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Readers Respond: Ways to Find a Good Bike When You're on the Road

Responses: 3

By , About.com Guide

It can be hard to mix frequent travel with a love of biking. Finding the right bike at your destination is perhaps the biggest challenge. But many enthusiasts have come up with ways to go riding even when they are away from home. If you've had success with this, please let others know. Share Your Strategy

In Adelaide South Australia

If you are travelling to Adelaide, South Australia, the government supported organisation, Bicycle SA, a cycling advocacy group, hires bikes for no cost. You leave a deposit which is refunded when you return the bike. Adelaide is a flat city and ideal for leisurely riding, but it is in the shadow of hills for more challenging riding.
—Guest Peter

The Key to Comfortable Rentals

I've traveled and rented bikes in several cities. Two key pieces of information about your current bike will help get you one at your destination that will fit acceptably: 1) the length of the seat tube, 2) the length of the top tube. You should also know the distance from the crank to the top of your saddle, and the distance from the front of your saddle to the center of the handlebars. That way you can position the saddle so that your leg extension and reach will be what you are used to. There is one critical piece of equipment (besides a helmet) that you need to bring. Your saddle! No matter how good the bike, if the saddle isn't what your rear is used to, the rental can be painful (even if the bike has the same dimensions as yours). I've rented bikes in several cities following this formula, and ended up feeling right at home in the (my) saddle. Bruce
—FrquentTrvlr

another option

I agree driving & taking a bike with is a good option. but when the destination is too far for driving what has worked best for me is to ship my folding bike via Fed X or UPS. No airline hassle. I had to buy a special case but once it's at my destination there's very little problem with set-up & assembly. everything folds into a "large suitcase" which wasn't cheap but works great. the bike is good for 40-50 mile trips at 14-15 mph even though it's no feather weight road bike it works great for me!
—Guest tim james

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Ways to Find a Good Bike When You're on the Road

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