Thinking of taking up biking? These QC bike shops are open for business

MANILA -- While most establishments around the metro had to close down because of the lockdown, business in bike shops is booming. Many workers have now turned to bicycles because of the need for social distancing and lack of public transportation options.

Shortages of bikes and accessories have been reported in known bike hubs like Quiapo and Cartimar with stocks running low and long lines seen outside bike stores in Commonwealth according to news reports. To save costs, others have opted to getting unused bikes repaired to make them serviceable again.

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For residents of Quezon City, here are a few bike shops in the Diliman area that are currently open for business and repairs including the safety measures they’re taking to deal with COVID.

1. Glorious Ride Bike Shop

Glorious Ride Bike Shop’s main warehouse is located along Kamias Road in Diliman, Quezon City, but they also have a branch in Regalado Highway Fairview. This shop normally carries a wide selection of bicycles -- from mountain bikes, road and tri to TT, folding bikes, as well as accessories like helmets, clothing, cycling shoes, and bike parts.

Glorious Ride carries big-name brands like Shimano, Merida, Specialized, and Cannondale to name a few. They also offer same day service for repairs and maintenance services and whiz mechanics can custom-build bikes, do tune-ups, quick fixes and installations.

Due to the high volume of inquiries and limited staff, the shop may not be able to respond to inquiries online. For walk-in visitors, Glorious Ride is employing a “no mask, no entry” policy. Temperature checks and alcohol sprays are done at the gate.

For bikers waiting for repairs, the shop has a shaded waiting area in the garage. To reduce the number of walk-in visitors, owner Carlo Clemente advises customers to get items delivered through the Pabili Service of Mr. Speedy (up to P1,500) purchase service or LalaMove (up to P2,000). For payments, they accept cash and credit cards (Visa and Mastercard).

Glorious Ride Bike Shop is located at 131-D Kamias Rd, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila. Open Tuesday to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed on Mondays. For inquiries, visit their Facebook page.

2. LJ Bike Shop

LJ Bike Shop is a neighborhood bike shop easily visible along the stretch of Maginhawa Street near the corner of V. Luna Extension.

This bike shop is known for offering affordable bikes and accessories at low prices. They also have an experienced mechanic on duty daily for service and repairs. LJ Bike shop stocks models of Trinx, Phantom, Keysto, Foxster and Simplon Bikes. They are also the authorized dealer of Viper, Ryder, Voyager, Rhino, Norco, Specialized, Commencal and Cannondale Bikes.

Signs posted near the door remind customers to wear face masks and practice social distancing. Because of its compact size, only a few people can enter the shop at a time, while others may wait in line on the sidewalk. LJ Bike Shop accepts payment by credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), GCash, bank payments, and Home Credit (payment through installments). They also accept orders, shipping and can deliver COD with a handling fee during weekends within Metro Manila.

LJ Bike Shop is located at 200 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City. They’re open daily from from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For inquiries, visit their Facebook page.

3. Dimple (Carlito Gomez) Bike Shop

Dimple (also known as Carlito Gomez) Bike Shop is a no-nonsense stall and repair shop located along C.P. Garcia near the gate going to UP Diliman. For supplies, spare parts, bike locks, and quick repairs, this is one of the more budget-friendly bike shops in the area. The shop is located near several vulcanizing shops and car repair shops along the street, making it ideal for those who just need a quick fix or a flat tire.

Their main stall selling spare parts and accessories has been covered with plastic sheets to serve as a barrier for guests buying items. Customers are asked to wear face masks, line up one at a time and practice social distancing. To prevent customers from waiting in front of the shop too long, bikers may opt to leave their bikes to be serviced/repaired and just go back to pick them up.

Dimple’s (Carlito Gomez) Bike Shop is located along CP Garcia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. Business hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Contact them through Facebook.

NOTE: A version of this article originally appeared on the author’s blog.