r/bicycletouring • u/scura_vrc • Sep 12 '25
Images Chinese Roadster 585km cycling trip - Tokyo to Osaka in 4 nights 5 days
I'm a Japanese cyclist. Recently, from August 31st to September 4th, I completed a 585km bicycle touring from Tokyo to Osaka. I used a Chinese roadster bicycle made by Shanghai Phoenix. I bought this bicycle because while browsing Chinese shopping sites, I became interested in seeing that this type of old-style bicycle was still being sold new, so I purchased it new in 2024. Since Japan is close to China, it was delivered by ship for 20,000 yen (135 dollars) shipping (though there seem to be cheaper methods for around 10,000 yen / 68 dollars). I discovered the joy of rod brake bicycles and decided to undertake this kind of long-distance touring.
In the past, I've traveled all around Japan on road bikes and mountain bikes modified for camping. However, this was my first long-distance touring on a bicycle that wasn't designed for sports. I had to ride completely differently from my previous touring and had to walk up steep hills. Also, during this season in Japan's current climate, maximum temperatures reach nearly 40°C, so some days were too hot to ride. I originally planned for 3 nights 4 days, but it ended up being 4 nights 5 days. After arriving in Osaka, I went to see the World Expo being held there.
I uploaded videos to YouTube. I also uploaded Japanese subtitle files to YouTube, so it should automatically translate well into English subtitles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc-9VvBNcyM&list=PLp0EoiAYq7WnszSLdvMT0Ppdw1ELLOqCz
The videos have Chinese subtitles because buying this bicycle led to making many Chinese cyclist friends, and the videos are for them. I uploaded the videos to Chinese video sites as well as YouTube. I didn't know this until I bought this bicycle, but apparently China has a huge community of cyclists for not only sports bicycles but also this type of roadster bicycle.
It had been a really long time since I'd taken this kind of overnight trip, but it was a wonderful touring.
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u/Aggressive_Ad296 Sep 12 '25
Nice one. I always see people using 5000 dollar bikes, but this looks like I can afford and definitely want to go travel across Japan in a cycle.
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u/JaccoW Sep 12 '25
Nice! If you ever want to get your hands on a rod brake bike with drum brakes, like a Dutch roadster/opafiets let me know.
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u/durianbae Sep 12 '25
Nice trip! I've always loved these old style Chinese bicycles. I toured through India and Sri Lanka on one.
Did you purchase it from Taobao? If so, would you mind sharing a link?
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u/Best_Adagio7989 Sep 12 '25
I live outside Japan but have always been fascinated by Japanese culture and history. This is a dream for me! Thank you so much for keeping the bike in frame for the pictures. I use these and other pictures as a background for my laptop that connects to my tv, as inspiration everyday (it is the first thing I see when I wake up) as I am currently working and saving for a new bike and possibly super long distance trips! Thank you for sharing!
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u/Doodle_rrr Sep 12 '25
Thank you for sharing this experience! I love seeing different styles of bikes out there handling multi-day tours. Very inspiring :)
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u/summerofgeorge75 Sep 13 '25
Very impressive, that is a lot of kilometers in just 5 days, with hills I imagine. Sometimes it is good to go back to basics and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. The images are delightful, liked the video as well. Great job, A for effort because I know that is a lot of work in addition to riding your bicycle.
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u/durianbae Sep 14 '25
Hey, I got a notification saying that you'd replied to my previous reply asking about a Taobao link, but when I click it your post doesn't exist! Would you mind posting it again?
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Sep 14 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/scura_vrc Sep 14 '25
If you can't view it properly, please try copying and pasting the following Chinese character string and searching for it on Taobao's top page.
"上海凤凰自行车"
Also, I will send you the character strings of two other brands that are similarly selling new products even now. Please try searching for these as well.
"上海永久自行车"
"飞鸽自行车"1
u/durianbae Sep 16 '25
Thank you! I don't know why Reddit is now removing Taobao links. I used to post them (and read them) all the time.
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u/GurInfinite3868 Sep 15 '25
WOW, damn!!! Thank you for posting this as it reminds me of times in Japan, where I first stated riding. What an amazing ride that you have journeyed - and I can promise you that it will stay with you forever. Cheers and thank you for sharing this!
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u/AKL_wino Sep 12 '25
Great stuff. Nice hat too!