Road/racing bicycles

[Jazz]

Any cyclists here? I just got my first road bike (2008 Felt F75) in naha, good starter bike and great components/weight for the price!

Rode the 50km route around Motobu/Nago last week.......

[silviasichigo]

Got a bike just have not had the chance to actually get it around the island yet

[JamadianSparrow]

Hey ryukyuchina, 'Sup?

FELT are awesome products; hope you've been enjoying it.

I ride for everything and everywhere, rain or shine. Wouldn't trade it for anything! 2001 Schwinn Fastback Pro--light and dependable. Sometimes I think of upgrading but I want to put many more miles on this puppy first; didn't see much use the last 6 yrs.

Have you hooked up w/the group ride out of Mihama Starbuck's yet? Every Sat. AM since the weather got nice I've had to work at the start time.

I did manage to ride up to Nago/Motobu + another 35K further w/ a Tokyo businessman/rider & his associates 3wks ago. Went to 2 islands connected by long causeway bridges. Really beautiful but I cannot remember the location names. Totalled ~170K that day;epic!

[Jazz]

Cool, too tired to comment. Will get back..........

[Isaak Brodsky]

got a titanium litespeed last year, fun as hell. you wanna go riding sometime? my buddy and i usually take 58 from ginowan to nago or to zanpa.

[Isaak Brodsky]

Hey ryukyuchina, 'Sup? ...


J.Sparrow, so you finally got your bike together? Last I heard you were looking for some parts.

[kombu_kid]

What did you guys pay for your bikes? I was just curious what a decent bike costs nowadays.

[日本 りより]

...................

[日本 りより]

.................

[Jazz]

Ian and Jama, let me know when you guy's want to ride. I must warn you though, I'm a beginner. No more than 30-50 km at a time for me right now.........

[Jazz]

Lower level, yet still good all around quality is what I got for $1,700. Would have been 14-1,500 in the states.........

[Isaak Brodsky]

Ian and Jama, let me know when you guy's want to ride. I must warn you though, I'm a beginner. No more than 30-50 km at a time for me right now.........

Will definitely let you know well in advance. Cheers, ib

[Jazz]

Cool, looking forward to it.......

[Jazz]

I planned on riding to Nago with a friend from work tomorrow but this weather is shit. I'm going to Sports Depo 2night to get an extra tube, extra water bottle holder, new gloves and a pouch for under the seat.

I've been riding quite a bit recently and notice a pain in my wrists and hands. I think I need a propper fitting and the shop I bought my bike at Ringyou (supposed to be one of the best) didn't seem to fit me properly.

I've been riding with my hands up on the hoods(I think they're called), up kind of on top of the brakes and it seems I have too much trouble squeezing the breaks from that position. I don't know if it's due to my small hands or if there's something I could adjust or am I just a wuss?

Any suggestions or advice please......

[okisteve]

Maybe something like padded grips or rests for the bars would help reduce the vibration, unless you are just straining the wrists by keeping them bent.

BTW, is there anyplace to find a helmet a little cheaper than the Bells they carry at Sports Depot? I do value my head, but it seems weird to spend more than for a good motorcycle helmet.　

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Nothing listed on the Costco order site now, but they do carry them sometimes.

http://www.theflyingpig.com/tfp/List.asp?SC=408&LN=1&sid=20985C8F0E9D29BBCA6F

[Crazysix]

after what happened mexico anyone who goes be careful....I dont like funerals

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Okisteve, you could also check a recycle shop called Hard-Off. There's one located between Oroku and Akamine monorail stations, next to the Altec Liquor Palace. When I lived on the mainland Hard-Off was good for quality used sporting goods. I haven't checked the one(s) here, but it may be worth looking into.

[DoctorP]

There is a big bike shop in Ishikawa and another in Kin if you get up that way.

[Jazz]

what happened in Mexico? I'm going to Google it. I recently got into road cycling and was a little apprehensive cause if you're gonna get killed while riding, Okinawa would be a likely spot I'd think (not to curse anyone, myself included). It's allot of fun though and I try to go as early in the morning as possible and try to stay in areas with as little traffic as possible, but that's next to impossible in Okinawa.

[okisteve]

Okisteve, you could also check a recycle shop called Hard-Off. There's one located between Oroku and Akamine monorail stations, next to the Altec Liquor Palace. When I lived on the mainland Hard-Off was good for quality used sporting goods. I haven't checked the one(s) here, but it may be worth looking into.

I will check it out. Love the name! What is it opposite?

[Jazz]

So I went on a ride to Nago yesterday. I was told by my friend that it was an 80k ride. I hadn't gone more than 25k a few times on the new bike.

I started in Hambi and turned around at the A&W in Nago. By the time I got half way up the (seemed like 10k) hill on the way back my meter said 83 km and I was DONE. My legs were jello and there was a painful pinching feeling in my shoulders and neck. I walked up the rest of the way to Oki Hamu and collapsed in the shade where I called the wife to come get me. I'll stick to around 40k rides for a while. I would've been alright though if the "endless ascent" hadn't been there......

[greenflash]

I threw a post up with this question but this seems like the thread to get an answer. I'm PCSing soon an have been doing the back and forth about whether to get a new bike now and move it, or wait. It sounds like I'll save some cash by getting it now, but let me know what you guys think. Is it safe to ride to work (Futenma) from off base?

[Jazz]

You're safest when riding in the street here whether it's a road bike or otherwise. The streets are quite congested but you get used to it. Depending on where you will live and which gate you will use, you will get a pretty good little workout coming up the hill (sobriety hill) to the gate every day. Don't worry it's not that long just a little steep. Should be good training.

I'd say get it before you come. You'll have more of a selection and you can also get fitted by an English speaking professional. Plus you will most likely save a few hundred bucks.

[Ammoyankee]

Hey ryukyuchina, 'Sup?

FELT are awesome products; hope you've been enjoying it.

I ride for everything and everywhere, rain or shine. Wouldn't trade it for anything! 2001 Schwinn Fastback Pro--light and dependable. Sometimes I think of upgrading but I want to put many more miles on this puppy first; didn't see much use the last 6 yrs.

Have you hooked up w/the group ride out of Mihama Starbuck's yet? Every Sat. AM since the weather got nice I've had to work at the start time.

I did manage to ride up to Nago/Motobu + another 35K further w/ a Tokyo businessman/rider & his associates 3wks ago. Went to 2 islands connected by long causeway bridges. Really beautiful but I cannot remember the location names. Totalled ~170K that day;epic!

Sounds like you may have found your way to Kaori (sp) Jima. It must have been a nice ride!

[rflmn1]

Can someone post up directions to the sports depot from kadena gate 1

Thanks

jason

[okisteve]

South on 58 into Naha. When you see a building with a big sign for the magazine "Agre" take the left turn there and you'll see it coming up on the left.

[Ammoyankee]

Okisteve, you could also check a recycle shop called Hard-Off. There's one located between Oroku and Akamine monorail stations, next to the Altec Liquor Palace. When I lived on the mainland Hard-Off was good for quality used sporting goods. I haven't checked the one(s) here, but it may be worth looking into.

Eel, what kind of stuff does this shop have, is it primarily biking or a little of everything?

[elsenor]

New to the forum but I've been on island for 2 years now and been cycling for a year here. Looking for some more cycling friends. I usually ride during the week between 9-11am and will do a 25mi loop. ryukyu, what base are you on? I'm on Kadena.

As for cycling shops around here, there are a few.

Ishikawa Cycles
Bridgestone on 58
Bridgeston on 329
Sports Depot

These are the ones I know of.
As for riding to Nago, that is a great ride. I've done it with a co-worker's church group. My co-worker has be cycling for awhile so he asked if anyone was up for taking 329 back. 329 has a ridiculous climb in the beginning. By the time I made it back to Kadena I had ridden over 70mi...I was tired.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Eel, what kind of stuff does this shop have, is it primarily biking or a little of everything?
Depends on the location. Some seem to handle mainly sporting goods, some cater more to electronics and musical instruments. Not sure of other Okinawa locations, but the one between Oroku and Akamine Stations in Naha seems to be geared more to sports.

[ericarenee87]

As for cycling shops around here, there are a few.

Ishikawa Cycles
Bridgestone on 58
Bridgeston on 329
Sports Depot

These are the ones I know of.


Is there anyone that can give me directions to these or any other cycling repair shops?

[Jazz]

The one in Ishikawa is tricky, sorry.

Bridgestone on 58 is on the left side after you get into Naha. Not sure what's real close but you'll see all the bikes in front.

Sports Depot just opened a new location next to Jusco in Gushikawa. And their main store is in Shint Shin - as you're going toward Naha after you go over the long bridge on the other side of Kinser take a left at the big intersection in front of the tall building that says Agre in red on top. You'll see it in the plaza shortly after that turn.

[Jazz]

Oh, depending where you're located, there's also NEOS under the bridge (this is the shorther bridge just past the garlic restaurant - Arin Krin)) by Mos Burger on 58 as you're going past Kinser.

[ericarenee87]

thanks! my bike is in need of some serious repair. I haven't ridden it in about 3 years.

[Jazz]

Sorry it's left side for Bridgestone, I originally posted right. I fixed it...

[DoctorP]

Is there anyone that can give me directions to these or any other cycling repair shops?

The one in Ishikawa is tricky, sorry.



The one in Ishikawa is pretty simple. From expressway exit 6 head back South through town. It will be on the left, about 1 km from exit 6.

[elsenor]

Is there anyone that can give me directions to these or any other cycling repair shops?

Ishikawa:
If you're coming out of Gate 1 (Kadena) take a right and take 58 north pass the marina and up to Kadena circle. Take a right at the 74 & 58 intersection and its on your left hand side.



Bridgestone on 58:
Head south on 58 heading towards Naha. After you pass the second bridge keeping going another 2-3 blocks and you'll see a hotel on your right hand side, keep going another block or two and you'll see a Bridegstone bicycle store on the corner on the left side of the street.

Bridgestone on 329
Head south on 58 towards naha. When you come up to the second bridge stay on the left lanes so that you dont actually go on the bridge. There will be a big intersection under the bridge, take a left there. You'll head this way until you cross hit 329, take a right on it. From here I think its less than 6 blocks, but dont remember very well. Anyways, the store will be on your left hand side occupying the corner. Look for the sign bridgestone pole sign.

sports depot has been answered.

[ericarenee87]

I have to say I love these forums. They help me find things in a foreign place! You guys rock!

[Jazz]

Road/racing biles are awesome! I need to get on mine more often. People don't realize the thrill they provide.

[Jazz]

Right now, it's Crown Royal tough.

[Maudit62]

Hey there,

I spent many tours in Okinawa...most at Schwab. I lived in Nago for 4 years and rode all over the North end of the Island, both road and mountain biking.

A great ride with good hill work is from Hedo Misaki to Aha (near the NTA) and back. Another one is North from Naha around the penninsula and back down 58. Lot's of great coastal views.

Check in at the University in Nago...they have an English Club there and alot of the college students are very active athletes. I always had a few workout partners.

I also surfed, fished and trained for triathlons there.

Doc Goodland

[okisteve]

I'm looking at a Fuji Sunfire 3.0, hybrid street/light trail bike. Any opinions?

[DoctorP]

I planned on riding to Nago with a friend from work tomorrow but this weather is shit. I'm going to Sports Depo 2night to get an extra tube, extra water bottle holder, new gloves and a pouch for under the seat.

I've been riding quite a bit recently and notice a pain in my wrists and hands. I think I need a propper fitting and the shop I bought my bike at Ringyou (supposed to be one of the best) didn't seem to fit me properly.

I've been riding with my hands up on the hoods(I think they're called), up kind of on top of the brakes and it seems I have too much trouble squeezing the breaks from that position. I don't know if it's due to my small hands or if there's something I could adjust or am I just a wuss?

Any suggestions or advice please......

I was reading something the other day about your situation...do you have your wrists bent when riding? Seems that is one of the major injuries to cyclists. I think you are right that your bike needs to be resized to your body.

[okisteve]

The one in Ishikawa is tricky, sorry.

Bridgestone on 58 is on the left side after you get into Naha. Not sure what's real close but you'll see all the bikes in front.



Hey, I cannot find the Bridgestone store on 58. I probably drove past it a few times but could not see any bikes on a corner or a yellow sign.

Can anyone post a specific landmark? Thanks:grin1:

[Jazz]

I want to say it's within a block or two before you get to Broadway's Gentlemen's Club.

[Jazz]

I was reading something the other day about your situation...do you have your wrists bent when riding? Seems that is one of the major injuries to cyclists. I think you are right that your bike needs to be resized to your body.

Thanks and actually yeah, I think some of it had to do with my form/hand placement. I've been on several 22 km or more rides since my OP and am getting used to my bike. I was in quite a bit of pain toward the end of the 85 km ride though.

[Jazz]

Thrill Ride:

Coming down 23 (Kokutai Dori) from the top of the hill can be quite a rush, especially if you get all green lights. Problem is you start getting up around 50 - 60 km/h or better and between the cars going 30 - 40 and turning/pulling over all over and a couple bumps that you gotta be prepared to hold on for, you really gotta pay close attention. Would be a helluva thrill ride with no traffic though.

[quickag]

Any group rides close to Kadena? I'm riding around on my own right now...you'll see me all over the island...fat guy looking really tired wearing crazy socks.

Planning on opening my own bike shop so if anyone needs any repairs, drop me a line.


-david

[gtlm2000]

hang on!!

http://art7.photozou.jp/pub/186/128186/photo/4022607_org.jpg