The right bike is one that fits you, suits the roads you will ride and makes you want to go out again. It does not need to be new or expensive.
Here are eight kinds you are likely to see in the Philippines. The descriptions are general cycling knowledge. The prices come from two published sources, and we explain their limits further down.
The eight types
Road bike
A road bike has a light frame, drop handlebars and narrow tires. It is built for speed on pavement. It suits riders who want to cover distance on good roads and are comfortable leaning forward. If your back or neck is stiff, try one before you buy.
Mountain bike
A mountain bike has flat handlebars, wide knobby tires and a suspension fork. It is the most common enthusiast bike in the country. The upright position and low gears make it a forgiving choice for rough roads, and for riders coming back to cycling.
Gravel bike
A gravel bike looks like a road bike but takes wider tires for rough roads. It suits mixed surfaces, such as the Mount Arayat loop, and riders who want one bike for both paved roads and farm tracks.
Folding bike
A folding bike has small wheels and a hinged frame. It is the only kind allowed on LRT and MRT trains, as our guide to bikes on public transport explains. It suits city riders, people with little storage space and anyone who will combine cycling with a train or a car.
BMX
A BMX is a small, strong, single-speed bike made for tricks and short races. It suits younger riders and those drawn to that sport. It is not comfortable for long rides.
City bike, including Japan surplus
Japan surplus bikes are second-hand bicycles imported from Japan. Many are upright city bikes, known as mamachari, with a basket and fenders. They suit short errands, flat towns and riders who like to sit upright at an easy pace.
Fixed gear
A fixed gear bike, or fixie, has one gear and no freewheel. The pedals turn whenever the wheel turns, so you cannot coast. It suits experienced riders who like simplicity. We do not suggest it for beginners, for returning riders or for hilly roads.
E-bike
An e-bike is a bicycle with an electric motor. It can help on hills and into the wind, and it can keep a rider going whose knees or stamina need some support. E-bikes are regulated by the Land Transportation Office, unlike ordinary bicycles. Read bike lanes, helmets and the law before you buy one.
Prices at a glance
| Type | Published price notes |
|---|---|
| Road bike | Surplus: P5,000 to P20,000 (Surplusfindr). |
| Mountain bike | Entry level from about P5,000 (Rappler, 2020). Surplus: P4,000 to P15,000 (Surplusfindr). |
| Folding bike | From about P2,000 second-hand (Rappler, 2020). Surplus: P3,500 to P9,000 (Surplusfindr). |
| Japan surplus bikes | P3,000 to P10,000 (Rappler, 2020). Mamachari: P2,500 to P6,000 (Surplusfindr). |
About these prices
Treat the figures as a rough guide. The Rappler figures date from 2020, during the bike boom of the pandemic. Surplusfindr is a listings site. We read its ranges in 2026, and we do not know how they were worked out.
Prices vary by shop, by brand and by condition. Visit two or three shops before you decide.
Before you buy
The points below are general advice.
- Fit comes first. You should be able to stand over the frame with both feet flat, and reach the handlebars without stretching.
- Ride it before you pay, even for five minutes. Try the brakes and every gear.
- On a second-hand bike, check that the wheels spin true, the brakes bite and the frame has no cracks or dents.
- Ask the shop to adjust the saddle height and the brakes for you.
- Keep part of your budget for a helmet, front and rear lights, a bottle cage and a lock.
- If you are coming back after many years, choose comfort and low gears over speed. You can change bikes later.
When you have a bike, your first group ride explains what to bring and what to expect.