Renting bikes whilst on holiday

[Pro Tour Punditry]

I would but don't want to risk my Brompton being damaged when they load it onto the plane. Plus not everywhere in the world is safe to cycle so would need to do my research beforehand.

I would imagine a folding bike is at less risk than most others when travelling if you had a proper case - I'd also want to be doing research irrespective of the availability of hire bikes.

 

[slowmotion]

Dangerous? Like the brake not working???

Some of the brakes scarcely worked. They squealed a lot though. People tend to have a warped perception of risk when on holiday. BTW, I have never jumped off my balcony into the hotel swimming pool.

Welcome.

 

[Hacienda71]

Did you search before you left home for a bike rental in Chicago or just found one randomly?

Iirc I had checked in a guide book that there were places in the city that rented bikes and checked them out on the net before I travelled . I didn't book in advance as it wasn't holiday season. The company was a national Co. The down side was I would have preferred a roadbike and they only had mtb's. Not a major issue though. The bike was a well kept Trek.

 

[Over The Hill]

You know how we can get a train to London and opt to have the tube included; Catch a train to Amsterdam and they give you the option of bus, tram or bike hire at the other end.

 

[Hacienda71]

I have also hired bikes on holiday in France. Not as good as the States but good fun. The kids enjoyed it. In that instance I chose a campsite to stay at that offered bike hire.

 

[Beebo]

You know how we can get a train to London and opt to have the tube included; Catch a train to Amsterdam and they give you the option of bus, tram or bike hire at the other end.

Maybe they could add the boris bikes on to a one day travel card?

 

[User33236]

Last time Mrs SG and I rented bikes on holiday was in Skiathos. The one I got lasted about 2 miles before it flung the chain over the top of the cassette taking out a few spokes. A quick phone call to their office and they sent out a bloke with a replacement to where we had stopped. The second bike ran pretty good for the few days I had it.

The shop was just one we passed on the way into town and looked a reasonable operation.

 

[Enor]

I would imagine a folding bike is at less risk than most others when travelling if you had a proper case - I'd also want to be doing research irrespective of the availability of hire bikes.

Yes perhaps a hard case would be OK for it but I won't be taking it with me on holidays just yet. You mean research to check how 'safe' it is to ride on a road in another country?

 

[Enor]

Last time Mrs SG and I rented bikes on holiday was in Skiathos. The one I got lasted about 2 miles before it flung the chain over the top of the cassette taking out a few spokes. A quick phone call to their office and they sent out a bloke with a replacement to where we had stopped. The second bike ran pretty good for the few days I had it.

The shop was just one we passed on the way into town and looked a reasonable operation.

That's good that they had a bike repair person to meet you. Did you have to wait long for him to arrive? Did they offer any type of compensation for the inconvience?

 

[Enor]

I have also hired bikes on holiday in France. Not as good as the States but good fun. The kids enjoyed it. In that instance I chose a campsite to stay at that offered bike hire.

How did your experience in France differ from America? I planned to take my Brompton on the Eurostar a few years ago but was warned to not cycle in Paris. I was told that the drivers were worse than in London, but couldn't vouch for that as I didn't ride a bike there in the end.

 

[User33236]

That's good that they had a bike repair person to meet you. Did you have to wait long for him to arrive? Did they offer any type of compensation for the inconvience?

They turned up in around 10 to 15 minutes which I was impressed about so wasn't bothered about even asking for compensation. Was happy enough to get on and enjoy my cycling.

 

[Hacienda71]

How did your experience in France differ from America? I planned to take my Brompton on the Eurostar a few years ago but was warned to not cycle in Paris. I was told that the drivers were worse than in London, but couldn't vouch for that as I didn't ride a bike there in the end.

The bikes were not as well maintained. The riding was good as there was a network of cycle paths in the part of Brittany where we stayed. Riding on the roads were fine as well. Not having ridden in Paris I can't comment, but I don't think it would be any worse than say London.

 

[I like Skol]

Hired a bike for a day while at Lake Garda in Italy earlier this year. It was a basic hybrid with dodgy gears that I picked up from a shop selling lilos and dingys on the road into the nearest town but it did serve me well for a 40 mile round trip into the mountains to burn off some frustration. No advance planning other than 'Will you p1ss off and stop being a grumpy sod' from Mrs Skol and the shop was quite bemused when I asked for a spare tube and pump but did provide the requested items (which were returned unused).

 

[swee'pea99]

Hired four basic hybrids when we were in Cyprus. All very ad hoc - just walked into a place that looked ok, asked about prices, seemed fine, off we went. The bikes were fine, a bit dodgy on the maintenance - slightly rattly gears here, squeaky brakes there - but basically sound, and a great way to get around. Welcome to CC! I have a theory about your tag....it's an anagram (more or less) of your real name, which is Nora. Right? You'll find you can't get much past us hereabouts...we're a pretty sharp bunch.
<smug smiley>

 

[MarkF]

I don't think BCN runs out of bikes, even in peak season, there are umpteen rental companies. Prices very from 3 euros per hour to double or triple that, the further you get from the downtown. It's great, I use them all the time, 60 Euros for a road bike for the week, that saves me an awful lot of hassle taking my own bike for a short tour in the sun.