A little rain couldn’t stop these bikers from trying out some of the goods on display at the 2018 Philippine Bike Demo Day

I really wish there had been something like a Bike Demo Day ten years ago when I was just getting back to biking after several years of hiatus. It would have spared me the confusion and agony of searching for bike models online, going to different bike shops and asking supposedly knowledgeable friends about what they think about this or that component.

Dozens of bikes, free to try at last week’s Philippine Bike Demo Day

Let’s face it: the modern cycling scene is a wild mess. There’s just too many options to choose from and too many so-called experts (myself included) weighing in on what a hapless newbie is supposed to get.

So you want to try biking and are looking to buy a bike. Simple, just go to a store and buy one, right?

But wait, do you want a road bike or a mountain bike? If you say: road bike, do you want a racing bike, an adventure bike, gravel bike or just a plain ole commuter for going around the village and maybe to school or work?

Specialized’s E-MTB is one of dozens of bikes, free to try at last week’s Philippine Bike Demo Day.

Or maybe you want a mountain bike so you can finally get a glimpse of the much-ballyhooed great outdoors, smell fresh air yonder in them boondocks amidst nature’s grand splendor?

But wait, do you want a cross country bike, a trail bike or an enduro bike? Or maybe a downhill bike like that contraption you saw on that bike magazine where the dudes look like space cadets riding motorcycles without engines?

But wait again, what wheel size? Twenty six, 650b or a ‘niner? One-by drivetrain? Carbon? Titanium? What’s that thing you heard about a She-man-hoe? Ez-ram… suhram? Who comes up with these unpronounceable brands anyway?

Man, I pity the guys who have to figure it all out for themselves–especially those who doom themselves to even greater confusion by asking for advice on Facebook groups. Everyone there has an opinion, and it’s not always good.

Which is why Bike Demo Day is such a great thing. So many shiny bikes and for a minimal fee, you can get to ride all of them on an actual trail. This allows you to get a feel of the bike before you make dive in with your wallet or credit card.

Kids get to try bikes too

Local brand Sandugo’s Brusko bikes are also here

I’ve advised noobs who want to buy their first bike that it’s best to visit an actual bike shop, have a look around, see the bikes up close and personal, and touch and feel the bikes themselves. Sure, it’s pretty damn convenient to shop online, but getting a virtual understanding of a bike is nothing compared to the visceral pleasure of seeing one in the flesh… or alloy, or carbon, or titanium… or you get the drift.

The only problem with brick and mortar bike shops is that they rarely let you test the bike you’re eyeing, for fear that you might run away with it or do something stupid that damages it.

On Bike Demo Day, you don’t have to worry about that. Test the bikes as much as you want, as many as you want. It’s like speed dating (so I’ve heard from millennials), you don’t need to commit until you’ve found the Right One.

Last weekend, I got to try a few bikes at the event. And I was really impressed with local brand Rurok’s Kanlaon.

I’m pretty sure a lot of those who attended this year’s event came away better informed on the bikes and gear they’ll be splurging their Christmas bonuses on. I’m sure they’ll be riding into the new year with wide grins, lots of shiny gear, and much thinner wallets, but such is the life of a biker.

Rurok’s hardtail all mountain bike dubbed the Kanlaon, after the highest mountain in the Visayas. Goddamn that yellow shade! It’s calling out to me.

The full suspension Rurok Cordillera named after the highest mountain range in Luzon. Maybe they should make a long haul bikepacking 29er with 130mm suspension and call it the Sierra Madre 😉

Sikad Panulat: The members of this bike squad collect books and school supplies and deliver them to needy communities by bike. Because not all heroes wear a cape, some wear dri-fit jerseys 🙂

Lots of cool stuff at the National Bike Demo Day

Bikepacking bags galore at the National Bike Demo Day

Cool freeride biking shoes from local brand Attack at the National Bike Demo Day. These shoes look cooler than your average pumped up MTB kicks

A clock made from upcycled cycling parts. Warms my hippie heart

The lodis of adventure cycling. Nuff said

Is this National Bike Demo Day or the Manila Beard Growers Convention?

I’d slam dance to this but my joins are still aching from the GNR concert two weeks ago. Such is the life of a Tito

Bikers are also known to be rockers. None of that “Baby, baby, baby ooh” schtick here

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