Introductions - Back to biking in Tokyo

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View Full Version : Back to biking in Tokyo

EMT
06-08-07, 08:39 PM
Hi everyone

I just returned to (more) serious biking after an absence of almost 15 years ... Tokyo is a fun place to ride, in its own trafficky, narrow, busy way. The streets are generally well maintained though, which is nice; and almost no trash & glass in the way.

I've been riding a single speed (Schwinn Madison---using the freewheel rather than fixed for now) borrowed from a friend. It's quite a bit too small as it's the S size frame (51cm?) and I am 6'4''. I found this forum via looking for internet resources as I decide what to buy. Current questions: aluminum vs steel, road frame (for conversion) vs track, geometries ... Enjoying.

Sprocket Man
06-08-07, 08:46 PM
Cool - welcome to Bikeforums. Tokyo is by far my favorite place to vacation. Akihabara, Shinjuku and Harajuku (especially on Sundays) are the best. Such a difference from life in Hawaii. Plus, I feel safe walking around at night.

My choice - an aluminum road frame.
tgreenwood
06-08-07, 08:57 PM
Hi everyone

I just returned to (more) serious biking after an absence of almost 15 years ... Tokyo is a fun place to ride, in its own trafficky, narrow, busy way. The streets are generally well maintained though, which is nice; and almost no trash & glass in the way.

I've been riding a single speed (Schwinn Madison---using the freewheel rather than fixed for now) borrowed from a friend. It's quite a bit too small as it's the S size frame (51cm?) and I am 6'4''. I found this forum via looking for internet resources as I decide what to buy. Current questions: aluminum vs steel, road frame (for conversion) vs track, geometries ... Enjoying.
Hey, I spent a bunch of time in Tokyo. Lived in Yokohama. I loved the streets. Just as you said, the streets are well-maintained and there are seldom potholes. Almost no trash at all.

But the humidity and rainy season. Actually, the rain isn't bad. But the humidity. :eek:

I'm actually looking into opportunities in Tokyo. Maybe we'll get to do some jitensha together. :rolleyes:

t

East Hill
06-08-07, 10:14 PM
Hello EMT--there's other members in Tokyo--try visiting the Asia regional forum to find more.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill
EMT
06-08-07, 10:20 PM
Cool - welcome to Bikeforums. Tokyo is by far my favorite place to vacation. Akihabara, Shinjuku and Harajuku (especially on Sundays) are the best. Such a difference from life in Hawaii. Plus, I feel safe walking around at night.

Does Hawaii not feel safe at night then? I would have thought it did, on the basis of one trip some years back (to Kona though).




My choice - an aluminum road frame.

Any special reason? There seems to be some talk about harsh ride, at least on beat-up city pavement, up & down sidewalks, etc.
Sprocket Man
06-10-07, 07:08 PM
Does Hawaii not feel safe at night then? I would have thought it did, on the basis of one trip some years back (to Kona though).



Any special reason? There seems to be some talk about harsh ride, at least on beat-up city pavement, up & down sidewalks, etc.Yeah, Hawaii is pretty safe at night. But I like to vacation in big cities like New York, London, San Francisco and Tokyo. Of all of the big cities I've been to, Tokyo seems the safest.

Aluminum is amazingly versatile. Much of the reputation for a harsh ride that aluminum has comes from the older Cannondale frames, which were very harsh. A lot of advances in aluminum bike frames have happened since then. Many aluminum bikes offer a great combination of comfort, stiffness and low price.