Rinko is the Japanese system of packing bikes for train travel. A rinko bag allows you to take your bike on the train therefore multiplying your riding options by allowing you to start your ride from wherever a train stops. The main purpose of the rinko bag is to cover your bike to protect other passengers. There are many brands and types to choose from and people adapt them to their preferences. The two major types are those where you only take off the front wheel and those where you take off both. I prefer to take off both wheels which makes it smaller and easier to set in the train. My favorite one is made by Montbell. I like it because it's small and light and it allows me to I place my bike upside down, giving it more stability.
Here are a few photos showing how I pack it up.
Place The Bike Upside Down
Using Padding To Protect The Frame
A Chain Keeper To Protect The Derailleur
Wrap Strap Around Down Tube To Hold The Wheel Secure
Carrying Strap Is Connected Directly To The Frame
Drape The Bag Over the Frame And Tighten The Elastic Cord
Carry The Strap Over Your Shoulder
It Packs Up Nice And Small
The rinko bag has been a huge blessing for me and allowed me to go to many places I wouldn't have otherwise gone to. It gives me the ability to start my rides out in the mountains and not have to waste valuable sunlight slogging through the city to get out where I want to ride. I've gotten it down to where I can pack up my bike in 5-10 minutes and be on my way.
A Word About Train Travel
One of the main expenses for riding outside of town is train travel. There are a few things to keep in mind. Some train lines are more expensive than others. Some of the private lines like the Odakyu Line are more reasonable than others and some lines have certain routes that are more reasonable. For example, the Soutestu Line Running from Yokohama to Ebina gets you from the heart of the city out to the Tanzawa Range for 320 yen.
In the summer I have often purchased a Seishun 18 Kippu, a ticket that for 12000 円, gives you 5 days of unlimited travel on the JR lines. Just present the ticket when you start riding and you'll get a stamp that allows you to get off and on on freely. You don't have to use the days in succession either; you just need to use them during a certain time period (usually about a month). It's a great deal for rides further away like Nagano and Gunma. Here's a link to JR's English page describing them. (click here)