wow, ganda ng mga bikes nyo!!!

i was there this march and didnt see too many bikes if any :(

keep the pics coming!!!

hi all,

popularity of the mamachari -jitensha is on a gradual rise. Slowly people in manila are becoming aware of these bikes because of their utility and higher quality.

The obstacles are many but i think the mamachari already has a foot-hold in the philippines.

Suggest you meet up at the saturday night rides in manila and you will see for yourself the skill sancylcles and the malabon people have in restoring these bikes. I myself was impressed.

Cheers !

i will def visit this xmas...thanx for the heads up and please of possible PM me more details

Petit Maman (Mamachari)
 

A few hours ago, I removed the OGK Basket & Child Carrier from the Petit Maman Mamachari. The OGK Quick Release Basket together with the handle bar I transferred to the Bridgestone Picnica Wagon 3-Wheeler and the child carrier will wait installation of brackets on the 3-wheeler before mounting them. Pictures will be taken this morning for posting.

Bridgestone Slugger MTB
 

My Bridgestone Slugger MTB finally got new Wanda tires. After a long wait from my source the 700 x 38C Wanda came. I got this MTB with other commuter bicycles in 2006 but the tires are worn out so it was in storage for quite a time.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/...fd856934c1.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/...716fa4be0a.jpg

Schwinn Tires
 

Just got these Schwinn tires for my folder. Size 12 1/2

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/...6e004bf4ba.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/...13233a4904.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/...2671fc4ba1.jpg

Schwinn Tires
 

The Schwinn tires that I mentioned above were made by CST (Cheng Shin Tire) for the Schwinn brand. I have been using CST tires for some of my commuter bicycles and I find them comfortable.

Picnica Wagon (3-Wheeler) Update
 

I decided to transfer the OGK Basket & Child Carrier from the Petit Maman Mamachari to my Bridgestone Picnica Wagon and here's the result. Basket and Child Carrier are interchangeable in position due to OGK's Quick Release System.

Set A - Basket (Front) / Child Carrier (Rear)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/...d87c7c785d.jpg

Set B - Child Carrier (Front) / Basket (Rear)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/...b8cd96b17d.jpg

Quick Release Unit
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/...e3009d.jpg?v=0

^amazing, sooooo nnice!!!

Compartment
 

Next step on my 3-Wheeler is turning the elevated bracket for the carrier into a compartment to hold a motorcycle 12 Volt battery to supply power for the headlight, speaker/linear amps for the MP3, and electronic horn. The child and rider would probably enjoy the ride hearing music.

Da Vinci Update
 

Da Vinci with new stainless steel rims and tires.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/...2a608be59c.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/...e2fe0286d3.jpg

Tunique
 

I just had the rear rim of my Tunique change to stainless steel. It's size 20" and easy to get. The front rim is 18" and I'm still waiting for the stainless spokes for this size. I always make it a point to change alloy rims to stainless Steel rims and spokes. So far, 90% of my bikes have stainless steel rims and spokes. Another choice for me are white sided tires.

Reserves
 

Got a set of 16" & 18" inner tubes, 2 sets of alloy brake levers, and 2 pcs. of 16 x 1.50 white sided tires for reserves.

Tunique
 

Tunique after the change of rims and spokes to stainless steel. A nexus Dynamo Hub and sensored headlight were also installed.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/...0c5de85e0b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/...ee0fe7d777.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/...08c53c694a.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/...aa6e3ae94b.jpg

i really wish to get my hands on a mamachari so bad!! but i live in the us and shipping would be killer on me x.x i can't find any local dealers or at least one a couple states away.

Oversized Basket
 

My 1st oversized basket. Temporarily mounted on a mamachari bicycle.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/...d5ebd5b747.jpg

Chromed Frame Folding Bike
 

Got this folder in 2007 already chromed. 2010 changes : white sided tires, stainless spokes. Added LED flashing light, and umbrella holder.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/...bfe1e0d4f0.jpg

Umbrella Holder
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/...c01d0d85bb.jpg

Hi kekkiumai,

short of going to Japan, i recommend that you study what type of mamachari you want and decide and ask the people in this forum. they can help you and even probably ship to you in silicon valley at a reasonable cost-hopefully. they can use the reliable "balikbayan" box shipping companies like starcargo or LBC or forex. Now if you have friends in Philippines or Japan, then it gets even easier.

I keep 4 japan-surplus bikes and they are tough-as-nails and easy to pedal. the only thing that you may find odd is the tire valves used. Other than that, your local bike store in cupertino should be able to service the mamachari as the hard parts are mostly the same as bikes in the USA. The Japan bicycle standard for tire valves is the "roots" type valve, and not the "sharder" type valve. there is a small screw type adapter that attaches to the shrader and makes it fit to the roots. Or sometimes I use the presta valve adapter to inflate the roots valve and it works well -enough. Or, you can just change the tire inner tube itself to the one using the shrader and you will not need to use the adapter at all.

what i also like about the mamachari are the rear racks and front baskets; i use these to the supermart and office. They have straps and nets to secure the groceries- 40lbs. I once carried a rebuilt tractor radiator on my rear rack, no problem ! Another useful accessory is the internal hub generator with built-in-headlight. I recommend you get that one on your bike as i have not seen those in the states and it will make your bike stand out. You also want to get a mamachari with the JIS (japan industrial standard) seal. The JIS bikes are genuinely "made in japan" and these are the ones sought-after. Lots of info in this website attesting to the quality of JIS bikes so I do not have to delve; bridgestone usa, nishiki, schwinn-of-old, univega, etc.

i always thought having a mamachari would be cool in the bay area. I actually was thinking of bringing one myself when i do go there (san mateo, ca) usually every spring. But, the airlines are now charging me $150/ piece as i travel on staff tickets. And i just cant park the bike in my sister's place as she already has 2 bikes that are not used and taking valuable space in the garage. I see that they allow bikes on the bart/or SP/muni/samtrans; so that is nice and i still plan to bike in the city-by-the-bay, once more.

cheers !

Sept.10 Night Ride
 

Due to unpredictable weather condition, the group decided to make a run yesterday evening Sept. 10 Friday. After almost 2 months of absence due to rainy Saturdays, yesterday's accomodating weather made it possible. We had about 35 cyclists joining the ride at Star City and having snacks at Bambang, Manila. One flat tire was the only incident that we had.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/...5dc5732dab.jpg

Miyata 10Mile & Healthy Re-Creation Bike
 

My new commuter bicycle ready for transformation. On my spare parts stock are wheels with Dynamo Brake Hub, 3-Speed Nexus IGH, Stainless Steel Rims w/ Stainless Steel Spokes, and IRC White Sided Tires. Still sourcing for Stainless carrier and Stainless Fenders.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/...8ed045843b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/...9a09145b8a.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/...a8089dbc4e.jpg

That doesn't look like a very stable bike, with no down tube. But it's handsome!

Tom

Miyata RB Update
 

Miyata RB Update

Installed the following :
Suntour Shock Absorber, Nexus Dynamo Brake Hub, Nexus 3-Speed IGH, New Stainless Steel Rims/Spokes, IRC White Sided Tires, Stainless Rear Carrier, Stainless Front Carrier, Handle Bar, Hand Grips, Pedals, and Front Stainless Fender. Still sourcing for a rear stainless fender. Actually, I bought the bike just for the alloy frame. All other parts were changed.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/...d4d48f027a.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/...0cc918ed3d.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/...2966fc8f29.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/...b0b9082862.jpg

So far the bike runs smoothly since it was designed as a commuter bike. Perhaps the shocks I mounted would contribute more on it's stability. Miyata is a quality brand of bicycle, the single tube alloy frame they produce can be seen still running around. By the way, this is a surplus bike and I do enjoy restoring them with new parts for a new look and performance.

Bridgestone Utility Bike
 

Just got this Bridgestone Utility Bicycle last night from my brother. My 2nd utility bike. My restoration project for this month of October. The bicycle got stainless steel fenders, rims (for replacement), and chromed expandable carrier with matching dual (Side & Center Kick Stand) stand. Will be dismantling the bicycle by Monday for a new paint job. The carrier still have that shining chromed finish look. So far, I have in stock new white sided tires (22 x 1 3/4),, front stainless basket, anti-swing lock, Nexus Dynamo Hub, and Nexus 3-Speed IGH.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/...03ca5c5e97.jpg

My 1st Bridgestone Utility bicycle.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/...cca6f16bb3.jpg

Tiklop Society of the Philippines (TSP)
 

Tiklop riders in Malabon City.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/...686829e0bc.jpg

Hi mang boy,

i want to ask you about those self-inflating /valves tires on some of the surplus bikes. Do they work well and do they need parts/repairs often ? Are they trouble free ?

Thanks and best regards

I saw one once at my brother's place. The inflating hub is heavy and so far never seen one disassembled or repaired.

Fuzzy Eye Reflector
 

So far I've collected assorted types and models of bicycle reflectors, this time I came across a new one. It's a Fuzzy Eye reflector, just like a Cat Eye reflector.

Fuzzy Eye
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/...d02c30de7b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/...bd392c82bb.jpg

Shimano Anti-Swing Unit - Very useful for a commuter bicycle with installed front basket.
Prevents swinging of the front wheel when basket is loaded.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/...1c14ed4f_m.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/...6a27acd3_m.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/...17795c4d_m.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/...79a43e02_m.jpg

Bridgestone Travzone

As of today.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/...2bb21c4c44.jpg

Travzone folded
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5169/...ce349f8fab.jpg

I'm still sourcing for a Quick Release headpost to align handlebar when folded.