From initial website inquiry, trip organizing emails, finalizing logistics and, most importantly, from the entire 3 day trip, start to finish --The Cranks team was totally (and fabulously) professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Damian made sure all 7 of us were happy and comfortable with the bike fitting the night before our 3 day 2 night adventure. He even went out of his way to purchase extra bike parts for one of our friends who needed special accommodations for his petite "285 pounds of love." He even re-tailored the seat post and seat a few times to make sure our friend was totally safe and comfortable. The food was totally better than I imagined. Delicious meals were even hand prepared and cooked for us by the Crank guides and some local village folks who hosted one of our evenings. Beverages, water and more were always provided as well. His staff/guides are unbelievably attentive, friendly and smart. We learned a lot about the culture and Thai people while traveling with Cranks. It wasn't just a bike ride by any means.

We always knew where we were going--and safety and equipment were always a priority. The rides were breathtaking and felt especially unique in untapped territory. We never came across other bikers. The varied terrain we came across was fun and challenging. I got the sense Damian is easily amenable to customizing any type of trip you need if you just ask and describe what you're looking for. He knows Thailand well and can navigate through anything. The logistics and details were incredibly well thought out during the entire trip. We loved returning the final day to the same place we started biking on day 2, but by bamboo raft with our bikes fixed atop the rafts. The Chiang Dao Nest accommodation was amazing. Great food, great staff, great "bungalow" nests where you felt like you were part of a fairy tale where you slept in an inverted wicker basket. Damian takes great strides and professionalism in making sure everyone is looked after and pleased with the meals, service, bike riding and more. We adapted a few distances on-the-fly by request, and it was never an issue, and it was always because the riders were preferring longer or shorter distances. I can't say enough about how professional Damian runs his Crank Adventure business. I totally 300% (10 stars out of 5) highly recommend going with Cranks if you want a cycling adventure in Thailand!

Okay, here was my deal: I'm Thai-American and needed to plan an excursion for my Thai, American, and European fun-loving friends during the past King's Birthday weekend. Let's go for a ride!
Damien and Crank made the whole day awesome! The equipment and staff were top-notch. They were accessible to all our needs, which included a much-needed break along an easier path for out-of-shape me. Lunch along the lake was a perfect ending to the day.
If you want a personalized, fun, and extreme adventure, this is where it's at!

A great trip worth the money, went to places we wouldnt have found most of the places oursevles but with our guide it was a really fun informative day out- great place where we stopped for lunch to sample the favourite chiang Mai dish of Khoa Soi.

We did a one day XC trip with Crank in the last week of Nov 2009. First thing to share is that, no matter what your guide book saiz, it's not easy to find a trekking/mountain biking company in Chiang Mai, that offers something more interesting than usual touristy stuff.
We were able to find only two companies that offered a taylored, small group trip on good bikes. One of them being Crank, which is being run by Damian, who is 100% professional and dealing with him is a real pleasure. We wanted to do several trips with them in course of five days, but they were already booked, so we managed to do only one on our last day there. Damian was so nice that he guided in finding another company to fill the gap.

What we liked:
Relexed but professional approach

All the extra help and support Damian gave us to find alternative company!!!

The rout that was prepared for us, which had everything in it, what you can expect from XC track.

Our guide Mr Win, which adapted his style to our level of skill

Getiing lost ;), this was fun!

Cool price of 3200 baht for two people, with food and water and bikes

What was ok for us:
bikes - no thrills, but got the job done (giants - boulders)

What we didn't like

Standard template email asking for feedback etc. For most companies this would be not a problem, but Crank offers such a nice, personal contact during trips and after, that this just don't fit with the company, we think. Nothing major.