Experience with Cycling-Rentals

[ChicagoDennis]

I have very recently arranged my flights to Spain in order to bike the camino. I will be starting from Pamplona in mid-April and ending in Santiago at the end of April. I have been in contact with a company called Cycling-Rentals that will arrange for a bicycle to shipped to my lodging in Pamplona and picked up 12 days later at my lodging in Santiago. The representative from this company has been very responsive to my email inquiries, and the total cost is approximately 200 euros...with some extras.

Does anyone have experience with this company and the quality of their bikes?

Also, can anyone recommend an inexpensive place to stay in Pamplona my first night? I will be jet-lagged from my flight and will need a good night's sleep before taking off on my adventure. I would prefer a single room close to the camino.

Finally, should I try to get my Passport in advance here in the US or can I pick it up easily and quickly in Pamplona?

I have tried to reach Tournride, as well, to compare pricing, but their website does currently allow me to choose a bike. Thank you for any information.
Chicago Dennis

 

[Caminando]

Hi CD

Have you thought of buying a bike in a supermarket and selling it at the end or giving it away?

It will work out cheaper. I've seen many lowpriced bikes like this.

Just a thought.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Look for "hotel" on a Google map of Pamplona, and lots of choices will appear for about 30 Euro per night. Other threads in the Forum speak to rooms in Pamplona. Search for them, if you like. You can get a credential at the cathedral in Pamplona any time the office is open, which is mornings and afternoons. You can get one from the American Friends of the Camino before you leave, too.

 

[ricksca]

Hi CD

Have you thought of buying a bike in a supermarket and selling it at the end or giving it away?

It will work out cheaper. I've seen many lowpriced bikes like this.

Just a thought.

Interesting idea. Any idea how much it would cost to buy a mountain bike as you suggest?

 

[newfydog]

Hi CD

Have you thought of buying a bike in a supermarket and selling it at the end or giving it away?

It will work out cheaper. I've seen many lowpriced bikes like this.

Just a thought.

Don't even think about it. I've worked as a bike mechanic, and I pretty much end up fixing someone's bike every day on the Camino. Those cheap bikes are guaranteed to breakdown and are really hasrd to fix. Bring a good bike, or rent a decent bike (which I understand the rental companies are providing), but avoid those heavy, flimsy chain store bikes like the a plague of bedbugs.

 

[ricksca]

Hi CD

Don't even think about it. I've worked as a bike mechanic, and I pretty much end up fixing someone's bike every day on the Camino. Those cheap bikes are guaranteed to breakdown and are really hasrd to fix. Bring a good bike, or rent a decent bike (which I understand the rental companies are providing), but avoid those heavy, flimsy chain store bikes like the a plague of bedbugs.

Yeah, that was my thought. Thanks for the confirmation. I spend enough time as it is fixing my Specialized FSR Comp. Can't imagine a Murray going 500 miles without major frustration

 

[thaisdarosa]

I feel your pain. The bike rental prices for SdeC self-guided touring from the big operators are crazy expensive! eg. bikeiberia and bikespain. We're departing on the camino at about the same time you are but, taking longer to do it. I've been researching prices etc. for 6 months. Since we're looking for a tandem... 805 euros ($1046.) is about the going rate for 1 month. Tournride's 13 day SdeC pack for 13 days for 243 euros (about $300) for a regular, one-person bicycle sounds good in comparison!

We've been through the same stuff you have probably... calculating air transport prices for bringing and returning with our own bikes, buying a bike and the equipment (panniers etc.), taking a scooter or motorcycle ($1500--$2000 for the month), a bus!? ...even walking!? We're stuck too.

So, what have your decided to do? Rental and Pammplona hotel?

 

[Juju Lee]

How did this company Cycling-Rentals work out with your bike renting experience? Would you recommend them as a reliable company?

 

[dariosilva]

How did this company Cycling-Rentals work out with your bike renting experience? Would you recommend them as a reliable company?

Julie, I used Bike Iberia. Good bikes, very helpful staff, delivery and pickup. Wished I would have rented a women's bike for my wife, which bikeiberia offers. My wife had a very bad knee and had trouble getting on the bike at times for the high bar and all the gear on back rack. I found that renting was cheaper than taking my own bike. I also did not have to worry about boxing bike for travel or looking for a place to box for the return trip. If you have a nice broken in saddle like a Brooks...take it with you. Enjoy your trip. (12 days biking plus a days rest in a very nice place in Burgos and Leon, 14 days total May/June 2012; warn walkers you are behind them and wish them Buen Camino).

 

[BallVice]

This is an older thread - but i wanted to ping the forum once again... My 16y/0 daughter and I depart for Bordeaux on the 3rd of June and we return from Madrid on the 23rd.

We are walking - not doubts about that - but I had an epiphany tonight --- WHY NOT rent a bike in Pamplona - continue on to somewhere in Galacia - and walk the rest of the way home....

I found Cycling Rentals ( http://www.cycling-rentals.com/camino-7-day-pro-touring-pack.html#.U2hs6sdIBcA ) with a quick easy google search - and 187 euro's for a 7 day rental.

What has the experience been with renting bikes on the Camino? I am thinking the flat land area from Pamplona to Astorga would be great to just breeze through on a bike - instead of skipping major sections on a city bus or train....

ALL input welcomed - we are looking to do the entire journey by foot and bike now.

Buen Camino!

Frank

 

[newfydog]

There really isn't that much flat from Pamplona to Astorga----- lots of tough, choppy hills. It is some of my favorite biking

 

[mgtstorey]

Agree with the above, just cycled same yesterday, challenging but great, Astorga to ponferrada another storey, up up up all the way but the downhill great

 

[newfydog]

. I got two flats in two days.

!

Sounds like they have crappy tires. On the Frances, we've had one flat in 70 bike days. We use light but high quality mtb tires with no special tubes or puncture preventer strip.

 

[ba60453]

Anyone have experience with Tournride?



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