Since there aren't a lot of resources to find this stuff, but there seems to be a lot of interest in the activity, I thought I would post my experiences with two bike (as in bicycle) shops in the local area.

These shops are not for the person looking for a mama-chari to get around on.  These are looking for someone seriously interested in getting into the sport of cycling (road or mountain) who need a good place to go for bikes, parts, and service.

The first shop is Hirako Cycles in Zushi.  It is located near the Zushi Post Office, travelling in the opposite direct than Zushi Station, on your left.  They carry a variety of high-end road a mountain bikes and they host a group ride several times a month.  The service here is great, with specialists who can put you on the right sized bike.  Carry your dictionary, not a lot of english spoken here.

Strengths:  Great selection of road and mountain.  Prices are reasonable, but not "cheap".
Weaknesses: Shops which carry everything tend to not be as "sport specific".  This is fine if you know what you are looking for already, but not as much if you are jus starting out.

The second shop is The Grove in Kamakura.  Mountain Bike only!  This is a Fox Shox pro-shop with hard to find brands like Kona and Commencal.  These guys are all riders and it shows.  Great selection of parts and bikes, great location on the main drag about 5 blocks from the ocean in Kamakura. 

The best part, you can rent a bike from them for the day to make sure you like it.  These are GOOD bikes for rent. Full suspension, race quality bikes for the day.

Strengths: They got all the bike bling you could shake a stick at.
Weaknesses:  It  will kill you wallet with the current exchange rate.

I bought a helmet at one shop for my wife, and a bike at the other.  Granted, you have to be seriously into bikes to spend that kind of $$, but if you are, these shops are convenient and stocked with all the goodies.

Race season is only 4 months away, time to get ready!

I've had nothing but great experiences at Hirako in Zushi. I bought my Trek from them a couple years ago. They do my routine service free of charge since I purchased from them. I do try to bring a six-pack of Samuel Adams and a smile. I don't speak Japanese very well so my wife calls and sends me over with a note. They have always been friendly and helpful.

I am not a really serious rider, but I try to ride the 14 kilometers from my Hayama home twice a week, just to keep this old heart pumpin'. It takes me 35-40 minutes to Yokosuka and about 40-45 minutes on the uphill ride home. I live at the top of a little mountain, but still feel exhilerated when I get home.

The base also has an excellent mechanic in the Outdoor/Camping Annex next to the Fleet Rec. Once again, a six-pack is welcomed-he prefers American beer.

Happy Riding, brrrrrr-it's been cold!!!

We're looking for a reasonable road bike for our 17 year old who will be here shortly and will need a bike that she can go on 20+ miles rides but won't break our bank - she does a good job of that already : )

She will only be here for June and July and then again next summer so she needs a 'good' bike but we can't seem to find anything for less than $1,000
Husband was up to bike shop in Zushi and we looked at the shop on 16 [name starts with an A....] and also on 134
any idea's would be greatly appreciated.

we found some good deals on line but no one will ship to an FPO address and our bike shop at home says he can't do it because the box will be too big for USPS which i'm guessing is why no one will ship to an FPO address........

thanks if you can help

How much is the average bike at these shops? I'm not a serious rider, but will be riding from Uraga to base a few times a week...so, I don't need a $500 bike...

Also, does anyone know how long of a bike ride, in minutes, that is from Uraga/Yoshii to base?

Octobersongs - I can't remember how long the actual ride took, but you might be able to figure it out on mapmyride.com.

Posted By Yukon on 05-21-2012 10:39 PM

She will only be here for June and July and then again next summer so she needs a 'good' bike but we can't seem to find anything for less than $1,000
Husband was up to bike shop in Zushi and we looked at the shop on 16 [name starts with an A....] and also on 134 any idea's would be greatly appreciated. 

Not that it helps you now, but did you know you can rent decent bikes from the Outdoor Rec center on base?  (I repeat...decent...not top of the line)

Thank you for the suggestions for Bike shops. I'll have to check out the Hirako shop in Zushi! I didn't know it existed...and that there was a Surly dealer in the area...I've had my eye on a Karate Monkey, or CrossCheck for quite a while...would just need to figure out what to do with my old bike...

Those of you that have been in bike shops around here, do you remember seeing the brand Felt? if so where? I am looking for a very specific bike for a gift is why I am asking and I haven't found anyone that will ship it here.

Those of you that have been in bike shops around here, do you remember seeing the brand Felt? if so where? I am looking for a very specific bike for a gift is why I am asking and I haven't found anyone that will ship it here.

Posted By Tea.Press on 10-22-2012 1:31 PM
Those of you that have been in bike shops around here, do you remember seeing the brand Felt? if so where? I am looking for a very specific bike for a gift is why I am asking and I haven't found anyone that will ship it here.

Very close to the base (about seven minute drive) is a shop called "Showa" (http://www.showa-yokosuka.com/aboutshop.html) and they carry Felt Bikes and can order Felt Bikes.  If you don't have a car you can easily reach the place by taking the JR Train from Yokosuka to Kinugasa station and turn left out of the station and walk a few blocks (less than one mile).  The store is on the right hand side of the street.  Small store, but like I said they can order.

Oh...and there are a great number of places that sell Felt Bikes in Yokohama.

Thank you!! I had figured I would have to go to Yokohama so I am pretty excited to hear that I might be able to find it in Yokosuka. Is that shop on 16?

No..it is off of HWY 27 (take from the base:  Turn right out the gate and the turn left in front of Daiei to drive past Shioiri station.  Drive until you go through a tunnel and then turn left at the next street light.  It will be a few blocks down and on the left side.  I don't know if they have parking or not...

I have purchased my bikes from here Yokohama Orange Road www.yor.co.jp website and staff is Japanese only but for serious or competitive riders this is the place.