just want to know is cycling big in bulgaria and are there any cycle shops for repairs

There are Cyclists in Bulgaria but not to many that I've seen and you can get most cycle bits in any major supermarket. What I would say is be careful of the roads and the potholes you may find that in some places there is more pothole than road which can be a great hazard. I'm sure someone will be along soon who knows more and can help you better.

Hi there, cycling in Bulgaria is fine, but you really have to keep to the rural roads, motorways are not advisable. Bulgaria is packed with history and beautifull nature. Cycling in Bg is quite pleasant-as apposed to driving-which can be stressful. Cars tend to give you plenty of room when they pass. Something to consider is , you will occasionly have to pass horse and carts-just be careful. Quite often you see locals on old russian bikes coming towards you-they tend to cycle which way they like. All part of the charm really. You'll occasionally see bikers on the main highways of Bulgaria, but that's not a place I'd want to be cycling. Often, there are no shoulders, and the driving (including lots of trucks and buses) can be crazy. That's why I'd much rather be on the more rural, remote roads, which are usually pretty free from traffic. The roads are sometimes pretty rough, though, so I think you'd have to be careful about the wheels if its a touring bike.

Have a look here its a map and shows some cycle shops in Sofia [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] if you can contact one of them they maybe able to offer you some more advice and contacts for any cycling clubs that exist I do know that Bulgaria does have Tour de Bulgaria and you might get more from the organisers site [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

frankie25 wrote:

just want to know is cycling big in bulgaria and are they any cycle shops for repairs

Hi frankie25,

I think it depends where you are. I know mountain biking is popular in certain areas and you see racing on some of the main roads sometimes. In the villages, a lot of the older folk seem to get around on old bikes (dangerously without lights, most of them). Off hand, I know of two shops in Dobrich that sell bikes and do repairs - the bikes for sale are racing/mountain/kids/basic. So, overall, I would say yes it is popular. As Carmen says, potholes are a major hazard.

Regards, George.

:Thank you:all for the info:)
i have just sold my cycle shop in the uk and am takeing a year out of work to have a rest and to have a look at bg and see if i can set up there bringing cycling
and camping together or a shop or go mobile am not sure what i will do till i have a look around in bg.
i still have my on-line shop in the uk which my sister runs for me and will give me an income till am up and runing in bg.

let me know your feelings on which would work best in bg am open to all members input it can only help

I've seen plenty in Bulgaria that use bikes mostly the older folk in the villages you will even come across trades men who travel by bike carrying their tool with them. I'm sure you wont have any problems with parts. I wish you all success with your venture but I can't offer any advice about this project but what I would say is that whatever you do in Bulgaria its always risky and perhaps a lot more risky than other countries.

Plenty of bikes and plenty of bike shops where you can get spares in fact a lot of the supermarkets now sell bike repair stuff and complete bikes so you won't have any problems finding what you need and in most villages there is a bike person who repairs all the bikes in the village.

I haven't seen what I would say is a proper bike shop here.They all seem to sell chinese made mountain bikes.Something like a 700c wheel or tyre and they would be struggling.Stay away from the lev bike locks by the way as you can snap them off quite easily.I have a Orbit Harrier touring cycle for sale if anyone interested??

there is a down hill mountain bike course under the chair lift in Sopot, part of which is purpose built, and you can take the bike up the lift using attachment on the side to carry them. As side issue there is also a para-sending school at the top of the first lift, with stunning views across the valley.

coriolanus wrote:

frankie25 wrote:

just want to know is cycling big in bulgaria and are they any cycle shops for repairs

Hi frankie25,

I think it depends where you are. I know mountain biking is popular in certain areas and you see racing on some of the main roads sometimes. In the villages, a lot of the older folk seem to get around on old bikes (dangerously without lights, most of them). Off hand, I know of two shops in Dobrich that sell bikes and do repairs - the bikes for sale are racing/mountain/kids/basic. So, overall, I would say yes it is popular. As Carmen says, potholes are a major hazard.

Regards, George.

It sounds decidedly dodgy to me, best to carry a full First Aid kit by the sounds of it, also a couple of splints would be handy!!

itchyfeet wrote:

It sounds decidedly dodgy to me, best to carry a full First Aid kit by the sounds of it, also a couple of splints would be handy!!

Ideally, you need an ambulance pacing you

Hi,

There is a proper cycling shop in Gorna near VT which sells most things. I've seen quite a lot of cyclist in this area, Elena, but I think a lot come for holidays, as this area is quite popular with Bulgarians on holiday. There are a few hire shops, but it is kitted out just for Bulgarians and the bikes are well past it.

I've seen some people that look like they are training for something, but what I don't know...

dito to everything else thats been said, I brought my mountain bike over here and as yet just haven't had the guys to test out the road. Also, they don't tend to sell bikes for tall people, my boyfriend has been on the lookout for a large framed bike for nearly 2 years and still hasn't found one in any of the bike shops, but then, the average Bulgarian is well under 6 foot.

seven wrote:

Hi,

I've seen some people that look like they are training for something, but what I don't know...

They are probably doing a St John's Ambulance course in readiness for the forthcoming season!!!