Commuting - Newbie commuting in Tokyo - is 20km too far at rush hour?

Hi,

I could use a little advice. I commute on public transport into Tokyo every weekday, but being one of The Dead is stressing me out, so I'm thinking of cycling in instead. For a start, I was thinking of a one way commute by folding bike (Birdy), so I can fold/train for the return journey. This is maybe just to get me started - I know me, and think I'll find it tough to get on the bike and cycle home after a working day. I figure that if I can get into a routine and get fitter then I can change to two way commuting later. Extra bonus points: I have a long walk now from the station to my office, which a folder will deal with nicely on my return trip; I'm also looking forward to having access to a bike for lunchtime wanderings!

Here's my current commute and my planned cycle commute:

Current (same both directions):

10min bus ride (sometimes I walk 20 instead).
20min train ride.
15min walk.

Various waiting around makes it around an hour.

Planned bike commute:

To:
20km bike ride (door-to-door). An hour? More?

From:
5-10min bike ride to station.
Fold bike.
20 minutes train ride.
5-10min bike ride home.

Any advice from the Japan based forumites? Is 20km too far in Tokyo morning traffic?

Any general tips from anyone, particularly re mixed mode commuting by folder, would be gratefully received.

Thanks!

Ride your desired (potential) route(s) on the weekend with lighter traffic to spot the problems, adjust route, gauge your fitness first.
The time depends on traffic, road condition and how fit you are. I would expect it to take 40 min to 75 min to do the full 20km.

Your hunch is correct. A fully geared folding bike like a Dahon (Boardwalk or Speedster recommended), Brompton, or Birdy seems appropriate for you.

This way you have the option of building up your fitness and always have a way out (take a mass transit w/ your bike folded) if you get a flat and you don't know how to fix a flat yet, when you get tired, or if it rains hard. Also because the bike is geared and comfortable, you can use it to increase your mileage gradually and take it on the train/bus, when you fatigue sets in. It (Dahon) also has lots of accessories for hauling gear and change of clothes.

If you're commited to using a bike for short distance shuttles (less than 5 miles each way), like from your house to train station and from train station to office, I recommend the Strida, which is almost perfect for this purpose (better than other folders because it's easy to carry and folds friggin' fast: I fold mine in less than 5 seconds while moving). The only problem with Strida is that it's not suitable for longer distances (no gears, but has freewheel).

I started out w/a Strida and eventually bought a full-sized commuter. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably start out with a Dahon Speedster. I keep the Strida at work and use it for running city errands because it's virtually theft proof (just fold it and take it with you), not that bike theft is a major concern in Japan, but it's a major concern here in NYC.

Good luck and glad you looked into cycling as a solution.

Another thing I forgot to mention is that the smaller wheels on folders are more suitable for stop-and-go streetlight traffic in my opinion. They accelerate better with less effort and require less gear changes than w/ say a 700cc wheel. Also, Tokyo has much better roads than any US road (less potholes), so you don't really need the bigger wheels.

hi!

I also love in Tokyo and commute regularly from Kamishakujii in Nerima ku to Takadanobaba (11 k) and also to Iidabashi (16k). If you are doing 20 k in Tokyo traffic it will take you probably an hour (av of 20 on a commuter with luggage) .

I think the idea of the folder is OK but 2 things: rush hour train with a folding bike? Hmmm...its a big carry. 2. You will get pissed of with going that distance on such a small bike and wish you had bought a roadie with panniers...

let me know if you want any more advice!

cheers

Ash