10 Important Checks to Make Before you Hire a Bike
Cycling is hot right now. According to the Department for Transport, the number of miles cycled in the last 25 years in Great Britain has increased by a huge 38%. With this newfound pedal power popularity, you might very well be considering hiring a bike on your next holiday. It’s good for the environment and, above all, a healthy way to explore new places. If you’re new to bike hire, to make your journey a more comfortable one, there are a few easy things to check before you ride off into the sunset.
As well as reading the tips below, think about how you plan to use the bike. Will your journey be a short whizz around a city and back in time for tea? Or are you going to be spending a full day attempting to get up some serious inclines? This will impact on how much time you spend choosing the right bike and which of the items on this list are most important to you.
Ask for a trial ride Before you Hire a Bike
Don’t be shy about this. If you’re going to be spending time on a bike you want to be sure it’s right for you. Keep in mind the relevant points below as you try out your trusty steed.
Test the brakes
I can’t stress this enough, test the brakes straight away. If the brake pads are worn down ask for a different bike. Safety is everything.
Inspect the Tyre tread
Do the tyres look old? Has the tread worn down? Will it stop you from getting traction on the terrain you plan to bike through? Are there cracks, holes or other visible problems in the tyres? The tyre is the bit that’s going to be in contact with the ground, so you’ll want to make sure it’s in good condition.
Go through the gears
Check that the bike goes through all the gears smoothly. This is especially important if you’re planning on tackling any hills, no matter how small.
Adjust the saddle height
Make sure the saddle is at the optimum height for you. I’m a shorty, so I almost always need to move it down. It’s worth the extra couple of minutes though because it makes a big difference to the comfort of a ride. It also impacts how much power you can get for your effort.
There are several options for getting this measurement right. One of the most well known is the ‘heel method’. To do this, get on the bike, hold on to a wall or a willing friend, and, as Road Cycling UK explain:
“Place your heel on the pedal and pedal backwards to reach the six o’clock position. Your knee should be completely straight. If your knee is still bent you need to increase the height, adjusting in small increments each time, and if your heel loses contact with the pedal then you need to lower the saddle.”
Check That your Bike hire Includes a Lock
You don’t want to get landed with a huge fee if the bike gets stolen. So make sure you don’t leave without a lock. Similarly, don’t forget to check what the security/insurance policy is.
Find out if it comes with any additional kit
Are other essentials included, or do you need to pay extra for these? Examples of useful additional gear are a pump, basket, helmet, lights and a puncture repair kit.
Make a Note of the Contact Details of the rental owner
Ask who you should contact in case of a breakdown or an emergency. For example, if you get stuck, some lovely bike rental shops will come and collect you.
Write down the time for return
Sounds simple but get this wrong and it could be your next day’s budget blown.
If you’re planning to rent for a few days, see if They offer a discount
A genuine smile and a realistic request can go a long way and might mean you get even more hours of fun out of your bike hire.
If this article has encouraged you to give bike hire a go, check out Cycling and Walking Loch Lomond: 4 Day Itinerary. Gorgeous scenery and excellent bike riding.
If you’re looking for other essential travel tips, check out my guide to what to pack on a long haul flight to make it more comfortable.