I was once a NEWBIE in CYCLING and I wish I have a GEAR GUIDE for the things I need to BIKE COMMUTE from my house to my office in Metro Manila. This page is for my fellow WOMEN getting ready and looking for courage to sit on that bike saddle and pedal along the busy and narrow streets in the Philippines.
Read WHY IS A BICYCLE SEAT CALLED A SADDLE?
I am an average Filipino who dream of going around the world to meet people and listen to their amazing stories, of going on around the world food tour, of writing about everything I learned and so many more wonderful things that truly makes us feel alive. But that dream will not wait for me, so I decided to train my body by cycling 30 kilometers daily from my house to my workplace and back.
Oh, it is not easy as it sound. I made significant life changes. From August 15, 2022, I was waking up between 4 and 5:30 a.m. everyday to work my body off. I zumba danced with Trainer Aurelio Figari of Popsugar Fitness. Search it! It was difficult! I would be lying if I did not say never a day I missed. But I have a GOAL and I am DETERMINED to make it.
On October 1st of 2022, I bought a secondhand bicycle which I named “LT” (lieutenant), a hybrid bicycle – Riverside 100, of Decathlon. On that seemingly ordinary day, I was so sure that I am totally getting ready on an unforgettable life tour. From then to now, that is 4 months and 14 days. Then, I had to prepare for the street battle. I needed lightweight gears which will last for a long time.
Read HOW CYCLING CHANGED MY WAY OF TRAVELLING? by Libot Tayo
Remember that when I started off, I didn’t have everything I need. Later on, I realized that what is on hand are the best gears I can find. So if you are still contemplating just get your butt on that bicycle saddle and pedal hard.
Here are my FAVORITE ITEMS that helped in my cycling journey last year, 2022.
ROSWHEEL 3 in 1 Multifunction MTB Bike Bag | Pannier
Get it in Shopee
It takes me 1 to 1.5 hours of cycling to get to office. This might seem easy, but it is not especially when carrying on my back my change of clothes, packed lunch, and some other personal stuff. Not to mention the frequent stop and go in the narrow non-existent bicycle path around Manila. So, getting a rear rack and this bike bag or what most cyclist call “pannier” is truly helpful. No more back pain and I can fit so many things inside without worrying if it will break my back or would snap and fall along the way.
ROCKBROS Rechargeable Tail Light
This one is tricky. The first one I bought fell off my bicycle so it took me sometime again to get another one. Then, my hubby showed me a way on how to lock and fasten it under the saddle. Watch out when you get one.
I like this one better compared to other rear lights. This LED rear light is waterproof, auto senses vibration, and has smart modes such as brake warning, automatic sleep, and wake up mode. And like many Filipino love to say, it has this “angas” factor.
Car Bike Carrier, T4K ZENTORACK
Get it in Shopee
Are you like my husband and I who love going places and trying new things? Yeah, when I was just on my first month of cycling, we went to Baler and brought our bicycles. The thing is my husband has to take apart our bicycles to fit 2 bicycles inside a small hatchback car, Alto 800 of Suzuki. It took him an hour to disassemble and another to assemble. So to lessen our task we got a bike carrier for the car.
Thanks to my husband, AG Music Ph, for all the great effort.
SADDLE Cushion
Get it in Shopee
Material: Sponge + Silicone
Features: Wear-resistance, Soft, Comfortable
I thought I would not need this because I’m using a slim saddle but later on I needed more than just a padded short. But I might need to get another one from a good brand because what I am using is barely doing its job anymore. I will definitely let you know once I found the right one.
Tribu Strappy Sandals
Get it in Shopee
The rubber sole of every shoe I used has now what looks like big tear. Mainly due to the pedal material of my bicycle. But these LOCALLY MADE sandals, Tribu or Sandugo, are truly a wonderful feet strap. My Sandugo strappy sandals is now more than 5 years old. I already passed it on to my younger sister so I had to get a new one, four months ago. That’s when I was introduced to Tribu. Durability is no joke and I use it daily because of the unpredictable weather here in the Philippines. And it is quiet on a marketable price. Kaya ng bulsa!
Huawei Band 7
Get it in Shopee
Be it cycling, running, jumping, or just walking, this band helped me a lot. I could even check how well I slept. This may seem unnecessary but looking back at my progress and the health tracker on my phone brought more than just tracking. I could analyze so many things such as my average speed through cycling, the number of jumps I made without losing track of the count in my head, how much calories I burned through each activity and even measure my stress level. Cool!
Other Important Things
Water Bottle – I do not use so much water anymore in between ride when going to office but I found a sports bottle that is lightweight. I avoid squeeze bottle because of Manila’s dusty air. Yuck!
Hat – to protect your sight from the harsh wind and blinding sunlight. Shop here.
Eye Protection Glasses – I use my usual plastic framed glasses so I could see better.
Cycling Gloves – This surely helped to keep my hand from calluses. Shop here.
Hair Scrunchy – I make sure to keep my hair from smelling bad.
Towelette – I love using cloth to my skin rather than a rough tissue paper.
Hair Scrunchy – I make sure to keep my hair from smelling bad.
Padded Shorts – Keeps me from sore bum
Waterproof Bag Cover – My pannier is not completely waterproof so this is badly needed.
Waterproof pouch – For all the other personal stuff.
Reusable Sandwich Bag – I love eating and this fitted my taste so I could bring my sandwich and egg on the go.
I am sharing these to all the woman who wants to start cycling as part of their daily routine. I’m a woman and I love the SUNSHINE, and the FEEL of the WIND on my face. Yes, gender is not a requirement when cycling.
I am POSITIVE. I am GOING PLACES!
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I only recommend what I used and tested. I get % commission on each item’s link once purchased. You can also use this AFFILIATE LINK to recommend all your favorite stuff and get a commission.
