Custom or Stock Motorcycle: Which Is Better for You?
Haven't tried my first custom mountain bike yet, but lemme tell ya, I was damn excited when I finally decided to build one! I used to worry about the specs because I didn't have much experience with bike parts. I splurged a bit on the Shimano Alivio drive train, but it was worth it since it replaced my worn-out first-buy setup.
I thought my setup was great, but it fell short. I had a decent series, but Shimano seemed to be practically synonymous with quality, and they had other models too.
I've been tinkering with mountain bikes for my kids and myself for a while now, and let me tell you, Shimano's high-end series is worth the investment. If you're considering buying a bike, I'd recommend doing thorough research first; it might cost you more upfront, but it'll save you in the long run.
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If you don't want to fuss with it yourself, there are bike repair shops out there where the rich just leave their bikes and live life king-size if they don't feel like working on them.
Sometimes, all you need is a day off to work on your bike. Say, a Sunday? Grab your tools, clean her up, and maybe even score a bargain sale. Prices can drop significantly, even for high-end parts.
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Don't forget to save some cash for a bike mechanic's opinion. It's always better to have someone who knows what they're doing take a look at your bike.
BUILDING YOUR OWN
Going custom with your mountain bike has its perks, especially when it comes to frames. The difference in cost between custom and stock frames can be substantial, yet the benefits can be substantial as well.
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I didn't go custom on my first bike because I feared the expense, but I upgraded it by spending PHP 12,000. I could have replaced the frame for PHP 8,000, but instead, I opted to replace almost everything for a whopping PHP 20,000. Boy, was I wrong.
The excitement took over, and I wanted to build it within a week, but I ran out of cash. If you're determined enough, you can definitely buy a mountain bike or a road bike within a week if you have the cash. Trust me; it's better to save up and wait for the perfect specs than to rush into it.
Research and ask questions, especially to bike mechanics, because they'll have valuable insights. They can help guide you on what frame to choose based on your height, reach, and body type. A custom bike beats a stock one hands down.
RIDING ON THE SIDEWALK
Speaking of customization, have you ever thought about walking your bike on the road? My wife and I have ventured down this idea before. It's a great way to exercise and enjoy the scenery. But be careful!
Walking your bike on the street can be dangerous, especially in busy areas like Bacayan. It's easy to get cut off by cars or motorcycles, so stay alert.
The sidewalks are ideal for walking your bike, but unfortunately, they're not as common in places like Bacayan. Riding in the street is risky, and motorists often have a blind spot for pedestrians.
Unfortunately, the Department of Public Works and Highways seems to be slow on sidewalk construction in these areas, making it unfortunate for pedestrians who want to walk.
Drivers have a responsibility to be aware of pedestrians, but with so many vehicles on the road and poor visibility, it's easy for an accident to happen. Stay safe out there, cycling enthusiasts!
- Upgrading my first bike with PHP 12,000 was a significant improvement, but I could have saved more by replacing the frame for PHP 8,000 instead.
- When building a custom mountain bike, research and asking questions, especially from bike mechanics, are crucial to ensure the perfect specs are met for a custom bike that beats a stock one.
- Walking a bike on the road can be dangerous, especially in busy areas like Bacayan, due to limited visibility and careless motorists.
- Sadly, sidewalks in places like Bacayan are not common, making it challenging for pedestrians to walk safely and enjoy outdoor living.
