Bicycle rental in the UK

[emcginnity]

We are planning to ride end-to-end in the UK next summer. Has anyone rented quality touing bikes and panniers over there? We want to do some additional, non-cycle travel and don't want to have to store bikes while we do. Not to mention the cost of flying a bike from Denver to the UK.

[Tourista829]

I rented a bike in London near Victoria Station,  I did not have a problem and it was very reasonable. We purchased a bike from Thorn Cycles c/o SJS Cycles Ltd, 91-93 St John Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5HX, England. Telephone# 01278 441500, not sure of the country code for the UK. Our contact there was Andy Blance a real nice guy. His email address is andyb@sjscycles.com. I believe they also rent bikes. He would be able to direct you if you needed to rent elsewhere. He was touring in South America, but Robin Thorn the owner or Lisa could help you. Their email address sales@sjscycles.com. I hope this will help you.

[Galloper]

Not sure about any companies renting bikes over here, but you might be surprised at how inexpensive bikes are.   Edinburgh Cycle Co-Op have an own brand tourer complete with rear rack, fenders and quite a reasonable spec for £500.  As the end to end is likely to take about 10 days, that might be a cheaper option.   Spa Cycles will sell you a Dawes Horizon for £550 or a Karakum for the same price.  The latter is more of a trekking style but is an excellent tourer and comes complete with fenders, rear and front racks.

Halfords is a large auto parts chain but have a pretty good bike section where you can buy cheal luggage.

Bring waterproofs

[Galloper]

Sorry, forgot to mention that a decent Bike Bag from Wiggle will cost you £66 and BA will charge £32 for an extra 23kg of luggage entitlement so you can take them home with you at the end of your holiday for about £100.

Cheap as chips

[bikemanNY21]

We are planning to ride end-to-end in the UK next summer. Has anyone rented quality touing bikes and panniers over there? We want to do some additional, non-cycle travel and don't want to have to store bikes while we do. Not to mention the cost of flying a bike from Denver to the UK.

what city are u going to?

[tonythomson]

Guess you would fly into Heathrow or Gatwick.  My advise would be to take a bus to one of the bigger towns south eg Southampton, join "warnshowers" as there are some around there willing to assist. Plenty of bike shops around to buy any standard of bike. Take the trains to your starting point or ride. 

But it  really doesn't cost too much to bring your own bike over.  As pointed out above. I can understand you wanting to do end to end but if you want to tour in the UK there are better routes.  I found UK one of the hardest for "stealth camping" if that's what you plan on doing.

Good luck with whatever you decide and for sure bring good wet weather gear.