Just here to say this thread is fantastic. I love all these clever packing solutions (even if I'm mostly blessed to be able to roll my bike right on the train).
Thanks for sharing all this great knowledge! On Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 11:06:25 AM UTC-5 Takashi wrote: > Racks and bags: > > Small front rack, such as Mark's Rack, should not be a problem when > packing since you remove whole fork from the frame. Baskets and wide racks > such as Riv's Basket Rack are not good if you want to pack small. > > When packing my Hunqapillar, I keep Mini Front Rack and Big Rear Rack on > the frame. > As for the rear rack, I loosen bolts, tilt the rack towards the frame, and > re-tighten bolts: > [image: rinko_hunq01.jpg] > [image: rinko_hunq02.jpg] > > I put the frame vertically (rear-end protector not needed) : > [image: rinko_hunq03.jpg] > > And then I strap the fork and the rear wheel to the frame, as pictured in > the first post. > > Some French style bikes made in Japan have very small rear rack which > dosen't get in way when rinko-ing. > https://grandbois.jp/gallery/20160720/16402/ > With newer Riv models that have long chainstays, you MIGHT be able to > leave a small but slightly larger rear rack (like Mark's Rack) on the frame > and pack your bike, which I haven't tried. > > I recommend using quick-detachable bag(s) especially when you plan to > rinko. > I often use Carradice's SQR system. With it I can detach saddlebag in a > few seconds, and also I can put saddlebag about 8cm higher than when I use > saddle loops, so rear rack not needed (depends on your saddle height and > wheel size). > https://carradice.co.uk/products/seatpost-quick-release-saddlebags > > Takashi > > > 2025年10月19日日曜日 0:31:44 UTC+9 Takashi: > >> Ben, that's a very clean rinko job of your very beautiful Ramboulliet! >> Perfect. >> I confess that I've never rinko'ed with v-brake bikes, but my >> understanding is that if you have brake levers for flat bars, or if you >> have drops with non-aero levers, you can first open v-brake arms and then >> pull the cable out from the lever. Then you can remove handlebars, in which >> case brake cables dangle from brake arm, not brake lever. >> >> Tim, thank you for photos and videos! I haven't seen all of them yet, but >> I will later. >> It sure looks you all had great time. >> Here are some photos from 2016 when I visited Shikoku. >> https://www.flickr.com/photos/77318553@N08/albums/72157671893633271/ >> >> >> Takashi >> >> 2025年10月18日土曜日 23:16:29 UTC+9 Bill Lindsay: >> >>> I guess the first things is to state the problem we're solving. In >>> Rinko, the rear wheel comes off, and the rear dropout is resting on the >>> ground, along with the trailing edge of the saddle. Most rear derailleurs >>> have a loop of housing back there and if one props up their bike on the >>> rear dropouts and the trailing edge of the saddle, that loop of housing >>> gets in the way and the assembly is not free-standing. Worse that housing >>> will get bent or kinked and it's inevitable that it will fail at some >>> point. That's the problem statement. A Rinko Stand will solve that >>> problem by propping up that rear part of the bike on the ground by a few >>> inches, so that loop of housing is no longer in the way. >>> >>> To avoid that problem directly without buying an accessory, do some >>> thinking. The easy way is to commit to friction shifting, and commit to a >>> compact double drive train. That makes it easy to go with a practically >>> free "road" derailleur from pre-indexing days. Most rear derailleurs >>> before indexing just have a housing stop, and no barrel adjuster. The >>> modification is just to slot that stop so the rear derailleur cable housing >>> can be popped out in Rinko but not disconnected, and that portion of the >>> bike can rest on the ground and nothing bad will happen. That loop of >>> housing is just out of the way, the same way brake housing can be gotten >>> out of the way with slotted stops. >>> >>> Here's an album where I do a 650B conversion and partial Rinko treatment >>> to a mid 1980s Schwinn Tempo. >>> >>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/45758191@N04/albums/72157659812335064/ >>> Here's the album of the actual Rinko breakdown procedure: >>> https://www.flickr.com/photos/45758191@N04/albums/72157663523154721/ >>> >>> I'm sure there are other ways to solve the same problem >>> >>> Bill Lindsay >>> El Cerrito, CA >>> On Friday, October 17, 2025 at 9:13:51 PM UTC-7 Ben Miller wrote: >>> >>>> Bill, can you explain these RD mods that you did?? Very intrigued! >>>> >>>> On Friday, October 17, 2025 at 4:00:31 PM UTC-7 Bill Lindsay wrote: >>>> >>>>> Sure, but my derailleur mods mean that you don't need anything, and >>>>> some rear derailleurs would likely support Rinko treatment without >>>>> modification and without an accessory. Just like the proper >>>>> retained-sealed-bearing Rinko headset which does not require tools, and >>>>> the >>>>> proper Rinko pedals require no tools, and proper Rinko brakes support >>>>> tool >>>>> free disconnection, a Rinko Rear derailleur should enable the art with >>>>> minimal accessories and there's nothing more minimal than zero. :) >>>>> >>>>> BL in EC >>>>> >>>>> On Friday, October 17, 2025 at 2:25:37 PM UTC-7 NYCbikeguy wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Bill, this is just a thought I had-- if you own a nitto R50, you MAY >>>>>> be able to repurpose the QR portion of the bag holder, modify it to have >>>>>> some protruding piece that is longer than how much the RD sticks out, >>>>>> and >>>>>> use that as a spacer and stand when in rinko mode. >>>>>> >>>>>> -IY >>>>>> >>>>>> On Friday, October 17, 2025 at 5:22:00 PM UTC-4 NYCbikeguy wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> One more comment about rinko-ing on rivs-- it will only get harder >>>>>>> to travel with new rivs as the chainstays become longer and longer... >>>>>>> I also think installing couplers on newer rivs will not make sense, >>>>>>> as the two halves may not even fit into a traveling case. >>>>>>> Nevertheless, I would love to hear from someone with a newer riv >>>>>>> (especially the ones with long chainstays) who have tried rinko-ing! >>>>>>> -IY >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Friday, October 17, 2025 at 5:01:58 PM UTC-4 Bill Lindsay wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I've modified at least two rear derailleurs for Rinko, and give a >>>>>>>> decent amount of thought to which of the contemporary models will lend >>>>>>>> themselves to Rinko without modification. The rear spacer/stand >>>>>>>> offers a >>>>>>>> good solution to "normal" rear derailleurs, but I like geeking out on >>>>>>>> that >>>>>>>> little detail to make my Rinko setup not require that stand off >>>>>>>> product. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Bill Lindsay >>>>>>>> El Cerrito, CA >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 1:33:35 PM UTC-7 Ben Miller wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I was just over on the iBOB Group joining in on a thread about >>>>>>>>> Centerpulls. In the process of that, I reminded myself another design >>>>>>>>> aspect of my Ram for making rinko as easy as possible: the use of the >>>>>>>>> Paul >>>>>>>>> Moon Unit brake straddle cable hanger. One can easily unhook the >>>>>>>>> centerpull >>>>>>>>> straddle cable as normal and then unhook the straddle cable from the >>>>>>>>> Moon >>>>>>>>> Unit to allow full disassembly. I guess most cable straddle hangers >>>>>>>>> allow >>>>>>>>> this, but I know some that do not. The Rene Herse cable straddle >>>>>>>>> hanger for >>>>>>>>> instance will not allow this (Shovel Research's very nice hanger also >>>>>>>>> does >>>>>>>>> not). RH does make a rinko-specific Centerpull brake to work with >>>>>>>>> their >>>>>>>>> hanger, so maybe if you are setting up a New Rinko and need >>>>>>>>> centerpulls you >>>>>>>>> could get those, but if you're using existing ones or cantilevers be >>>>>>>>> mindful of the hanger design. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Takashi, I'm curious of your experience with V-brakes and rinko? >>>>>>>>> I'd think they'd be more of a hassle like sidepulls, in that you'd >>>>>>>>> need to >>>>>>>>> somehow completely disengage the brake cable? >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 12:39:35 PM UTC-7 Ben Miller >>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Ah man, the intersecting Venn diagram of Rinko and Rivs! My >>>>>>>>>> favorite! Thanks for having this thread Takashi! Very useful info >>>>>>>>>> here. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I've rinko'ed my Rambouillet for air travel. I use the Rene >>>>>>>>>> Herse padded rinko bag >>>>>>>>>> <https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop/equipment/bags/rene-herse-airplane-rinko-bag/> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> for this. I imagine it would not be super useful for more >>>>>>>>>> traditional rinko >>>>>>>>>> applications, because the bag does not pack down much and is >>>>>>>>>> difficult to >>>>>>>>>> carry on the bike. But if you have a place to store it, it works >>>>>>>>>> great. My >>>>>>>>>> Ram is pretty large (64 cm) and I have very wide drops (56 cm), but >>>>>>>>>> it all >>>>>>>>>> fits in the RH bag. The photo below is from my trip a few years back >>>>>>>>>> to the >>>>>>>>>> Nutmeg Nor-easter with the Ram in process of being disassembled and >>>>>>>>>> packed >>>>>>>>>> up. I caught New England stick in my RD and exploded it, which is >>>>>>>>>> why their >>>>>>>>>> is no chain on the bike for the return trip. I since have also got >>>>>>>>>> Sim >>>>>>>>>> Works Bubbly EZy-Superior pedals on the Ram, to make the next trip >>>>>>>>>> that >>>>>>>>>> much EZ'er :) I doubt I can get to 18 mins for assembly/disassembly, >>>>>>>>>> but I >>>>>>>>>> was surprised how quickly it can be done. Maybe 20-25 mins? I also >>>>>>>>>> use >>>>>>>>>> the Ostrich Rinko Dropout Stand. And I also have some RH branded >>>>>>>>>> frame >>>>>>>>>> protectors, just not a photo showing them. I have a sleeve of bubble >>>>>>>>>> wrap I >>>>>>>>>> put over the steerer cause I was worried it would scratch the HT. I >>>>>>>>>> carry 2 >>>>>>>>>> adjustable wrenches for the headset, which again, I don't think is >>>>>>>>>> ideal >>>>>>>>>> for more traditional rinko where you probably need to carry them >>>>>>>>>> with you. >>>>>>>>>> I also bring Wera Metric Tool-Check >>>>>>>>>> <https://products.wera.de/en/new_products_2025_tool-check_modular_tool-check_plus_tool-check_tool-check_plus_tool-check.html> >>>>>>>>>> (regular, >>>>>>>>>> not the bike specific one). It's also probably over kill bit nice to >>>>>>>>>> have. >>>>>>>>>> I do have a older cup-an'-cone headset and dream of buying a fancy >>>>>>>>>> RH rinko >>>>>>>>>> specific HS, but haven't. The ball bearings are caged at least, I >>>>>>>>>> can not >>>>>>>>>> imagine dealing with the hassle of loose BB's! It is a bit messier >>>>>>>>>> than >>>>>>>>>> then a cartridge headset though. I've used both Voile and Johnny >>>>>>>>>> straps, >>>>>>>>>> but prefer the Voile ones (I also have a lot of Voile straps from my >>>>>>>>>> cross-domain sport of BC Ski Touring; The purpose they were >>>>>>>>>> originally >>>>>>>>>> designed for!) Both times I traveled I took my Ron's Bike Small >>>>>>>>>> Chest >>>>>>>>>> <https://ronsbikes.com/products/small-fabios-chest-coming-in-march?variant=51979390320915> >>>>>>>>>> with >>>>>>>>>> me. I modified a Berthoud Decaleur to hold the bag up and away from >>>>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>> front brake cable and light. It's low profile enough I can leave it >>>>>>>>>> on the >>>>>>>>>> stem during packing. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> [image: PXL_20211024_202227975.MP~2.jpg] >>>>>>>>>> [image: PXL_20211022_132757716.jpg] >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 10:59:25 AM UTC-7 Bill Lindsay >>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Josh >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Do you remove BOTH or just one? Seems like removing just one >>>>>>>>>>> might still do the job :) >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> BL in EC >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> On Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 10:49:03 AM UTC-7 J Brown wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Another hidden benefit of the Ezy system is for security >>>>>>>>>>>> purposes. Removing the pedals at a quick stop will prevent the >>>>>>>>>>>> bike from >>>>>>>>>>>> being ridden away on. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> I typically do not bring a lock with me when I'm on brevets, >>>>>>>>>>>> likewise on any ride in Asia. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> If something gets my Spidey senses flaring I'll remove the >>>>>>>>>>>> pedals before I enter the control or convenience store. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Knock on wood this has worked for me... >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Josh NYC >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> On Thu, Oct 16, 2025, 12:47 PM Joe Bunik <[email protected]> >>>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi Bill, all >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> I too have praise for the MKS Ezy-Superior pedals. I now have >>>>>>>>>>>>> two pairs, plus one additional set of "adaptors only" - I can >>>>>>>>>>>>> rotate the >>>>>>>>>>>>> desired pair as I choose. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Two hidden benefits of the system: >>>>>>>>>>>>> - For hike-a-bike: detach the pedal and eliminate undesirable >>>>>>>>>>>>> ankle/shin interactions. This has been a huge pay off more than >>>>>>>>>>>>> once! >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> - For travel: sans pedals (and, removing front wheel/rotating >>>>>>>>>>>>> the fork 90°), the bicycle-unit can be "flat packed" much more >>>>>>>>>>>>> easily into >>>>>>>>>>>>> the back of station wagon (read: Subaru). Braced/spaced >>>>>>>>>>>>> appropriately, I've >>>>>>>>>>>>> been easily able to bring along a PAIR of bikes, plus camp gear >>>>>>>>>>>>> to remote >>>>>>>>>>>>> locations. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> It's so EZY, >>>>>>>>>>>>> Joe Bunik >>>>>>>>>>>>> Walnut Creek, CA >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> On Tue, Oct 14, 2025 at 8:11 AM Bill Lindsay < >>>>>>>>>>>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I just invested in two sets of Ezy-Superior pedals, and I'm >>>>>>>>>>>>>> starting to experiment with them. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Good write up! >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> BL in EC >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 7:57:28 AM UTC-7 Takashi >>>>>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> In another thread I was asked about rinko, so I thought I'd >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> start a new thread about it. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Here is a picture of my Homer in rinko state: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> [image: rinko_homer.jpg] >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (In the plastic bag are brake cables, headset nuts and >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> spacers, and pedals) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> And my Hunqapillar (taken several years ago but basically >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> same now) : >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> [image: hunq_rinko.jpg] >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I always pack my bike as small as possible when rinko'ing, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> removing fork and rear wheel from frame, but to be honest, I'm >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a minority. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Most people just remove wheel(s) from frame and that's it. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'd suggest that you pack your bike as small as possible, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> especially if you are not familiar with trains in Japan, for >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> several >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> reasons: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (1) Most railway companies do not allow bikes with only one >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> wheel removed. To be accurate, sum of three sides must be >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> smaller than >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 250cm, and bike with one wheel removed exceeds this size. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (Although, in >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> most cases, station/train staffs just let you get on the train) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (2) Trains in Japan is often very crowded, and you might >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> have a hard time getting on, especially when carrying a big >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> baggage. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (3) Even long-distance trains have poor baggage space if any. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (4) Compactly packed baggage is easier to carry than big >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> baggage, if both are of same weight. Big stations such as >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Shinjuku, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Shibuya, or Umeda, are like mazes and are often referred to as >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> "dungeons". >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You won't want to wander such places with big baggage on your >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> shoulder. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> As for bikes and tools... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brakes : Cantilever, V, or Centerpull. You can pack a bike >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> with sidepull brakes, but there's more hassle. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Headset : Rinko specific headset is ideal I guess, although >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I've never used one. My bikes have ordinary cartridge-bearing >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> headsets. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Cup-and-cone headsets, needless to say, add hassle. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Handlebars : Simple straight bars or not-so-wide drops are >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> easier to pack. Boscos are very difficult to pack. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Pedals : Quick-release pedals, such as MKS's Ezy-Superior >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> pedals <https://youtu.be/emYLx5PcFsI?si=EPjku-ofKbyTELN5>, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> are recommended. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Tools and accesories : >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Apart from tools which you regularly carry, you would need >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 32mm headset wrench(es). I used to carry two, but after I >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> swapped front >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> brake cable hanger to Rene Herse's, I noticed that I need only >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> one. (Rene >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Herse's hanger fits very tightly, preventing lower nut from >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> rotating) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Frame pads to protect paint (you can use towel or rag >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> instead). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Rear-end protector (pictured in 02 here >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> <https://ostrich-az.com/howto/rimbrake/>) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> May or may not be necessary depending on your rear >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> derailleur and your rear rack. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> There are some more to add, but that's it for now. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Takashi >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from >>>>>>>>>>>>>> it, send an email to [email protected]. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> To view this discussion visit >>>>>>>>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/75544e64-aece-40be-9a43-9d0c8598d38bn%40googlegroups.com >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/75544e64-aece-40be-9a43-9d0c8598d38bn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> . >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the >>>>>>>>>>>>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from >>>>>>>>>>>>> it, send an email to [email protected]. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> To view this discussion visit >>>>>>>>>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/CADqphP33hJ-qXORFbrkr_c32YLM1ZheAxQpeuaaj2FgsEuj53g%40mail.gmail.com >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/CADqphP33hJ-qXORFbrkr_c32YLM1ZheAxQpeuaaj2FgsEuj53g%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>>>>>>>>>> . >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Josh >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/a06c7289-40ef-416b-8351-b313bef76ff8n%40googlegroups.com.
