How are rented bicycles secured and protected from theft?

[Former member 99816]

When you rent a bicycle, does it come with a chain and lock, or insurance? And if, perchance, the bike gets stolen, what happens?

 

[SabsP]

When you rent a bicycle, does it come with a chain and lock, or insurance? And if, perchance, the bike gets stolen, what happens?

Ask the rental company for up to date information?

 

[Corned Beef]

From my recent experience, you get chain, lock and no insurance. When asked the hire company did not expect the bikes to be at risk**

You should check your travel insurance to see if it covers hire as an extra if you want to be comfortable with the stated low risk

** As far as risk is concerned, having travelled in many parts Europe I never lost a bike. I have lost 2 bikes though in the past 5 years - 500 metres and 5 years apart. The last one under the nose of the railway companies CCTV. So if a professional thief/gang is operating locally no chain, lock or CCTV will help.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

When I’ve rented from Triana Backpackers they always included a robust U shape bike lock, which they quite reasonably expected me to use. On most of my journeys with my own (valuable) bike, I’ve used a light combination lock, which might have deterred opportunists. Never had a problem, but I did take precautions- bike visible when at cafe bars, inside at accommodation.

 

[Wildcamper57]

From my recent experience, you get chain, lock and no insurance. When asked the hire company did not expect the bikes to be at risk**

You should check your travel insurance to see if it covers hire as an extra if you want to be comfortable with the stated low risk

** As far as risk is concerned, having travelled in many parts Europe I never lost a bike. I have lost 2 bikes though in the past 5 years - 500 metres and 5 years apart. The last one under the nose of the railway companies CCTV. So if a professional thief/gang is operating locally no chain, lock or CCTV will help.

railway stations, universities and shopping centers are big targets. It really depends the City though. I have a very good lock, it is like a huge steel chain link. They would need a grinder to get it off. Which some thieves do use but it attracts attention. Double lock it. Take the seat off.

 

[Ad van Brunschot]

And select the highest or lowest speed when parking. In both situations very difficult for a quick start.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I'll direct you to a post of mine about bicycle rentals. I don't mention locks but there is a list of rental places (starting to get old). The links may lean heavily to rentals near Burgos. I've never rented nor rode bikes on the camino so I can't give any recommendations.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/how-much-of-the-camino-frances-can-i-cover-in-19-days.65129/#post-796954

 

[Blister Bill]

When you rent a bicycle, does it come with a chain and lock, or insurance? And if, perchance, the bike gets stolen, what happens?

You treat it as providence and walk ?

 

[Tincatinker]

It might be provident to post your intended dates on here. I can check if there will be any Tinkers about

 

[Wildcamper57]

You treat it as providence and walk ?

ah but is there a deposit? Would you get it back?

 

[RJM]

ah but is there a deposit? Would you get it back?

Only Providence knows.....

 

[RJM]

When you rent a bicycle, does it come with a chain and lock, or insurance? And if, perchance, the bike gets stolen, what happens?

I guess you better get to stepping
Stay hydrated. Ultreia.

 

[Saint Mike II]

When you rent a bicycle, does it come with a chain and lock, or insurance? And if, perchance, the bike gets stolen, what happens?

Hola fellow cyclist. To answer your question in a very short word.No!! Well they may supply a lock and chain but it may as well be a piece of string if the situation I became aware off in 2015. So my recommendation bring the one you use at home; also "strongly" insist that your accommodation venue allow you to secure your bike "off - street". Most of the ones I used in 2015 were happy to allow me to park the bike "out the back". So what happens when it gets stolen? First ensure that you have both a photo of the bike; its serial numbers. When or if its stolen contact the rental company and advise them of the situation; second find the nearest major police station and report the theft - they will need the serial number and the colour to make a positive indentification. I always locked my bike to a secure steel sign post or railing when leaving it. Hope this helps!!

 

[Former member 99816]

Taking all these steps means you do not have to pay for it?

 

[RJM]

Taking all these steps means you do not have to pay for it?

I've heard that Interpol get's involved in the event you do not return a bicycle.

 

[Crosscheck]

I rode my own bike on the CP so I have no idea about the bike rental situation. However, I will say that when travelling with a bike, the bike owns you rather than the opposite. After reaching my daily destination I easily found an albergue where I stored the bike inside, I was then released of its burden for the remainder of the day.

The potential of bike theft was always in the back of my mind though and I was vigilant about its security.