Shimanami Kaido Trail – Advice on kind of bike?

Hi everyone!

I recently learned how to bike (!) and I am loving it! I ride a step-through commuter bike (Marin Larkspur) and since I am still new to biking (2 months now), I am hopeful I can rent a similar bike. I bike about 1-2 hrs at a time in my city's bike trails with some hills for about 20-40km. I once cycled about 60 km in 3.5 hrs with water and snack breaks. I plan to continue to cycle to improve my ability and confidence. I am going to Japan this fall and my goal is to ride the Shimanami Kaido trail from Onomichi to Imabari in one day.

I heard that the best bikes are from Giant, but they only allow their cross bikes to be rented one-way and not their upright, city bikes. I tried my friend's gravel bike, but I felt like I was learning how to ride a bike all over again and couldn't get a hang of it.

I am wondering if any of you have any thoughts on whether I should just suck it up and just learn the cross bike or if I can get through the trail with a city bike from another bike rental? I am really hoping for the latter.

Oh, and don't worry. I already have padded shorts 😉

Thank you everyone for your thoughts!!!!!! I'm excited.

by gardeningho

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