Watch our full Kyoto Cycling Trip playlist here ua-cam.com/video/BpkVum5UgwI/v-deo.html Watch Thuong's walking videos in Kyoto here - ua-cam.com/video/wqIVZ8B0kZ4/v-deo.html
The first time I travelled with my folding bike on a train I felt the same. I was going to France from the UK for business and figured I would take the bike and explore a bit, as well as cycle to the office from the hotel every day. I found it heavy lugging the bike through stations. Later I watched the seasoned commuters and realised the leave the bike unfolded until they get to the platform and then fold just before getting on the train. For carrying up and down stairs, rest the nose of the saddle on your shoulder. Makes things so much easier!
Cycling with a backpack is crazy! People touring with Bromptons usually rig their backpack/duffle behind them, on top of the rack. Our Dahons have front and rear racks that accommodate standard size panniers, but they have 20" wheels and don't fold anywhere near as small as your bikes.
We wanted to bring our 20" bikes, but the smaller foldability of the 16" bikes won us over for this trip. Not doing a backpack trip again though hopefully.
@@TwoWheelCruise Just figure out how to strap your luggage to the bikes and you will be fine. There's a lot of great touring shops in Thailand that could help you out.
was thinking if 20" really worth it. I would love to travel in farther places with my folding bike. too bad thou the rail coverage in the Philippines is only concentrated around Manila -_- anyway, u deserved sub.~
I've got a 20" Dahon. Been riding it everywhere for 12 years. Changed out the front crankset to smaller one. There are a lot of hills around here and the big stock 53T( I think that's what is was) front was just about useless. Changed to 44T and I go anywhere. It came with a rear rack, and I added a front one as well. I have a milk crate on the back rack for my everyday stuff. I have a bike trailer for my dog which I also use for groceries. I LOVE my compact little bike! Got rid of my big wheel bikes.
@@TwoWheelCruise If you grab some 20L or smaller panniers and put a rear rack on your Brompton you can dramatically increase your carrying capacity. 20L is about as big as you can go without avoiding heel strike (and even that can be a little iffy depending on how stuffed it is or your foot size). Smaller ones will probably be fine. A kickstand can be helpful if you do put any panniers on the back since you can't easily fold to the first stage it when stationary to stay put.
In Singapore, we can fold the bike and leave the seat post up to act as a handle, and push it around in the MRT(Subway) station, even in the train itself. It's so much more convenient and effortless when we don't have to pack it in the bag.
Not gonna lie, I'm gonna miss your Japan videos but I am also looking forward to the new places. You guys really put my mind to the folding bike concept too, I'm seriously considering saving up for one
Thanks for the video! I've designed and led two folding bike tours in Japan and am planning (Covid permitting!) another one in October 2022. Like you, I found the "portage" of the folded and bagged bike through the stations to be the weak link in intermodal travel. I solved the problem by using a lightweight luggage cart that I strapped onto the folded bike. When riding the bike (to guesthouses, etc.), the cart was bungeed onto the luggage on the rear rack. Yes: most of the weight is on the rear wheel in this system, but a front bag is also a possibility to distribute weight more evenly. I used a lightweight duffle backpack which I could carry on my back when portaging the bike. I'm happy to send photos to anyone interested.
Is it a must to put the bikes in bags first before you can bring them onto the trains in Japan? I thought you could just push the folded bikes onto trains as long as you secure them at the luggage corner.
@@mk-nw2pp No: All bikes must be completely covered from the time you go through the ticket gate, onto the train, until you leave the station at your destination.
@@Honyakker if you have a Brompton and a Brompton cover, The Wheels on the rack would allow you to wheel it and leave one of your bags on the front luggage block right? If it was a big enough issue you could even have a telescopic seatpost and remove the saddle and just have the bare seatpost sticking up to steer with.
@2Bikes4Adventure have a great vid on hacking bags that work with the front carrier block. Thanks to both channels for being inspiring and informative!
when i watch your videos, I isolate myself ,TWC channel helps me through this pandemic, thanks for the uploads, it becomes a part and personal to me.. thank you.
YES! Looking forward to it. You inspired me to get the folding bike back in 2022 and it's still kicking in 2024. Japan vlogs are always addictive.@@TwoWheelCruise
man i miss the good old days when you guys were still in japan. Hopefully one day you guys will come back and I will have a chance to ride with you guys. Having in japan for just over a year I am considering getting a tern byb to do some train/bicycle traveling
Greetings from Chiang Mai. Please, be careful cycling when you arrive here. It may be an eye opening experience for you when compared to Japan. The cycling here is world class. Although, I would never cycle in the Old City on account of the crazy traffic and not cycling friendly streets. I’m extra cautious here cycling when compared to the US. I enjoy your videos. Take care.
@@TwoWheelCruise If you ride your bikes up to Doi Suthep I would really like to know how it goes, both uphill and downhill. I have Dahon 20" . Wonder whether the 16" are more harsh.
Game changer!! See ya on the road. RADICAL CYCLONE IV BIKE CHUBBY TRAILER FOR BROMPTON, which actually will fit inside🥰 Cyclone IV Chubby Bicycle Trailer
Try putting some squared slots, line with velcro so you can stick on replaceable wear pads, such that they match up with the little wheels on your rack and you can pull the bike just s like wheeled luggage
@19:16.. cant you fold it and take it into the restaurant? I have seen other vids where they say taking it in with you is one of the benefits...do some countries not allow it?
You can bring a folding bike on the train in the Netherlands without having to pay extra as long as it's folded. Else it's considered a bike and you have to pay an additional fee, place it in the designated bike spot and you have to do an online registration before entering the train.
I rode a Brompton from San Diego to Vancouver along the 'Sierra Cascades' route (closely shadows the PCT hiking trail, but on roads) and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Ride a proper bike and you will have a much more enjoyable time!
why? I biked by the Danube in europe with my brompton and loved the fact that I could fold it whenever I needed it... what was the problem in your case?
Awesome! ive biked Tokyo- Hammamatsu and back on a folding bike. Easy to buy one in Tokyo on craigslist, never went on the train though because i didnt have a bag!! Nice video :)
Check what the Brompton Traveller channel suggests as traveling setup.. Main thing you can do is load a regular back pack in the back on the rack by installing a 45cms or so tube attached to your seat. And a big front bag using the attachment block.
I have a Brompton folding bike and it weighs about 14kg, I die a little every time I carry the blighter up to my abode. This is because I live in a flat four floors up without a lift, yes a road bike would be so much lighter but living in London means a locked bike will still get stolen in no time.
A T-Bag (if you can find one, its discontinued) and a backpack hanging off a rod attached the saddle and affixed to the rack will hold enough to take you very far. Path less Pedaled, rode across the US with that set up.
Two suggestions: 1) put that backpack on the back rack, 2) add a long zipper that covers the bottom part of the bike bag, so you can roll it on the back rack through the station.
That's what I wanted to say! Make a large zippered hole in the bottom of the bag. You can wheel your bikes folded and then zip the bag closed if necessary.
In Thailand you don't need to use a bag for your folding bike. Just fold it and lift it up and place it on the floor. Before the skytrain (BTS, Bangkok Transit System) was popular, it even allowed normal bike on the skytrain. Later on, only folding bike, and recently when the train is quite jam packed, folding bike is restricted to 6-6.30 and 22.00-24.00 on weekdays but I could not remember on weekends. We also have subtrain (Metro) which is not as popular (emerged much later) and the same rule applies, only folding bike (no need for bag). BTW, my 9-speed folding bike is only 11.5 kg, costing 8900 baht around $290.
BTW, I check about Metro, it is not as popular and not jam packed, so there is no time limit for folding bike. BTS skytrain is the first electric train in Thailand, coming into service about 30 years ago. It was built entirely on private company's investment with permit from Bangkok Authority. The various Metro lines are built by the central govt. When the track is completed, each line is put into bid for private operator to run the line under concession terms. At the moment, there are about 10 lines, totaling more than 100 km.
133 years ago, the modern bicycle spared Man from the drudgery of walking at 2.0 mph - 2.5 mph to go from Point A to Point B. It seemed to take forever. The bicycle endowed Man with early, "Individual Personal Mobility". True, there were earlier machines, from the 'dandy horse' to the clumsy front-wheelers to the elegant, fast, but impractical high-wheelers, aka, "Penny-Farthing". The modern bicycle design of 1890 made bicycling efficient, safe, and practical for everyone. But the bicycle was a large composite machine of the basic tools of the lever, pulley, and the wheel. When not riding it, it was a handful to carry around. The folding bicycle was the next, practical evolution in modern, safety bicycling. There was some riding comfort compromise in exchanging large wheels for smaller ones that did not handle bumps and potholes as well as large tires. But the convenience of collapsing the folding bicycle into a convenient carrying package made it worthwhile. On a practical basis, expect to travel between 8 mph and 12 mph in urbanized areas, the more densely populated and the more dense architecture, the slower you will ride for safety reasons. Out on highways and country roads you can enjoy your geared folding bicycle's fullest potential, riding between 15 mph and 20 mph, and possibly more, like 24 mph, depending upon the bicycle and the condition of the roads. When you compare walking at a steady, non-fatiguing 2.0 mph, compared to riding at a steady, practical speed of 10 mph that is non-fatiguing, you will get from Point A to Point B five times faster, or less time by a factor of 5. If your destination is five miles away, riding at 10 mph will get you there in 30 minutes. Otherwise, you will walk for 2.5 hours and be exhausted by the time you arrive there. There is ongoing debate on which size tire is best for folding bicycles, 16 inches versus 20 inches. The 16 inch wheel folding bike offers more compactness and thus enhanced portability while the 20 inch wheel is regarded as just better for riding, especially longer distances and reputedly less tiring, according to some owners.
Seems like you need to put some holes in the bottom of the cycle bag so that the rollers come out at the bottom and then you should be able to roll the bike along instead of carrying it! I guess that may be easier said than done though!
Oh man, thanks for the video and your experiences. I so want to do similar. Last month (oct 22) I saw a nice folding bike for sale at the Don Quijote in Asakusa for $150. I should have jumped on it then! Want to go back and get it. If folding bikes are available in Texas for anything close to that price I haven't seen them.
hi cruise, don't get the trailer version you will regret it when you go uphill. use normal rear and front rack with side bag like ortlieb downside is foldingbike hv weight limitation compare to full size steel touring bike....i hv no experience on trailer but know many downside through others experience. i hv a MTB, a roadbike, and 2 foldingbike (dahon aluminium slightly lighter option). love your videos and pls keep it going. good luck to you in thailand. one fine future day might bike tour to your new place to visit you (if you're not busy with your tonnes of fans appointment ofc....LOL) btw poor thoung gotta carry heavy load.....take care good care of her she's a good wife if she cooks for you, take care
You might see if the Ibera PakRak Mini or the Ibera Commuter Carrier fits the seat post on your bikes. It fits my Brompton perfectly. It can be used to hold most bags. But because they are designed for the Ibera family of quick release bags, they especially handy with those bags.
I use TitanStraps to tie down my backpack to the rack, it doubles up as holding the rear wheel to the frame when folded, so it doesn't accidentally unfold when your seat post is up. You can check that out.. Also, I've seen bags with holes at the bottom for the ezwheels, not sure how you could customise that. haha.
There is a branded Brompton Cover that is customized for exactly this. It goes over the bike with a drawstring leaving the ez wheels Exposed on the rack. The newer version lets you put the seat post up but the older version also lets you expose the luggage block so you can leave something on that and feel it around with your helmet and whatever poked in the bag on your bike frame like wheeled luggage
Start with a bag like the North Face Terra (hiking pack) for ergonomic weight distribution, you might find you can carry weight more comfortably. You can also look at the U.S. MOLLE rucksack for people who carry 60+lbs on their torso to see how it is done safely. Eat snacks and drink water frequently so your muscles do not fatigue and the weight doesn't injure you! Have fun!
for my two cents, 20-in wheels are much better on rough roads like cobblestone roads. also, I rest my backpack on a rear luggage rack over the rear tire and cross the straps over the seat in such way to secure the pack.
I just put my bike in the bag as I get on the train. And I always take my bike into restaurants and pubs and keep it under the table. I live in london and would never ever leave it (or any bike) locked up in public. They’ll steal anything and everything. Even had bikes stolen from my back garden.
The helmet strap is a handy way to attach your front bag to the backpack, and hold the helmet too. Just remember it's back there or you'll clobber someone, or get caught in the door of the train.
Had good quality folding bikes from dahon and giant. Tried one one day to go home and back. (8 miles) The positioning on the bike was uncomfortable . The small wheels roll over bumps and things harshley. I don't think I could tolerate that for 10-12 miles. Even less with a backpack. I think folders are honestly strictly short distance commuters.
@mellocello187 It's just basic ergonomics and physics. I would inform any customer interested in one of my experience and research and give a basic assessment depending on their morphology. On the other hand, small wheels are better for climbing (though a folding bike frame would flex like crazy). There is actually a world class cycletourist lady that is using a Brompton folder to tour the english countryside. Of course you are entitled to your own opinion and I would not stop you from buying one...
Very cool. It's been a while since I've been to a train station, let alone bringing my bike to one. One of the stations has quite a few flat panel displays. Interesting how many of them are oriented vertically. It makes sense since they are on narrow support columns. Very futuristic. Are they interactive, or mostly for information / advertisement purposes?
I commuted and traveled with folders for 12 years. If possible fold your bikes as close to your bus or train as possible to minimize carrying the bike. Why not fold then wheel the bike inside the station then bag it near the train?
New subscriber, enjoy watching your videos. Maybe a folding luggage cart might help so you won't have to carry the bikes that much. They are also tiny when folded. And since it's Japan, there is a chance of an elevator or an escalator nearby if you're going up or down levels.
Ouch ! I feel your pain having to awkwardly carryall this load across that vast station. Perhaps, to avoid any potential injury, you could just order a taxi to carry everything next week and then, there might be luggage trolleys to hire both at the station and then the airport. You could do the same when you arrive in Thailand. Not much point saving on help, if it can save your backs for new cycling adventures !
That's brutal. Riding any bicycle wearing a heavy or even not- so- heavy backpack makes it WAY harder. He needs to get some sort of panniers or basket or SOMETHING. A 20'' bike will do the job ; it's still compact and will fit in a bag. 16'' bike and backpack for touring? fuggetaboutit.
Brompton's a pretty popular for touring due to the low center of gravity and nice carrier system. Having said that, yeah, using backpacks is a bad idea for bike touring.
Just wondering if you've checked out JAL baggage delivery to deliver your bulky luggage to the airport beforehand. Quite reasonably priced and seamless.
Thanks for sharing your opinion! Why not strap some luggage on the rear of your bike? Since you are touring long distance and won't fold the bike very often.
I wouldn't wait for the Ikea bag handles to break before using a strap I'd double up with a strap as soon as possible. Delayed prevention better than cure :)
Cruise, nice to see how to bring a folding bike on trips, like on a train. I am not familiar with your brand of folding bike. I noticed when Thoung folded the bike, it had wheels. Question? Why not have a cardboard on the bottom of the IKEA bag with Slits for the wheels and make the bag as a rolling caarry on bag? Again, Love the videos you and Thoung have been sharing.
Question! Can't you guys use a cloth or something to hold the bike by the shoulders (yet in front of your body)? Try using the hand straps to pass a cable/cloth throught it and passing your arms inside the loop. I don't know how to explain it better, but it's worth a try, maybe it could free off your hands at least, while carrying the bike in front of you.
I do have folding bike, if I'm taking commuter trains i just fold it in half, not even the handlebars lol. Sometimes I even unfolded it inside the train when i'm nearing to the station to exit. I'm in Manila so its reasonable for me why i'm doin this (like who cares if the bike is not folded when exiting the train lol).
You guys just missed a better brompton clone. Crius (a well known folding bike brand in Asia) just released a B clone with non IGH (sturmy archer) system. It is a 9 -speed sora RD and shimano shifter. This is faster and easier on the climbs. Costs about U$780 in the Philippines. Anyway, what you have now is also good. Will miss you guys in Japan. If you happen to travel into other Asian countries, visit our country as well. I can show you around.
@@TwoWheelCruise looking forward to meeting both of you. But settle down on your new home first. You can come next year. By that time too, my own bike travel vlogs will be out too. You can get a glimpse of destinations here! But some of the places are not as flat as in Japan. You and your wife may need to get stronger in the legs as some of the places to go require some climbing! And some even river, and bodies of waters to cross! One thing for sure, food is abundant. Some new taste to partake for your palate! Will be posting on your channel comments when I am already up with my own channel!
How safe is it to just park your bike somewhere on the streets overnight or a few days? Have you ever heard someone getting their bike stolen in japan or if you keep it for too long someone that works for the city or something will take it?
I guess covering the bike and rolling it folded in the train station isn't allowed either? I don't know how heavy a Royale is, but I sure can't carry a C Line on my shoulders for too long.
Would it be acceptable to the Japan railway if I use a specially designed bag with an open bottom that allows the Brompton's Easy Wheels to be exposed? This way, I can simply push the bike in its folded condition instead of having to carry it at all times.
You want to put the backpack on the rear rack. It will sit on it and hang the shoulder straps on a pole that you can zip tie across the seat. Google on how people do it. I just wrapped my backpack shoulder straps around my seatpost and not even use the pole. And use velcro straps to tie it in place. Riding for more than 2 hours is when you feel the different from a 16" to a 20" wheels. Its crazy to see people do touring on a brompton. I can never do it, my knees hurt after a few hours. Also, I never pack heavy, go light. My tern verge x20 is only 20lbs, with my backpack, laptop, tools, 2 days clothes, water, etc , its around 30lbs. Lastly, bike touring is a little bit weird, sometime its feel suck while doing it, because it can be very tiring. But after you finished it and then you look back, those suck moments are actually good memories.
I rode a train a couple times in Thailand & climbing the stairs onto the train & then navigating through the aisles with my bike & gear was tough. Once the train started filling up with passengers as well as vendors it started to become very crowded since where I had been told to put my bike was also the space used by the vendors for sorting their items to sell. In typical Thai fashion though, no one complained & even helped me unload once I reached my destination. If you can reduce your load, that would be my main suggestion. Did you research the different types of Brompton Clones before choosing your 2 bikes?
Are they not allowing you to roll the bike around while folded and just put it in the bag when entering the train? It will be just like rolling a big luggage.
Abit off topic but ashamed to say I do not know how to ride a bike but I want to learn and am considering buying a foldable bike but are foldables good for learners? Thanks in advance!
Watch our full Kyoto Cycling Trip playlist here ua-cam.com/video/BpkVum5UgwI/v-deo.html
Watch Thuong's walking videos in Kyoto here - ua-cam.com/video/wqIVZ8B0kZ4/v-deo.html
The first time I travelled with my folding bike on a train I felt the same. I was going to France from the UK for business and figured I would take the bike and explore a bit, as well as cycle to the office from the hotel every day. I found it heavy lugging the bike through stations. Later I watched the seasoned commuters and realised the leave the bike unfolded until they get to the platform and then fold just before getting on the train. For carrying up and down stairs, rest the nose of the saddle on your shoulder. Makes things so much easier!
Cycling with a backpack is crazy! People touring with Bromptons usually rig their backpack/duffle behind them, on top of the rack. Our Dahons have front and rear racks that accommodate standard size panniers, but they have 20" wheels and don't fold anywhere near as small as your bikes.
We wanted to bring our 20" bikes, but the smaller foldability of the 16" bikes won us over for this trip. Not doing a backpack trip again though hopefully.
@@TwoWheelCruise Just figure out how to strap your luggage to the bikes and you will be fine. There's a lot of great touring shops in Thailand that could help you out.
was thinking if 20" really worth it. I would love to travel in farther places with my folding bike. too bad thou the rail coverage in the Philippines is only concentrated around Manila -_-
anyway, u deserved sub.~
I've got a 20" Dahon. Been riding it everywhere for 12 years. Changed out the front crankset to smaller one. There are a lot of hills around here and the big stock 53T( I think that's what is was) front was just about useless. Changed to 44T and I go anywhere. It came with a rear rack, and I added a front one as well. I have a milk crate on the back rack for my everyday stuff. I have a bike trailer for my dog which I also use for groceries. I LOVE my compact little bike! Got rid of my big wheel bikes.
@@TwoWheelCruise If you grab some 20L or smaller panniers and put a rear rack on your Brompton you can dramatically increase your carrying capacity. 20L is about as big as you can go without avoiding heel strike (and even that can be a little iffy depending on how stuffed it is or your foot size). Smaller ones will probably be fine. A kickstand can be helpful if you do put any panniers on the back since you can't easily fold to the first stage it when stationary to stay put.
In Singapore, we can fold the bike and leave the seat post up to act as a handle, and push it around in the MRT(Subway) station, even in the train itself. It's so much more convenient and effortless when we don't have to pack it in the bag.
Wish we could do that in Japan too!
That guy being dragged by his two large dogs @1:25... 😂
Not gonna lie, I'm gonna miss your Japan videos but I am also looking forward to the new places. You guys really put my mind to the folding bike concept too, I'm seriously considering saving up for one
It's a big change, but it's fun learning and experiencing new things.
just get a knocked off brompton, you’re welcome
This was the best video I’ve seen ever on traveling on trains with folding bikes. Great job to both of you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks!
Thank you!
Thanks for the video! I've designed and led two folding bike tours in Japan and am planning (Covid permitting!) another one in October 2022. Like you, I found the "portage" of the folded and bagged bike through the stations to be the weak link in intermodal travel. I solved the problem by using a lightweight luggage cart that I strapped onto the folded bike. When riding the bike (to guesthouses, etc.), the cart was bungeed onto the luggage on the rear rack. Yes: most of the weight is on the rear wheel in this system, but a front bag is also a possibility to distribute weight more evenly. I used a lightweight duffle backpack which I could carry on my back when portaging the bike. I'm happy to send photos to anyone interested.
Is it a must to put the bikes in bags first before you can bring them onto the trains in Japan? I thought you could just push the folded bikes onto trains as long as you secure them at the luggage corner.
@@mk-nw2pp No: All bikes must be completely covered from the time you go through the ticket gate, onto the train, until you leave the station at your destination.
@@Honyakker if you have a Brompton and a Brompton cover, The Wheels on the rack would allow you to wheel it and leave one of your bags on the front luggage block right? If it was a big enough issue you could even have a telescopic seatpost and remove the saddle and just have the bare seatpost sticking up to steer with.
Welcome to the world of folding bike touring and hope our paths will cross in the future.
PS You really need better front bags
I hope so too! It's a whole new world and been a lot of fun so far :)
@2Bikes4Adventure have a great vid on hacking bags that work with the front carrier block.
Thanks to both channels for being inspiring and informative!
The folding bike content is KEY!
when i watch your videos, I isolate myself ,TWC channel helps me through this pandemic, thanks for the uploads, it becomes a part and personal to me.. thank you.
Yeah they inspired me to approach my hobby too :)
Happy to hear our videos help :)
Miss this era! Beautiful bikes and travels ahead.
Hopefully more Japan travel videos once Thuong gets her green card and can travel freely
YES! Looking forward to it. You inspired me to get the folding bike back in 2022 and it's still kicking in 2024. Japan vlogs are always addictive.@@TwoWheelCruise
man i miss the good old days when you guys were still in japan. Hopefully one day you guys will come back and I will have a chance to ride with you guys. Having in japan for just over a year I am considering getting a tern byb to do some train/bicycle traveling
Greetings from Chiang Mai. Please, be careful cycling when you arrive here. It may be an eye opening experience for you when compared to Japan. The cycling here is world class. Although, I would never cycle in the Old City on account of the crazy traffic and not cycling friendly streets. I’m extra cautious here cycling when compared to the US. I enjoy your videos. Take care.
Thanks! Enjoying our first few days here now :)
@@TwoWheelCruise Congrats on arrival to Chiang Mai. I am highly jealous
@@TwoWheelCruise If you ride your bikes up to Doi Suthep I would really like to know how it goes, both uphill and downhill. I have Dahon 20" . Wonder whether the 16" are more harsh.
I am with you in this upcoming new chapter of your life and thuong as well
Thanks! :)
Wonderful to have on hand for little ones.
Game changer!! See ya on the road.
RADICAL CYCLONE IV BIKE CHUBBY TRAILER FOR BROMPTON, which actually will fit inside🥰
Cyclone IV Chubby Bicycle Trailer
This is so cool. I love my Brompton and have wandered how these bikes fare in other countries.
Try putting some squared slots, line with velcro so you can stick on replaceable wear pads, such that they match up with the little wheels on your rack and you can pull the bike just s like wheeled luggage
Nice idea!
@19:16.. cant you fold it and take it into the restaurant? I have seen other vids where they say taking it in with you is one of the benefits...do some countries not allow it?
Most restaurants in Japan probably wouldn't like you bringing it inside, but if you put it in the bag it should be fine.
You can bring a folding bike on the train in the Netherlands without having to pay extra as long as it's folded. Else it's considered a bike and you have to pay an additional fee, place it in the designated bike spot and you have to do an online registration before entering the train.
Interestingly they refunded us in Thailand after we folded it down :)
I installed four removable wheels on the dimple bag so it's a lot easier to move the bag around in a station.
I rode a Brompton from San Diego to Vancouver along the 'Sierra Cascades' route (closely shadows the PCT hiking trail, but on roads) and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Ride a proper bike and you will have a much more enjoyable time!
why? I biked by the Danube in europe with my brompton and loved the fact that I could fold it whenever I needed it... what was the problem in your case?
Safe travels you two!
Thanks!
Awesome! ive biked Tokyo- Hammamatsu and back on a folding bike. Easy to buy one in Tokyo on craigslist, never went on the train though because i didnt have a bag!! Nice video :)
Thanks!
Check what the Brompton Traveller channel suggests as traveling setup.. Main thing you can do is load a regular back pack in the back on the rack by installing a 45cms or so tube attached to your seat. And a big front bag using the attachment block.
I have a Brompton folding bike and it weighs about 14kg, I die a little every time I carry the blighter up to my abode. This is because I live in a flat four floors up without a lift, yes a road bike would be so much lighter but living in London means a locked bike will still get stolen in no time.
A T-Bag (if you can find one, its discontinued) and a backpack hanging off a rod attached the saddle and affixed to the rack will hold enough to take you very far. Path less Pedaled, rode across the US with that set up.
Kep safe. Love you guys
Thank you!
Two suggestions: 1) put that backpack on the back rack, 2) add a long zipper that covers the bottom part of the bike bag, so you can roll it on the back rack through the station.
That's what I wanted to say! Make a large zippered hole in the bottom of the bag. You can wheel your bikes folded and then zip the bag closed if necessary.
I enjoy doing long rides on my folding bikes, ver comfortable and fun.
In Thailand you don't need to use a bag for your folding bike. Just fold it and lift it up and place it on the floor. Before the skytrain (BTS, Bangkok Transit System) was popular, it even allowed normal bike on the skytrain. Later on, only folding bike, and recently when the train is quite jam packed, folding bike is restricted to 6-6.30 and 22.00-24.00 on weekdays but I could not remember on weekends. We also have subtrain (Metro) which is not as popular (emerged much later) and the same rule applies, only folding bike (no need for bag). BTW, my 9-speed folding bike is only 11.5 kg, costing 8900 baht around $290.
Good to hear more people are using them, but that's too bad about the limitations.
BTW, I check about Metro, it is not as popular and not jam packed, so there is no time limit for folding bike. BTS skytrain is the first electric train in Thailand, coming into service about 30 years ago. It was built entirely on private company's investment with permit from Bangkok Authority. The various Metro lines are built by the central govt. When the track is completed, each line is put into bid for private operator to run the line under concession terms. At the moment, there are about 10 lines, totaling more than 100 km.
What bike do You own?
very interesting. nice video. i am enjoying it
Glad you enjoyed it!
Are you not allowed to put the bag on upside down, thereby the roller wheels are still useable, and you just roll the bike like a piece of lugage?
Possibly, yes
how does the bikes handle on uphill climbs? is it manageable comparing it to your road bike or mtb
133 years ago, the modern bicycle spared Man from the drudgery of walking at 2.0 mph - 2.5 mph to go from Point A to Point B. It seemed to take forever.
The bicycle endowed Man with early, "Individual Personal Mobility". True, there were earlier machines, from the 'dandy horse' to the clumsy front-wheelers to the elegant, fast, but impractical high-wheelers, aka, "Penny-Farthing". The modern bicycle design of 1890 made bicycling efficient, safe, and practical for everyone. But the bicycle was a large composite machine of the basic tools of the lever, pulley, and the wheel. When not riding it, it was a handful to carry around.
The folding bicycle was the next, practical evolution in modern, safety bicycling. There was some riding comfort compromise in exchanging large wheels for smaller ones that did not handle bumps and potholes as well as large tires. But the convenience of collapsing the folding bicycle into a convenient carrying package made it worthwhile.
On a practical basis, expect to travel between 8 mph and 12 mph in urbanized areas, the more densely populated and the more dense architecture, the slower you will ride for safety reasons. Out on highways and country roads you can enjoy your geared folding bicycle's fullest potential, riding between 15 mph and 20 mph, and possibly more, like 24 mph, depending upon the bicycle and the condition of the roads.
When you compare walking at a steady, non-fatiguing 2.0 mph, compared to riding at a steady, practical speed of 10 mph that is non-fatiguing, you will get from Point A to Point B five times faster, or less time by a factor of 5. If your destination is five miles away, riding at 10 mph will get you there in 30 minutes. Otherwise, you will walk for 2.5 hours and be exhausted by the time you arrive there.
There is ongoing debate on which size tire is best for folding bicycles, 16 inches versus 20 inches. The 16 inch wheel folding bike offers more compactness and thus enhanced portability while the 20 inch wheel is regarded as just better for riding, especially longer distances and reputedly less tiring, according to some owners.
Seems like you need to put some holes in the bottom of the cycle bag so that the rollers come out at the bottom and then you should be able to roll the bike along instead of carrying it! I guess that may be easier said than done though!
We were planning an international trip, so didn't want to put holes in the bag yet
That is a cool idea! Did you put holes on yours? How did you do it?
I love your comment on vacs and Japan... I think Vaccines were the safe/smart move.. cant belive how much controversy was surrounding that issue...
exactly what I wanted to see.
would like to know, How much is the weight of each bike ?
Oh man, thanks for the video and your experiences. I so want to do similar. Last month (oct 22) I saw a nice folding bike for sale at the Don Quijote in Asakusa for $150. I should have jumped on it then! Want to go back and get it. If folding bikes are available in Texas for anything close to that price I haven't seen them.
hi cruise, don't get the trailer version you will regret it when you go uphill. use normal rear and front rack with side bag like ortlieb downside is foldingbike hv weight limitation compare to full size steel touring bike....i hv no experience on trailer but know many downside through others experience. i hv a MTB, a roadbike, and 2 foldingbike (dahon aluminium slightly lighter option). love your videos and pls keep it going. good luck to you in thailand. one fine future day might bike tour to your new place to visit you (if you're not busy with your tonnes of fans appointment ofc....LOL) btw poor thoung gotta carry heavy load.....take care good care of her she's a good wife if she cooks for you, take care
Thanks for the warning!
You might see if the Ibera PakRak Mini or the Ibera Commuter Carrier fits the seat post on your bikes. It fits my Brompton perfectly. It can be used to hold most bags. But because they are designed for the Ibera family of quick release bags, they especially handy with those bags.
I use TitanStraps to tie down my backpack to the rack, it doubles up as holding the rear wheel to the frame when folded, so it doesn't accidentally unfold when your seat post is up. You can check that out..
Also, I've seen bags with holes at the bottom for the ezwheels, not sure how you could customise that. haha.
Thanks for the tips!
There is a branded Brompton Cover that is customized for exactly this. It goes over the bike with a drawstring leaving the ez wheels Exposed on the rack. The newer version lets you put the seat post up but the older version also lets you expose the luggage block so you can leave something on that and feel it around with your helmet and whatever poked in the bag on your bike frame like wheeled luggage
Start with a bag like the North Face Terra (hiking pack) for ergonomic weight distribution, you might find you can carry weight more comfortably. You can also look at the U.S. MOLLE rucksack for people who carry 60+lbs on their torso to see how it is done safely. Eat snacks and drink water frequently so your muscles do not fatigue and the weight doesn't injure you! Have fun!
for my two cents, 20-in wheels are much better on rough roads like cobblestone roads. also, I rest my backpack on a rear luggage rack over the rear tire and cross the straps over the seat in such way to secure the pack.
The best travel ever most especially using a Brompton bike.
I just put my bike in the bag as I get on the train. And I always take my bike into restaurants and pubs and keep it under the table. I live in london and would never ever leave it (or any bike) locked up in public. They’ll steal anything and everything. Even had bikes stolen from my back garden.
Great ride. Cheers from Greece...
The helmet strap is a handy way to attach your front bag to the backpack, and hold the helmet too. Just remember it's back there or you'll clobber someone, or get caught in the door of the train.
Had good quality folding bikes from dahon and giant. Tried one one day to go home and back. (8 miles) The positioning on the bike was uncomfortable . The small wheels roll over bumps and things harshley. I don't think I could tolerate that for 10-12 miles. Even less with a backpack. I think folders are honestly strictly short distance commuters.
@mellocello187 It's just basic ergonomics and physics. I would inform any customer interested in one of my experience and research and give a basic assessment depending on their morphology. On the other hand, small wheels are better for climbing (though a folding bike frame would flex like crazy). There is actually a world class cycletourist lady that is using a Brompton folder to tour the english countryside.
Of course you are entitled to your own opinion and I would not stop you from buying one...
Is it possible to cover the bike, with the wheel exposed to pull them around? Seems really inconvenient to carry the bike around in the bag.
Yes
Yes, it should be
Oh man I feel your pain having to lug around all that! Great video!
Very cool. It's been a while since I've been to a train station, let alone bringing my bike to one. One of the stations has quite a few flat panel displays. Interesting how many of them are oriented vertically. It makes sense since they are on narrow support columns. Very futuristic. Are they interactive, or mostly for information / advertisement purposes?
0:34 is it not acceptable (culturally or legally) in japan to use a bell to make a pedestrian aware of your presence on bike?
I think most people would prefer cyclists use bells, but legally you will be liable if using the bell causes an accident with a pedestrian
@@TwoWheelCruise wow, that makes me have even more questions about the legal underpinnings!?!
I commuted and traveled with folders for 12 years. If possible fold your bikes as close to your bus or train as possible to minimize carrying the bike. Why not fold then wheel the bike inside the station then bag it near the train?
Most train stations in Japan prefer you don't do that
If you are moving, I would have dropped the bikes off and whatnot at your new place on this trip!!!
New subscriber, enjoy watching your videos. Maybe a folding luggage cart might help so you won't have to carry the bikes that much. They are also tiny when folded. And since it's Japan, there is a chance of an elevator or an escalator nearby if you're going up or down levels.
🚴👍👍👍... From Cucuta city Colombia 🇨🇴 South America
Great video! Will be travelling with a folding bike as well. What's the camera you're using to record yourself while biking? Thank you!
Thanks! GoPro 10
bring back the 4k! I've been loving the scenery!
Sorry about that! Not sure why the 4k didn't process...
Ouch ! I feel your pain having to awkwardly carryall this load across that vast station.
Perhaps, to avoid any potential injury, you could just order a taxi to carry everything next week and then, there might be luggage trolleys to hire both at the station and then the airport. You could do the same when you arrive in Thailand.
Not much point saving on help, if it can save your backs for new cycling adventures !
We caved and got a taxi for our last ride from our hotel to the airport train :)
That's brutal. Riding any bicycle wearing a heavy or even not- so- heavy backpack makes it WAY harder. He needs to get some sort of panniers or basket or SOMETHING. A 20'' bike will do the job ; it's still compact and will fit in a bag. 16'' bike and backpack for touring? fuggetaboutit.
Brompton's a pretty popular for touring due to the low center of gravity and nice carrier system. Having said that, yeah, using backpacks is a bad idea for bike touring.
¡Muy interesante, gracias por mostrar!
Just wondering if you've checked out JAL baggage delivery to deliver your bulky luggage to the airport beforehand. Quite reasonably priced and seamless.
Thanks for sharing your opinion! Why not strap some luggage on the rear of your bike? Since you are touring long distance and won't fold the bike very often.
I wouldn't wait for the Ikea bag handles to break before using a strap I'd double up with a strap as soon as possible. Delayed prevention better than cure :)
We got our straps :)
folding bikes are great for bike to work
I love your video.:)
Thank you so much!
@13:32 That's soo cool 👌
Bagus perjalanan Gowes nya, sangat inspirasi, sukses terus, salam dari Indonesia
is your hand pump the brompton version? I've been looking one for my 3sixty trifold bike.
It's similar, it came with the Mobot bike
The Folding bikes seem , "Awesome", but I'll wait and see what the future holds ( traveling over to the Australian Mainland and beyond ) ?
Staying in Thailand for now
Can u cut the bottom of the bag to have the small wheels stick out and then roll it ? Will be ok in Japan?
Cruise, nice to see how to bring a folding bike on trips, like on a train. I am not familiar with your brand of folding bike. I noticed when Thoung folded the bike, it had wheels. Question? Why not have a cardboard on the bottom of the IKEA bag with Slits for the wheels and make the bag as a rolling caarry on bag? Again, Love the videos you and Thoung have been sharing.
i hope one day i can travel with my brompton. :)
Question!
Can't you guys use a cloth or something to hold the bike by the shoulders (yet in front of your body)?
Try using the hand straps to pass a cable/cloth throught it and passing your arms inside the loop. I don't know how to explain it better, but it's worth a try, maybe it could free off your hands at least, while carrying the bike in front of you.
What is the folding bike you use? It folds like a Brompton, but you said it is Tarochan? Is it a Japanese brand?
折りたたみした時に収納できるサイクルトレーラーがあるといいですね。移動中はバッグを担がないで良いので
Great backpack
...really like your helmets
Thanks! Us too :)
I do have folding bike, if I'm taking commuter trains i just fold it in half, not even the handlebars lol. Sometimes I even unfolded it inside the train when i'm nearing to the station to exit. I'm in Manila so its reasonable for me why i'm doin this (like who cares if the bike is not folded when exiting the train lol).
You guys just missed a better brompton clone. Crius (a well known folding bike brand in Asia) just released a B clone with non IGH (sturmy archer) system. It is a 9 -speed sora RD and shimano shifter. This is faster and easier on the climbs. Costs about U$780 in the Philippines.
Anyway, what you have now is also good. Will miss you guys in Japan.
If you happen to travel into other Asian countries, visit our country as well. I can show you around.
Thanks! We will definitely visit the Philippines when we can :)
@@TwoWheelCruise looking forward to meeting both of you. But settle down on your new home first. You can come next year.
By that time too, my own bike travel vlogs will be out too. You can get a glimpse of destinations here! But some of the places are not as flat as in Japan. You and your wife may need to get stronger in the legs as some of the places to go require some climbing! And some even river, and bodies of waters to cross! One thing for sure, food is abundant. Some new taste to partake for your palate!
Will be posting on your channel comments when I am already up with my own channel!
Can you tell me how you are finding the Royal bike, planning to buy one so want true review
Haven't had any problems so far and we've ridden them a ton
I like these bikes
the folding bike bag should have 4-wheels on it..so much easier 👍
Would be nice!
How safe is it to just park your bike somewhere on the streets overnight or a few days? Have you ever heard someone getting their bike stolen in japan or if you keep it for too long someone that works for the city or something will take it?
Yeah, I wouldn't leave a nice bike parked outside in the same location for too long.
Through out the series I keep wondering why you don't put your bags on the rack or the front block LoL.
folding bike with a folding trailer. saw a youtube video on this. may work so you don't need to carry a lot of weight in your backpack.
Looks fun!
I guess covering the bike and rolling it folded in the train station isn't allowed either? I don't know how heavy a Royale is, but I sure can't carry a C Line on my shoulders for too long.
cant the bags have holes so you can slide it down with the support wheels ..? unless you're carrying it to the stairs?
Possibly yes, but it would damage the bag
@@TwoWheelCruise oh understand hope there will be a special bag for foldings in the future , im using one too!
Would it be acceptable to the Japan railway if I use a specially designed bag with an open bottom that allows the Brompton's Easy Wheels to be exposed? This way, I can simply push the bike in its folded condition instead of having to carry it at all times.
You want to put the backpack on the rear rack. It will sit on it and hang the shoulder straps on a pole that you can zip tie across the seat. Google on how people do it. I just wrapped my backpack shoulder straps around my seatpost and not even use the pole. And use velcro straps to tie it in place. Riding for more than 2 hours is when you feel the different from a 16" to a 20" wheels. Its crazy to see people do touring on a brompton. I can never do it, my knees hurt after a few hours. Also, I never pack heavy, go light. My tern verge x20 is only 20lbs, with my backpack, laptop, tools, 2 days clothes, water, etc , its around 30lbs. Lastly, bike touring is a little bit weird, sometime its feel suck while doing it, because it can be very tiring. But after you finished it and then you look back, those suck moments are actually good memories.
Thanks for the tips! It was rough at times, but lots of good memories :)
Is that a copy of a brompton? Is it cheaper?
I rode a train a couple times in Thailand & climbing the stairs onto the train & then navigating through the aisles with my bike & gear was tough. Once the train started filling up with passengers as well as vendors it started to become very crowded since where I had been told to put my bike was also the space used by the vendors for sorting their items to sell. In typical Thai fashion though, no one complained & even helped me unload once I reached my destination. If you can reduce your load, that would be my main suggestion. Did you research the different types of Brompton Clones before choosing your 2 bikes?
Boss Bobby, send them the larger msg bag ya! Go MOBOT!
Definitely need a bigger bag haha
Not just about the size, but is about its functionality!
Are they not allowing you to roll the bike around while folded and just put it in the bag when entering the train? It will be just like rolling a big luggage.
Oh there, I see it. You brought the bikes unfolded inside the station. That is nice and a lot easier.
Abit off topic but ashamed to say I do not know how to ride a bike but I want to learn and am considering buying a foldable bike but are foldables good for learners? Thanks in advance!
I think larger wheels will be easier for beginners since the handling is less twitchy, but it depends on your preference.
What's cost of folding bike
Luar biasa dan hebat bro
So no way to but pantry bags on the back??!
It's possible.
Nice