Bike Setup
The Bike
Surly Disc Trucker — steel touring bike with disc brakes.
- Tires: Stock 700c x 41mm
- Gearing: Upgraded crankset for improved lower gearing (essential for Hokkaido’s climbs)
- Fenders: Yes
- Lights: Yes (front and rear — essential for Hokkaido’s frequent mountain tunnels)
Bags
- 1x Ortlieb rear pannier
- 1x Ortlieb rear pannier/backpack (doubles as a daypack off the bike)
- 2x Ortlieb fork bags (front)
Flying with the Bike
Bike Case — Postcarry Transfer Case 150L
- Requires fork removal to pack
- Rolls up to backpack size when empty
Rinko Bag (for trains/buses in Japan)
- Required for all train travel in Japan — bike must be fully bagged
- Costs 3,000-6,000 yen to buy in Japan
- Requires removing both wheels
- Lightweight and packable — can carry on the bike during touring
Bike Case Storage — Confirmed
Dormy Inn Annex, Sapporo — booked for first and last night. Confirmed they will store the Postcarry Transfer Case while touring.