Author Topic: Renting a bike for touring  (Read 9563 times)

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Offline BarryRock

Renting a bike for touring
« on: February 04, 2007, 06:20:39 pm »
Im interested in riding in Oregon or Seattle this summer. Other than taking a biking trip that provide bikes, does anyone know if there are places that rent bikes for long distance touring? Usually, 40-75 miles a day.  From point A to point B

thanks in advance

This message was edited by BarryRock on 2-4-07 @ 2:21 PM

Offline TCS

Renting a bike for touring
« Reply #1 on: February 06, 2007, 10:00:37 am »
Barry,

I'm not aware of any operation that either rents touring bicycles or rents bicycles that aren't returned to the starting location.  I think this might be a "chicken and egg" thing with the flyable bike industry (S&S, BreakAway, BikeFriday, folders, etc.).

Another thought is to walk into a bike shop at your starting city with your own pedals, saddle and panniers and buy a bike and rack.  A bike like a Trek SU100 or 7.2FX (every maker offers similar models) isn't terribly expensive, and while they're certainly not dedicated, purpose built touring bicycles, with their sturdy frames, wide tires and low gears either would be a much better touring mount than most of the bikes that were ridden across the country on Bikecentenial in 1976.  At the end of the ride you could sell the bike or donate it to a non-profit.

HTH,
Tom

"My name is Pither.  I am at present on a cycling tour of the North Cornwall area taking in Bude and..."

Offline ptaylor

Renting a bike for touring
« Reply #2 on: February 06, 2007, 05:32:29 pm »
Interesting concept Tom.

But if he follows your advice, I hope he doesn't start out in my town. We have half a dozen good LBS, but I don't think any of them stock front racks, and their selection of rear racks is dismal. Unless Barry is of 'average' height, his selection of bikes will be small also, and most of them will be mountain bikes.

Still, your idea has merit, I would simply insist that Barry make arrangements for the LBS to have his selected bike and racks on hand and reserved for him ahead of time.

Paul
Paul

Offline TCS

Renting a bike for touring
« Reply #3 on: February 06, 2007, 08:52:15 pm »
I've never heard of anyone doing this in the USA, but I've read accounts
of bike tourists using this approach on overseas' tours.

"Still, your idea has merit, I would simply insist that Barry make
arrangements for the LBS to have his selected bike and racks on hand
and reserved for him ahead of time."

Good advice.  Lots of money could be saved by buying a used bike, but
time spent finding a suitable one of the correct size in a destination
city could use up the front end of a week's vacation!

Best,
Tom

This message was edited by TCS on 2-6-07 @ 4:55 PM
"My name is Pither.  I am at present on a cycling tour of the North Cornwall area taking in Bude and..."

Offline DaveB

Renting a bike for touring
« Reply #4 on: February 06, 2007, 10:35:28 pm »
One other possibility is to review Craig's List for the city you are going to start in and see if there is a suitable bike listed.  Call the seller and explain what you want to do.  You might save a lot of money this way and possibly pick up useful local knowledge in the process.  


Offline Joyce

Renting a bike for touring
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2007, 09:36:29 am »
Instead of trying to rent a bike one-way, try renting a car one-way and drive to your point of origin, ditch the car and bike back.  Last June, I packed my panniers and flew from Kansas to Washington, DC, rented a one-way car for one day, rented a bicycle for a week in DC, drove the car to Cumberland, Maryland with the bike in the back seat, and returned the car. Put my panniers on the bike and cycled the C&O canal back to DC, staying at B&Bs, and had a few more days to ride to Mt. Vernon Trail, etc.  The important thing is to choose wisely.  You need the correct type and size of bike for your frame and your travels, a rack for panniers,(a bell if required to meet local laws), bike lock, etc. I had a great bike and a great time!