Fake?

Some people say you can buy fake things in China... Here the proof, that there is no such thing - only original Gia(e)nt bikes...

Quality

The quality of my bike, respectively the lack therefore, keeps surprising me. In Europe I owned 3 bikes with an average life span of 7 years. Once a year I would have to fix a flat tyre but nothing else.
My Chinese bike is soon a year old and I had to replace most parts at least once already - this pedal is already number three...
Having to replace parts is one thing but even better is the reaction of the mechanic who does all the repairs and who also sold me the bike. There is no feeling of having sold poor quality. His explanations are excellent. "You have used it for more than a month so you should replace this or that". "I think you push too hard for the pedal (how could the pedal be poor quality, it has to be the rider)". "You should not use the break too often" ...

Beijing Zoo

It can be difficult to see the animals...

 

Customer service

Don't get me wrong, I really like China and Chinese people but one thing I still haven't understood is customer service, respectively the lack of it.
Morning 7 o'clock in a coffee at the airport, busy with people who want to get their caffeine before boarding a flight. There are 3 people "working in service" - a lot for such a small place. The challenge is just that all three of them gather at the bar and seem to have a good chat while having their backs towards the customers. It requires significant noise to get their attention and then they look completly suprised that you would like to get service...