Why A Bike Might Be A Good Idea + Respectful Update

Old Photo, Those Gears Are Gone

*This article is aimed at new Peace Corps Volunteers. If you aren't one of them, you still might like this.*

Update: Since writing this I've been told that PCVs will no longer receive PHP 12,000 allowance for a bike and will instead have to make due with PHP 6,000. This is unfortunate considering how little compensation we (I) had for a bicycle with the 12k and how useful a bike is here in the Philippines. As I've noted below in my original blog post, I spent a sizable sum over the 12k to allow for a quality bike with the necessary attachments to keep me dry. Without my bicycle I would have had to rely on tricycle rides (base riding rate of PHP 20 one direction) or walked (10 minutes from work, 30 from the supermarket), both of these are not reasonable solutions considering I treasure both my time and the little money I have. This is why, even with only 6k of wind under your wings, you should buy an expensive bike (12k+).

If you were to stay within the 6k allowance, what could 6k of bicycle get you? Almost certainly nothing of substantial quality. Quality is king in regards to bicycles; bicycles are a not just simple machines, but a chain of parts reliant on the last to put the wheels in motion. Cheap tires = popped tires. Cheap frame = warping. Cheap gears = chain derailment, missed gears, and jams. Any one issue with a bike can immobilize you and with no resources to keep your bike going (you will not receive funding for tune-ups or tubes, let alone anything serious) it seems likely many a future cheap bikes will be abandoned. This will waste Peace Corps money (for the broken cheap bike), your money (for fixes, or for alternative transportation), and time on both sides.

I don't think this new change in PC funding was volitional. I don't think the complex workings of bikes enters the periphery of PC staff often and when it does it's likely only in the context of budget (and how it has to be tightened). The sum may be lower, but you should still go higher in quality (and price out of your pocket).

Assuming enough people are interested in changing the current system/sum allotted, we can: Contact our local VAC member to bring the issue before the PC staff at the next VAC meeting, Personally send an Email to our director for a reconsideration of the current allowance sum or system, Or banding together and collectively (politely and respectfully) asking for a reconsideration through both the prior methods while providing possible alternative solutions. We are not "entitled" to a bike allowance as I've come to find. PC Philippines is one of a small group of PC countries that makes such allowance for bike purchases. This means we are lucky! Although, we can still discuss alternative ways and solutions for each person to avail of the bike funds. Emphasis on doing so politely, in an un-entitled manner.

If budget is the main concern there could be a restructuring of how bike allowances are given. For example, the current system allots each person 6k for a bike, even if one doesn't ask for a bike they have that money waiting there for them. If there was a needs assessment-application done by site requesting a bike, the sum could be increased, depending on need. There are sites and PCVs who don't want or need a bike, if PCVs who don't want a bike were to rescind their claim for a bicycle, there could be more money to go around to those who want/need a bike. Even better, I think, would be an opt-in program to get a bicycle, rather than the current no-opt.

If you are interested in working for a change in how we get bikes, please either contact me or each other. I understand quality-bicycle-acquisition is not some unquestionable and unalienable right. But, they sure are useful.

End Update, Original post below.

You may be aware that PC gives you money for a bike but maybe you don't know why you'd want one. I'd like to let you know about some reasons you would like one and give you some important information to get on to the right bike track.

I have had my Peace Corps bicycle almost for a year. I kept track of my bike rides around and I've calculated that over ten months I've saved over PHP12,000 by riding my bicycle instead utilizing the local tricycles (the main form of transportation at PHP20 per ride, The low end price). This means I've already rode a defense into owning my bike and from here on I'll be earning back my investment over the PHP13,600 Peace Corps gave me. In total I spent just under PHP20,000 for my bike and its accoutrements.

Peace Corps will give you PHP13,600 for a bike and helmet. PHP12,000 goes to the bike itself and the other PHP1,600 goes to your helmet. I recommend you go above this amount (out of your own pocket) to further ensure your biking enjoyment and eventual monetary savings. Why? Quality, durability and there are hidden costs to be aware of.

I bought a 2012 Giant Revel for PHP16,200, it was marked down 20% thanks to me buying from a registered dealer (more on this later). This was an entry level mountain bike with knobby tires and a fancy paint job, its quality and durability came with the price-tag. While the bike was brand new it was bare by my Washington State Drizzle-City standards and certainly by Philippines The-Sky-Falling Rain-Town standards. I also bought fenders to keep the rain from splashing up my front and back, toe-cages for pedal grip, a bike pump(!), and a gaudy helmet. These are the hidden (except for the helmet) costs around biking in the Philippines.

So, what you need to bike:

A Quality bike (Brand name from a registered bike dealer)

Fenders (Front and Back)

Rain Jacket (as long as it covers your back-pack, you're good)

A helmet that fits

• How do I find a quality bike?

I found mine by searching dealers of Specialized bike through their website, but it appears they took this function down for the philippines. In it's place you can use the: http://biketayo.com/bike-shop-directory/

Just contact your preferred dealer by text to see if they 1) still exist and 2) have what you're looking for.

If you don't have a legit bike shop nearby, don't worry because it's a cinch to get a bike to site using buses and boats. Buses wont charge for your throwing your bike in the storage below and boats are the same (from what I understand). It's worth the one-time hassle.

• Don't forget the fenders and helmet!

Fenders allow you to ride both in and after rain. Puddles will paint your back brown without the fenders. The helmet is both Peace Corps required and sensibly required. Head injuries are no joke and even slight concussions can have life-long effects: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed_head_injury

I wear my helmet every time I ride my bike and I look like a sack of tools. Whatever, I'm also sweating like a spigot and smell funky, who cares? Seriously, I want everyone alive, helmets are important.

If you have any questions, send them along. I can go on and on about my bike. About how I removed the gears and ride it single-speed, how “vulcanizing” works, and why you don't have to worry about traffic since it moves so slow. If you don't know, I might be able to help.

Get that bike.