Why do Japanese cyclists prefer "Mom's bikes" over other types, like mountain bikes?

I have written earlier about Mamachari.  It is also known as "Mom's bike" or Dutch-style city bike.

Let me, as a bike shop owner, share my views, on why Japanese cyclists prefer "Mom's bikes" or Dutch-style city bikes over other types like mountain bikes (MTB).  In Japan, such bikes for adults are available in wheel sizes of 24″ and 26″..

This is what a MTB looks like.

There are single speed and geared models available in the market. Lower end models are heavier as they are usually steel frames MTBs. In Malaysia, they can be purchased:

in frame size of
-S, M, or L
-13″ (rarely), 15″ up to 19″

in wheel size of:

-20″
-24″
-26″
-27.5″
-29″ (29er)

Most MTBs in wheel sizes of 27.5″ and 29″ are geared bikes.  It is not the kind of bicycle that can be shared by family members of different height or age.

Most leisure or city bikes supplied in Malaysia are single speed bikes. They are available in wheel sizes of 20″, 24″, 26″ and 700C. Most are steel frame city bikes.

You can find higher end models with alloy frame and gears components installed. They are usually in wheel sizes of 26″ or 700C.

These are the notable differences between the bicycles, which will explain why city bikes are popular in Japan:

The top tube of a city bike is placed lower down the frame compared to a MTB.

-mounting and dismounting from a city bike is easier for cyclists carrying a load or ferrying a child.

-it is a safer bike for seniors, especially if they have poor gait.

-due to lower average height of Asians, a 24″ wheel size city bike can be ridden by a child age 9 till adulthood.

-the low top tube makes it one of the common bike choices for companies running rental businesses as it can cater to adult riders of any height.

The stem of a MTB is shorter and the handlebar is usually straight or with low rise.  The handlebar on a city bike is high rise and curves toward the cyclist.  That is preferred as:    

-it provides easy reach for shorter riders.

-cyclist can sit in a more upright position on a city bike which is good for seniors and cyclists with back issues.

All city bikes are installed with full mudguards, rear carrier, basket and stand. These accessories are usually not installed on MTB. Also tyres on city bikes are slick for urban rides. Tyres on MTB are knobby for ridding over rough terrain.

-it can be noisy to ride a MTB on paved road.

-it can be tiring as you need more exertion to move the knobby tyres over paved roads.

-it is easier to run errands on a city bike since you are able to carry stuff on the carrier or in the basket.

-you will have to find a place to lean the MTB on but you can park the city bike easily by lowering the stand.

-you can ferry your children on a city bike by installing child seats.
-child seats that can be installed on rear carrier is cheaper compared to those that are seat post mounted.

Child seats supplied by OGK in Japan are very unique.

They have a model that can be installed on the handlebar of a city bike.

Mamachari are popular with women and they are the most common type of bicycle for everyday use. Though known as mom's bicycles, they are actually unisex bikes. There should not be any problem installing a child seat on the rear carrier and another on the handlebar of a city bike.

For your information, folding bikes are also popular in Japan. In urban areas where space is limited, they are a practical solution as, once folded, they are easy to store in small apartments or offices.

It is also convenient for cyclists who have to use public transport part of the way. They can bring along their folding bikes as long as they are kept in lightweight rinko bags which can be purchased from their local bike shops.

Mamachari can also be packed into a rinko bag but it will be a hassle as you will have to remove the front wheel and attached it to the rear as shown in the following video. Fellow passengers will not like it when you board a train with a large bag, especially, when it is crowded.

In fact, I think that folding bikes are the best bike for most people, young or old. You just have to find them in the right wheel size for your height.