View Full Version : buy a bike?
Hello, I was wondering if any of you could help with a quick question.
I will be going to Osaka in October and I would like to have a bike (bicycle) during my stay (18 months). I was wondering if it would be cheaper to bring my own bike (in a special bike carrier "bag") by plane or buy one in Japan.
I have a montain bike but it's too heavy. I'm looking into a road or a hybred bike. I don't want one with a basket at the front or with those old fashion type curved handle bars that makes you sit strait. But I heard that bikes in Japan are mostly like that, and even if they are not they are very expensive... any suggestions???
trip_hop
2003-03-23, 06:29 AM
Lots of bikes available, from cheap domestic road, racing and MTBs to exotic imports.
As bike theft is not uncommon, makes more sense to get a cheaper one here. Parts are also easier to obtain, as some fittings/ equipment on foreign bikes are only available in specialist shops.
Secondhand market is good - as people move and leave some items behind. Try classifieds on metropolis (www.japantoday.com), or Tokyo Notice Board (www.tokyonoticeboard.co.jp?)
th
Anonymous
2003-03-23, 11:23 AM
I am a japanese who gets off from smelling girls bicycle seats. If you are a girl please bring the seat (only) when arriving to Japan. I will pay well for it.
Hiro
Hiro01661@hotmail.com
Anonymous
2003-03-23, 07:46 PM
A bag might not be enough for an airline. You will probably need a box - check with your airline first. There might be an additional handling fee involved for it (although, as cyclists often gripe, skis and golf clubs are not charged extra). I've taken my bike from here to Australia twice for tours and had a problem once with being charged for overweight baggage, as in "That'll be 50,000 yen extra please." It only happened once but if you're coming with bags that are already heavy, it's something to be prepared for.
It's probably easier just to buy one here but it's up to you. I bought mine here and the shop could order a US model to fit me (I'm 6'2"/188cm) and Japanese models are mostly too small.
Tailwinds to you
Thank you for all of your help. From all that was said, buying a bike in Japan is looking more and more attractive. I just hope I will be able to locate one quickly.
As for the "bike bag", I will still need one if I want to travel by train. It's called "Rinko". I found the information at this site http://www.t3.rim.or.jp/~sayori .
As for taking a girl's bike seat with me to Japan, I thank you for the offer Huffy Puffy, but my bike at home is a "guy"'s bike. I wonder what a "girl" seat looks like. Can't say I know the difference between a "girl" and "guy" seat. ; )
Thank you for all of your help. From all that was said, buying a bike in Japan is looking more and more attractive. I just hope I will be able to locate one quickly.
As for the "bike bag", I will still need one if I want to travel by train. It's called "Rinko". I found the information at this site http://www.t3.rim.or.jp/~sayori .
As for taking a girl's bike seat with me to Japan, I thank you for the offer Huffy Puffy, but my bike at home is a "guy"'s bike. I wonder what a "girl" seat looks like. Can't say I know the difference between a "girl" and "guy" seat. ; )
Anonymous
2003-03-24, 08:16 PM
Actually, any good bike shop will have bags. If they have a good selection of mountain or road bikes, they will have the sources to order one even if it's a small shop and they don't have them in stock.
Tailwinds to you