Touring in Japan

[Andy in Germany]

I'm doing some speculative long-term planning for taking our bikes to Japan next time we go. I've pootled about on a regular bike on previous occasions, but I'm always frustrated by the fact they weigh as much as a pile of scaffolding and roll like a shopping trolley, so I only really have a practical range of about 10-15k one way.

I've asked about the logistics of getting the bike on a plane elsewhere, but what about Japan itself?

From what I've seen, local bikes use what I know as a 'German' valve and I use Prestas. Is this likely to be a problem if I have to replace a tube? And how readily available are 26" tubes? The local shop by Beautiful Wife's house is a complete mess and only really sells normal Japanese town bikes, so I havn't really been able to investigate on previous visits.

On this subject, I don't normally carry a pump: a combination of Schwalbe Tyres and no hawthorn hedges in this region means I get a puncture every five years or so, so it isn't worth it. What bike-carryable hand pumps to other people use these days?

 

[Edwardoka]

What bike-carryable hand pumps to other people use these days?

Can't help you with any of the logistics or the Schrader v Presta related stuff other than to say that a Schrader valve won't fit through a Presta hole but if it was the other way around you can get a grommet that seals the hole.

The best small-factor pump I've used was the one someone (possibly @Pat "5mph"?) had on the CC Ecosse tour. It was almost like a mini track pump.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

The best small-factor pump I've used was the one someone (possibly @Pat "5mph"?) had on the CC Ecosse tour. It was almost like a mini track pump.

Yes it was!
From Edinburgh Co-op Cycles, their own Revolution brand. They don't make them anymore.
It got stolen with my bike a couple of years ago

 

[mjr]

Yes it was!
From Edinburgh Co-op Cycles, their own Revolution brand. They don't make them anymore.
It got stolen with my bike a couple of years ago

They never made them, technically. AFAICT it's a rebranded Giyo GM-71, same as the Spesh AirTool was. Still available for about £24 but long shipping time from the far east or Australia. Obsoleted by the 71A then 72 then 81 now the 82 but only a few EU shops carry that...

 

[Pat "5mph"]

They never made them. It's a Giyo GM-71, same as the Spesh AirTool.

What I meant is "that pump is discontinued".

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Zefax hpx mounted under top tube. It is the biz.

 

[mjr]

What I meant is "that pump is discontinued".

Updated my post. Discontinued but still on sale if you really want another.

OP, I'm using a telescoping giyo mini hand pump with gauge. Not as good as the mini floor one but almost half the size so fits in a big saddlebag.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

@Andy in Germany
Came across this on CGOAB - thought it may be of use for Japan
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/v...9l&ll=39.65708375345113,142.1545958812501&z=6

 

[Blue Hills]

Yes it was!
From Edinburgh Co-op Cycles, their own Revolution brand. They don't make them anymore.
It got stolen with my bike a couple of years ago

Think I have one.
Metal foot?
Only drawback is I don't think it can be taken apart to resolve seal issues.
So from now on it's topeak morphs for me.

 

[Brains]

Ask an expert
Josie Dew rode around Japan a while back
http://josiedew.com/my-books/a-ride-in-the-neon-sun-a-gaijin-in-japan

 

[classic33]

Calendar change effects anything planned?

 

[Andy in Germany]

Calendar change effects anything planned?

With the emperor changing?

 

[classic33]

That why it's been brought into line with the "western calendar"?

I was thinking holidays and everything else.

 

[Andy in Germany]

That why it's been brought into line with the "western calendar"?

I was thinking holidays and everything else.

It hasn't, not for domestic use anyway. Our marriage certificate still uses the Japanese calender and very confusing that is too...