PhilBike Expo Concludes with a BANG!

As someone who just 2 months ago got into bike commuting, using my brother’s 2-year old mountain bike, commuting via public transportation just became a bore. I’ve since devoured anything and everything about cycling. From what the ideal bike commuter should be to even seeking what’s the best bike out there that money can buy. Scouring the internet for the spectrum of bikes is endless, with forums for beginners, enthusiasts and serious professional cyclists.

I found myself suddenly wanting a decent road bike since after 2 months of bike commuting daily for an hour, you’d want to be more efficient and theoretically cut down your commute time. I’ve visited quite a few stores now, from those in Cartimar to those in Pasong Tamo but still I couldn’t decide on one yet. Then I get a call from Gian, “Bro, there’s a Bike Expo, you might want to go”. Not knowing what to expect, I asked my 7-year old son and budding cyclist (as this Dad would hope) Nathan to accompany me.

My son and I arrived last Nov. 27 at the SMX. Immediately we were greeted by Low-riders.

Yes, these lowriders are pedal-powered.

Intricately chromed out, these lowriders are definitely the most pimped out bicycles I have ever seen.

And just to show everyone outside that there’s a yin to everyone else’s yang, fixies – or fixed-gear bicycles, make the appropriate minimalist contrast to the lowriders.

Look ma, no brakes. They say you’re more “connected” with your bike when you ride a fixie.

Low-riders and fixies outside? Can’t wait to see what they have in-store.

Upon checking in we were greeted by foldies – or foldable bikes. These bikes have increased in popularity as these are urban commuters first choice due to their portability.

Just behind it are Bambikes. Yup, bike with a bamboo frame.

Bamike fixie. Now THAT’s minimalist.

Nathan, who is a few practices away from learning how to balance on his own bike even tried the balance bike just for kicks. He’s a bit too big for it but he seems to be enjoying himself.

Nate tried on some awesome looking helmets too from Nutcase.

And just when it seemed I was beginning to think like maybe road bikes won’t be showcased much here I was greeted with this:

Rows and rows of high-end full-carbon roadbikes that’ll make any cyclist drool.

And for you triathletes out there, there’s this P820,000 Cervelo P5X. This black beauty has all compartments built-in in its aero-frame. It’s also one of the most portable aerobikes out there that, as the sales person there would say, nixes your need for a mechanic just to assemble it.

For indoor training, there this trainer by Elite which gamifies your long-distance work-out.

You won’t notice it in the pic but this guy is sweating bullets and is first in the virtual peloton.

This trainer changes the resistance when the track goes uphill or downhill.  You can also connect it online and compete with other cyclist.

After going around the venue, I resumed the search for my road bike. Luckily a classmate of mine, Mark, was there to help find me my bike. He trimmed down the choices based on my criteria: Good for commuting and good enough for a sprint triathlon. He showed me this ALL ROAD bike from Corratec.

Thick enough tires for commuting but with an aggressive stance.

There’s also the FELT FR40, which according to him could be the better choice since I like a sleeker bike. It’s got an aluminum frame and a carbon fork.

Yup, that’s P75,000. But according to my expert friend, it’s value-for money. You get a free retul bike fit and a P5,000 shopping spree.

I tested the ride and it sure rides smooth on the SMX carpet. Shall I pull the trigger on this one?

After test riding it, I was convinced that this bike is for me. Purchasing the bike though is another story (since my wife is part of the decision) Eek.

So I left empty-handed with no road bike to usher out of the Expo but knowing well that next year, there’s going to be something for everyone. I’ll be back next year, but this time with the whole family.

Yes, definitely will be back next year!

This guy, just got himself a fixie. Next time…next time…

Allan Abaca

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Allan Abaca is an avid gamer through and through. Virtually, he is locked-in with his PS4 almost daily and has just introduced the awesomeness of gaming to his two sons.

Next in his sights is PC gaming. The platform which he nows considering going back to after a two decade hiatus.

Oh, and let's not forget the Nintendo Switch...

His psn id is hip2b2