by John Brown,
Taking your bicycle when you travel is not always possible, but don’t give up on the idea of riding altogether. Renting a bike or e-bike is an easy way to experience new places. Plus, it lets you try a new bike you may want to buy when you get home. Before you travel, here are a few tips to get you started.
In the photo above, a visitor to the Twin Cities is being helped by the staff at One Ten Cycles in Mendota Heights, a couple of miles south of the MSP Airport.
Renting a Bicycle at a Bike Shop
As bike trails and paths become more commonplace, bike shops are entering the rental market. Before you travel, identify a few local bike shops and call to inquire about renting a bicycle. Be sure to ask about both rental fleets (typically consisting of basic mountain bikes, cruisers, or hybrids) and “Demo” bikes. Many shops that don’t rent bikes offer demo units so potential buyers can try before buying. The fee for a demo is usually higher than for a standard rental, but the bicycle quality is typically higher.
Renting a Bicycle: consider rental companies
In most major cities and tourist destinations, some businesses rent only bikes and e-bikes. Finding one of these companies is as easy as a Google search or asking the hotel you are staying in. Many rental companies offer delivery of a rental bike to the hotel. If you plan to visit the rental shop, understand that they usually operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early if you plan to ride on a busy weekend.
Bike Share Programs
Bike shares are becoming very popular throughout the US and abroad. Companies like BCycle, and Citi bike are a couple of the companies that offer options to rent “as you go.” With numerous locations across the US, bike shares are a great option if you are touring a city. Because you can pick up a bike in one area, explore, and then drop the bike off at another docking station any time of day or night.
Renting From A Bicycle Touring Company Is Another Option
Many bike tour companies have bike fleets. Tour companies such as Trek Travel and Backroads offer tours worldwide and include bikes in the cost. The benefit of taking a dedicated tour is the support it provides. Lodging, Equipment, route, food, and guides are included in the trip cost.
Getting Comfortable
The most crucial factor in a great bike rental experience is ensuring the bicycle is comfortable. Your own pedals, saddle, and the right size bike are great ways to start.
-Size
If you don’t have a bike, ask the rental company for the brand and model. Then, try to find a local bike shop that sells that model. If you stop into the shop and explain your situation, they can tell you what size you ride. As a side benefit, if you like the bike you rented, that local bike shop would be a great place to buy one to keep at home.
-Pedals
If you use clipless pedals, remove them from your bike, drop them in a ziplock bag, store them in your riding shoes, and bring them with you. Once you get your rental bike, have your pedals installed. Having a familiar pedal can go a long way to make a new bike feel like your bike at home.
-Position
Measure your saddle height. Do this by rotating your pedals until the crank arm is in line with your bicycle’s seat tube. Measure from the top of the saddle to the middle of the pedal (in line with the seat tube). Also, measure the distance from the tip of your saddle to the handlebars and the height of your handlebars. Once you receive your rental, ask to have it adjusted to match your bike’s measurements as closely as possible. Remember that no two bikes will fit exactly, so close is acceptable.
-Saddle
After measuring the height of your saddle, remove it from your bike and bring it with you. Having the rental company install your saddle on the rental is a nice way to make an unfamiliar bicycle comfortable.
Have fun on your next trip
It’s incredible what you will see and experience on the seat of a bicycle when visiting a new area.
About John Brown, the author
John operates Browns Bicycle in Richfield, MN as a lifelong cyclist and consummate tinkerer. It all started for him in grade school when the bike bug bit him, and that particular fever is still there. Now, and over the past thirty years, he has worked at every level in the bike industry. He was starting by sweeping the shop floor while learning anything he could about bikes. He eventually graduated as a service manager and then a store manager. Through the years, he has spent extensive time designing and sourcing bicycles and parts for some of the largest bike companies in the world. All the while focusing on helping as many people as possible enjoy the love of riding a bike. In that pursuit, he has taught classes (both scheduled and impromptu) on all things bikes. John also believes in helping every rider attain their optimal fit on the bike of their dreams. Please feel free to stop in any time and talk about bikes, fit, and parts or share your latest ride. You can also see more of John’s tricks and tips on the Brown Bicycle Facebook Page.