Conditions for bringing a bicycle on a train

For five years, I commuted long distances by combining cycling and trains.

Based on that experience, I'd like to share some information that might be useful if you're considering a similar commute.

I continued my train + bicycle commute for over two years, and there are several points to be aware of. If you're thinking about bringing your bike on the train, please refer to this.

Here are the conditions for bringing a bicycle on a train (based on my own arbitrary thinking):

It must be a lightweight bicycle.

▲ICAN Folding Bike F1 Carbon

While the bicycle will be placed inside the train, you will need to carry it until you get on the train.

Naturally, a heavy bike is difficult to manage, and doing it daily will cause stiff shoulders.

You might have to climb stairs, which can be very challenging.

If you try to use elevators as much as possible, it will take longer to get around than using stairs.

You can't run with a heavy bicycle on your shoulder, so you need to allow plenty of time.

It's best if the bicycle is light, but if it's too light, its strength becomes a concern.

It must be a folding bicycle.

▲ICAN Folding Bike F1

Since you'll be carrying the bicycle in a bike bag inside the train and at the station, it's best if the bicycle is as compact as possible.

Did you know there are multiple ways folding bikes can fold?

The most common type folds in half at the center.

Many models also have a saddle that can be lowered and handlebars that can be folded.

There are also bicycles that fold by collapsing the front and back sections.

These become quite small, which is good, but they tend to have more moving parts and be heavier.

Some frames are V-shaped.

These can be folded by narrowing the V-angle.

There are also models with triangular frames.

When folded, they form an "I" shape, allowing you to roll the tires while carrying it by the handlebars.

In any case, a folding bike is the way to go.

Road bikes, for example, only have removable wheels, which makes them compact, but assembly takes time.

With practice, you can do it in 5 to 10 minutes, including adjustments, but 5 minutes in the morning is precious.

Ideally, you want a folding bike that can be assembled in under a minute, or even about 10 seconds.

Buy a good bike bag.

In my case, I was cheap and bought an inexpensive bike bag.

I regretted it considerably.

Please don't make the same mistake.

Bike bags come in vertical and horizontal types.

Choose one that matches the shape of your bicycle.

I made a mistake here, so it was inconvenient to use.

Also, it seems that taller people find vertical types easier to carry, while shorter people prefer horizontal types.

Tires 20 inches or larger

▲ICAN 20-inch Minivelo Carbon Wheels

While folding bikes are better the smaller they get, tires 20 inches or larger are recommended.

If you prioritize small size and lightness, you might end up with an 8-inch or 10-inch bicycle, but those are best thought of as bicycles for riding in parks and similar places.

They cannot overcome bumps in the road and will fall forward, primarily on the front wheel.

At this time, it is difficult to adopt a defensive posture, so you will fall face-first to the ground.

It's not just bumps that are dangerous; the grates of drainage ditches are also hazardous.

Additionally, manhole covers require caution on rainy days.

Considering all these factors, bicycles with tires 20 inches or larger are safer to ride.

Prepare for punctures.

It's almost an inevitable fate of bicycle commuting, but you need to consider how to deal with punctures.

In my case, I checked bicycle shops along my commute route on Google Maps.

Since Google also lists business hours, I looked for places that opened early.

However, very few shops are open during commute hours, so I even considered leaving my bike outside a shop and requesting repairs.

And then, I thought, I could take a taxi to the office and manage not to be late.

Incidentally, I always carried a tire repair kit that cost about 1000 yen.

The label was worn out, but thankfully I never had to use it in five years.

Generally, there's a rule (or something like that) where if you prepare for something, you won't need to use it.

It's always good to be prepared just in case, as it gives you peace of mind.

Summary

For commuting by combining trains and bicycles, a lightweight folding bicycle is advantageous.

However, tires must be 20 inches or larger, otherwise, riding on the road can be quite dangerous.

Also, prepare for punctures, just in case.