Bikes
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Can I rent a road bike?
Sometimes. Road bikes are not available on numerous tours as they are not suitable for the terrain (think ancient cobblestone streets!), or they are not in the operator's fleet of bicycles.
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Do I have to return the bike?
Most likely, no. On hotel based tours, 99% of the time bikes are left at the final accommodation for the local tour operator to retrieve. The specific tour page will have a note under 'Bike rentals' on the Dates and Prices tab if this is not the case.
The bikes remain on the boat on bike and boat tours.
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Are electric bikes (e-bikes) available?
Please check the details under 'Bike Rentals' and 'Dates and Prices' on the Dates & Prices tab to see if e-bikes are available. Only a few tours do not offer e-bikes.
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Are the bike seats comfortable?
Well, that depends. Seats vary from tour to tour and person to person.
Most tours we offer are rider level (1) leisure or (2) recreational. These tours will be on hybrid touring bikes, which have bigger, more comfortable seats.
If you're still concerned, we'd recommend:
1. Training up to your tour - nothing makes cycling more comfortable than being prepared.
2. Purchasing padded bike shorts, a gel seat cover, or both! -
What happens to the bikes at the end of the tour?
On hotel based tours, 99% of the time, bikes are left at the final accommodation for the local tour operator to retrieve. The specific tour page will have a note under 'Bike rentals' on the Dates and Prices tab if this is not the case.
The bikes remain on the boat on bike and boat tours.
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How many gears do the bikes have?
Be sure to check the details under 'Bike rentals' on the Dates and Prices tab.
Most tours offer bikes with 21/24 gears. Some leisure (level 1) and recreational (level 2) tours have bikes with 7 gears as the terrain is generally flat.
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Is the bike cost per day or for the duration of the tour?
The cost of a rental bike is for the duration of the tour unless otherwise noted.
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What accessories come with bike rentals?
On self-guided tours you will generally be supplied with the following:
- Pannier or handlebar bag - something with enough space for the daily essentials (i.e. light jacket, snacks, personal effects, water, etc.)
- Tools
- Pump and spare tube
- Lock
On guided tours you will generally be supplied with:
- Pannier or handlebar bag
Many guided tours have a support vehicle or guide on a bike that will have tools, pump, spare tubes, etc. Locks may or may not be provided.
Bike usually don't have water bottles, cages, or helmets unless the tour information on our site specifically references it.
Please be sure to review the individual tour page 'Bike rentals' and 'Included services' sections on the Dates & Prices tab for more details.
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Do I have to bring a helmet?
We strongly suggest wearing a helmet on all bike tours, and, for hygiene and safety reasons, wearing your own personal helmet.
That said, some tour operators rent or sell helmets. Check the 'Bike Rentals' and 'Prices' details on the Dates and Prices tab on each tour page for additional details.
An alternative option is to purchase a helmet upon arrival from a local bike shop.
Here are some packing suggestions if you bring your helmet from home:
- Pack it in your purse or backpack. If you have a bigger bag this works great. A helmet is a little bulky but generally doesn't weigh much. And it's a great place to store any delicate snacks while you're traveling.
- Pack it in your suitcase. Again, it's lightweight, albeit a bit bulky. We suggest rolling up smaller items, like socks and undies and filling up your helmet. Try to take advantage of all the space!
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Can I bring my own seat?
Yes, in most cases, you can bring your own seat.
On the majority of tours we represent, the bikes are upright, touring-style bikes with a cushioned seat. If you want to bring your own seat, be sure to let us know so we can pass this information on to the tour operator.
And don't forget to take it off the bike at the end of your tour!
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Can I bring my own pedals?
On most tours, yes, the pedals can be exchanged for your personal pedals.
If you do bring your own pedals, please bring your shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, be sure to let us know so we can pass this information on to the tour operator.
And don't forget to take them off the bike at the end of your tour!
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Where do I store my bike (each night) during the tour?
On hotel-based tours, the hotel will have either a garage area or a bike rack where you will store the bike overnight. When you check in, the hotel staff will direct you to this location.
On bike and boat tours, the boats are equipped with bike storage.
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Can I rent 2 different bikes for my tour? For example, an e-bike and a regular bike?
We've been asked this numerous times, and we understand why you're asking.
Unfortunately, no, you can't rent two bikes. This is due to there not being enough storage space (on bike and boat tours) or there being no way to transport an additional bicycle, since that's your method of transportation, from place to place.
Here are a few suggestions, as we want you to have a great time!
- If you want a leisurely tour or are on the fence, go with the e-bike. It's a total game-changer, and you won't regret it.
- If you want to be challenged, go for the hybrid/road/mountain bike. BUT - prepare and set yourself up for success. Here are some details on training for your tour. And DON'T wait until the last minute!
- Consider a different tour. Perhaps this one tour is a little overwhelming, but you would love to do it! Let us know, maybe we can suggest a similar experience that suits you better.
Still have questions or concerns? Let us know.
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Should I bring a tire repair kit?
No need to!
On self-guided tours, you'll receive a repair kit suitable for the tires and tubes on the rental bike.
On guided tours, not only do you not need to bring anything to repair a tire - but the guide can assist with any mechanical issues.
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Is the bike included in the price?
Bicycle rentals are included in the price of some tours and are an additional fee on others.
When there's an additional cost, the bike rental fee will be listed on the tour page. Please review the 'Prices' on the Dates & Prices tab on the tour page.
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Which tours provide tandem rentals as an option?
Click here for tours with tandems.
Or enter 'tandem' in the search bar.
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Do I have to coordinate renting my own bike?
No. In nearly every case, you can rent a bike (or one is provided) as part of your tour package.
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Would you recommend I bring my own bike or rent one?
We strongly recommend that you rent a bike as part of your tour package (which more than 99% of our clients do, most of them with great satisfaction).
Transporting a bike can be expensive and a hassle, especially if you have a bike box you need to have transported.
Equally important, if something goes wrong with the rental bike, the local tour company is responsible for fixing or replacing it. Don't risk missing days of your tour waiting for a replacement part!
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What if my bike breaks down? Or I get a flat tire?
On guided tours, the guide will make the necessary repairs.
On self-guided tours, you should be prepared to make basic repairs like fixing flats. If there's a difficult repair, you may have to call the tour operator's emergency service number or go to a repair shop in the nearest town. Let the tour operator know, and you'll get reimbursed for repair costs. If necessary, you'll receive a new bike. Since many tours are in the countryside, you may wish to rent a cell phone or get your home cell phone activated for international travel.
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What kind of rental bikes are available?
This varies from tour to tour. We try to list specific information in the 'Bike rentals' section of each tour page on the Dates & Prices tab. The local tour operator has selected the ideal bike for each tour's terrain, and we stick with their recommended bike types.
For most tours, handlebars are upright, pedals flat, and seats and tires wide. The wider tires are more forgiving on the occasional gravel or dirt surface and on cobblestone streets.
Electrically assisted bikes (e-bikes) are becoming more widely available, and are specifically mentioned in the tour listings.
Tandems, child trailers, and tag-alongs (also called slip-streamers or third wheels) are also sometimes available.
Many tour operators retire their entire fleets every two years to keep their bikes in top condition.
Please see each tour for available equipment.
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Do you have a bike for my height, size, (or other concern)?
The answer is most likely 'yes'! But, we would love to double-check for you, as we do not operate the tours ourselves.
Let us know which tour you are interested in, as well as your concerns.
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Do you offer bike rental only?
No, we are not able to assist with bike rentals.
We represent local overseas bike tour operators, and they make bike rentals available only as part of tour packages.
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Who should use an e-bike?
Electric bikes are the great 'equalizers'. If your partner is a strong cyclist, and you're not, the e-bike allows you still to ride together, faster and further. If you're afraid that you'll be the slowest cyclist in a group (rarely the case), the e-bike gives you the confidence to keep up. Or if you just want to take it easy on a more challenging tour, the e-bike comes to the rescue.
Electric-assisted bikes provide power on demand, responding to and complementing your pedaling speed and power. The harder you pedal, the more power the engine gives back.
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What is an electric bike or e-bike?
Electric bikes aren't motorbikes or even mopeds. Instead, they provide power on demand, responding to and complementing your pedaling speed and power. The harder you pedal, the more power the engine gives back. Most e-bikes provide up to 150% of your own power with each pedal stroke. Most also have three settings - high/medium/low - and off. You should still prepare for your time in the saddle, but you'll have more reward for your efforts.