As a triathlon coach, passionate road cyclist, and armchair Tour de France critic, I subscribe to the oft-quoted formula by the Velominati, the keepers of the flame: the total number of bicycles you must own is computed as “N+1”.
The first bike I purchased with my own hard-earned money was a “Kona” full-suspension mountain bike… for just P3,700! I should have taken the store manager’s word of caution not to really take it to the trail, because when I took it home and only researched the brand did I come to suspect I’d bought a cheap knockoff. Still, I enjoyed that bike, notwithstanding the frequent trips to the shop for repairs or the fact that those snobbish folks in spandex and Colnagos didn’t seem to want to talk to me.
A year and some twenty thousand pesos later I had changed so many parts that nothing much was left of the original bike except for the frame. Around that time – 2002 – I signed up for my first duathlon. A year and a new (pre-owned) road bike later, I finished my first triathlon.
Now it’s 2020, COVID-19 is changing you lifestyle like never before, and you want to exercise while getting some sunshine.
It’s my mission to get you on the bike that’s appropriate to your needs and budget RIGHT NOW, because I feel that every minute spent not riding is like a slow death. Really.
There are many studies that have pointed out the restorative powers of a simple bicycle ride, not to mention your little contribution to reducing traffic and greenhouse gas emissions by eschewing motorized transport for the power of your own two legs.
There are many kinds of bikes as there are automobiles, with sub-categories that would bewilder the fellow who grew up with BMX and then totally forgot about the whole thing.
Here are the 5 main types of bicycles you can choose from.
ROAD RACE/ENDURANCE
If you want an affordable road bike with top-flight engineering, reliable parts, and enough upgradability to keep your journey fun, consider the Trek Domane AL2 for less than P40k. It has endurance geometry for long rides, pairing an aluminum frame with a carbon fiber fork. The drivetrain is 8-speed Shimano Claris with Formula One-like paddle shifters (AWESOME!!!!), while the stock wheelset is light and durable. You can simply upgrade the parts as your skills and budget expand through the years.
Trek Domane AL2
TRIATHLON
You keep reading those inspirational Ironman stories and want to do that, too. You want a bike that’s one of the fastest you can get without breaking the bank, so I give you the Alpha6 Sabre TT. Maximus’ own, house-brand Time Trial frame features carbon fiber construction, a stiff and solid chassis for maximum power transfer, and aggressive geometry to help you slice through the wind. Priced to undercut big brand frames (the rim brake version is P112,000, the disc version is P120,000) by at least P60k, the Sabre is a fast, no excuses machine that’s proven itself multiple times under some of the most competitive Age Group triathletes in the local racing scene. Visit www.alpha6cycles.com for more details.
NO EXCUSES
You want a bike that’s a reward for all your years of toil, one that’s “for keeps”, and can be a happy substitute for that “big bike” that your spouse won’t let you buy anyway. We recommend the Trek Madone. This super aero road race bike features Kammtail airfoil tubesets, an innovative IsoSpeed decoupler to dampen road vibrations, and a slew of eye-popping custom paint options when you opt for the “Project One” upgrade.
Available as a built bike in “SL” configuration with either Shimano Ultegra mechanical or Di2, or full throttle “SL” build with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM eTap, the Madone is one of the fastest and most comfortable race bikes you can have.
Trek Madone SLR7
THE COMMUTER
If your home is less than an hour away from the workplace, then bike commuting is a serious option. A commuter bike could be any entry to mid-level mountain bike or road bike, but we think gravel bikes like the Traction Roloo and GRIT would make for great commuters. Featuring sturdy aluminum frames and forks, reliable Shimano drivetrains, and wide 32mm road tires, Traction bikes will go faster on the road than any knobby-shod mountain bike and set you apart from the me-too crowd, too. Whether it’s for an hour-long commute or a long bikepacking tour, the Roloo and GRIT are an excellent value.
Traction Roloo
Traction GRRIT
LIFE’S AN ADVENTURE
If riding trails, zipping under forest canopies, and splashing across streams are your thing, then a mountain bike is what you’ll need. First timers can’t go wrong with the Marlin, an aluminum hardtail with proven Shimano and Bontrager components that’s light and fun without breaking the bank. More advanced riders should check out the Supercaliber, Trek’s XC hardtail racer with a not-quite-rear-suspension tech to take the sting out of bumpy trails. Or go full-suspension with the Top Fuel, one of the mountain biking world’s most revered machines with its excellent geometry and plush suspension.
Trek Supercaliber
Trek Marlin 6
Trek Top Fuel