When riding trains or buses with your beloved bicycle, a bike bag is essential.

"Rinko bags" are also called "bike bags" or "bicycle carrying bags."

We'll tell you how to choose the bike bag that's right for you.

There are two main types of bike bags

There are two main types of bike bags:

the "vertical type" which is long vertically, and the "horizontal type" which is long horizontally.

However, they are rarely referred to as "vertical type" or "horizontal type."

You can tell at a glance whether it's long vertically or horizontally.

Men are generally tall, so either is fine, but the vertical type is easier to carry because the center of gravity is lower.

Conversely, if women don't use the horizontal type, the bottom of the bag will hit the ground, making it tiring to try and carry it higher.

Storage methods tailored to your bike bag

The way you store your bicycle changes depending on whether it's a vertical or horizontal type.

Many vertical types require you to remove only the front wheel, or both the front and rear wheels, and store the bicycle vertically.

Bicycles are not designed to stand vertically, so they are often unstable and do not stand on their own.

For horizontal types, you remove only the front wheel, or both wheels, and carry it horizontally.

While it also doesn't stand on its own in this configuration, by flipping the frame upside down, the saddle rests on the bottom, making it easier to stand upright.

Personally, the horizontal type bike bag where you only remove the front wheel is the easiest to store and least troublesome, so it seems like it can be used for a long time.

While there are many more types for mini-velos and MTBs, here we are discussing them for road bikes.

Thickness of bike bags

Bike bags come in thin and thick varieties.

Even thin ones are surprisingly sturdy and don't tear easily, but after using them for one to two years, they gradually thin out in a grid pattern.

Rather than using them until they tear, they tend to look shabby, so it's more like replacing them with new ones.

Some, when stored, are only slightly larger than a shopping bag.

Thick ones are sturdy, but they are relatively large even when folded, making them bulky to carry.

Check the size too

Even if you know your bicycle can be stored, you might not be able to bring it on the train.

For example, JR companies' websites state that carry-on luggage must have a total of three sides within "250 cm."

In the case of road bikes, some types that only require removing the front wheel can exceed 250 cm, so be sure to check in advance.

Accessories you'll want to prepare

○Frame End Protector

Have you ever been worried about your precious bicycle inside a bike bag after placing it down roughly during transport?

This is a dual-purpose fitting that protects the frame and makes it easier to stand up when attached where the rear wheel was removed.

○Dummy Hub

Allows you to fix the chain under tension.

Besides being used when putting it in a bike bag, it can also be used for daily maintenance, so in a way, it might be a good value.

○Sprocket Cover

Bicycle sprockets have chain oil on them.

If you put them directly into the bike bag, the bag will get dirty.

By covering the sprocket, you prevent the bike bag from getting dirty.

By the way, what meshes with another gear is called a "gear," but what meshes with a chain is called a "sprocket."

Bicycles do not have gears; they have sprockets.

Summary

Bike bags come in vertical and horizontal types.

Choose one that is easy to carry based on your body type.

There are types that require removing only the front wheel, only one of the wheels, or both, but choose one that can achieve your desired size.

While fabric thickness is a matter of preference, thinner ones, even if they make you a little worried, are more convenient for carrying.