Tires
 

I really don't know if the tires are available in 700C. White side tires in sizes 24 & 27 are hard to find here. You get the chance to have them from old stocks of commercial bicycle shops. Sometimes importers of surplus bicycles have the chance to buy old stocks in Japan. So far local tire manufacturers here produces size 14, 20, 26, & 27 but the quality is not so good. It's better to buy from surplus bicycles to get the parts you need.

That is very impressive. Lots of beautiful bikes. You should be congratulated. :thumb:

Nice bikes. Although, the last time I was there a couple of years ago, I couldn't really believe people ride their bikes anywhere near metro Manila. The smog was TERRIBLE. I did see some cyclist going up to Tagaytay though.
I'd love to get my hands on those bikes the kids ride...the bmx's with the sidecars.

Malabon City Bicycle Show
 

Bicycle Show at Malabon City held Noc. 23 & 24, 2008.
For other photos check flickr.com - Tag "mcbikeshow"

Foot Bike
 

My first custom made foot bike. Front tire is 26 & rear is 16. Stainless steel rims and fenders.

air quality and etc
 

Manila air quality has noticeably improved the past years as smog inspection is more effective with stricter enforcement of vehicle emissions tests. Better but not to 1st world standards. Hoping for better air in the future.

Thanks sancycles. I am a fan. I would like to visit your shop or display. I myself am starting my own collection; but i do not have anything close to the condition of your bikes.

Now have a 27" bridgestone (b/s) 4spd city bike , and 27" b/s alloy touring bike 6spd, hub-generator.

I bought the wife a 26" pink "speed lady" 3spd. And 8yr son a- 6 spd, 24" b/s mountain bike.

Looking for a panasonic or yamaha electric bike. Appreciate help or recommendations.

Best regards:):)

Manila girl in the house, and I love that you're part of making bikes more accessible and popular in the RP! If I come home during the summer I'll definitely give your shop a visit. I love the folders too--I own two and can't get enough of them! Post some of the folder pics in the folding bikes forum, I'm sure everyone there will appreciate how you've restored these bikes. :thumb:

As a matter of interest, can you give us some insight into whom is suppling these bikes to the Philippines and where they get them from? You describe them as surplus bikes from Japan, does that mean they are confiscated illegally parked bikes from the Japanese city streets?

surplus
 

i have one bike (a pink colored - Speed Lady w/ 3spd Nexus) with impound tags and no sign of a lock. It was bought unusable, with the rear wheel warped and torn tire. I bought it for $56 and spent $6 to true the wheel and change to a new tire. runs great.

my 2 bridgestones, both 27" came with a lock and key. It seems they were traded in to some recycler who probably sold it to the exporter. I was told that in Japan, one has to pay a recycler in order to get rid of durables like cars, bikes, pots & pans, etc.

There are Japan businessmen and Filipino retailers who sell this stuff here. How they divide the proceeds i do not know - yet.

Filipinos buy and appreciate Japan-used city buses, used automotive parts and - even clothes from Japan and the first world. If you look hard enough, there are some bargains and value.

for myself, the quality of Japan made goods is the attraction.

cheers.

Thanks for the info. I did some asking around today and got the same answer about impounded bikes. I was under the impression that they were donated to African Nations but found out today it wasn't so true. You are right. We can't take bikes to the dump here. We do have to pay to have them (and cars etc. as you mentioned) taken away. If you are lucky, a bike shop will take them off your hands if you purchase a new one from them. They obviously move them on to the Philippines etc. :thumb:

Sancycles
 

You may get in touch with me via CP 09206373963
I can make some referrals for your needs.

Maruishi Frackers
 

Maruishi Frackers (Mamachari)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/...6bfd0b52_m.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/...1475343d_m.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/...e90a4f2b_m.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/...9eb83922_m.jpg
Baby/Child Carriers are of OGK brand.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/...3e89b5a7_m.jpg
Maruishi Frackers with Chromed Basket installed instead of a baby carrier.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/...7afe658d_m.jpg

Bridgestone (Mamachari)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2096/...c8a2cd89_m.jpg

Sanyo Enacle Gene (Electric Bicycle)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/...ec502e05_m.jpg

National Bicycle with plastic OGK rims. Good during rainy days.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/...30326a23_m.jpg

Electric Bicycle
 

Sanyo Enacle (Electric Bicycle) - Size 26, 3-Speed, Stainless Steel Rims/Carrier.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/...46e0565f_m.jpg

Sanyo PAS (Electric Bicycle) - Size 20, 3-Speed, Stainless Steel Rims, Air Horn, Chromed Carrier.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/...9b5718d8_m.jpg

It's like the tsunami wave...

At least you guys are not getting a million mamacharis.......the most popular type of bicycles in Japan...

Mang Boy, I just discovered this thread. Thank you very much for posting these pictures and stories. These bikes are very different from the bikes I'm used to seeing in the US. I especially enjoyed the parasols mounted on the handlebars.

I know that they drive on the left side of the road in Japan. That explains why the lights are mounted on the right side of the bikes. What side do you drive on in the Philippines?

The right way! :D ' same side like here in the U.S.
I was there last May, no cycling though, as it was too hot, even for a Texan.

National KId's Bike
 

Just acquired a National Kid's Bike and after a new paint and new set of stainless spokes this is how it looks. Rims are Aero Alloy Rims with white side tires.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/...493c93c6_m.jpg

Thanks for the visit on this thread. We do drive on the right side just like in the US. Some of my bicycles have two reflectors on both side of the bike. Installing a rear blinking/flashing light under the seat or rear carriers are my favorite installations. Do check my collection at Flickr.com (sancycles).

Sancycles,

I just discovered this also. This may be the coolest thread I've seen on bike forums. I love hearing about bikes in other cultures, especially in Asia. Thanks for enlightening us.

I have been a big fan of the French mixte style of bicycle and was unaware of these practical Japanese styles. In fact, I want one of those front baskets for my mixte! One of my favorite bikes you posted is the first one, the Miyata Max.

Bridgestone Raku-Raku
 

Bridgestone Raku-Raku - Size 22/24, Nexus 3-Speed, Front Bridgestone Tentamushi Hub, Stainless Carrier / Rims, Adjustable Seat Height, and OGK Baby Carrier or Basket. Special features of this bicycle are the lowered frame and adjustable seat height for easy handling. I personally choose the color scheme on the frame and fender.

Bridgestone Raku-Raku.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/...f704658d_m.jpg

OGK Child Carrier/Basket.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/...a39b8d74_m.jpg

Chain Cover with Raku-Raku sticker
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/...6f94e598_m.jpg

Seat mechanism for seat height adjustment.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/...2df00748_m.jpg

3-Speed Control & Seat height adjustment.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/...f2e25695_m.jpg

Coming !!! Special Feature
 

Coming !!! Special Feature "Pedicabs"

A variety of three wheelers locally fabricated in the Philippines and use for public transport and commuting.

kamusta....

Wow, those umbrella holders...we need those here.

Cool thread Sancycles.

Have you ever seen/built a sporterized Jitensha or Mamachari?

In other words, a bike of this type thats been stripped down to the bare essentials...no fenders, racks or baskets. Etc.

Yes, I regularly stripped down Jitenshas to get the special parts. It's more cheaper to stripped down a bicycle to get parts instead of buying new parts which is expensive. I'll post one bicycle stripped down.

I spent two months in Cebu winter before last. Besides the Bicycle Taxis I saw a few "Guerrilla Bikers" plying the streets. Mostly they looked like men going to and from laborer jobs. Usually on cheap mountain bikes in varied states of repair, outfitted in cut off shorts, T shirts and flipflops with a T shirt covering their heads like a mask to filter out the diesel fumes.

While on our morning walk we saw a white guy climbing up Maria Louisa Road. He didn't speak but was out of the saddle huffing and puffing. Ten minutes later he came coasting back down.

Riding a bike in Cebu City proper looked like a sure way to get hurt. The automobiles, vans and jeepneys do not give way to pedestrians OR bicyclists!

Stripp down
 

Here's how a mamachari looks after a stripped down. This bike belongs to my friend. He transfered the 3-Speed, Stainless Fenders / Carrier and Nexus Dynamo Hub to his other bike which has alloy frame. The stainless steel rims will soon to follow.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/...ded61a49_m.jpg

Service Bike
 

Marfeel - Size 20, single speed, no shinning accessories except handlebar and bell. My service bike for going to groceries and going errands. Something useful during the rainy season. Who knows I may one day decide to give it a new look. I bought this bicycle primarily because it has stainless steel rims which are rarely found in size 20 bicycles. I installed the stainless rims in one of my bicycle. The frackers handlebar was used here to match the plastic basket. The tires are worn out so gum side tires was used as replacement. Usually white side tires are preferables among cyclist of Japanese bicycles.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/...d925af3e_m.jpg

I'd ride it.