It’s 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning in Jakarta. The sun’s up, roads are quieter than usual, and if you walk outside, chances are you’ll see dozens—maybe hundreds—of people zipping by on bikes. From brightly colored roadbikes to compact folding bikes, the cycling scene in Indonesia is more than just a passing trend. It’s become a full-blown lifestyle—one that’s eco-conscious, health-focused, and, let’s be real, pretty aesthetic. Cycling bike
In this article, we’re gonna unpack the cycling culture in Indonesia: what’s behind the sudden boom, the different types of bikes people are obsessed with, where to ride, and how this whole two-wheeled movement is shaping the way young Indonesians live, move, and vibe.
Cycling Bike Culture in Indonesia
A Pandemic-Era Awakening
Let’s rewind to early 2020. The world paused. Cities locked down. Gyms closed. Public transport became a no-go. That’s when a lot of Indonesians (especially the younger crowd) turned to biking—not just as a way to stay fit, but also to find freedom and sanity.
Cycling became the thing. Suddenly, owning a bike wasn’t just about utility—it was part of the aesthetic. Instagram feeds started featuring sunset rides in Bali, urban loops in Jakarta, or chill group rides in Bandung with pastel helmets and Nike fits.
The hashtag #gowes (slang for “ride”) blew up. Local bike shops were sold out. And what started as a pandemic habit morphed into a full-blown movement.
Roadbike: The Speed Seeker's Dream
Among the trendiest types of bikes in Indonesia is the roadbike. Sleek, fast, and ridiculously light, it’s perfect for those who love chasing speed and sweating buckets on long-distance rides. In fact, if you’re anywhere near Sudirman-Thamrin on a Car-Free Day (CFD), you’ll spot groups of roadies flying by in their Lycra kits.
These aren’t just regular commutes. They’re full-on weekend rituals. People ride from Jakarta to Bogor or even up to Puncak for that satisfying combination of challenge and scenery. The best part? Roadbikes tend to come with that extra flex—think carbon frames, Shimano gearsets, and deep-rim wheels that scream "I’ve arrived."
What drives the appeal? Honestly, it’s the culture. Speed is sexy. So is performance. And when you ride with a crew, there’s this unspoken clout. You’re not just cycling—you’re in the club.
Mountain Bike: Off the Grid, On the Vibe
For those who love dirt trails and wild terrain, the mountain bike is the go-to. It’s built rugged, with fat tires, powerful suspension, and serious grip. Indonesia’s topography—hello, volcanoes and jungles—makes it the ultimate playground for MTB heads.
Places like Sentul (West Java), Merapi (Jogja), or Bukit Jaddih (Madura) have become cult-favorite MTB tracks. Riders literally climb mountains just to bomb down single tracks, catch air, and eat dirt (sometimes literally). It’s not always pretty, but it’s real, raw fun.
The MTB scene in Indonesia is tight-knit. There are local races, night rides, and even charity events. Plus, mountain bikers often double as adventurers. It’s not just about riding—it’s camping, bonfires, and exploring off-grid places your car could never reach.
And for those of us craving some adrenaline with a sprinkle of nature therapy? MTB is it.
Hybrid Bike: The Best of Both Worlds
Now, if you're someone who wants a bit of road, a bit of trail, and a lot of comfort, then a hybrid bike might just be your spirit ride. Hybrid bikes blend features from both road and mountain bikes—think flat handlebars, medium-width tires, and a relaxed geometry.
In urban areas like Bandung or Yogyakarta, hybrid bikes are the MVPs of daily commuters. They're reliable, versatile, and low-key stylish. You can use them to bike to the office, pick up groceries, or even ride through parks without worrying if your tires are gonna betray you.
But here’s the cool part: hybrids are also growing in popularity among first-time bikers. They’re not as intimidating as roadbikes and not as bulky as MTBs. Plus, they don’t scream, “I’m training for Tour de France.” They just get the job done—smoothly.
In Indonesia, brands like Polygon and United offer affordable yet decent hybrid options, which makes them a top pick for students, young professionals, and basically anyone who’s just trying to move around without traffic killing the vibe.
Folding Bike: Small Frame, Big Energy
If you’ve seen someone whip out a bike from their car trunk or fold it under a cafe table, you’ve just met the mighty folding bike. These things are genius. Light, compact, and surprisingly stylish, folding bikes have become urban heroes—especially in congested cities like Jakarta or Surabaya.
Why the hype? For starters, folding bikes are perfect for intermodal transport. You can ride it to the train station, fold it, hop on the MRT or KRL, and unfold it again at your destination. It’s the kind of freedom that car owners envy.
The folding bike community in Indonesia is also thriving. They go on city rides, host meetups, and yes, there’s a whole flex culture there too—especially with premium brands like Brompton. Owning a fancy folding bike in Jakarta? That’s basically the cycling version of wearing an Apple Watch Ultra.
For Gen Z workers, students, and digital nomads, folding bikes hit that sweet spot between function and flex.
Indoor Cycling Bike: Sweat It Out, Rain or Shine
Let’s be honest: Indonesia’s weather is mood-swingy. It can be blazing hot one moment, then pour rain like the end of the world the next. That’s where the indoor cycling bike comes into play.
Also known as spin bikes, these are the heroes of fitness during rainy season or when you’re just not in the mood to battle traffic and potholes. Indoor cycling blew up during the pandemic, with apps like Zwift and Peloton making home workouts feel like a group class at a boutique studio.
Even without fancy tech, a solid indoor cycling bike at home lets you grind calories, build endurance, and keep your legs sharp. In cities like Jakarta and Bali, boutique spin classes are also gaining traction. They’ve got the dark rooms, EDM music, neon lights—basically SoulCycle, but Indo-style.
And here’s a bonus: spin bikes are hella time-efficient. You don’t need to suit up or check the weather. You just hop on, crank some Spotify, and ride.
Riding Culture: From "Gowes" to Goals
Let’s talk culture. In Indonesia, cycling has evolved into more than just a workout. It’s a social scene, a fashion statement, even a mental health break. People don’t just ride alone—they form groups, join events, and make content.
Every major city has cycling clubs now, from the casual “Sunday Funday” squads to hardcore endurance junkies. There are even charity rides and night cruises where people wear glow sticks and ride through cityscapes like it’s a moving rave.
Social media has amplified it all. Cyclists share their routes on Strava, post their ride fits, flex their gear, or record cinematic ride montages for TikTok. It’s no longer niche—it’s mainstream.
And it’s cool because the community is pretty inclusive. Doesn’t matter if you’re riding a secondhand fixie or a 100-million-rupiah carbon monster—if you ride, you’re in.
The Challenges: Traffic, Infrastructure, and Safety
Of course, it’s not all smooth riding. While the cycling culture is thriving, the infrastructure still has a long way to go. Most Indonesian cities weren’t built with bikers in mind. Bike lanes are rare or inconsistent, traffic is chaotic, and there’s still a lack of awareness among motorists.
Safety is a big issue. Accidents involving cyclists are not uncommon, especially during rush hours. That’s why many rides happen early in the morning or in bike-friendly areas like CFD routes or smaller towns like Magelang and Ubud.
There’s also the affordability gap. While there are affordable bikes, some of the more popular models can be out of reach for average folks. A fancy roadbike or a premium folding bike can easily cost more than a motorbike.
Still, with growing government support and pressure from the cycling community, things are improving—slowly but surely.
Indonesia’s Cycling Future: Green, Fast, and Fierce
Looking ahead, Indonesia’s cycling scene is only gonna get bigger. The government's starting to recognize bikes as part of the solution to urban congestion and pollution. Bike-sharing programs, better infrastructure, and more car-free zones are being discussed and tested.
The younger generation is also shaping the narrative. For them, bikes aren’t just tools—they’re part of a lifestyle that’s healthier, greener, and more connected. Whether you’re chasing Strava records or just vibing through a Sunday ride with your crew, the wheels are turning—literally and figuratively.
More local bike brands are stepping up too. Indonesia’s homegrown companies like Polygon and Thrill are putting out bikes that compete globally, making high-quality rides more accessible.
Final Thoughts: Two Wheels, One Movement
Cycling in Indonesia is more than a trend—it’s a movement. It cuts across age, income, and even geography. Whether you’re in the city, the mountains, or stuck at home on an indoor cycling bike, there’s a ride for everyone.
The roadbike scene? Thriving. Mountain bike trails? Endless. Hybrid bike riders? Efficient kings and queens. Folding bike owners? Urban warriors. And for the indoor cycling bike crowd? You’re still in the game, rain or shine.
So if you’re in Indonesia, and you haven’t hopped on yet—what are you waiting for? It’s not just a ride. It’s a whole lifestyle. 🚴♂️💨
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