Hi,
Currently a full-time student with about 200k's worth of yen to spend(either a giant reign 2 or a 105spec carbon or alu/carbon roadie).
Was looking round at my local bike shop (mishuku, great guy) and y's road for both mountain bikes and road bikes.
Had a dilemma as to which disciple to choose. Long term running costs are an issue. Recently went to fujimi last weekend and wrote off my fork (air shock mechanism is stuck and bent and not worth replacing for my cheap 90k hardtail)
Mountain bikes tend to be cheaper starting off with a lower base retail price. Read around the forum about how they require much maintenance. Had to do a close to full stripdown after every other ride on my hardtail as things get loose, banged up or dirty to keep it in tip-top condition(used tons of kitchen paper). Was told not as much was needed on better mid range bikes like the reign(is it true?) other than basic maintenance(maybe a full strip down check once a year) such as lubing and alignment after rides like the B-Course in Fujimi. Transport is anther issue. With trails mainly in Nagano or Tohoku, i spend an average of 15000-20000 per trip on JR Tickets(is there somewhere nearer??!!) unlike back home where its only a 10minute ride away.
I know road biking would be the easier/cheaper? choice considering the numerous routes ringing tokyo and numerous groups within tokyo that aren't too punishing on the bike(i promise i'll join a group ride soon mike(half-fast)!! Was kinda busy in school this half year).
But like your first love, i think i'll never get round getting over mountain biking, but only has cash to buy one bike,me needs someone to knock some sense into me and back to reality i guess.
Currently a full-time student with about 200k's worth of yen to spend(either a giant reign 2 or a 105spec carbon or alu/carbon roadie).
Was looking round at my local bike shop (mishuku, great guy) and y's road for both mountain bikes and road bikes.
Had a dilemma as to which disciple to choose. Long term running costs are an issue. Recently went to fujimi last weekend and wrote off my fork (air shock mechanism is stuck and bent and not worth replacing for my cheap 90k hardtail)
Mountain bikes tend to be cheaper starting off with a lower base retail price. Read around the forum about how they require much maintenance. Had to do a close to full stripdown after every other ride on my hardtail as things get loose, banged up or dirty to keep it in tip-top condition(used tons of kitchen paper). Was told not as much was needed on better mid range bikes like the reign(is it true?) other than basic maintenance(maybe a full strip down check once a year) such as lubing and alignment after rides like the B-Course in Fujimi. Transport is anther issue. With trails mainly in Nagano or Tohoku, i spend an average of 15000-20000 per trip on JR Tickets(is there somewhere nearer??!!) unlike back home where its only a 10minute ride away.
I know road biking would be the easier/cheaper? choice considering the numerous routes ringing tokyo and numerous groups within tokyo that aren't too punishing on the bike(i promise i'll join a group ride soon mike(half-fast)!! Was kinda busy in school this half year).
But like your first love, i think i'll never get round getting over mountain biking, but only has cash to buy one bike,me needs someone to knock some sense into me and back to reality i guess.