Open | | Jun 6–21 | Korea Epic Ride | 300–1,000 km | Hard | Check | | Jun 7 (Sun) | Yeoju King Sejong Rally | Road/MTB | Moderate | Open | | Jun 13 (Sat) | Gyeonggi Cycling Festival | Festival | Easy | TBA | | Jun 28 (Sun) | Jeongseon Donggang GF | GF/MF | Mod–Hard | Open | --- **Want to ride one of these events?** We can help you pick the right one for your level, get your bike ready, and even help with registration. **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com ### Planning Your Ride: Days, Budget & Gear [Cross-Country Series #2] URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/planning-your-ride-days-budget-gear-cross-country-series-2/ Last updated: 2026-03-16T02:59:37.000Z --- So you've decided to bike across Korea. Now the question is: how do you actually plan this thing? This post breaks it down into three parts: **how many days, how much money, and what to bring.** --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_3844-1.jpeg) ## How Many Days? (일정) ### The Short Answer: 5 Days You *can* do it in 3–4 days. People do. But you'll be grinding out 150–170 km per day, finishing after dark, too exhausted to enjoy anything. You rode across a country and all you saw was pavement. **5 days is the sweet spot.** You'll average about 120–130 km per day — enough to keep a good rhythm without burning out, and enough daylight left to actually enjoy the scenery, stop for a proper meal, and arrive at your accommodation before sunset. Want to take 6 or 7 days? That's totally fine — it's your trip. More days means shorter riding days, more time to explore side stops, and less accumulated saddle soreness. But 5 days hits that balance between challenging and enjoyable. ### Suggested 5-Day Itinerary | Day | Route | Distance | What to Expect | | --- | ------------------------ | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | 1 | Incheon → Yeoju (여주) | \~138 km | Flat and fast. You'll ride through Seoul along the Han River, then into the countryside. Convenience stores and restaurants everywhere. A strong start. | | 2 | Yeoju → Mungyeong (문경) | \~118 km | **The hardest day.** Two mountain passes — Sojoryeong (소조령) and Ihwaryeong (이화령). Steep climbs, but the views from the top are worth every pedal stroke. Take your time. | | 3 | Mungyeong → Gumi (구미) | \~112 km | The reward for yesterday. Mostly downhill as you enter the Nakdong River valley. Your legs will thank you. | | 4 | Gumi → Changnyeong (창녕) | \~105 km | Flat river paths through rural Korea. Limited resupply — stock up on water and snacks before leaving Gumi. | | 5 | Changnyeong → Busan (부산) | \~126 km | The final push. Watch out for Bakjin Hill (박진고개) — a steep 1 km climb that's one last test before the coast. Then it's flat riding to the Nakdong River Estuary and the finish line. | **Overnight stops:** Yeoju → Mungyeong → Gumi → Changnyeong → Busan > **Pro tip:** Don't lock yourself into rigid daily distances. Plan your general overnight city, but stay flexible. If you're feeling strong, push a bit further. If your body says stop, listen. You can always adjust the next day. --- ## Budget (예산) Let's break this into three categories: **the bike, the gear, and the trip itself.** ### 1\. The Bike (자전거) You don't need an expensive bike. You need a reliable one. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9220-1.jpeg) Bike Packing Setup | Type | Price Range | Why It Works | | ---------- | -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Hybrid** | Under ₩1,000,000 | The practical choice. Upright position is comfortable for long days. Flat bars give you control. Tires handle both paved paths and the occasional rough section. This is what most first-timers ride. | | **Gravel** | ₩3,000,000–5,000,000 | The upgrade pick. Drop bars, wider tires, and a more aggressive riding position. Faster on pavement, more capable on rough surfaces. Great if you plan to do more long-distance rides in the future. | | **Road** | ₩1,500,000+ | Works fine — the route is 95% paved. But narrow tires and an aggressive position may not be the most comfortable choice for 5 days of all-day riding. | **Our recommendation:** If you're buying a bike specifically for this trip, a good hybrid under ₩1,000,000 is the best value. If you already own a road or gravel bike, ride what you have — just make sure it's been serviced recently. **Whatever you ride, get it checked before you go.** Brakes, tires, chain, shifting — everything should be dialed in. A mechanical issue 80 km from the nearest bike shop is not where you want to be. ### 2\. Gear & Accessories (장비) Beyond the bike itself, here's what you might need to buy: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9223.jpeg) Bicycle Bags | Item | Estimated Cost | Notes | | ---------------------------- | --------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Saddle bag or panniers | ₩50,000–200,000 | Waterproof recommended. Avoid backpacks — they cause back sweat and shoulder fatigue. | | Bike computer or phone mount | ₩30,000–300,000 | A dedicated GPS unit is nice but not essential. A sturdy phone mount + Naver Map works great. | | Front & rear lights | ₩30,000–100,000 | You may end up riding at dusk. Good lights are non-negotiable. | | Repair kit | ₩30,000–50,000 | Spare tubes, tire levers, mini pump, multi-tool. Details below. | | Helmet | ₩50,000–150,000 | If you don't already have one. | | Cycling shorts (padded) | ₩30,000–80,000 | Your single most important comfort item. | | Lock | ₩15,000–30,000 | For convenience store stops and meals. | **Total gear budget: ₩500,000–1,000,000** if you're starting from scratch and need everything, including a bike computer. If you already have most of this, you might only need a bag and some tubes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9224.jpeg) Bicycle Computers ### 3\. Trip Expenses (여행 경비) This is the day-to-day cost of actually being on the road. **Transportation — Under ₩200,000 total (round trip)** | Leg | Method | Cost | | -------------------------------- | ---------------- | -------------- | | Getting to Incheon (start) | Subway or drive | ₩5,000–20,000 | | Busan → Seoul (return) | KTX bullet train | \~₩60,000 | | Bike shipping or taxi to station | Varies | ₩10,000–30,000 | > **KTX note:** You'll need to partially disassemble your bike (remove front wheel) and put it in a bike carry bag to board KTX. Buy a lightweight bike bag before your trip — you can strap it to your bike during the ride and use it at the end. Total travel time: about 2 hours 40 minutes from Busan to Seoul. **Accommodation — ₩50,000–80,000 per night** Motels are the standard choice. They're everywhere along the route, clean enough, and always have hot showers — which is all you really need after 120 km in the saddle. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4440-1-1.jpeg) Hotel at Starting point of the Path | Type | Price/Night | Notes | | ----------------- | ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Motel | ₩50,000–80,000 | Most common option. Cheaper as you get further from Seoul, but fewer choices and older facilities. | | Jjimjilbang (찜질방) | ₩10,000–15,000 | Budget option. Public bath + sleeping area. Great for sore muscles. | | Pension | ₩60,000–100,000+ | Good for groups splitting the cost. | | Camping | Free–₩15,000 | Some official campsites along the route. Bring a lightweight setup. | For a 5-day trip with 4 nights: **₩200,000–320,000** in accommodation. > **Booking tip:** Don't book everything in advance. Your daily progress depends on weather, energy, and luck. Check Naver Map for nearby motels when you're about 1–2 hours from stopping for the day. In peak season (April–May, September–October), consider booking your Day 2 stop (Mungyeong area) ahead — it's smaller and can fill up. **Food — ₩20,000–30,000 per day** | Meal | Where | Cost | | --------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------- | | Breakfast | Convenience store or energy bar | ₩3,000–5,000 | | Lunch | Restaurant along the route | ₩8,000–12,000 | | Dinner | Restaurant near accommodation | ₩8,000–15,000 | | Snacks & drinks | Convenience stores | ₩5,000–10,000 | Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) are your best friend. They're everywhere in the Seoul–Han River section, and reasonably available until Mungyeong. After that — especially on the Nakdong River path — they get sparse. **Always top off your water and grab extra snacks when you see one.** ### Budget Summary (5-Day Trip) | Category | Budget | Notes | | ------------------------ | -------------------- | --------------------------------------- | | Transportation | \~₩100,000–200,000 | To start + KTX return | | Accommodation (4 nights) | \~₩200,000–320,000 | Motel average | | Food (5 days) | \~₩100,000–150,000 | Mix of restaurants & convenience stores | | **Trip total** | **₩400,000–670,000** | **Per person, excluding bike & gear** | That's roughly **$300–500 USD** for the entire trip. For an experience this big, it's remarkably affordable. --- ## What to Bring (필수 장비) Pack light. You're carrying everything on your bike for 633 km. Every extra item adds weight, and weight adds up fast. ### The Non-Negotiables **1\. Flat Tire Repair Kit (펑크 수리 키트)** This is #1 for a reason. Flat tires happen — it's not a matter of if, but when. And between major cities, there are no bike shops. Your kit should include: - 2 spare inner tubes (check your tire size before buying) - Tire levers (2–3 pieces) - Portable mini pump **and/or** CO2 inflator cartridges - Patch kit (as backup to spare tubes) - Multi-tool with hex wrenches **Critical: know how to use all of this before you leave.** Practice changing a tube at home. On the road is not the time to learn. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/ChatGPT-Image-2026----------3----------9-----------------------02_36_32-1.png) **2\. Lights (라이트)** You might plan to finish before dark every day. Plans change. A late start, a wrong turn, a longer lunch — suddenly you're riding at dusk with no lights on a path with no streetlights. - Front light: bright enough to see the path - Rear light: red, blinking mode - Charge them every night at your accommodation ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9225-1.jpeg) Rechargeable Lights Front and Back **3\. Basic First Aid Kit (응급처치 키트)** Nothing fancy. Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (ibuprofen), and any personal medication. Road rash from a minor fall is the most common injury. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-09--------------2.59.07.png) **4\. Cash (현금)** 95% of places accept cards. But for that 5% — a rural vending machine, a small-town restaurant, a staffed certification center selling Bike Passports — you'll want some cash. ₩50,000–100,000 should be plenty. ### Clothing Strategy (의류 전략) This is where most first-timers overpack. Here's the secret: **You only need one set of cycling clothes.** Wear them all day. When you get to your accommodation, shower with them on (or hand-wash them in the sink). Hang them up. By morning, they're dry and ready to wear again. Cycling-specific fabrics are designed for this — they dry fast. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9226-1.jpeg) Here's your full clothing list: | Item | Qty | Notes | | --------------------------- | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Cycling shorts (padded bib) | 1 | The most important piece. Padded chamois = saddle comfort. | | Cycling jersey | 1 | Pockets in the back for snacks and phone. | | Lightweight jacket | 1 | For morning chill, mountain descents, and unexpected rain. A packable wind/rain jacket is ideal. | | Off-bike clothes | 1 set | Shorts + t-shirt for evenings. Something to wear while your cycling kit dries. | | Socks | 2 pairs | One to ride in, one spare. | | Underwear | 2 | For off-bike use. Never wear underwear under cycling shorts. | | Sandals or flip-flops | 1 pair | For the hotel room and evening walks. | That's it. Resist the urge to pack more. ### Food & Water on the Road (보급) **Don't overpack food.** You're not riding through the wilderness — Korea has convenience stores. Carry only emergency reserves and buy the rest as you go. | Carry with you | Buy along the way | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | | 2–3 energy bars (emergency) | Water (top off at every convenience store) | | Energy gels or candy | Snacks, kimbap, onigiri | | | Sports drinks (Pocari Sweat, Powerade) | | | Real meals at restaurants | **Water strategy:** Carry two bottles. Refill at every convenience store you pass — especially after Mungyeong, where stores get sparse. On the Nakdong River path, there can be stretches of 20–30 km with nothing. Don't gamble on finding one later. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-09--------------3.13.10-1.png) ### The Complete Packing Checklist **On the bike:** - \[ \] Saddle bag or panniers (packed) - \[ \] 2 water bottles - \[ \] Front & rear lights - \[ \] Phone mount + charging cable - \[ \] Portable battery pack (large capacity — you'll use GPS all day) - \[ \] Bike lock **In your bag:** - \[ \] Flat repair kit (tubes, levers, pump, multi-tool) - \[ \] Lightweight jacket - \[ \] Off-bike clothes (1 set) - \[ \] Extra socks (1 pair) - \[ \] First aid kit - \[ \] Sunscreen (SPF50, waterproof — reapply often) - \[ \] Chamois cream or Vaseline - \[ \] Cash (₩50,000–100,000) - \[ \] Flip-flops - \[ \] 2–3 emergency energy bars **On your body:** - \[ \] Helmet - \[ \] Cycling shorts (padded) - \[ \] Cycling jersey - \[ \] Sunglasses - \[ \] Gloves (optional but recommended) **You do NOT need:** - Extra cycling clothes (wash and reuse) - Toiletries beyond sunscreen and chamois cream (motels provide soap, shampoo, toothbrush) - Cooking gear (you're not camping — unless you choose to) - Heavy tools (the multi-tool covers it) --- ## Before You Go: The Pre-Ride Checklist **2 weeks before:** - \[ \] Get your bike serviced (brakes, tires, chain, shifting) - \[ \] Practice changing a flat tire - \[ \] Do at least one 100+ km ride - \[ \] Buy any missing gear **1 day before:** - \[ \] Charge all devices and lights - \[ \] Check tire pressure - \[ \] Pack your bags — then remove one thing - \[ \] Download offline maps (Naver Map) for your route - \[ \] Check the weather forecast for the next 5 days **Morning of Day 1:** - \[ \] Apply chamois cream - \[ \] Fill water bottles - \[ \] Take a photo at the starting gate - \[ \] Ride --- ## Quick Reference: What Does It All Cost? | Item | First-Timer (Buying Everything) | Already Have a Bike & Gear | | ---------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ | | Bike(Trek FX series) | ₩800,000–1,000,000 | ₩0 (service check: ₩50,000–80,000) | | Gear & accessories | ₩500,000–1,000,000 | ₩50,000–100,000 (tubes, consumables) | | Trip expenses (5 days) | ₩400,000–670,000 | ₩400,000–670,000 | | **Grand total** | **₩1,700,000–2,670,000** | **₩500,000–850,000** | For a first-timer buying everything from scratch: roughly ₩2,000,000 (\~$1,500 USD). For someone who already rides: under ₩1,000,000 (\~$700 USD). Either way — you're crossing an entire country for less than a weekend trip to Japan. --- ## Next in This Series 1. What Is the Cross-Country Route? 2. **Planning Your Ride: Days, Budget & Gear** ← You are here 3. The Bike Passport: Korea's Stamp Rally System 4. Stage-by-Stage Breakdown 5. Where to Sleep & Eat Along the Way 6. Navigation & Apps 7. What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cross-Country **Need help choosing a bike or getting your current one prepped?** That's literally what we do. **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com --- ### The Cross-Country Route : Korea's Ultimate Cycling Adventure [Cross-Country Series #1] URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/the-cross-country-route-koreas-ultimate-cycling-adventure-cross-country-series-1/ Last updated: 2026-03-16T02:59:51.000Z # ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4519-1-1-1.jpeg) The End point at Busan, OCT 2024 --- ## What Is It? The **Cross-Country Route (국토종주, "Gukto Jongjoo")** is a 633-kilometer dedicated cycling path that runs from **Incheon on the west coast to Busan on the southeast coast** — literally crossing the entire country. It's built almost entirely on **paved, car-free bike paths** running alongside Korea's major rivers. No traffic, no navigation stress, just ride. Think of it as Korea's version of a cross-country road trip — except on two wheels, through river valleys, rice paddies, mountain passes, and small towns most tourists never see. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/CROSS_C_M.jpg) Major Bicycle Trails in Korea ## The Route at a Glance | | | | ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Start** | Ara West Sea Lock, Incheon (아라서해갑문) | | **Finish** | Nakdong River Estuary, Busan (낙동강하구둑) | | **Total Distance** | 633 km | | **Total Elevation** | \~2,933 m | | **Duration** | 4–6 days (strong rider) / 7–10 days (relaxed) / Split into multiple trips OK | | **Difficulty** | Beginner-friendly (except one mountain section) | | **Surface** | 95%+ paved, dedicated bike path | | **Best Season** | Spring (Apr–Jun) & Fall (Sep–Oct) | ## The Four Paths The route is made up of four connected bike paths, each with its own character: ### 1\. Ara Bike Path (아라 자전거길) — 21 km *Incheon → Han River* The warm-up. Short, flat, and easy. You'll ride along the Ara Canal connecting the Yellow Sea to the Han River. This is where it all begins. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/CROSS_C_M-1-1-1.jpg) ### 2\. Han River Bike Path (한강 자전거길) — 188 km *Seoul → Chungju* You'll ride through the heart of Seoul along the iconic Han River, then follow the South Han River (남한강) into the countryside. Flat and fast, with riverside parks, weirs, and long straight stretches. ### 3\. Saejae Bike Path (새재 자전거길) — 100 km *Chungju → Sangju* **This is the hard part.** Two mountain passes through the Baekdudaegan mountain range — the spine of the Korean peninsula. Steep climbs, beautiful forests, and the most rewarding views of the entire route. Once you clear this, it's mostly downhill to Busan. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/CROSS_C_M-2-1.jpg) Saejae Bike Path - Brown line on the map ### 4\. Nakdong River Bike Path (낙동강 자전거길) — 389 km *Sangju → Busan* The longest and most relaxed section. You'll follow the Nakdong River — Korea's longest — all the way south to the coast. Flat, wide paths through rural Korea. This is where you settle into a rhythm and just enjoy the ride. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/CROSS_C_M-3-1.jpg) ## How Hard Is It? Let's be real: **your legs are not the problem. Your butt is.** | Section | Difficulty | Why | | ------------- | ------------- | ---------------------------------- | | Ara | Easy | Flat canal path | | Han River | Easy | Flat riverside, well-maintained | | Saejae | Moderate–Hard | Two mountain passes, real climbing | | Nakdong River | Easy | Flat river path, long but gentle | The route is mostly flat, so running out of leg power is rarely what stops people. The paths are paved, well-marked, and separated from traffic. The only section that requires real climbing fitness is the Saejae mountain passes — and even those are manageable if you take your time. **What actually determines whether you finish: your ability to sit in the saddle for 8–10 hours a day, for 3–4 days straight.** Day one feels great. Day two, you start to notice. By day three, saddle soreness has accumulated and every kilometer feels longer than the last. This is where most people struggle — not because the terrain is hard, but because their body isn't used to that much time in the saddle. **Our advice: train your butt, not just your legs.** In the weeks before your ride, do longer rides back-to-back on consecutive days. Get your body used to sitting on that saddle for hours at a time. And here's a game-changer most first-timers don't know about: **chamois cream (cycling butt cream) or even plain Vaseline.** Apply it before every ride. It reduces friction, prevents chafing, and can be the difference between finishing strong and quitting on day three. Seriously — don't skip this. ## The Stamp System (인증) This is what makes it addictive. Along the route, you'll find **certification centers (인증센터)** every 10–40 km. At each one, you stamp your **Bike Passport (인증수첩)** — a small booklet that tracks your progress. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4424.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4475.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4463.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4428.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4329.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4320.jpeg) Complete all the stamps from Incheon to Busan, and you earn: - **Official completion certificate (인증서)** - **Commemorative medal (메달)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-09-----------------10.29.33.png) It turns a bike ride into a quest. And trust us — once you start collecting stamps, you won't want to stop. ### **How to Get Your Bike Passport** Ideally, you'd buy one before you start riding. But the Bike Passport is sold through Korean online platforms, and as a foreigner, you may run into technical hurdles — Korean payment systems, address verification, that kind of thing. **The good news: you don't need to have one in hand before you start.** There are two ways to go: **Option 1: Physical Stamp Book (인증수첩)** You can buy a physical Bike Passport at any **staffed certification center** along the route — not all centers are staffed, but many are, especially at major stops. What if you pass a certification center before you've bought your book? No problem. **Take a photo of yourself with the stamp booth** so it's clear you were there. When you eventually buy your Bike Passport at a staffed center, show them your photos — they'll stamp every location you've already passed, all at once. The system is built for this. **Option 2: The App (자전거행복나눔)** Skip the physical book entirely and use the **자전거행복나눔 (Bike Happiness Sharing) app.** The app can certify your stops two ways: - **GPS-based auto-certification** — set it up before you ride and it logs your stops automatically - **QR code scan** — scan the QR code posted at each certification booth for instant verification **Or do both:** If you buy the physical stamp book, you can register its serial number in the app. That way you have a digital backup — and you don't need to physically stamp at every single stop if you miss one. **And here's the best part: you don't have to do it all at once.** Ideally, 6–7 days in a row is a great way to experience the full journey. But if you can't take a full week off, **split it into 2 or 3 trips.** Ride Incheon to Chungju one weekend, pick up where you left off a month later, and finish to Busan on your next trip. There's no time limit — as long as you collect all the stamps in your passport, you earn the certificate and medal. It doesn't matter if it takes you one week or six months. This makes it especially doable for military schedules. Got a 4-day weekend? That's a solid chunk of the route right there. **Download the APP below** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/-------------------------------2026-03-09-----------------10.31.27.png) QR code for downloading the App. Android(Left) and IOS(Right) ## Why You Should Do This **If you're stationed in Korea, this is the #1 thing you should do before you PCS out.** Here's why: **It's world-class infrastructure.** Korea invested billions into this bike path network. You're riding on dedicated, paved paths with rest stops, convenience stores, and water stations. This level of cycling infrastructure doesn't exist in most countries — including the US. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4407.jpeg) **It's an experience you can't get anywhere else.** You'll cross the entire country under your own power. You'll ride through Seoul's skyline, over ancient mountain passes, past Buddhist temples, through farming villages where people wave at you, and down to the ocean in Busan. In 4–6 days. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4263.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4270.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4290.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4319.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4326.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4334.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4335.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_4342.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_2535.jpeg) **It's surprisingly accessible.** You don't need to be a hardcore cyclist. The route is designed for regular people on regular bikes. We've had customers complete it on hybrid bikes, road bikes, even city bikes. **It's a story you'll tell forever.** "I biked across South Korea." That's a sentence that gets a reaction every time. You'll have the certificate, the medal, and the memories to prove it. **The logistics are easy.** When you reach Busan, hop on the KTX bullet train — **2 hours 40 minutes** and you're back in Pyeongtaek. Bike and all.Practical Quick Facts | Item | Details | | ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Accommodation** | Motels (₩30,000–70,000/night), guesthouses, camping, jjimjilbang (찜질방) | | **Food** | Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) every few km. Restaurants in every town. | | **Navigation** | Naver Map bike mode. Path is well-signed in Korean & English. | | **Return** | KTX from Busan → Seoul, \~2hr 40min. Bikes allowed. | | **Best months** | April, May, September, October | | **Avoid** | July–August (monsoon/extreme humidity), January–February (cold) | ## Ready to Start Planning? This was just the overview. In this series, we'll cover everything you need: 1. **What Is the Cross-Country Route?** ← You are here 2. Planning Your Ride: Days, Budget & Gear 3. The Bike Passport: Korea's Stamp Rally System 4. Stage-by-Stage Breakdown 5. Where to Sleep & Eat Along the Way 6. Navigation & Apps 7. What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cross-Country **Got questions? Stop by Platoon Cycles** — we've helped dozens of riders prep for their first cross-country ride. **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com --- Cross Country GPX Files Link - [South Korea Cross Country Route | KomootThe collection contains the routes to complete the South Korea Cross Country Bicycle Route including stops for all certification stamps. Thanks https://www.koreabybike.com/ for detailed information.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/icon/90b1ca0b470356e9.svg)komoot![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/thumbnail/og-image-default.png)](https://www.komoot.com/collection/2922747/-south-korea-cross-country-route?ref=platooncycles.com) --- ### [USED] 1995 Trek 830 Mountain XC Track — Full Rebuild URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/1995-96-trek-830-mountain-xc-track-full-rebuild/ Last updated: 2026-03-04T02:44:06.000Z # **Status (상태):** FOR SALE **Asking Price (판매가):** ₩800,000 **Upgrade Investment (부품 투자 비용):** $1,200+ USD (frame cost excluded) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9120.jpeg) 1995 TREK 830 --- ## Overview (기본 정보) | Item | Detail | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | | Brand (브랜드) | Trek (Waterloo, Wisconsin, USA) | | Model (모델명) | 830 Mountain XC Track | | Year (연식) | 1995–1996 (estimated) | | Size (사이즈) | 56 | | Color (색상) | Yellow | | Mileage (주행거리) | Virtually zero on new components (새 부품 기준 거의 무주행) | | Purchased From (구매처) | Platoon Cycles | --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9121.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9130.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9129.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9128.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9127.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9126-2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9125.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9124.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9122.jpeg) ## Spec All components are **brand new** unless noted otherwise. Only the original frame and fork are retained. | Component | Detail | | ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Frame (프레임) | Trek 830, CrMo (True Temper chromoly steel), rigid, designed in USA | | Fork (포크) | Trek CrMo steel, rigid, with rack mounts, yellow | | Shifter (변속 레버) | Shimano Acera, trigger type | | Rear Derailleur (뒤 변속기) | Shimano Acera | | Crankset (크랭크셋) | SunRace, single chainring | | Brakes (브레이크) | Shimano V-brakes, silver | | Brake Levers (브레이크 레버) | Dia-Compe SS8 | | Wheelset (휠셋) | 26" alloy rims, new | | Tires (타이어) | Schwalbe Marathon, 26x2.00 (50-559), E-Bike Ready rated | | Handlebar (핸들바) | Flat bar, alloy, black | | Grips (그립) | Black rubber grips | | Saddle (안장) | Bontrager Verse Elite | | Seatpost (싯포스트) | Origin8 | | Front Rack (앞 짐받이) | Vincita | | Rear Rack (뒤 짐받이) | Vincita | | Pedals (페달) | Flat platform pedals, black | | Bottle Cage (물통 케이지) | Included | --- ## Build Highlights - **Classic CrMo Steel Frame** — True Temper chromoly tubing, smooth ride quality that modern aluminum can't match - **Complete Component Rebuild** — every part replaced with new components ($1,200+ USD invested in parts alone) - **Shimano Acera Drivetrain** — reliable, easy-to-maintain shifting - **Schwalbe Marathon Tires** — legendary puncture-resistant touring tires, E-Bike rated for durability - **Bontrager Verse Elite Saddle** — comfortable, premium saddle - **Front & Rear Vincita Racks** — ready for commuting, touring, or grocery runs - **Dia-Compe SS8 Brake Levers** — quality braking control --- ## Condition - **Overall (전체 상태):** Excellent (상) — perfect condition (완벽한 상태) - **Frame (프레임):** Exceptional for its age — clean, no dents, original paint in excellent shape (연식 대비 최상급 상태) - **Components (부품):** All brand new — zero wear (모든 부품 새 제품, 마모 없음) - **Consumables (소모품):** New — chain, tires, brake pads, grips, cables all fresh (전부 새 제품) - **Notes (특이사항):** None (없음) --- ## Description This is a rare find — a mid-90s Trek 830 "Mountain XC Track" that has been given a complete second life. The original CrMo steel frame is in remarkable condition for a 30-year-old bike, with clean paint and no structural issues. The previous owner invested over **$1,200 USD in brand new components**, transforming this classic MTB frame into a versatile commuter and light touring machine. Every single component has been replaced: drivetrain, brakes, wheels, tires, saddle, seatpost, handlebars, grips, cables — everything is new. The Schwalbe Marathon tires are legendary for their puncture resistance and durability, and the front and rear Vincita racks make this bike ready for daily commuting or weekend adventures. There's something special about riding a steel frame — the smooth, compliant ride quality that CrMo provides is unmatched. Combined with modern, reliable components, this bike offers the best of both worlds: vintage character with new-bike performance. Perfect for commuters, touring enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates a well-built steel bike with character. --- ## How to Buy (거래 안내) - **Transaction (거래 방식):** In-store pickup (매장 직거래) / Shipping available (택배 가능) - **Location (거래 장소):** Platoon Cycles — Pyeongtaek, South Korea (경기도 평택시) - **Contact (문의):** DM / KakaoTalk / In-store visit --- Platoon Cycles | Used Bike ### [USED] Tsunami SNM 100 Fixed Gear — Light Silver URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/tsunami-snm-100-fixed-gear-light-silver/ Last updated: 2026-03-04T02:29:43.000Z # **Status (상태):** FOR SALE **Asking Price (판매가):** ₩400,000 **Original MSRP (신차 정가):** ₩530,000 (frame only, before upgrades) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9099-2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9102.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9101.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9100.jpeg) --- ## Overview (기본 정보) | Item | Detail | | -------------------- | -------------------- | | Brand (브랜드) | Tsunami (쓰나미픽시 코리아) | | Model (모델명) | SNM 100 | | Year (연식) | \[연식 입력\] | | Size (사이즈) | M (520) | | Color (색상) | Light Silver (라이트실버) | | Mileage (주행거리) | \[주행거리 입력\] | | Purchased From (구매처) | \[구매처 입력\] | --- ## Spec | Component | Detail | | --------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | | Frame (프레임) | Tsunami SNM 100, aluminum, KC certified, made in Korea (국내 제조) | | Fork (포크) | Tsunami carbon fork, black | | Crankset (크랭크셋) | Tsunami, single chainring, black | | Cog/Gear (코그) | Fixed gear / free wheel (픽시 / 프리) | | Handlebar (핸들바) | Carbon drop bar ▲ Upgraded | | Stem (스템) | Oval | | Brake (브레이크) | Front caliper brake + brake lever ▲ Upgraded | | Wheelset (휠셋) | Deep-section aero rims | | Tires (타이어) | 700c, black | | Saddle (안장) | Black | | Seatpost (싯포스트) | Alloy, black | | Pedals (페달) | Flat platform pedals included | | Bar Tape (바테입) | Geometric camo pattern (grey/black) | --- ## Upgrade Summary (업그레이드 내역) - **Carbon Drop Bar** — upgraded from stock handlebar - **Front Caliper Brake + Lever** — added for safety --- ## Condition - **Overall (전체 상태):** Excellent (상) — like new (새 자전거와 다름없는 상태) - **Frame (프레임):** No scratches (스크래치 없음) - **Drivetrain (구동계):** Excellent condition (최상) - **Consumables (소모품):** Like new (새 제품 수준) - **Notes (특이사항):** None (없음) --- ## Description The Tsunami SNM 100 is a Korean-made fixed gear bike known for its clean design and solid build quality. This particular bike is in like-new condition and comes with notable upgrades: a **carbon drop bar** for lighter weight and better aesthetics, and a **front caliper brake with lever** for added safety and confidence on the road. It also features **deep-section aero wheels** and an **Oval stem** for a sleek, aggressive look. A great entry into fixed gear riding — lightweight, stylish, and ready to roll. The raw aluminum Light Silver finish gives it a clean, industrial look that stands out. Perfect for commuting or casual city riding. --- ## How to Buy (거래 안내) - **Transaction (거래 방식):** In-store pickup (매장 직거래) / Shipping available (택배 가능) - **Location (거래 장소):** Platoon Cycles — Pyeongtaek, South Korea (경기도 평택시) - **Contact (문의):** DM / KakaoTalk / In-store visit --- Platoon Cycles | Used Bike ### SOLD - [USED] ROSE Reveal — SRAM RED eTAP AXS URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/used-rose-reveal-sram-red-etap-axs/ Last updated: 2026-04-02T08:35:13.000Z # **Status (상태):** FOR SALE **Asking Price (판매가):** $3,800 USD **Estimated MSRP (신차 추정가):** £5,500+ (approx. $7,000+ USD) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9103-2.jpeg) --- ## Overview (기본 정보) | Item | Detail | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | Brand (브랜드) | ROSE (Germany) | | Model (모델명) | Reveal RED AXS | | Year (연식) | 2022–2023 (estimated) | | Size (사이즈) | 57 | | Color (색상) | All Black (gloss black / matte black, gloss ROSE logo) | | Mileage (주행거리) | Under 3,000 km (estimated) | | Purchased From (구매처) | Private owner (개인 소유) | --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9104.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9110.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9109.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9108.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9107.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9106.jpeg) ## Spec | Component | Detail | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------- | | Frame (프레임) | ROSE Reveal, full carbon, UCI approved | | Fork (포크) | ROSE Reveal full carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle | | Shifters (레버) | SRAM RED eTAP AXS, 2x12 | | Crankset (크랭크셋) | SRAM RED AXS w/ Quarq power meter, 46/33T | | Front Derailleur (앞 변속기) | SRAM RED eTAP AXS | | Rear Derailleur (뒤 변속기) | SRAM RED eTAP AXS | | Cassette (카세트) | SRAM RED XG-1290, 10-33T, 12-speed | | Chain (체인) | SRAM RED, 12-speed | | Brakes (브레이크) | SRAM RED eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc | | Wheelset (휠셋) | ROSE RC Disc, carbon | | Tires (타이어) | Continental GP5000 | | Handlebar (핸들바) | Ritchey WCS Streem II, carbon | | Stem (스템) | ROSE | | Seatpost (싯포스트) | ROSE carbon | --- ## Highlights - **Full SRAM RED eTAP AXS** — top-of-the-line wireless electronic groupset, complete build (not a mix) - **Quarq Power Meter** — integrated in the crankset, race-ready data from day one - **ROSE RC Carbon Wheels** — deep-section aero carbon wheelset - **Ritchey WCS Streem II Carbon Bar** — premium carbon handlebar - **UCI Approved Frame** — race-legal, certified lightweight carbon frame - **All Black Stealth Look** — gloss/matte black finish with tonal ROSE branding --- ## Condition - **Overall (전체 상태):** Excellent (상) - **Frame (프레임):** No notable scratches — clean and well-maintained (특별한 스크래치 없음, 깨끗한 상태) - **Drivetrain (구동계):** Excellent working condition — always well cared for (항상 잘 관리된 최상 컨디션) - **Consumables (소모품):** Good condition throughout (전체적으로 양호) - **Notes (특이사항):** None (없음) --- ## Price Reference (가격 참고) | Reference | Price | | ----------------------- | ------------------------------- | | Estimated MSRP (신차 추정가) | £5,500+ / $7,000+ USD | | Our Price (판매가) | **$3,800 USD** | | Savings (절감액) | Approx. 45%+ off original price | > *ROSE is a German direct-to-consumer brand — originally purchased from rosebikes.com. The Reveal RED AXS with Quarq power meter and carbon wheels represents their top-tier road build.* --- ## Description The ROSE Reveal is a UCI-approved lightweight carbon race bike from Germany's premier direct-to-consumer brand. Designed as a pure all-rounder — light enough to climb, stiff enough to sprint, and comfortable enough for long days in the saddle. This bike is equipped with a **full SRAM RED eTAP AXS** groupset — not a mix, but the complete top-level wireless electronic build. It also features a **Quarq power meter** integrated into the crankset, **ROSE RC carbon wheels**, and a **Ritchey WCS Streem II carbon handlebar**. The all-black stealth finish with tonal branding gives it an understated, premium look. With under 3,000 km on the clock and always meticulously maintained, this bike is in exceptional condition. A rare opportunity to get a full RED AXS race machine with power meter and carbon wheels at nearly half the original price. --- ## How to Buy (거래 안내) - **Transaction (거래 방식):** In-store pickup (매장 직거래) / Shipping available (택배 가능) - **Location (거래 장소):** Platoon Cycles — Pyeongtaek, South Korea (경기도 평택시) - **Contact (문의):** DM / KakaoTalk / In-store visit - **Seller (판매자):** Private owner — consignment sale through Platoon Cycles (개인 위탁 판매) --- Platoon Cycles | Used Bike ### SOLD - [USED] 2022 Specialized Aethos Comp — SRAM RED/Force Upgraded URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/used-2022-specialized-aethos-comp-sram-red-force-upgraded/ Last updated: 2026-03-26T04:43:56.000Z # ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9111-2.jpeg) 2022 Specialized Athoes Size 52 **Status (상태):** SOLD OUT **Asking Price (판매가):** ₩3,500,000 **Original MSRP (신차 정가):** ₩6,500,000 — 46% OFF ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9112.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9113.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9114.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9115.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9117.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9116.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9118.jpeg) --- ## Overview (기본 정보) | Item | Detail | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | Brand (브랜드) | Specialized | | Model (모델명) | Aethos Comp | | Year (연식) | 2022 | | Size (사이즈) | 52 | | Color (색상) | Satin Carbon / Teal Tint Fade / Flake Silver | | Mileage (주행거리) | Approx. (약) 1,000 km | | Purchased From (구매처) | Platoon Cycles | --- ## Spec | Component | Detail | | ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------- | | Frame (프레임) | Specialized FACT 10r Carbon, disc brake, threaded BB | | Fork (포크) | Specialized FACT Carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle | | Shifters (레버) | SRAM Force eTAP AXS, 2x12 ▲ Upgraded | | Crankset (크랭크셋) | SRAM Force AXS, 48/35T ▲ Upgraded | | Front Derailleur (앞 변속기) | SRAM RED eTAP AXS ▲ Upgraded | | Rear Derailleur (뒤 변속기) | SRAM RED eTAP AXS ▲ Upgraded | | Cassette (카세트) | SRAM RED XG-1290, 10-33T, 12-speed ▲ Upgraded | | Chain (체인) | SRAM RED, 12-speed ▲ Upgraded | | Brakes (브레이크) | SRAM Force eTAP AXS, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors | | Wheelset (휠셋) | DT Swiss R470 Disc | | Tires (타이어) | 700x26c | | Saddle (안장) | S-Works Power, carbon rails ▲ Upgraded | | Seatpost (싯포스트) | S-Works Tarmac carbon seatpost | --- ## Upgrade Summary (업그레이드 내역) Original groupset was **SRAM Rival eTAP AXS**. Upgraded to a **SRAM RED + Force** mix build: - **SRAM RED eTAP AXS:** Front & Rear Derailleurs, Cassette, Chain - **SRAM Force eTAP AXS:** Shifters/Brake Levers, Crankset - **S-Works Power Saddle:** Carbon rails Significantly lighter weight and faster shifting compared to the original Rival spec. --- ## Condition - **Overall (전체 상태):** Very Good (중상) - **Frame (프레임):** Minor cable rub marks near the head tube (헤드튜브 부근 케이블 마찰로 인한 미세 스크래치) - **Drivetrain (구동계):** Fully serviced (정비 완료) — upgraded components in excellent working condition - **Consumables (소모품):** Near-new condition (거의 새 제품 수준) — chain, tires, brake pads, bar tape all in excellent shape - **Notes (특이사항):** None (없음) --- ## Price Reference (가격 참고) | Reference | Price | | ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | | Korea MSRP (한국 신차 정가) | ₩6,500,000 (Rival spec only) | | US MSRP (미국 신차 정가) | $4,000 (Rival spec only) | | Bicycle Blue Book (블루북) | $2,141 – $2,205 (Private sale range, Rival spec) | | Our Price (판매가) | **₩3,500,000** — includes RED/Force upgrade | > *Blue Book value is based on original Rival spec. This bike has been upgraded with SRAM RED + Force components, adding significant value.* --- ## Description The Specialized Aethos is one of the lightest production road frames in the world — built purely for the love of riding. No aero gimmicks, just an incredibly smooth and responsive FACT 10r carbon frame that climbs like a dream. This particular bike has been heavily upgraded from the original SRAM Rival eTAP AXS spec. The rear and front derailleurs, cassette, and chain have been replaced with **SRAM RED eTAP AXS** — the lightest and fastest wireless groupset available. The shifter/brake levers and crankset are **SRAM Force eTAP AXS**. The saddle has also been upgraded to an **S-Works Power with carbon rails**. The result is a race-ready climbing machine at a fraction of what you'd pay new. Perfect for riders who want top-tier performance without the top-tier price tag. --- ## How to Buy (거래 안내) - **Transaction (거래 방식):** In-store pickup (매장 직거래) / Shipping available (택배 가능) - **Location (거래 장소):** Platoon Cycles — Pyeongtaek, South Korea (경기도 평택시) - **Contact (문의):** DM / KakaoTalk / In-store visit > *Purchase and service history verified by Platoon Cycles. (구매 및 정비 이력이 확인된 차량입니다.)* --- Platoon Cycles | Used Bike ### BOA Lifetime Guarantee — Free Replacement Parts for Your Cycling Shoes URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/boa-lifetime-guarantee-free-replacement-parts-for-your-cycling-shoes/ Last updated: 2026-03-04T00:53:35.000Z # Your BOA Dial Broke? Don't Throw Away Your Shoes. If you ride with BOA dials on your cycling shoes, there's something you need to know: **BOA offers a Lifetime Guarantee on all their components.** If your dial breaks, stops clicking, or your wire snaps — they'll send you replacement parts **for free**. No questions asked. Most riders don't know about this. Let's break it down. --- ## What's Covered | Covered | NOT Covered | | -------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | | BOA dials (the turning mechanism) | Shoe soles, uppers, or tread | | BOA laces/wires (the tightening cable) | Sewn-in or heat-welded guides & housings | The guarantee covers **BOA's own components** — the dial and the wire. It does NOT cover damage to the shoe itself (delamination, torn uppers, worn-out soles, etc.). --- ## How to Claim (Takes 5–10 Minutes) 1. Go to [boafit.com](https://www.boafit.com/?ref=platooncycles.com) → Support → Warranty 2. Answer a few diagnostic questions about the damage 3. BOA identifies the replacement parts you need 4. Parts ship to you — **free of charge** > No receipt needed. No proof of purchase required. It's that simple. --- ## When Should You File a Claim? - Dial spins freely and won't tighten anymore - Wire/lace snapped or frayed - Dial popped out or cracked - Clicking mechanism stopped working - Wire is worn from heavy use --- ## Good to Know - **Any brand** — Shimano, Sidi, Specialized, Giro, Lake, Bontrager… if it has BOA, you're covered - **Doesn't matter where you bought them** — online, overseas, secondhand — all eligible - **No time limit** — it's a true lifetime guarantee - **Not just cycling shoes** — ski boots, golf shoes, work boots, snowboard boots — anything with BOA qualifies --- ## Pro Tip When your BOA system breaks, don't toss the shoes. A new dial and wire will make them feel brand new again. The replacement is easy — most people can do it themselves in a few minutes. If you need help with the swap, stop by the shop and we'll walk you through it. --- **Platoon Cycles** — [www.platooncycles.com](https://www.platooncycles.com/) ### DOPE South Is Rolling — And You're Invited URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/dope-south-is-rolling-and-youre-invited/ Last updated: 2026-03-16T04:53:08.000Z Yesterday, 23 riders hit the road together for a DOPE South group ride — 50km on safe, dedicated bike paths. No racing, no drop rides. Just good people, good vibes, and a solid day on the bike. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/df84b191-6f90-487c-a802-ae9b38b9eba9-1.jpeg) The First D.o.p.e. Ride - March 1 2026 ### What is DOPE? (DOPE 소개) [D.O.P.E Cycling Club](https://dopecycling.com/?ref=platooncycles.com) is a cycling community based in Seoul, made up mostly of foreigners living in Korea. It's not about how fast you are or what bike you ride — it's about showing up and riding together. Platoon Cycles is a proud sponsor of DOPE, and we've been part of this crew since the beginning. ### DOPE South — Pyeongtaek Chapter (평택 지부) Over the past year, more and more riders from the Pyeongtaek area — many of them stationed at Camp Humphreys — have started joining DOPE rides. The interest grew so much that a southern chapter is now forming around the Pyeongtaek region. We're calling it **DOPE South** for now, and it's exactly what the riding community down here has been missing: a regular, organized group ride where you can meet other cyclists, explore Korea's incredible bike paths, and actually enjoy your time on the bike. ### Yesterday's Ride (어제 라이딩 요약) | Detail (항목) | Info (내용) | | -------------- | ------------------------------- | | Riders (참가 인원) | 23 | | Distance (거리) | \~50 km | | Route (코스) | Dedicated bike paths (자전거 전용도로) | | Pace (페이스) | Social — no-drop, safe ride | Whether you've been riding for years or just picked up a bike last week, this is the kind of ride where everyone belongs. ### After the Ride (라이딩 후) The ride was only half the fun. After rolling back in, everyone gathered at Platoon Cycles for a potluck — riders brought food to share, and we hung out, swapped stories, and just enjoyed the post-ride energy together. We also ran a raffle with some prizes to cap off the day. If you've ever wondered what the cycling community in Pyeongtaek looks like — this was it. Good rides, good food, good people. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9058.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9060.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9064.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9071.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9078.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9083.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9053.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9051.jpeg) ### Want to Join? (참여 방법) It's simple: 1. **Visit** [dopecycling.com](https://dopecycling.com/?ref=platooncycles.com) to learn about upcoming rides 2. **Stop by Platoon Cycles** — we'll connect you with the group and make sure your bike is ride-ready 3. **Show up and ride** — that's it You don't need a team kit. You don't need a carbon bike. You just need to want to ride. ### Why It Matters (왜 중요한가) PCS orders come and go, but the connections you make on the bike can last well beyond your time in Korea. DOPE gives you a crew from day one — people who know the roads, the paths, and the best places to grab coffee after a ride. And if your bike needs a tune-up before the next ride? You know where to find us. --- **See you on the road.** Platoon Cycles — Proudly sponsoring D.O.P.E Cycling Club --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/da81fdab-38a8-444c-9a5c-baeaea864099.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/6f528db2-d396-4bcb-b64f-4ad75c253724.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/63e33efe-c3e7-4611-a504-73e5b5f37e55.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/df84b191-6f90-487c-a802-ae9b38b9eba9-2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0587.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0580.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9047.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/IMG_9045.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/03/3B18CCB3-6128-42EE-BDAA-270DAE7C0F13DOPE-FLYER.jpeg) Join in & Ride together !! ### Vittoria Terreno T10, T30, T60 — Gravel Tires That Actually Make Sense URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/vittoria-terreno-t10-t30-t60-gravel-tires-that-actually-make-sense/ Last updated: 2026-02-27T13:08:58.000Z We just mounted a fresh set of Vittoria's new Terreno gravel tires on a Pinarello X endurance build. Before we get to the install photos, let's talk about why these tires caught our attention — and it's not just about performance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/t10.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/t30.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/t60-1.jpg) Vitorria NEW Gravel Tire T10, T30, T60 ## The Lineup: T10, T30, T60 Vittoria completely revamped their gravel tire range with a new system called the **Gravel Terrain Score (T-Score)**, rated from 0 (pure pavement) to 100 (aggressive off-road). | Model | Terrain Type | Best For | Tread Character | | ------- | ------------ | ----------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | **T10** | Hardpack | Bike paths, compact gravel, mostly paved routes | Near-slick center, subtle shoulder texture | | **T30** | Fine Loose | Dry gravel roads, fast-rolling mixed surfaces | Directional center siping, grippier shoulder knobs | | **T60** | Mixed | Rough, unpredictable, varied terrain | Aggressive knobs, built for when things get messy | All three are available in 700x37c through 700x50c, tubeless-ready, and feature Vittoria's Graphene compound. ## Why We Love This: It's Not About the Tire — It's About YOU Here's the thing. **The number tells you exactly what you need to know.** T10 = 10% off-road. T30 = 30% off-road. T60 = 60% off-road. Think about your typical ride. If you're doing the **4 Rivers bike path** — mostly paved with some packed gravel sections — that's a T10\. Mixing in country roads and unpaved shortcuts around **Pyeongtaek**? That's a T30\. Planning a weekend on rough mountain gravel trails? T60. **You don't need to study tread patterns. You don't need to decode tire names. You just ask yourself one question: "How much of my ride is off-road?"** That's it. Pick a number. Done. ## Why This Matters More Than You Think For years, the cycling industry has named and marketed tires from the **developer's perspective** — describing what the engineers intended. Names like "Pro One," "Race King," or "Terra Speed" tell you what the *tire* is supposed to be. You still have to figure out whether it's right for *your* ride. Vittoria flipped this completely. The T-Score system starts from the **rider's perspective**. Instead of asking *"What did we design this tire to do?"*, they asked *"What does your ride look like?"* That's a fundamentally different approach to product design. It's not about the product explaining itself to the consumer — it's about the consumer finding the product through their own experience. As someone who helps riders choose the right gear every day, we can tell you: **this is how it should be done.** When a customer walks in and says "I ride mostly pavement but hit some gravel on weekends," we can simply say "T10 or T30" — and they instantly get it. No jargon, no guesswork. ## On the Pinarello X We chose the **Pinarello X** endurance road bike for this install because it's the perfect example of a bike that blurs the line between road and gravel. It's a road bike at heart, but with the clearance and geometry to handle mixed surfaces comfortably. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_9002.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_9006.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_9007.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_9011.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_9018.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_9028.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_9030.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_9026.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_9029.jpeg) Pinarello X + Vittoria T10 ## A Note on the T10 and the 37c Sweet Spot You might notice the T10 is only available in 37c. That's not a limitation — it's a deliberate choice, and a smart one. Think about it: anything narrower than 37c is already covered by pure road tires. Go wider than 40c, and you're moving into serious off-road territory. The T10 sits right at the sweet spot — **37c is where road efficiency meets just enough off-road capability** for hardpack and packed gravel. It's the perfect width for a tire that's 90% road, 10% dirt. ## Will It Fit? Yes. The Pinarello X is officially spec'd for up to 35c tires. So why are we running 37c? Because manufacturers tend to be **conservative with their published clearance specs** — and for good reason. But in practice, 37c fits this frame comfortably with proper clearance. We checked, we measured, and it works. ## The Story Behind This Build The owner of this Pinarello X originally ran it as a **dedicated road bike** alongside a separate gravel bike. But when he recently picked up a **Trek Madone Project One SLR** as his new primary road machine, the equation changed. Instead of keeping two bikes for two purposes, he made a smart move: **sell the gravel bike, and convert the Pinarello X into a cyclocross-style off-roader.** ## Why This Actually Makes Perfect Sense Here's something most riders don't realize: **gravel bike geometry and endurance road bike geometry are nearly identical.** The main difference? Tire clearance. That's essentially it. The head tube angle, stack, reach, and overall ride character are remarkably similar. So if you take an endurance bike and push it to the widest tire it can fit — in this case, 37c with the T10 — you've essentially got a gravel-capable machine without needing a dedicated gravel frame. **Is 37c the maximum? Pretty much. Is it enough? For most riders, absolutely.** The reality is, the majority of gravel riding doesn't demand 45c or 50c tires. Packed trails, country roads, bike paths with gravel sections — a 37c T10 handles all of it. The riders who genuinely need wider are a small minority heading into much rougher terrain. **One road bike for fast rides. One endurance bike converted for everything else. Two bikes, all bases covered.** That's a clean, practical setup — and honestly, it's the direction we'd recommend for most riders. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_9030-1.jpeg) Pinarello X + Vittoria Terreno T10 37c --- **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com ### TREKFEST Spring 2026 is HERE — Up to 50% Off + Bonus Vouchers URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/trekfest-spring-2026-is-here-up-to-50-off-bonus-vouchers/ Last updated: 2026-04-06T02:03:39.000Z ## Trek's biggest sale of the year just launched — and it only happens twice a year. **TREKFEST Spring Promotion** runs from **February 27 through April 5, 2026** at all authorized Trek dealers, including Platoon Cycles. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/-------------------------------2026-02-27--------------9.06.59.png) Trek Madone SL ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/-------------------------------2026-02-27--------------9.07.23.png) Trek Checkpoint ## What's the Deal? ### 1\. Special pricing on select bikes Trek's best-selling models are on sale at their lowest prices of the year — including road, hybrid, and mountain bikes. ### 2\. Bonus accessory vouchers with every bike purchase Buy a bike during TREKFEST and you'll receive a voucher to spend on accessories and safety gear: | Voucher Amount | Applicable Bikes | | -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | | ₩100,000 | FX 1, FX 2, Marlin 5 | | ₩150,000 | FX 3, Domane AL 2, Marlin 6 | | ₩300,000 | Domane AL 4, FX Sport SL 4, Checkpoint ALR 5, Marlin 7, Procaliber | | ₩500,000 | Madone SL 5, SL 6, SL 7, Emonda SL 4+ | Use your voucher on helmets, lights, locks, bags, cycling shoes, bottles — anything you need to get rolling. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/-------------------------------2026-02-27--------------9.08.15.png) Trek FX ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/-------------------------------2026-02-27--------------9.06.02.png) Trek Marlin ### 3\. 25% off all Trek apparel Helmets, jerseys, cycling shoes, and eyewear — all 25% off during the event period. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/-------------------------------2026-02-27--------------9.13.21.png) Rapha Cycling Clothes --- ## Why This Matters If You're Military in Korea Spring PCS season is here, and so is riding season. Whether you're: - **New to Korea** and looking for your first bike to explore - **Already riding** and thinking about an upgrade - **PCSing soon** and want to take a quality bike with you This is the best time to buy. > *Here's* *something* *most* *people* *don't* *realize:* *Trek* *bikes* *in* *Korea* *are* *roughly* *30%* *less* *expensive* *than* *the* *same* *models* *in* *the* *US.* *So* *you're* *not* *just* *getting* *a* *great* *TREKFEST* *deal* *—* *you're* *already* *saving* *compared* *to* *buying* *back* *home.* --- ## Only at Platoon Cycles On top of TREKFEST pricing, here's what you get with us: - **30-day no-questions-asked exchange or refund** - **Free maintenance** for as long as you own the bike - **Free fitting & setup** — we make sure the bike fits YOU - **Riding advice** — Cross-Country route (국토종주), 4 Rivers trails, local rides --- ## Popular Picks for USFK Riders **Commuting / Everyday:** - **Trek FX 2 / FX 3** — lightweight hybrid, perfect for base-to-town rides and bike paths - ₩100,000\~150,000 voucher for accessories **Road Cycling:** - **Domane AL 2** — best entry road bike, great for 4 Rivers trails - ₩150,000 voucher - **Madone SL 5 / SL 6** — serious carbon road, at the best price this year - ₩500,000 voucher **Mountain / Trail:** - **Marlin 5 / 6 / 7** — trail-ready MTB for Korea's mountain trails - ₩100,000\~300,000 voucher --- ## How It Works 1. Visit Platoon Cycles 2. Pick your bike — we'll help you find the right size and model 3. Receive your voucher at pickup 4. Use it right away on gear (helmet, shoes, lights, bag, etc.) **Voucher must be used on the day of purchase. Accessories and safety gear only — cannot be applied to bikes or service.** --- ## Don't Wait TREKFEST runs through **April 5**, but popular sizes sell out fast — especially L, XL, and XS. If you see your size, grab it. --- **Platoon Cycles** 📍 157, Pyeongseongdaegyo-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 평택시 팽성읍 팽성대교길 157) 📞 070-8845-7351 🌐 www.platooncycles.com ### ***Sale details:*** [***TREKFEST Official Page***](https://www.trekbikes.com/kr/ko%5FKR/trekfest%5F26spring/?ref=platooncycles.com) ### Trek Madone SLR Frameset — 2026 Lidl-Trek Team Colorway URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/trek-madone-slr-frameset-2026-lidl-trek-team-colorway/ Last updated: 2026-02-26T11:42:47.000Z --- ## Just Arrived: The Frame That Will Race the Tour de France We just got our hands on the **2026 Trek Madone SLR frameset** in the stunning **Lidl-Trek Team colorway** — the exact same frame and paint scheme that the Lidl-Trek pro team will ride at this year's Tour de France. This is the real deal. Not a replica. Not a "team edition." This is the actual race platform, available as a frameset so you can build it YOUR way. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_01-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_11.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_12.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_23-1.jpg) ## Why Buy a Frameset? Here's the thing — a lot of you are riding mid-range frames with seriously good components. Maybe you upgraded your groupset to Ultegra Di2 or even DURA-ACE. Maybe you're rolling on a great wheelset. Your parts are solid, but your frame is holding you back. A full Madone SLR complete bike? That's ₩20,000,000+. **This frameset is ₩7,900,000.** Transfer your existing components over, and you're on a **Tour de France-level machine** — for a fraction of what a complete build would cost. Your Ultegra Di2 or DURA-ACE shifts just as crisp on an SLR frame. Your carbon wheels spin just as fast. The difference? Now you have the aerodynamics, the stiffness, and the ride quality of Trek's absolute best. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_23.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_31.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_33.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_29.jpg) ## What Makes the Madone SLR Special - **800 Series OCLV Carbon** — Trek's lightest and fastest carbon layup - **IsoFlow technology** — the signature rear cutout that improves aero AND comfort - **Fully integrated cockpit** — clean lines, zero cable drag - **Race-proven geometry** — the same platform ridden by Mads Pedersen and the Lidl-Trek squad ## The 2026 Lidl-Trek Team Colorway White and blue with Lidl-Trek team graphics. This is the livery that will be on TV at the Tour de France this summer. If you've ever wanted to ride what the pros ride — and LOOK like it too — this is your chance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_20.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_27.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_28.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_34.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_36.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_38.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_39.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2026_P1_Select_Lidl_Trek_Lifestyle_40.jpg) ## The Smart Upgrade Think about it: | Path | Cost | | --------------------------------------------- | -------------- | | New Madone SLR complete bike | ₩20,000,000+ | | **Madone SLR frameset + your existing parts** | **₩7,900,000** | You don't need to buy everything new. You just need a better frame. And this is the best frame Trek makes. ## Details - **Frame:** Trek Madone SLR, 800 Series OCLV Carbon - **Color:** 2026 Lidl-Trek Team (White/Blue) - **Size available:** M (54) - **Price:** ₩7,900,000 - **Includes:** Frame, fork, integrated cockpit, seatpost We can handle the full build-up for you — component transfer, fitting, and setup. Ride it out the door. **Only one in stock. First come, first served.** --- *Platoon Cycles — Pyeongtaek* *DM us or stop by the shop!* *www.platooncycles.com* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8976.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8978.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8980.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8983.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8987.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8991.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8992.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8993.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8994.jpeg) ### The Fastest Gravel Tire You Can Buy — Hutchinson Caracal Race URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/the-fastest-gravel-tire-you-can-buy-hutchinson-caracal-race/ Last updated: 2026-02-25T12:00:31.000Z Rolling resistance matters more than most riders think — especially if you're riding Korea's paved bike paths mixed with gravel sections. The new **Hutchinson** **Caracal** **Race** **700x40c** just proved it's the real deal. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/-------------------------------2026-02-25--------------8.53.38.png) **What** **the** **Numbers** **Say** Independent testing by https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/cx-gravel-reviews/hutchinson-caracal-race — the gold standard for tire testing — measured the Caracal Race at just **13.6** **watts** of rolling resistance. To put that in perspective: \- It's **faster** **than** **most** **road** **tires**, including the popular Schwalbe Pro One 38mm \- Among gravel tires with actual tread, it's ranked **#1** **in** **the** **world** \- It scored a perfect **5** **out** **of** **5** rating ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/hutchinson-gravel-caracal-race-1-1.png) **Why** **This** **Matters** **for** **Riding** **in** **Korea** If you're doing the **Cross-Country** **route** **(국토종주)**, the **4** **Rivers** **paths**, or just commuting around base, you're dealing with a mix of smooth pavement and packed gravel. The Caracal Race is built exactly for this: \- **Slick** **center** rolls fast on pavement: you won't feel like you're fighting your tires \- **Edge** **knobs** give you grip when the path turns to gravel or you hit corners \- **40mm** **width** at lower pressure soaks up vibration on rough sections **The** **Tech** **Behind** **It** Hutchinson pulled technology from their road racing tires — the **Mach** **Tread** **3.0** **compound** and **SwiftEasy** **casing** — and put it in a gravel format. Handmade in France, 127 TPI, coming in at just 464g measured. **Who** **Is** **This** **Tire** **For?** \- Riders who spend **most** **of** **their** **time** **on** **pavement** **or** **hardpack** but want gravel capability \- Anyone doing **mixed-surface** **rides** like Korea's bike path network \- Gravel racers who want every watt they can get **Who** **Should** **Look** **Elsewhere?** If you're riding muddy trails or loose mountain gravel regularly, a more aggressive tread like the standard Caracal or a dedicated MTB tire would serve you better. **Available** **at** **Platoon** **Cycles** — stop by and we'll help you find the right tire for your riding style. **Availabe: 700 x 40c / 700 x 45c (MSRP: 89,000 krw)** Sources: \- https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/cx-gravel-reviews/hutchinson-caracal-race \- https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/cx-gravel-reviews \- https://cycling.hutchinson.com/tyres/gravel/caracal-race/ \- https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/tyres/hutchinson-caracal-race-gravel-tyre-review-significant-improvements-in-speed ### Pinarello X Endurance - Bike Fitting Session 260225 URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/pinarello-x-endurance-bike-fitting-session-260225/ Last updated: 2026-02-25T09:08:57.000Z I recently completed a bike fitting for my new **Pinarello X endurance bike**. The primary goal was to identify any performance gaps. Given that it's an endurance model, the fitting was conducted with careful consideration of torso and shoulder angles. While lowering the handlebars slightly could offer more speed, I’ve decided to wait and re-adjust after a few test rides to find the optimal balance between endurance comfort and performance. I’m sharing these fitting details because I believe this vicarious experience can provide valuable insights for others. I will continue to post updates and share technical know-how for the riding community. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/-------------------------------2026-02-25--------------5.25.16.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/-------------------------------2026-02-25--------------5.24.46.png) Top of Pedal Stroke ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/-------------------------------2026-02-25--------------5.24.21.png) Bottom of Pedal Stroke ### The forest road behind Jincheon National Training Center URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/the-forest-road-behind-jincheon-national-training-center/ Last updated: 2026-02-23T02:25:36.000Z If you are looking for a tranquil escape from the city, the forest road connecting Mt. Hambaksan, Mt. Muisan, and Mt. Deokseongsan in Jincheon is a must-visit.This route offers a serene atmosphere where you can truly immerse yourself in nature. **The Terrain** The course is mostly composed of well-maintained forest roads (fire roads). While there are brief, steep pitches at the starting and finishing points, the rest of the route consists of gentle gradients. This makes it an accessible and enjoyable ride for beginner gravel riders or those looking for a relaxed recovery spin. **Why Ride Here?** - **Peace and Quiet:** It's a very secluded path with minimal traffic, offering a peaceful riding experience. - **Accessibility:** Most of the trail is beginner-friendly despite being a mountain route. - **Proximity:** Located right behind the Jincheon National Training Center, it is a well-known yet quiet spot for local enthusiasts. ### **Location & Logistics** - **Getting There:** The route is located about a **40-minute drive from Camp Humphreys** in Pyeongtaek. - **Parking:** You can use the **spacious, free public parking lot** at the Jincheon National Training Center. - **Loop Course:** Since this is a **loop route** that returns to the starting point, you don't need to worry about additional transportation back to your car. - **Navigation:** Simply click the attached map to **download the GPX file**. You can upload it to your bike computer (Garmin, Wahoo, etc.) to use for turn-by-turn navigation. [The forest road behind Jincheon National Training CenterAside from short, steep sections at the very beginning and end, the route is mostly flat and gentle—perfect even for beginners. Highly recommended ... - 27.1 km, +498 m. Bike ride in 진천군, 충청북도![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Ride with GPS![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/thumbnail/full.png)](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54052739?ref=platooncycles.com) ### Cycling around Jeju Island - April 28-May 2 URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/cycling-around-jeju-island/ Last updated: 2026-02-22T04:58:31.000Z Jeju is always fantastic, but late April is truly the perfect time for riding, with both the weather and scenery at their peak. Having completed the **Jeju round-trip** about five times now, I’d say this is personally my favorite season. Our group of six from Pyeongtaek took a ferry from Wando to Jeju Port, stayed the first night, and began our journey the following morning. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_7201.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_7203.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_7204.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_7207.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_7208.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_7210.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_7213.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_7215.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_7211.jpeg) Ferry Wando to Jeju port After the rain the previous day, the weather on our first day of riding was absolutely perfect. Typically, for a **230km Jeju round-trip** planned over three days, the final day is often tight due to flight or ferry schedules. To allow for some flexibility later on, we usually ride counter-clockwise on the first day, reaching around the **7 o'clock position** on the map. While there are plenty of hotels along the way that allow for last-minute stops, pushing a bit further on day one makes the rest of the trip much more relaxed. Since we had a reservation, we rode past Jungmun and made it all the way to Seogwipo on our first day. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/FD658D85-EFA9-4443-AC69-F11FD34CF293_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/1F7CC8E7-CFA3-4B1F-88EA-FE296590DCEC_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/099F13FA-C9A1-40A5-876F-242E31A7985B_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/C592451E-0CC6-4990-9F3D-CD991F7365A9_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/E532F627-1E47-421E-AC8D-79AC9C6C2A94_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/2F7A0DDB-B71A-4A28-AE14-C744C6FC5D68_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/CFBF453B-0B0A-4804-9435-7C1779E568D2_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/0CA2B2B7-4EAE-4809-BCD6-EAF32FE4C59C_1_105_c-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/9AB49B9B-DCFE-4F3C-96FD-F620B733E937_1_105_c.jpeg) Riding from Jeju City to Sanbangsan ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/F70698C5-FAA4-4404-BB14-580F2158EB94_1_105_c.jpeg) 0:00 /0:08 1× ### Riding day 2 On our second day, we rode from Seogwipo to Seongsan (around the **4 o'clock position**). Unlike the western coast, the water here becomes increasingly crystal clear, and the shoreline is characterized by rugged volcanic rocks rather than sandy beaches. Riding along the southern coast of Jeju feels like the sun is sparkling over the ocean all day long. The weather and breeze were simply perfect. Jeju's coastal routes offer two options: wide bike paths along the main roads, and narrower, winding paths that dip closer to the shore and lead you through peaceful fishing villages. These hidden roads are as safe as the designated bike paths since there’s almost no traffic, though they occasionally come to a dead end, requiring a quick backtrack. We finished our second day in Seongsan, home to the famous Sunrise Peak (Ilchulbong) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/92CED906-A387-4BCB-BD62-7DD603F6D48E_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/BEDEA963-A25C-41B5-89BF-2895D2334C58_4_5005_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/69605353-4BFD-43BE-8109-8EEA992F81AA_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/34758075-E983-464E-9FB4-5615D606FE94_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/D85E762A-8E51-4EF1-BB6E-F950A849C97D_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/F7F83309-8DAC-412B-A81C-453E3E766B29_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/1934C29D-BCB5-4C6E-B0DA-B2416860789B_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/0B9AF9C0-8D9F-496B-B55B-B66FB524F10E_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/8A26BA58-CC07-41CE-9A95-8C002626F6D5_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/BA6A0B46-D539-4CC9-A2D5-E0313D680B8F_1_105_c.jpeg) Sunrise Peak (Ilchulbong) ### Riding Day 3 The third day covers the stretch from the **4 o'clock to 1 o'clock position**, which is arguably the most beautiful section of the entire Jeju circuit. With its shallow, expansive white sandy beaches and incredibly transparent waters, it feels like a tropical paradise in the South Pacific (though I've never actually been there). The reason we pushed ourselves further on the first day was specifically to afford more time to soak in these breathtaking views today. For anyone planning a trip around Jeju, I highly recommend allocating more time to the East Coast rather than the West Coast to fully enjoy this scenery. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/B519842D-8843-44A5-8A9D-F32CA329B5C6_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/127355E0-2F4E-4791-A28E-F8154A7F67E1_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/8236C5E0-0FAD-4B9A-8D21-23C1DC675FD8_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/E4F002C7-E268-4887-9C2A-C56F91225B75_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/70A5782C-7079-469D-96BB-7CCF4A02285B_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/25E411F4-EE85-4964-BC6C-93A6E54425CA_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/C4C91DEB-90AB-45FB-9FCD-6ECA0C976C75_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/EE6D3575-3DE8-41FC-BD84-363670BADC42_1_105_c.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/09B8AEBD-A168-4CE1-A8AB-79554DABCDFF_1_105_c.jpeg) I was so captivated by the stunning scenery that I didn't actually take many photos. I have quite a few short videos, but since there isn't a feature to upload them directly here, I’ll share them separately below. Spring has arrived! I highly recommend planning your own Jeju riding trip before this season slips away. If you need any advice or tips for your journey, feel free to ask **Mike at Platoon Cycles**. ### A Spring Weekend at the Bike Shop - Feb 21 2026 URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/a-spring-weekend-at-the-bike-shop-feb-21-2026/ Last updated: 2026-02-21T07:15:42.000Z Spring is here, and the season has officially begun at the shop! Everyone is bringing in their bikes for service, new bikes are flying out the door, and fresh stock is arriving daily. It’s a busy, beautiful spring weekend. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8946.jpeg) Serviced and ready for pickup ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8945.jpeg) New Bike Day for two road bikes! ### Seoul to Busan Cross Country Ride - OCT 2023 URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/seoul-to-busan-cross-country-ride-oct-2023/ Last updated: 2026-02-20T22:37:33.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4266.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4268.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4278.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4280.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4315.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4316.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4319.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4317.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4313.jpeg) Seoul to Busan Cross Country Ride - OCT 2023 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4284.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4286.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4290.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4307.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4318.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4321.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4326.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4360.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_4357.jpeg) Seoul to Busan Cross Country Ride - OCT 2023 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_3849.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_3842.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_3847.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_3848.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_3839.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_3831.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_3818.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_3836.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_3830.jpeg) ### [Notice] TREK Spring Kick-off: Early Access Season Open Promotion URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/notice-trek-spring-kick-off-early-access-season-open-promotion/ Last updated: 2026-02-19T04:38:59.000Z Hello to all riders, The **TREK Spring Kick-off Promotion** is officially launching on **February 27th**. As popular models like the **Madone** and **Domane** are expected to sell out rapidly, we are opening **Early Access starting today**. Secure your bike now with the official promotion prices and voucher benefits before the public rush. Exclusive Early Access for Our Customers # TREKFEST 2026 Early Sale Get first pick before the official Trek promotion — special pricing for our loyal customers 🔥 Starting Now — While Supplies Last 📢 Trek's official promotion begins on **February 27**. Popular models sell out fast once the sale goes live, so we're giving our customers a head start with **early sale pricing now**. If you have a model in mind, don't wait — contact us today! 🚴 Road Bikes 🔥 CLOSEOUT DEALS — Up to 50% Off Domane SL 6 MY 2024 ₩5,990,000 ₩2,990,000 50% OFF Save ₩3,000,000 🎫 + ₩300,000 voucher (official period) Size: 4447 Color: Blue Domane SL 6 AXS MY 2024 ₩6,690,000 ₩3,390,000 49% OFF Save ₩3,300,000 🎫 + ₩300,000 voucher (official period) Size: 4750 Color: Red Domane SL 5 MY 2025 ₩4,700,000 ₩3,700,000 21% OFF Save ₩1,000,000 🎫 + ₩300,000 voucher (official period) Size: 475052 Color: Green Domane SL 7 MY 2025 ₩8,450,000 ₩6,990,000 17% OFF Save ₩1,460,000 🎫 + ₩500,000 voucher (official period) Size: 475052 Color: Black 💙 Promotional Sale Models Emonda SL 4 MY 2025 ₩3,250,000 ₩2,790,000 14% OFF Save ₩460,000 🎫 + ₩300,000 voucher (official period) Size: 4756 Color: White/Silver Madone SL 5 MY 2025 ₩4,150,000 ₩3,290,000 21% OFF Save ₩860,000 🎫 + ₩300,000 voucher (official period) Size: XSSMLL Color: Carbon Navy White/Carbon Navy Madone SL 6 MY 2025 ₩6,150,000 ₩5,090,000 17% OFF Save ₩1,060,000 🎫 + ₩500,000 voucher (official period) Size: XSSMMLL Color: Black White Boone 5 MY 2026 ₩5,850,000 ₩5,450,000 7% OFF Save ₩400,000 🎫 + ₩500,000 voucher (official period) Size: 495254 Color: Grey Domane AL 2 MY 2026 ₩1,450,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: 44495254565861 Color: Charcoal Red Domane AL 4 MY 2026 ₩2,200,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: 44495254565861 Color: White Checkpoint ALR 5 MY 2026 ₩2,990,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMMLLXL Color: Bronze Madone SL 5 MY 2026 ₩3,850,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMMLL Color: Black Checkpoint SL 5 AXS MY 2026 ₩4,950,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMMLL Color: Black Red Madone SL 6 MY 2026 ₩5,850,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMMLL Color: Black Purple/Carbon Navy Red/Carbon Navy Madone SL 7 MY 2026 ₩7,750,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMMLL Color: Red/Carbon Navy White/Carbon Navy Checkout SL 5 MY 2026 ₩7,990,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: SMMLL Color: White/Green 🚵 Mountain Bikes (MTB) 🔥 CLOSEOUT DEAL Supercaliber SL 9.6 MY 2024 ₩6,250,000 ₩4,790,000 23% OFF Save ₩1,460,000 🎫 + ₩500,000 voucher (official period) Size: MLL Color: Blue 💙 Promotional Sale Models Marlin 6 MY 2025 ₩1,190,000 ₩1,050,000 12% OFF Save ₩140,000 🎫 + ₩150,000 voucher (official period) Size: M (29") Color: Green Procaliber 6 MY 2025 ₩1,900,000 ₩1,790,000 6% OFF Save ₩110,000 🎫 + ₩150,000 voucher (official period) Size: M Color: Red Procaliber 8 MY 2025 ₩2,400,000 ₩2,190,000 9% OFF Save ₩210,000 🎫 + ₩300,000 voucher (official period) Size: S (29") Color: Grey Procaliber 9.5 MY 2026 ₩3,350,000 ₩2,990,000 11% OFF Save ₩360,000 🎫 + ₩300,000 voucher (official period) Size: SMMLLXL Color: Purple/Blue Green/Charcoal Procaliber 9.6 MY 2026 ₩4,250,000 ₩3,890,000 8% OFF Save ₩360,000 🎫 + ₩300,000 voucher (official period) Size: SMMLLXL Color: Black Supercaliber SL 9.6 MY 2025 ₩6,250,000 ₩5,290,000 15% OFF Save ₩960,000 🎫 + ₩500,000 voucher (official period) Size: SMMLL Color: Black Marlin 5 MY 2026 ₩899,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMMLLXL Wheel: 27.5" / 29" Color: Red Blue Marlin 6 MY 2026 ₩1,250,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMMLLXL Wheel: 27.5" / 29" Color: Green Purple Marlin 7 MY 2026 ₩1,550,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMMLLXL Wheel: 27.5" / 29" Color: Black Green Procaliber 6 MY 2026 ₩1,900,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: SMMLLXL Color: Black/Charcoal Purple Procaliber 8 MY 2026 ₩2,400,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: SMMLL Wheel: 29" Color: Charcoal Procaliber 9.7 MY 2026 ₩6,950,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: SMMLLXL Wheel: 29" Color: Blue 🚲 City / Hybrid Bikes 💙 Promotional Sale Models FX 2 Stagger MY 2025 ₩940,000 ₩819,000 13% OFF Save ₩121,000 🎫 + ₩100,000 voucher (official period) Size: SM Color: Blue Grey FX 3 Stagger MY 2025 ₩1,150,000 ₩1,000,000 13% OFF Save ₩150,000 🎫 + ₩150,000 voucher (official period) Size: S Color: Red FX 1 Stagger MY 2026 ₩770,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMLXL Color: Black White FX 2 Stagger MY 2026 ₩940,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMLXL Color: Grey Red FX 3 Stagger MY 2026 ₩1,150,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMLXL Color: Silver Green FX Sport SL 4 Stagger MY 2026 ₩2,490,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: SML Color: Carbon Navy White/Beige FX Sport SL 6 Stagger MY 2026 ₩4,250,000 🎫 Voucher-eligible model Size: XSSMLXL Color: Bronze/Carbon Navy ### 📋 Important Notes - All prices are for complete bikes. Please contact us for size-specific availability. - **CLOSEOUT** models are limited stock specials and may sell out quickly. - **🎫 Voucher-eligible models** will receive additional voucher benefits during Trek's official promotion period (Feb 27 – Apr 5). - Listed sale prices are Trek's recommended consumer pricing. Additional in-store offers may be available. - Professional bike fitting and detailed spec consultation available in store. > **For any inquiries regarding product reservations or orders, please contact us directly via the live chat on the right.** ### Trek 50th Anniversary: Celebrating 50 Years of Changing the World by Bike | 트렉 50주년: 자전거로 세상을 바꿔온 50년의 역사 URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/trek-50th-anniversary-celebrating-50-years-of-changing-the-world-by-bike-teureg-50junyeon-jajeongeoro-sesangeul-baggweoon-50nyeonyi-yeogsa/ Last updated: 2026-02-19T04:36:58.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/MadoneSLR9AXS50TH-27-81617-A-Portrait.png) TREK 50th Anniversary Trek is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and the milestone is being marked with an incredible lineup of limited-edition bikes, accessories, and year-long events. From a small barn in Wisconsin, Trek has grown into a global brand that has changed the world through cycling over the past five decades. To celebrate this journey, Trek is hosting year-long 50th anniversary events to share stories of the past, present, and future — and to bring more riders to Trek. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/MadoneSLR9AXSNo76-27-81696-A-Portrait.png) ## The 50th Anniversary Collection The 50th anniversary collection features two Project One Icon bikes and limited-edition aftermarket products. Pre-orders for the anniversary bikes are open until April 13 and will be produced in limited quantities only. The first 100 units of "THE FIRST 50" and the first 150 units of "No.76" will be avaiable in June. ### Project One ICON "THE FIRST 50" (Madone SLR 9 AXS Limited Edition) THE FIRST 50 brings Trek's 50-year history to life through illustrations that capture the brand's iconic stories and meaning. It celebrates the moments, people, and innovations that made Trek what it is today. More than just a bike, it is a story, a collectible, and a moving piece of history that riders can experience with every ride. Each frame is individually numbered and comes with a limited-edition white and red saddle with red rails, plus the new aero Aeolus RSL 65X wheels featuring commemorative graphics (shipping summer 2026). Lidl-Trek will race with THE FIRST 50 bikes at the 2026 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes! ### Project One ICON "No.76" (Madone SLR 9 AXS Limited Edition) No.76 is where Trek's past meets its future. Inspired by Trek's original logo set and heritage blue, it has been applied to the modern Madone SLR 9 AXS platform. This commemorative icon features Aeolus RSL 65X wheels with a special edition golden anniversary graphic, along with white and red saddle with red rails. --- ### 프로젝트 원 ICON "THE FIRST 50" (마돈 SLR 9 AXS 한정) THE FIRST 50은 트렉의 상징적인 스토리와 브랜드가 상징하는 의미를 담은 일러스트를 통해 50년의 트렉 역사를 생생하게 전달합니다. 오늘날의 트렉을 있게 한 순간, 사람, 혁신을 기념하는 이 자전거는 단순한 바이크가 아닌 하나의 스토리이자 수집품이며, 프레임의 모든 표면에서 놀라움을 선사하는 움직이는 역사입니다. 각 프레임에는 고유의 번호가 부여되며, 한정판 화이트 및 레드 안장과 레드 레일, 기념 그래픽이 적용된 에어로 에올루스 RSL 65X 휠(2026년 여름 출시 예정)이 포함됩니다. 리들-트렉은 2026년 투르 드 프랑스와 투르 드 프랑스 팜므에서 THE FIRST 50 바이크로 레이스에 참가할 예정입니다! ### 프로젝트 원 ICON "No.76" (마돈 SLR 9 AXS 한정) No.76은 트렉의 과거와 미래를 잇는 교차점입니다. 초창기 트렉의 오리지널 로고셋과 헤리티지 블루에서 영감을 받아 현대적인 마돈 SLR 9 AXS 플랫폼에 적용되었습니다. 이번 기념 아이콘에는 스페셜 에디션 골든 애니버서리 그래픽이 적용된 에올루스 RSL 65X 휠과 레드 레일이 적용된 화이트와 레드 안장이 포함되어 있습니다. --- Visit Platoon Cycles, your authorized Trek dealer in Pyeongtaek, to learn more about the 50th anniversary collection and place your pre-order before April 13! ### Our Promises: 4 Core Benefits at Platoon Cycles URL: https://www.platooncycles.com/promises/ Last updated: 2026-02-19T04:37:22.000Z At Platoon Cycles, we are more than just a bike shop. With over 15 years of technical expertise in Pyeongtaek, we are now authorized Trek dealer committed to providing world-class service and unparalleled benefits to our riding community. ### 1\. 30-Day Unconditional Guarantee Not in love with your new ride? No worries. Any Trek product purchased at Platoon Cycles can be exchanged or returned for any reason within 30 days. We want you to be 100% satisfied with your decision. - **Our Promise:** Even if you simply change your mind, your satisfaction is our top priority. ### 2\. Lifetime Warranty The frame is the heart of your bicycle. We stand behind the quality of the products we sell. We provide a lifetime warranty on frames against manufacturing defects so you can ride with total peace of mind for as long as you own your bike. - **Our Promise:** Once a customer, always a part of our family. We protect the value of your frame for life. ### 3\. Free Lifetime Tune-ups A great bike deserves great care. For every bicycle purchased at Platoon Cycles, we provide basic maintenance and safety inspections free of charge for life. With 15 years of expert experience, we ensure your bike stays in peak condition. - **Our Promise:** Visit us anytime for a check-up without worrying about maintenance costs. ### 4\. Kids’ Bike Trade-Up Program Kids grow fast, but their bikes don't have to be a one-time investment. When you buy a kid's bike from us and they outgrow it, you can trade it in and receive a credit toward the purchase of a new, larger bike. - **Our Promise:** We ensure your child always has the perfectly sized bike as they grow. --- ### 🚲 Why Platoon Cycles? We combine **over 15 years of professional mechanical experience** with the latest **AI-powered precision fitting (MyVeloFit)** to offer the best cycling experience in Pyeongtaek. We are proud to be an **English-speaking shop**, ensuring clear communication and expert advice for our international community. Visit Platoon Cycles today—where expertise meets the best benefits in the industry. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5d/01/5d010117-54ee-42c0-b578-a7c401c31b2b/content/images/2026/02/IMG_8894.jpg) --- ## Your best is the only best Beyond the best, define your own. The world's 'best' is but an illusion. 세상의 '최고'는 허상일 뿐입니다. There is no need to conform to the standards of others. 타인의 기준에 당신을 맞출 필요는 없습니다. Rather than a universal answer for all, we strive for your 'best' alone. 모두를 위한 정답이 아닌, 오직 당신의 '최선'을 위해 노력합니다. 그 최선이, 당신에게는 세상 유일한 최고이기 때문입니다. Because for you, your best is the only true best.