I am getting mixed reviews some say rental bikes are awful, but bikes with tours are fine. Perfer to be independent. Is there only one place to rent bikes? Though some complain about road as difficult for bikes most rave about bike tours. Should I do this independently or with tour?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
If you aren't used to biking on cobblestones, parts of the road can be rough. I vote for independence, but can't help with rental companies.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32795 posts
a lot of the cobblestones are big, and there are big gaps between them. It was a little difficult for us to walk in places. I suggest a mountain bike ridden slowly in some parts, in some parts it is fine.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
We rented bikes about two months ago. They are not cobblestones. They are cobblerocks. With, indeed, Nigel's gaping gaps. It was murderous. We tried to venture beyond the smoother paved portions around the catacombs but gave up. We rented our bikes from a cafe along the way, near the spot where the bus from Rome dropped us. We needed to leave ID (our drivers licenses) while renting. We spent the greater part of the day walking all over but our plans for an extended tour via bike was cut to about an hour and a half. The lady who rented the bikes smiled knowingly, or so I thought, when we showed up hours earlier than planned to return the bikes. I don't know bubkes about bicycles; these were old and well worn, but there must have been 20 or 30 to choose from had we wished. We are two men in our early sixties and in good shape. YMMV...literally! Much to see and do though...have a great time, and a safe ride.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Oh - please reconsider the bike idea. It's difficult enough just WALKING on the cobble rocks. Bikes would be a nightmare.
Posted by
8 posts
We did a six hour bike tour on the Appian Way a week ago using TopBike Rental. Our guide Emanuele was knowledgeable and hilarious, the bike was high-quality and suitable for the Appian Way, and the tour also included a stop for cheese and wine.
It's true, the ancient parts of the Appian Way are pretty difficult to ride on but you have the option of using the well-worn dirt paths that are on each side. It was a great experience, highly recommended!
P.S. TopBike offers a discount if you book using Steves' Italy book.