This dude takes his bike upgrades to a different level

When we saw Nikko Samonte’s bike, the first thing that we said was… “woah.”

The name of his bicycle is “Midnight” and obviously, he loves to upgrade it. We rarely see this kind of bike so when we had the opportunity to talk the awesome owner, we asked so many basic questions. We didn’t go into the technical specs and all that complicated bike queries because we’ll leave that to the experienced bikers.

𝐅𝐁𝐑: Can you tell us why you like giving it an upgrade?

𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨: I was inspired by the show “Pedal The World” on Netflix. Felix Starck documents his bicycle journey across 22 countries and ang ganda ng bike setup niya for touring and bike camping.

(I was inspired by the show “Pedal The World” on Netflix. Felix Starck documents his bicycle journey across 22 countries and his bike setup for touring and bike camping is so good.)

𝐅𝐁𝐑: We don’t usually see these kinds of upgrades on bicycles. What’s your idea behind this?

𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨: When I was in Japan, I noticed that almost all of the commuter bikes there have these accessories. And then one day, nakakita ako ng kapareho in one of my Japan surplus escapades so I decided to have the upgrade.

(When I was in Japan, I noticed that almost all of the commuter bikes there have these accessories. And then one day, I saw something similar in one of my Japan surplus escapades so I decided to have the upgrade.

𝐅𝐁𝐑: Can you tell us more about the umbrella? We really find it interesting.

𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨: It’s not that special but rare lang ‘yung availability and rare ‘yung gumagamit. I just thought that it’s practical to use the umbrella mount here in the PH given na sobrang init ‘pag dating dito ng tanghali. Kapag nag-bike kasi ako ng ganoong oras, sumasakit ulo ko.

(It’s not that special but the availability is rare and the person using it is rare too. I just thought that it’s practical to use the umbrella mount here in the PH given that it’s so hot here every noon. Whenever I bike during that time, I get a headache.)

𝐅𝐁𝐑: What’s your favorite thing about your bike?

𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨: My favorite thing about my bike is the joy that it brings when I’m down. Kapag malungkot ka, mag-bike ka lang. Promise, malungkot ka pa rin, pero at least nakapag-bike ka.

(My favorite thing about my bike is the joy that it brings when I’m down. When I’m said, I bike. Promise, you’re still sad but at least you biked.)

𝐅𝐁𝐑: What’s your bike?

𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨: It’s a 2020 Sunspeed Spark Fatbike.

𝐅𝐁𝐑: Do you ride to run errands or commute?

𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨: No, for recreational purposes only.

𝐅𝐁𝐑: How long did it take for Midnight to have that look.

𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨: One month. I started this ECQ.

𝐅𝐁𝐑: Are the things in your upgrade available in the Philippines or did you order some things abroad?

𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨: I ordered some from Lazada. But ‘yung umbrella rack, dati na sa akin ito. ‘Yung speakers, Jones handlebar and the bag are from abroad.

(I ordered some from Lazada. But the umbrella rack, I own it even before doing this. The speakers, Jones handlebar and the bag are from abroad.)

𝐅𝐁𝐑: Where’s the farthest you’ve been with your bike?

𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨: I went to Antipolo with friends.

𝐅𝐁𝐑: Using that bike? How about the uphill?

𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨: We started by driving a car then parked it in the middle, then we biked to the site.

𝐅𝐁𝐑: How heavy is your bike?

𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐨: Medyo mabigat.

Photo from Nikko Samonte

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