Is Borrowing/Renting a Bike for a Cross-Country Tour, a thing?

[Jtpallateboy]

I’m sorry if this is addressed somewhere else, but I am curious if borrowing/renting a bike already equipped for a cross country tour is something that can be done. Trying to avoid purchasing something that would be used for this purpose, and then being done with it. I’m just now starting to explore this idea of a cross-country tour, and trying to see what it entails. Thanks for any wisdom you can pass on.

[DaveB]

Assuming your cross country tour takes the typical three or more months renting a suitable bike, even in the unlikely event you can find one, is likely to cost so much that purchase followed by selling it afterward would be more attractive.   

As to borrowing one, how many riding friends do you have and how generous are they?

[John Nelson]

then being done with it

I’m not familiar with this concept.

[BikeliciousBabe]

What DaveB said. Something like a Surly LHT fully equipped with racks and bags used only once for a x-xountry tour would have a pretty good resale value, all things considered. You could look into buying used yourself.

[Pat Lamb]

I've looked into renting bikes when I'm on business travel.  Since I already have an S&S coupled bike, my standard for comparison is the $40 for a second checked bag each way for airline travel, or $80 round trip.

What I've found, in three locations where bicycle rental is available, is that daily charges are $40 for a mountain bike to $85 for a road bike, minimum.  Some places offer better deals when there's no "event" nearby, perhaps $250-300 for a week.

Do the math yourself.  If you're speedy you may cross the country in two months, three is perhaps more typical.  I think you'll find it's a lot cheaper to buy a Fuji Touring (~$1000 last I looked), or a Surly LHG ($1,500?) or even one of the Trek touring bikes, than to rent a bike.  If you're really done with it, put it on craigslist for $500, or keep it for the next trip if you get hooked.

[staehpj1]

It is hard to imagine renting being much cheaper for a coast to coast length trip (assuming US).  If you were doing a supported tour with a tour company I could see it possibly being an exception if you were able to rent through them.  Even then it isn't likely to be much cheaper, but possibly easier.
 
I have met a couple folks who have bought or borrowed a bike for a tour and intended to return it or dispose of it at the end of the tour.  In one case it was borrowed and going back to the original owner.  In another it was a real cheap bike (like walmart quality) and was going to be donated at the end before the rider flew home to Japan.

[hikerjer]

Whatever you do, make sure the frame fits you. Do not be tempted into a wrong size frame because it's "good deal".