An Honest Review Of BT's New ‘STH Bypass’ Trail - Mountain Biking Bukit Timah, Singapore

It’s NTD (New Trail Day) here in Singapore on 30 April, and so I saddled up on my long-travel trail bike to go check out the freshly-built section of mountain bike trail that bypasses the troubled ‘Stairway to Heaven’ section of the Bukit Timah MTB Trail loop.
What you will watch is a first-hand trail user’s experience… but first, some context. I work as an instructor and coach for mountain bikers, and I also work as a mountain bike guide - so my reactions you witness in this video are coloured by this particular perspective. I also took part as a volunteer/work group leader on one volunteers’ trail-building day during the build of this trail - working with others like myself, contract staff, and NParks personnel - to create the skills area you see in the lower pad, which you can see me riding at the 16:41 mark of this video.
Let us know in the comments section down below what do you think of this new section of trail? What works for you... and what doesn't. What skills and fitness aspects of your riding stand out... or come up short. We are all here to learn, receive/give feedback, and of course improve our riding as well as trail experience.
I would like to thank the National Parks Board of Singapore for their dedication in planning, conceptualising, and constructing this particular section of trail ahead of schedule on the original allotted timeline (18 months).
Disclaimer (dated 30 April 2024): This trail finally completes the BT loop (if we consider sticking to the trail and gravel sections fully rather than going on to Rifle Range Road - as I did in this video). Please exercise common sense, caution, and be aware of posted and/or online updates to trail directions and signages in the coming days & weeks as they become available.
- Thank you for watching! -
#mtbsingapore #mtblife #rawepics
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[@RawEpics]

Tell us what you think of this new bypass (and the skills park that form part of it). i’d love to hear from you 🙏🏼

[@alemahila]

Thank you for detailed video. It looks wonderful except crossing from Rifle Range Road. I’m so excited to go and explore soon.

[@pochmaui]

I don't like the route exit to road and back to trail. Dangerous for kids and newbie rider....like you saw the lorry passing by at high speed. I stick to the old route to new trail coz it's a lot safer and easier. Now the new trail looks kinda promising(thank you volunteers!!) but the drops...i agree with you not enough speed unless start from a berm(i know it's not a line) and i just wish they add 1 more drop but higher to help the rider gain the confidence and riding skills just like going to double drop.

[@HafizShariff101]

Thanks for great overview Wilson. Despite some flaws in design, it’s at least some consolation of effort and thought for our miserly Mtb scene here. I hope they’ll eventually extend further considerations to open (and legitimise) more of the chestnut areas where there are a lot more opportunities for development and expansion of our trail networks.

[@barrytan751]

Too much rocky ground especially cornering area it get worst and too risk of fall when it after rain .tried one of the Sunday with some friends all agreed as we encounter loose grip when it rain after mid ride thru the new trail when it hits the turn when there’s rocks

[@normohamedbinnawawi1830]

Thanks for the vid, prefer to stay off RRR & big log crossing, i will prefer to cut thru the 2nd option & the small drain crossing

[@FatzyRider]

Thanks for the quick tour bro! Will definitely check it out. 🤙🤙

[@ersonvelasco2531]

Nice addition to BT to replace the flooded parts of the trail. Btw how to be a volunteer? Actually im a weekday rider, i rarely ride on weekends or holidays.

[@charlieblower7079]

Thanks for the recce and review Wilson. I was curious as to where this is. Now I see. The entry point from RRR is weird, unless you go further up to where you did the original exit and head in from there down the hill, then up that single track by the guard rail. Nice to see some additional features built in. Thanks for sharing.

[@hansg4997]

Need hard pack berms. Gravel are slippery.

[@namkul]

Finally! A new video from RawEpics 🎉❤❤

[@matthewparrott7841]

Looks amazing

[@tungstenelement2825]

Additional features added in the bypass is obviously a huge plus to the entire BT trail as a whole. I welcome that. The left hook at somewhat the beginning of the trail, in my opinion, has to be used even though there are slight uncomfortable/muddy patches. Maybe we can use some volunteers' help to rid off those muddiness?

[@chrisstott9843]

That Rifle Range Rd section is a really bad (unsafe) route. Hopefully NPARKS and Pipeline authority will allow riders to cross the pipeline reserve so we don't need to enter the roadway. Your overall coverage of the new section is brilliant - informative and fun. Can't wait to get into it!

[@user-ck8se7zj2y]

You're our mtb legend bro🤘🏻

[@awfully.average]

I am so confused. Ok so last time after I exit chestnut via bangkit shelter , I go down the rock garden under the flyover , I climb up and turn left . Go towards Zheng hua park , I will keep going and go on this long ass climb , after the climb I will reach this place with the pipe lines and I enter BT from there. So now I have to go even further down ?

[@raziz16]

Thanks for the video Wilson. From the video, I might choose to go straight (original line) since it's more smooth & not muddy. Furthermore it is shorter than turning left. The left turn climbs into the gravel track that leads to Rifle Range Rd would be a lung buster due to the technical rock garden climb. I have no issue riding on the road but that would impose riders safety when turning right into the trail again. That's crossing across the road/opposite direction. I'm gonna ride the new trail section soon since it's already open.

[@RawEpics]

100% agreed, i think my next lap onwards will be done the same way as you 🙌🏼

[@lonrider87sg16]

Thanks you

[@charliekaryanto]

where can i rent MTB in Singapore as a foreigner?

[@jaykaymtb]

Not sure if regular riders will benefit from the mini drop & skills section. Perhaps Nparks should have consulted the boys at TQ

[@pushpopaddict]

SG level of drops same like the country.

[@charliekaryanto]

everything very safe

[@MrRazorteeth]

6:16 can we go on the gravel path on the right side?

[@RawEpics]

yes i believe that the route most riders will opt for, and which i will choose too the next time i ride

[@MrRazorteeth]

Thanks!

[@user-ck8se7zj2y]

I'll agree with your choice cos e crossing n e log features is dangerous to tracffic both users.

[@szewendieu9553]

Intrusive thoughts tell me I can do this on a anywheel bike 🤣

[@charliekaryanto]

we need gears mate

[@pushpopaddict]

That drop is so pathetic that bro here is trying diff crazy ways to make it feel like Singapore BT is worth it still HAHAHHAHA like can we all set another campaign to change that DROP ?? Anyone here ? Its shameful to the WORLD with our MTB trail seriously.

[@RawEpics]

i feel the run-up would be wholly inadequate for a learner to get air off these drops. roll-downs, however… 😆