Because bicycles are the future
Art by Tricia Guevara | Photos sourced from Shopee and Lazada
Transportation has been a major challenge amid the nationwide lockdown, and probably even until the country transitions to the “new normal.” That’s why cycling organizers like Tour de Filipinas have been advocating bicycles as a primary mode of transportation. Bicycles have proven to be helpful for healthcare workers in Pasig, Naga, and Cebu City—the same cities that utilized bikes as an essential mode of transportation last April.
One benefit of using bikes is that it helps people maintain some distance from each other. That’s also the reason why the Department of Transportation is encouraging local government units (LGU) to put up bicycle lanes or bike-only roads for essential workers who need to travel to and from their workplace.
If using bikes will be the preferred mode of transportation during the general community quarantine, this could mean a high demand for bicycles. While the majority of bicycle stores are currently closed, there are still a couple of retail and local shops selling affordable bicycles online.
Bikes for sale on e-commerce sites
E-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Galleon are all currently selling bicycles from brands such as Trinx, Foxter, and Phantom. According to Iprice.ph, the 10 most affordable and available bikes on the e-commerce market today ranges from P3,209 to P68,499.
P3,209 to P7,800
Some bikes sold at this price range are the 2020 Trinx Edge mountain bikes (Trinx M136 Mountain Bike, Trinx M116 Elite #27.5 Mountain Bike, and Trinx 2020 Edge 26″ Alloy Aluminum Mountain Bike Mtb Bicycle Frame Frame Batalya), Phantom Intensity bikes, and the Foxter 302 2020 Model. These bikes are built for traveling within the city.
P8,000 to P20,000
Bikes in this price range include mountain bikes and road bike built with high tech gear—all of which can be used to travel longer distances—such as the Foxter Linus Roadbike 2020 model and the Giant Atx Mountain Bike 2018.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace sells brand-new, secondhand, and discounted mountain bikes; bikes from Japan as well as folding bikes. The prices are close to those of bikes sold in local retail shops.
Bikes from local retailers
King’s Bicycle Store
According to its Facebook page, King’s Bicycle Store is selling mountain bikes for as low as P4,500. The shop also offers BMX bikes, commuter bikes and folding bikes.
620-622 Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo | (02) 734-0052
Julie’s Bicycle Shop
Julie’s Bicycle Shop in Pasig City opened its shop on May 10 and is also accepting orders online. They sell road bikes, mountain bikes, and bikes for kids, too.
Room B, Sata Building, Luna Street, Pasay City | (02) 831-1941 | (0939) 6013359
Nery’s Online Bicycle Shop
Nery’s Online Bicycle Shop offers a selection of mountain bikes, road bikes, trikes, and scooters for all ages and sizes. The shop doesn’t disclose bike prices online but accommodates inquiries on Facebook.
Poblacion 3006, Baliuag, Bulacan | (0942) 2495020
Speedworx Bicycle Shop
Speedworx is an Imus-based bicycle shop that sells bikes of different types, accessories, replacement parts, and tools. It also offers fitting and custom bike building and upgrading for used bikes. Currently, the shop is doing most of its business online.
Buhay na Tubig, Imus, Cavite | (0928) 6954749
Decathlon
Decathlon, which reopened its online store, is selling road bikes ranging from P7,200 to P80,000. Its cheapest road bike is the Riverside 100 Hybrid Bike that is often used by beginners. The sports retail company also sells mountain bikes, folding bikes, and city bikes.