Bike rental in Kyushu

Does anyone know where I can rent a good road bicycle anywhere in Kyushu, preferably for multiple days? I'm talking about one with 7 or more speeds and big enough to fit me (5'10" or 178cm). There are rental bikes in most towns but they are typically 3-speed and too short to enjoy riding any distance.

I found a bike tour company in Izumi whose website said they rented bikes, but in email they told me that they don't.

Also, if I find a good bike, how could I take it around Kyushu on trains? Are there special rules for the Shinkansen? Would I need a bag? Would I need to take it apart? Would it travel on the same train as me?

Thanks for any help!

Bruce
Seattle

Hi Bruce,

The rules for taking bikes on trains in Japan are pretty straight-forward. You need to wrap up your bike completely in a bag (ideally an official bike bag, but I know of plenty of people who use cheaper regular bags to cover their bikes). For most bikes, I believe you'll want to remove the front wheel: not really my area of expertise though. There's plenty of information online, and as long as you're traveling by JR (on the regular trains or the Shinkansen), the rules are the same. I'm not sure if any of the private companies running trains on Kyushu have different rules.

I can't help with where to rent bikes though I'm afraid.

I doubt you will find a place to rent bikes on Kyushu. There are no big 'must bike' sites where you could get one and I can't see a shop holding a supply of bikes on the off chance someone may want one.

The Japanese are great commuter and utility cyclists around town, but leisure cycling hasn't really taken off except in a few specific areas (ie if they are told this is a good place to cycle, you will see them by the thousand. A kilometre away you won't see one.) Likewise there are few touring cyclists.

It is normally recommend to bring your own. Other options would be:
approach a shop and see if they will do a buy back;
try to find a cheap secondhand that you can ditch or try to sell;
get a bike you like and then take it home with you.

Taking bikes on trains is a pain. As Giora says you have to bag. Google rinko bike bag to see what it involves. It normally involves both wheels off. Why they can't have luggage areas for complete bikes and let them on trains at off peak times and weekends, like most countries is beyond me.

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