(first published @ http://bagsandstuffs.tumblr.com/post/269163112/affordable-new-bikes-indonesia-asia-pacific-region)
finally got around to compiling some pretty nice bike for new commuter out there looking for affordable, below $250 new bike, and not single speed. and not BSO(Bicycle Shape Object) either. I’m dividing this into 2 main category, city bikes and hybrids. the list came from my experience from those bikes, friends review, LBS recommendation, and the sepedaku.com community posts. *too bad there’s only really 2 main local brand here in Indonesia…
City Bikes:
- Polygon Sierra DX - http://www.polygoncycle.com/detailbike.php?kode=37 - my fave of the Sierra line, it got a 3 speed internal gear, priced just above 2 million rupiah (+-$200), it already have a pretty good rack and basket for all your commuting need. it even came with dyanamo lights.
- Polygon Sierra - http://www.polygoncycle.com/detailbike.php?kode=247 - for those who don’t want internal gearing or want something cheaper (the official price is only 1.2million rupiah), this basic Sierra have all the stuff you need to commute.
- United Earth - http://www.unitedbike.com/product_detail.php?id=CB0007 - for those who don’t want polygon bike(I know you’re out there) this bike is pretty decent (a friend use this for his campus commute duty, no big complaint there)
- Phoenix CityBikes with 26”/27” wheels bikes can also be an alternative for those who want the retro style and feels. new phoenix bike can be had for 700 thousand rupiah or less, second hand phoenix can be found starting from 100 thousand rupiah. it function well, so why not start with that?
- United also have a couple single speed city bikes, but I’m not a fan of their city bike, so won’t comment on those.
Hybrid Bikes:
- Polygon Heist 1.0 - http://www.polygoncycle.com/detailbike.php?kode=210 - is my favorite of this list. it’s a fast hybrid, even tho it’s heavy, it can pull its weight easily! *I almost buy this bike, but can’t resist the temptation from other bike ;) * it’s too cheap to ignore, delivered to your home for only 1.6 million rupiah, this bike is a steal!
- Polygon Premier 1.0 - http://www.polygoncycle.com/detailbike.php?kode=189 - here’s another steal, a Tourney equip path bike for 1.9 million rupiah! for those who want a 26” wheel, this “mountain bike” is ok for city path, and even some light cross country!
- United Evolution - http://www.unitedbike.com/product_detail.php?id=MB0033 - not sure when they will release this, but this bike is on my “must test ride list” since it got announced earlier this year. Specialized Langster geometry, the single speed mystique, cool colorways, how can I resist?
- United Dominate - http://www.unitedbike.com/product_detail.php?id=MB0035 - a classic in the cross country community. there’s nothing wrong with this bike. it’s only the most popular frame in the community :) I believe it’s priced somewhere around 2-3 million for the specs.
those 8 bike should cover things up to get you addicted to bike commuting. eventually, you’ll want something nicer, but that’s coming up later. just start will you?
