other cyclists out there?

[captainspoke]

I've seen a comment or more about cycling, and japan is truly a nice place for this in a number of ways.

I know there are better forums for discussing it, e.g., https://tokyocycle.com (and I'm jdd there, to dox myself)

But how about if members here check in with any comments about their riding? Or if you're already there at TCC, what do you go by?

I've ridden here for years, crashed a couple times, and have three bikes, none of them new. Oldest is an aluminum cannondale (cross) with slightly fatter tires, next a carbon trek (road) that is probably 15, and last a steel tourer. Two of them have fenders/mudguards, all three have triples (and brooks saddles).

Today's ride was on the cannondale, since it's still a little wet in places--25km/80min, kind of a retiree's pace. I used to commute when schedule and weather allowed that, and would then wander a little on the way home.

Anyone?

[Beaglehound]

Cycling is a joy here, so many quiet roads and much more respect/space from drivers than in my native Scotland. I have an old Specialised cross and a recently purchased Gios Ampio, also cross but more of a road bike feel to it. Am struggling to get used to the riding position of that with my somewhat top heavy body…

I live in Hida (northern Gifu Ken) so mountains everywhere; flattish options are available though. I enjoy rides of up to a two and a half hours, anything longer becomes a bit of a struggle.

[captainspoke]

... Hida ...

That's a wonderful area! I should try to get over that way again, maybe drive and put a bike in the back (we're in kanazawa). A good ten years ago I did the skyline climb from the other side--spent the night around the visitor center and the went up early. But I don't think I have the strength to do that again. If I understood correctly back then, from Hirayu to the top is shorter but steeper. (maybe not?)

[Beaglehound]

... Hida ...

That's a wonderful area! I should try to get over that way again, maybe drive and put a bike in the back (we're in kanazawa). A good ten years ago I did the skyline climb from the other side--spent the night around the visitor center and the went up early. But I don't think I have the strength to do that again. If I understood correctly back then, from Hirayu to the top is shorter but steeper. (maybe not?)

I believe you are correct about the Skyline climb. It’s not something I have contemplated tbh, I am on the heavy (and unfit) side for that kind of climb. My wife is an ace climber and would be more suited to it.

[kuma]

I used to ride a Giant hybrid. Workhorse for commuting, but could also take it up a mountain or on a 100km spin.

Then came full-time work with kids’ drop-off en route. Whilst I’ve considered a bike trailer for them, we have too many bags etc most days, so it would just be for leisure rides. I’m more into running/hiking, and the bike has been a bit of a shed-dweller of late.

[Yossarian]

Yeah, I like commuting on my bike an hour each way. Works out at around the same time as commuting by train so feels like an efficient way to get some cardio in. I've got a 3 year old Trek Hybrid - I like the upright position in traffic plus could fit a rack on the back so don't need to schlep my stuff in a backpack.

Enjoy commuting on my bike but the idea of cycling at the weekend really doesn't appeal. Not sure why but cycling as hobby doesn't interest me at all.

[Moneymatters]

Tokyoite. Trek FX7.5 Cross bike that I realy needs some TLC. At least 10 years old, outside all the time. I sawed down the handle bars a couple of inches as it wasn't safe with the traffic where I am. My sweat may be a natural pheromone for Buses.

Bought a Trek carbon about three years ago that I've done as much as Miura Pennisular in a day. And then crashed a mile from home resulting in lots of severed ligaments and a year of rehab. My bad luck extends far beyond the banking world.

This year I'm slowly trying to get back into things. I even managed a couple of 100km rides in May. Nothing in June. Let's blame the weather.

Typically, and to avoid traffic, I either drive to the Tamagawa and cycle with friends or I can get to the Tamako Cycling road within 20 mins from the house easily, leaving early to avoid the traffic. Then follow that, avoiding joggers and miopic pedestrians, up to Tamako lake and as many laps as I can manage.
The path around the lake is not the smoothest surface but tree lined and never busy. It has enough elevation changes to give this MAMIL a much needed workout. Just need to avoid the day after rain as it will be slippy.

My fave ride, that didn't end in an ambulance, was all Fuji 5 lakes in a day which i made extra challenging by forgetting one of the lakes and having to loop back for it. And I would like to try cycling in some other parts of Japan in the future.

[Kanto]

I just purchased a Trek FX2 a few months ago. I had a hell of a time hunting down and XL frame. Trek had a 18 month waiting list. However Y-Cycle Shinjuku had some stock! (They almost upsold me an FX3).

I attached a Thule Ridealong (in hideous safety orange), and the kid and I have had one hell of a time riding around after daycare this summer. I strongly recommend it if you have a little one.

Skip the Mamachari and get a hybrid or the like. Thule baby/kid seats will fit them!

[mighty58]

I love biking and bike everywhere, but I avoid referring to myself as a cyclist as invariably there will be a "real" cyclist around that asks what I ride, hand then end up scoffing at my bike when they hear I ride an electric cargo bike (the Tern HSD), complete with a Thule kids seat on the back, a pannier, and a folding container as basket in front. Maybe the RJ crowd will be less snobby. I love the bike, so versatile, and I do Costco runs with it as I can carry almost anything (the rack can handle 100kg) but it helps me avoid buying too much stuff I don't need as well. I'm based in Yokohama, nice waterfront and riverside paths around, and although I usually stay within a roughly 10-12km radius, I've ridden up to Shinjuku and Shibuya a few times as well, and it's not that bad at all.

[Kanto]

I love biking and bike everywhere, but I avoid referring to myself as a cyclist as invariably there will be a "real" cyclist around that asks what I ride, hand then end up scoffing at my bike when they hear I ride an electric cargo bike (the Tern HSD), complete with a Thule kids seat on the back, a pannier, and a folding container as basket in front. Maybe the RJ crowd will be less snobby. I love the bike, so versatile, and I do Costco runs with it as I can carry almost anything (the rack can handle 100kg) but it helps me avoid buying too much stuff I don't need as well. I'm based in Yokohama, nice waterfront and riverside paths around, and although I usually stay within a roughly 10-12km radius, I've ridden up to Shinjuku and Shibuya a few times as well, and it's not that bad at all.

Nothing wrong with an electric bike! I think cyclists tend to see cycling as a leisure and exercise activity. With and HSD is more about utility, just like a mamachari.

For me, it was about exercise and weekend/after-work outings with the kid. So going electric would remove the exercise component.