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Shopping for bike in Tokyo

kickteeth

Warming-Up
Apr 12, 2010
9
0
Hi everyone,

I rode Japanese sport bikes (motorcycles, for those in the cheap seats :D) in the states for the past five years, and now living in Tokyo getting a bicycle seems like a cheap, fun, and eco-friendly alternative. Problem is, I'm having a hard time finding the right bike in the right price range. Does anyone know where I can get a bike like this for around the same price?

http://bit.ly/c872H7 (2009 Fuji Track 59cm)

I believe these are called "fixies"... ^__^ The nearest thing to that I can find to that is the SS model at www.tokyobike.com, but it's USD $100+ more expensive..

Any advice is appreciated!

Cheers,

Micheal

#edit - I'm not opposed to buying a used bike, provided it's not a pos. :)
 
TokyoBike`s bikes are about as cheap as you will find anywhere. They seem to be of reasonable quality.

So get yourself a Tokyobike single-speed and enjoy cycling in Tokyo.

If you are on that tight of a budget, cruise craigslist or gaijinpot for a bike. Otherwise you are SOL.
 
If you are on that tight of a budget, cruise craigslist or gaijinpot for a bike. Otherwise you are SOL.

lol, I was afraid that might be the case. I guess it's out of the question to find a Fuji Classic Track like the one I linked to above here in Tokyo for around ¥40,000? How much do new Fuji Classic Tracks usually go for and where can you buy them in Tokyo?

Can anyone tell me if this is a good deal? :

http://tokyo.craigslist.jp/bik/1669656095.html

Seemed awfully pricey to me considering a new one goes for USD $400...
 
I'm voting for a cheap fixie - like this (http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d105412335) Schwinn Cutter is pretty cool and a nice build. PLus you can pop a freelie on the flipside until you get your chops up.

http://page3.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/c240274291 -> Under $300

http://page17.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/v146001687 -> Under $200

Anything lower than that and even I wouldn't probably trust it ...

All of these frames are made in Taiwan / China - frameset costs like $50-70 and is generally made of decent quality 4130. The wheels are where its at - dont expect much life out of the hub bearings - they are all crap, but who cares, you can get good replacements and it sounds like you dont want to roll on nice wheels in the city. The rest is up to you. You'll put more money into saddle, bling and tires than probably the whole bike altogether and have quite a nice ride.

If you getta fixe then you can join the <un>official BikeGhetto Roadfixie club .. first beer is on you!
 
GSAstuto - hey thanks for the links! Much appreciated.

Although I don't care too much for the appearance of the Schwinn or the Angus... That ¥20,000 bike looks pretty sweet (I really love the thin, triangular frames), although I'm skeptical of the price now that I'm learning a bit more about the bikes. What do you think of it?

...How about this one from craigslist?

http://tokyo.craigslist.jp/bik/1669656095.html

It's a bit pricey for me at ¥50,000, but I could theoretically scrape together the cash if it's the right price.
 
I guess depends on your size, too? If its a Fuji Feather - they were like 50,000 new (retail), so - find out what exact model it really is. The rest of the accessories and stuff might add up to ichi man or so - but not much. From what I gather in the ad - its gotta br pretty much a stock Feather except for the brake. P.S. I paid 1200yen for my Tektro at the local Used LBS.
 
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