Renting a bike

[nafula]

I've never rented a bike while traveling. I was wondering, is it common to bring your own pedals and saddle? I could even see just buying new cleats to accommodate the pedal they have on the bike, but you just can't do that with a seat. I like MY seat. I don't want another seat.

Any suggestions for the bike renting process would be greatly appreciated.

[Grog]

I've never rented a bike while traveling. I was wondering, is it common to bring your own pedals and saddle? I could even see just buying new cleats to accommodate the pedal they have on the bike, but you just can't do that with a seat. I like MY seat. I don't want another seat.

Any suggestions for the bike renting process would be greatly appreciated.

In my experience it's best to bring your own shoes, pedals, and helmet.

I have rented a road bike only once but from what I've heard that's standard practice.

Regarding the seat... I don't think I would bother. But maybe I should... If you like yours, bring it with you.

[Thorn]

BYO. The rental will always be a little different than your bike. If you're going to ride any distance, your own saddle will make the bike feel at least a little bit more like your own. Likewise, having your own pedal and cleat system gives you immediately more confidence on starts and stops. As for the helmet....cooties :-)

Some groups I've travelled with just require you bring all three. The problem is they can take up room in your bags. I've seen people hook their helmets onto the outside of their carry-on bag. The overhead bin on planes to Mallorca these days are full of helmets.

Lately we've started taking an extra knapsack to hold the bike gear. When we get to the starting point, we unpack the bag, set up the bikes, put our return clothes and read books into the knapsack and store the knapsack at the start hotel. This lightens the luggage for the trip. Then we just pick it up when we're done.

Where are you going?

[Crankin]

I rented a crappy mtb in Siena Italy and brought my own pedals, shoes, and helmet. it is hard to rent a road bike. Without realizing it (ha) we did one of the climbs on the Giro on those crappy bikes. Even my husband had to stop.
On the bike tours I've been on, everyone brings their own seat, and anyone who uses clipless brings shoes and pedals. A few used the groups's helmet, but most brought their own.

[mariposa]

Well, next time I travel I will bring my shoes, pedals, helmet, saddle, and gloves.

I just returned from a trip where I used two different bikes. (In one case I borrowed one from a friend; in another case I rented one.) There were problems with both of the bikes.

The friend's bike had a ridiculously uncomfortable saddle. I barely made it 12 miles.

The rental bike supposedly had pedals that would match my shoes (I brought my shoes but not my pedals), but when I tried it out the shoes just would not clip in. I rented that bike anyway because it was delivered to me and it would have taken too much time to get a different bike or pedals.

Lesson learned: Don't leave either the pedals or the saddle behind!

[Gowest]

I rented a road bike in Tucson for several days and brought pedals, shoes, helmet and seat. It was bad enough having to get used to a new set-up - but at least my backside was happy!! Also - if you are transporting the bike in a rental car - get some plastic bags from the grocery store to put around the chain - otherwise you can mess up the fabric in the rental car - we had to put one bike in the trunk and one in the back seat. I would also bring my own multi-tool - you will probably be making adjutments for the first few miles.

Debi

[SalsaMTB]

Definitely bring your stuff. I traveled a decent amount for work last year and all the places had shops with rentals. Bring your shoes, pedals, and helmet (and clothes of course). If you're planning longer rides, bring a saddle. I typically called all the shops in the area before I arrived and arranged for a bike to be ready. Some even had group rides that I could join!

Biking is great is that aspect, when you're alone travelling, you can always find people to ride with!

[Aggie_Ama]

Oh great post! This fall I really want to go to Ohio to do the Davis Phinney Sunflower Revolution and visit my best friend, but no way am I trying to get my bike there for one day. I never thought about all the stuff to bring.

[tangentgirl]

I'm renting a road bike on vacation next week and I'll definitely be bringing all that stuff. I figure it's the next best thing to having my actual bike.

[Geonz]

I rented a bike on a conference thingy 'cause I knew any bike owuld be better than nothing (5 consecutive days without riding? I don't think so!). It definitely wasn't like riding my bike, but it was still fun.

[tangentgirl]

Ok, rented said road bike, and I have a couple of recommendations:

1) DEFINITELY bring your own seat. I skipped this since I was trying to travel lighter and I really (really) regret it (ow. damn.).

2) You might also check if the bike shop has a couple of different road bikes in case the fit is off on the one they have in mind. In my case, the bike I rented was the only 49 cm they had (everything else was much bigger), but the fit was really off. I tried to monkey with the seat and the handlebars, but I could never get it right and ended up being in pain in the shoulders & arms from riding wrong all week.

Arrrgh! Glad I had a bike, it was good to ride, but this was not my best experience.

[Grog]

Arrrgh! Glad I had a bike, it was good to ride, but this was not my best experience.

Sorry about that Tangentgirl! Advice taken.