My brand-spankin’ new El Cheapo fixie

(Date of entry: July 15, 2009)

I finally bought a bike. It’s a fixie, which is short for “fixed gear” (or single-speed). I had so much fun riding it this afternoon that I couldn’t believe I spent so little to get it.

Here’s what I did: I first bought a Taiwan-made bike worth P1,900 from Sumo Bikes in Cartimar. It had a Chromoly Steel frame and cheap-looking parts. I mean, as is, the whole package just reeked of cheapness. The only thing lacking was a kadena and a padlock tied around the top tube (no, not a bike chain, but a real kadena with an Egret  padlock). After the owner and I agreed on the P1,900 price tag, I told their bike mechanic, who had just come back from their storeroom with a new stock of the bike (still unassembled), to wait for me while I bought some parts.

I went to Paulina’s Bike Shop, and bought the following:

- Headparts (or “Headset,” as per Mckoi): P100
- Headpost adaptor (from standard to oversized): P200
- Handlebar post: P280
- Romax Tracer Chainring: P350
- Tektro Brake Levers: P150
- Handlebar Grips: P100
- Shimano IG-31 Chain: P200

All in all, the parts cost me about P1,180. The owner then looked at the total amount and gave me a discount which it got down to P1,140. Wow. A 40-peso discount. Gee, thanks. Then again, it’s better than nothing.

After my components-shopping spree, I went back to Sumo bikes to have the parts I bought installed. First to go were the front and rear derailleurs, followed by the heavy chainring, the headpost and handlebar post. The only original parts left on the bike were the frame, rigid fork, alloy wheels, riser bars and crappy V-brakes.

After all of the upgrade parts were installed, the poor-quality original parts were placed in a big plastic bag. This is just a guesstimate, but the whole bag weighed between 3-4 kilograms.

Parts which were either removed or replaced: (1) bar-ends, (2) kickstand, (3) handlebar post, (4) grips, (5) "click-click" shifters, (6) front and rear derailleurs, (7) heavy chainring, (8) "plasticky" brake levers.

The bike was still a bit heavy, mostly due to the Chromoly steel frame, but significantly lighter as compared to its stock configuration. The chain was placed on the second to the smallest cog to ensure a straight chainline (which would greatly increase efficiency and reduce stress/wear on the chain caused by flexing). I don’t exactly know the gear ratio since I didn’t bother counting the gear teeth. Think of it as having your chain on the middle chainring and the second-to-the-smallest cog.  It was an excellent compromise between torque and top speed.

As for the ride, it was very leisurely and, in my opinion, was geared just right for use on roads and pavement. Pedalling response was also snappy due to the absence of chain flex and derailleurs. It was also more enjoyable and relaxing because the part of my brain which was usually devoted to fussing about whether I have the correct gearing or not was now free to do other things like taking in the sights.

All in all, a very good investment. The best P3,600 I ever spent (cheaper than the A-bike!). After my 1-hour jaunt around Makati this afternoon, I realized biking is still one of the most fun things you can do with your pants on.

My cheap-ass, China-made fixie, aptly named "Chi-Chi," with upgrade parts installed.

Future upgrade plans: new paint job and better V-brake sets.

Fixie Bike

(Date of Entry: July 14. 2009)

 I test drove several BMX bikes at the bike shops in Cartimar today. None of them appealed to my taste. Having been accustomed to MTB’s, I found them to be awkward and twitchy. They didn’t compliment me in the “image” department either. I looked like a punk. Like a juvenile delinquent.

So now, the BMX bike is out of the equation. Instead, I’ve opted to build a “fixie” or a single-speed MTB. It will have a Chromoly MTB frame, a rigid fork, on-road tires, a single chainring and semi-high rise BMX bars (for comfort). The frame, wheels, fork and brakes will be taken from a cheap Taiwan-made bike worth P1,800. The other parts will be bought separately. I did some window-shopping and got the price of the components well below P1,500. All in all, my new fixie bike will be worth P3,300.

The reasons behind this sudden change of heart are the following: a fixie is easier to maintain (since it’s pretty basic) and it’ll be light. No need to tune the derailleurs and other technical stuff. Plus, there’ll be less weight due to the absence of non-essential parts like extra chainrings and derailleur — which perfectly fits my purpose of getting some serious workout. And it’ll be easier to ride because of my previous familiarity with an MTB frame.

After I get the set-up right, I’ll disassemble it as soon as I have the time and strip off the paint to put  a new paint scheme on the frame, which is pretty much the same thing I did to my previous MTB (which turned out okay). In the meantime, I’ll have some fun assembling it and riding it first.

I’ll just get a BMX

(Date of Entry: July 13, 2009)

I’ve decided to buy a BMX bike. Since I’ll just be using it for exercise and running errands, I figured a single-speed will do. I’ve also decided to increase my set budget to P4,000. A bike within this price range will be good “as is” since it will come with top quality parts pre-installed. No more upgrades and other hassles to think about.

So why set a higher budget? I realized that If I’m going to be seen riding a bike, I might as well be seen doing it on an expensive-looking one. This will do wonders for my self-esteem which is currently at an all-time low.  Of course, the main goal here is for me to stay fit in a fun way. Also, a bike with quality components will ensure a smoother ride than one with generic parts.

Originally, I planned on buying a generic  junior-sized mountain bike. It had 20-inch wheels (same as a BMX) and was shorter than an adult-sized MTB (which has 26-inch and a longer body). This size would fit perfectly in the terrace of my condo unit. The other plan was to replace the seatpost with a longer one then put a BMX-style handlebar for an easier and more relaxing ride. All these modifications would turn it into a 24-speed BMX. But I decided against it. Why?

First of all, the bike costs P2,300. If I were to purchase all those needed components and replace the undesirable generic parts, that would bump it up to P3,000. Second, since it’s a junior-sized MTB converted into a BMX, it might feel awkward AND look funny. On that note, thanks, but I’ve had enough of that on the A-bike.

I first thought of buying a cheapo bike and then slowly upgrade it. I guess it was my “poor-boy mentality” kicking in. But hey, can you blame me if I really am poor?

Goodbye, Chevy Bike

(Date of Entry: July 11, 2009)

I was supposed to buy a folding Chevrolet bike from some guy in Malabon. We spoke on the phone about it after I saw his online advertisement and had set a date for me to visit and take a look at it. Alas, when Saturday came (July 11), while I was preparing my morning coffee, I received a text message from the seller:           

 “Good morning, sir. My cousin already bought the bike. Thanks”

Rats! There goes my P4,000 folding Chevy bike. Oh well, I guess it was never meant to be. It’s not all that bad, though, since my friend (who is from Malabon) told me that the area was flooded during the weekend. It would have been an ordeal.

So as to appease my quest for a folding bike, I went to Cartimar later that day to look for a folding bike which would fit into my P3,500 budget. The folders within my price range looked cheap and were poorly made. They were also single-speed. There was one Chinese-made folder which had gears and was well-made, but the price tag was P20,000! Icould get a Dahon for less than that. But like I said, I had a P3,500 budget.

As I was window shopping, I saw this mini-mountain bike for kids between ages 12-15. I took it for a spin but it felt kind of awkward with the short crank arm length and low handlebars. Maybe if I swapped the seatpost for a longer one, swap the flat handlebars with BMX handlebars and change the front axle assembly with a BMX’s,  it could work as a 6-speed BMX…

Chevy Bike!

(Date of Entry: July 7, 2009)

As I had mentioned in my previous post, I will be selling my A-bike to get a second-hand Chevrolet folding bike sold by someone online (and for cheap!). I’ve already done some prior research on the bike and talked to the seller last Sunday. I’ll probably get it this coming Saturday.

At left is the bike I plan to get. At right is the 2009 model of the Chevy bike I found online. Notice the slight difference in the frame.

Although it weighs in at 16kg (just a guesstimate) as opposed to the A-bike’s 5.6kg, it’s 20-inch diameter wheels and six-speed rear Shimano derailleur will more than make up for its weight. What all these imply is that this bike is meant to be ridden the moment you step out of the house, not to be carried around only to be unfolded once you see a smooth patch of road or a sidewalk. No more living under the constant threat of small potholes and gutters (20-inch wheels!). No more sweating my ass off because of the limited single speed (6-speed with gripshifter). Nothing to get in my way except pure biking fun and freedom!

So why not swap the A-bike for a Strida? Frankly, even from the beginning, I’ve always thought that the Strida and the A-bike looked more dorky than “revolutionary!” due to the shape of the frame (which is why they’re often referred to as “Clown Bikes”). The only reason I bought the A-bike was because it looked like a cool contraption and was cheap. The Strida, even the fake ones, is expensive and impractical because you could buy a second-hand registered 50cc scooter for the price that their selling it (I’m frugal, nay, stingy). The single-speed is also a deal-breaker. At least the Chevy bike looks more conventional. Plus, it’s patterned after a 20” Dahon or a 20” Brompton.

Chevy bike (2009 model) folded up.

This thing will serve as my steed in going to the malls near my condo (Cash & Carry, Makati Cinema Square, Waltermart, and maybe even Greenbelt). Since this bike’s on the heavy side and is still bulky when folded, I’ll just leave it chained outside of the mall or whatever. Carrying a bike inside the mall (even the diminutive A-bike) is such a hassle. I also plan on attaching a blinking light on the rear and ride it in the wee hours of the morning to get some exercise and at the same time explore the ins and outs of Makati.

So you might be thinking, “hey, this could be a great commute-bike to work.” Bah! Forget the notion of riding a bike to work. That is not just applicable here in the Philippines. If “pogi points” are what you’re after, buy some nice clothes instead and take the bus to work. Or buy a car. Bikes, in this part of the world (or at least in my world) are meant for strolls and are to be ridden wearing casual shorts and sneakers.

So this Saturday, it’s off to Malabon I go. I’ll visit a place I’ve never been to before, try the renowned Pancit Malabon and (hopefully) get the bike. It’ll be a great adventure.

Darned A-bike!

(Date of Entry: July 6, 2009)

After less than three occasions of using the A-bike, I’ve decided to trade it in for a Chevrolet bike from an online seller. Why? Because it’s a pain– literally and figuratively speaking.

Literally because the saddle, due to its function-over-form design, hurts like hell on the buns. The feeling after riding it for 5-10 minutes is akin to doing an Indian-sit on a hard surface for more than an hour. I did experiment with changing the saddle to a more conventional and more comfortable one, though. However, it messed with the bike’s ergonomics when putting it back into its folded state. And since the bike was meant to be carried around whenever you enter a building or ride on the bus, a saddle jutting out over the side of the folded bike made it less streamlined and prone to hitting other objects (and people). Which brings me to another bodily-pain-inducing point: carrying the bike.

For one to have a comfortable ride, the wheels have to be inflated to 90psi. If the tires are under-inflated, the ride will not only be sluggish and wobbly, but it will also make the tires more susceptible to punctures. So at this point you may be thinking, “that’s easy, use a hand or foot pump with an attached pressure gauge to inflate it to the correct psi.” Wrong. The valve (where you attach the hose to) is positioned at a very odd angle and is almost obscured by the plastic housing where the wheel is attached. Using a conventional hand or foot pump just won’t cut it. Even if you were able to successfully “clip on” the other end of the hose to the valve, you’d have a difficult and an even more frustrating time removing it. Thanks to the plastic obstructing the tires, you won’t be able to immediately pull the clip out after you’re done pumping (a la “coitus interruptus”). The result, air will start gushing out before you could pull out the clip and you end up with a tire that has less air in it than when you started. To remedy this, a special pump with an adapter made solely for the A-bike is required. But since we’re in the Philippines, your chances of finding one are next to impossible. Even if you did manage to find one, it’d be expensive and impractical. And ordering online is out of the question.

I did find a solution, though, and that was to use the pump at the gas station. The pumps at the gas station are very easy to use since you could calibrate them and, since they release a steady stream of air, you just need to press it onto the valve. No need to clip/unclip it. The problem was that the nearest gas station was two blocks away. Yes, it was within walking distance, but it’s a different story altogether if you walk two blocks while lugging around a 5kg bike—you end up with sore shoulders. Of course, I could just spend P7.00 to ride a jeep to get to the gas station, but that would defeat the purpose of having a bike. Bear in mind that after riding the bike and storing it for some time, the air pressure in the tires drops. That means you’d have to make sure that there is always 90 psi in them before riding the bike.

Now, let’s move onto the “figurative” side of the A-bike being a pain. The rear inner tube, which got punctured due to incorrect pressure, is now beyond repair after having it vulcanized twice. It has to be replaced with a new one. The problem is, A-bike parts are not readily available here. So, I’ll have to go back to the store and have them order the inner tube for me. How long that might take, I don’t know. I haven’t even gone to the store yet to place the order. As I write this, my A-bike is gathering dust in my living room.

As for the ride, granting that the tire pressure is correct, it’s still a bit wobbly due to the short handlebars. Riding it on the main streets (even along Ayala Avenue at night, when there’s less traffic) becomes a death-defying act. One false move or a sudden twitch will cause you to swerve. Sure, you can ride on the sidewalk, but stopping every now and then whenever you see a pothole the size of a 5-peso coin or a 1-inch drop-off will make you wish you had walked or taken the taxi instead. A rocky ride over uneven surfaces also gives you the uneasy feeling that something will suddenly crack on the frame.

The single-speed gearbox is also very limiting. It’s high torque does get you off to a fast start, but you’d have to keep pedaling to retain a slow top speed. Constant pedaling, of course, translates into sweat. And doing it at a slow pace under the sun translates into even more sweat. Who would want to go inside a mall, office, bus, or whatever, with sweat stains on their shirt and sweat beads on their forehead?

If you’re considering using the A-bike for multi-modal commuting in the Philippine setting, with the tropical weather, the unevenly paved roads and crazy drivers, forget it. The A-bike would only be of good use in a warehouse or for riding in a park where floor surfaces are even. That is, if you could tolerate the sneers you’d be getting for looking like this:

It's some dude's photo from the web. Not me.

My Awesome A-bike

(Date of Entry: June 8, 2009)

Thinking that I’d already outgrown mountain biking (I did it almost everyday for 3 years back in ‘01), I said to myself that I would probably never buy another bike again. That was until my older brother, Bambi, who recently got into the sport, took me with him to Cartimar– where one can purchase pets, imitation shoes and, of course, bicycles for cheap.

We went into the store called Paulina’s and looked at the different mountain bikes they had on display. Bambi pointed out some nice bikes to me, to which my reaction was an unenthused grunt. There was, however, one bike that caught my attention. It was called the A-bike. It was kinda funny-looking but from a technological standpoint, it fascinated me. It had six-inch wheels, cranks and pedals, and a gearbox that was concealed in a plastic housing (so your pants won’t get caught in the chain or get grease on them) and, since it was built using ABS plastic and aluminum, came in at a very light 6kgs. The best part was that it cost only P3,800. But since the bike was tied down, I didn’t bother to try it. I wasn’t going to buy it yet anyway, and, as with all my other “toys,” I needed to do some research on it first.

When Bambi and I got back to the condo, I immediately Googled the A-bike. It turns out that there’s a forum dedicated to the A-bike made by A-bike enthusiasts from the UK and Japan. That, of course, made it more enticing for me. I am such a sucker when it comes to gadgets that have a huge following. Now, in the forums were some tips, reviews, videos and other technical stuff. I found out through the forums that you could also fold it down to the size of a large pillow. I also read that there were counterfeit A-bikes which were of “questionable” build quality circulating everywhere. And judging by the price of the A-bike we saw in Cartimar, it was definitely a fake.

After finishing my research, which, done in short bursts, took all six hours (by “bursts,” I mean: researching-getting disconnected-reconnecting-researching- getting disconnected-reconnecting… thanks to the weak wi-fi signal I’ve been leeching on), I finally decided to buy the damn thing.

The next morning, my girlfriend and I went to Cartimar. I went straight to Paulina’s, haggled for a lower price and got the A-bike for P3,600. The bike technician, who thought I was ignorant and stupid and was merely buying on impulse, immediately grabbed the bike from my hands and with an I-know-how-to-do-this look on his face showed me how to fold the A-bike (the wrong way, apparently). It was like watching someone trying to figure out the Rubik’s Cube: rotating this, pulling that, pushing it back in, rotating this part again… “Moron,” I thought, while looking at him and the beads of sweat starting to come out of his forehead and nose. He eventually figured it out and handed the bike back to me. Without uttering a single word, I folded and unfolded the bike in less than 20 seconds – thanks to the online videos. He looked at me, smiled and said, “marunong ka pala e.” I looked at him, smiled, and thought, “moron,” then left.

Later in the evening, I went to Cash & Carry Mall (which was three blocks away from my condo) on my A-bike. As I was pedaling along the back roads of Mayapis, a tricycle driver pulled alongside me and looked at my bike (perhaps in disbelief) while the passenger sitting behind him asked me, “magkano yang ganyan?” I told him with an American accent, “why should I tell you? You wouldn’t be able to afford it anyway.” Just kidding. I told him, “padala ng kapatid ko, ser.” He asked again, “saan galing?” I gave him a deadpan look and said, “Singapore.”

When I got to Cash & Carry, I stopped right in front of the security guard standing near entrance and folded the bike down to its super-compact size. When I looked up, the security guard (who had been silently approaching), was already standing 2 feet away from me, staring at me with his mouth and eyes wide open in amazement. It was like he had just seen a really cool magic trick. I looked him in the eyes, gave him a nod and said, “ayos ba?” He smiled back, wanting to say something but in his astonishment, couldn’t say a word. I walked past him feeling good about my purchase, but not so good about the big dark patches of sweat on my shirt.

On the way back, my journey was composed of walking and biking. You see, the problem with the A-bike is the size of tires. They’re 6 inches in diameter. If you’re going to ride over potholes deeper than an inch, you’ll run the risk of tipping over or damaging the frame. Plus, if you’re still trying to get the hang of it, the ride will be a bit wobbly. Now, there is a smooth stretch of road from Cash & Carry to my condo which I could ride out on the A-bike but it’s the South Super Highway. My choices were narrowed down to: 1. walk or 2. die riding the A-bike.

Back at the condo, I fidgeted around with the A-bike. Suddenly, it wouldn’t unfold anymore. Something was stuck. I thought, “what the hell, I was going to go back to Cartimar anyway to buy some stuff for the bike. Might as well let them fix this.”

So today, in the morning, I went to Cartimar, bought a new seat post and saddle (because the oddly-shaped saddle on the A-bike gave my buns hell) and had the bike fixed. It’s less compact due to the seat but a lot more comfy to ride. As for the malfunction, turns out the brake cable got caught in something. After completing my tasks, I rode the bike and upon reaching Buendia, folded the bike (while someone in the background blurted out “ganda ng bike niya. Natitiklop.”) and took a bus.

Less streamlined but with a more comfy saddle.

In the afternoon, I rode it all the way to Makati Cinema Square, got my first-ever facial treatment with seaweed mask at “Let’s Face It” (courtesy of my girlfriend), rode back to the condo, and got a haircut.

I figured if I’m to be seen riding the A-bike, I might as well look good doing it.

A seemingly futile stab at regaining youthful looks.