What kind of folding bikes are available in Manila and where can you get them

Since starting this blog, many have asked me where they can buy a Brompton or a folding bike here in Manila.  Unfortunately, Brompton bikes are not sold locally.  Fellow Bromptonauts get their bikes from Singapore (Diginexx), Taiwan (Lane & Trip), Hongkong (Flyingball), the US or the UK.  There are a few others who were able to buy a second-hand Brompton here, but that's very rare.

But Bromptons are not the only folding bikes available out there.  There are various bike brands that produce decent folding bikes.  I will list those that I know are available.

FLAMINGO

The closest to the folding style of a Brompton is the Flamingo bike.  The story goes, a few years ago Brompton licensed a bike manufacturer in Taiwan to produce Bromptons for the asian market.  However, there was some sort of misunderstanding and they had a falling out.  The Taiwanese company, with the technology it learned from Brompton, started producing Merc bikes.  Brompton sued the company, Grace Gallant, and their case is still pending in court. Meanwhile, the Merc brand has resurfaced as Flamingos.

I have friends who own Flamingo bikes and they are beautiful.  They modified the original Brompton design to make it better.  For example, Brompton's regular frame is made of steel. Flamingo uses aluminum.  Also, Flamingo bikes cost a lot less than Bromptons. The dealer of Flamingo bikes can be reached at 09172451625.

Flamingo bikes fold the same way Bromptons fold and are shinier and lighter!

DAHON

Dahon is the biggest manufacturer of folding bikes in the world.  They have the largest selection of models and designs.  Entry level bikes start out at P14,000.00 with the Eco 3, and go as far up as P60,000 with the Speed Pro TT.

This is the Dahon Eco 3.  

This is how most folding bikes are folded.

Dahon bikes are available at:

Recreational Outdoor Exchange

B1 ROX Building, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig

8564639

Tryon

South Ave. cor. JP Rizal Ave., Makati

8954515

Lifecycle

Greenhills Shopping Center

Unit G-Strip, Ortigas ave., San Juan

5842442

Iron Bike

484 G. Araneta Ave., QC

09178632905

Or you can go directly to the supplier via Facebook (type: Dahon Ph).

GIANT

Giant Bicycles is the biggest bike manufacturer in the world.  They produce a wide range of bikes, from Mountain Bikes to Road Bikes to Recreational Bikes, and of course, Folding Bikes.  Starting price for a Giant folding bike is P12,000.00.  Like Dahon bikes, they fold at the middle of the top tube making the fold not that compact compared to the Brompton.

This is the Giant Halfway.

Giant folding bikes are available in most bike shops, including R.O.X., Lifecycle, Paulina's, and Tryon.

PEERLESS

Peerless is a folding bike manufacturer based in China.  Like Dahon and Giant, the fold is at middle of the top tube.  Owners say some Peerless bikes are of higher quality and have better components than Dahon bikes. Starting price for a Peerless is P7,000.00 with the Barchetta.

This is the Peerless Libero.  

Peerless bikes are available through its supplier here in the Philippines.  If you're interested, visit the supplier's blog for more details on how to purchase this kind of bike.

STRIDA

Strida bikes have a different kind of fold.  From what I know, it has the fastest fold!  They are slim and light, but the problem with this type of bike is that they do not have a lot of gears. Either single speed or 2 gears. That's too little for me. But you'd be surprised, many Striders pass me during bike commutes. For many of them, the one gear  is enough.

This is the Strida 5.0.  

This is how the Strida bike is folded.  It's slim, but not that compact.

The dealer of Flamingo bikes sometimes stock Strida bikes.  Contact him for more details. Cutting Edge at SM Malls sell Stridas, but they place a high mark-up, so I suggest going straight to the dealer.

There are other folding bikes out there like Bike Friday, and Montague but they are not readily available in the Philippines.  Many Japanese Surplus Stores also sell refurbished folding bikes for as low as P2,000.00. Reputable brands include Jaguar and Bridgestone. 

Still want a Brompton?  Help me convince Brompton to authorize a dealership here in the Philippines.  Write them at Brompton UK.

Happy riding!