traveling to southeast asia....

[txred9876]

How feasible is it to bring along my bike as one of my bags?

Anyone had any experience with this? Or should I just sell what I have and buy once I get there?

[Aquila]

It probably depends on specifics. Where are you going? Are roads mostly paved or ? What's the culture like for women on bikes? (Can you wear lycra comfortably? or would it be better to wear long slacks?)

What sort of bike do you ride now?

If I didn't know for sure, and depending on how long I planned to be there, I'd probably get a bike there once I had a sense of what sort of bike would make sense. (If you're moving permanently, then taking your own bike may make more sense, but you still might end up getting another.)

[deeaimond]

there are too many variables. where is your first stop. will you be able to easily buy a high quality bike and all the associated things? also bike repair might be rudimentary in certain places. there really are many factors. each country in the region varies widely. so its good to have an idea.

where are u starting out and how long is yr trip?

[Kiwi Stoker]

Bike shopping and repair is great in Singapore and Malaysia (cycling is really taking off there) and most big brands (Trek, Specialized, Giant, Pinarello etc) are available there.
Travelling with a bike, well in depends on how much luggage allowance you are prepared to give up for your bike.
If you are planning a long trip and need to take quite a bit of non-cycling stuff maybe it would be better to to sell and buy when you get there. However if you have the luggage allowace it is totally easy to travel with your bike. We have used a soft sided bike bag and cardboard boxes -these are OK but make sure you reinforce the corners and make sure there are hand holds as the handlers need soemthing to grip and the boxes do tend to get dragged alot. So Duct tape all the way!