Are there any fellow bike snobs in the community who can suggest a source for a good quality road bike rental in Italy? My bike tour will be in the middle of a longer tour, so transporting my bike is not a good option (it can be done but it is very expensive and the risk of theft is very high). I am aware that some of the touring companies provide them, but our preferred choice does not. A complicating factor is that I am 5'2" tall, and 50 cm bikes are too big. I am not interested in renting a hybrid or a mixte. Would appreciate any leads.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Your best bet would be to seek advice from your preferred touring company with the hope that they have local knowledge. In some respects the "best" bike will BOTH be a good fit both in seat height and cockpit (reach) length AND be comparable to that the others are riding.
The touring company would/should also advise on pavement quality and gearing. I'd pick a hybred with 32C tires over a criterium with 23C tubulars if I had to ride cobblestones and a wide gear hybred may be better for climbing a Tuscany hill or the Alps than a carbon with a 39x24.
Posted by
OP
Oregon
121 posts
FYI, I am anticipating that this will be a 10 day road tour in the Piedmont and Lakes region. Mileage between 40 and 60 miles a day, plenty of hill work but nothing crushing, and no cobblestones to speak of. A touring bicycle with drop handlebars and a triple or compact double chainring (which is what I ride at home) would be ideal. Good suggestion about asking the touring company - I will try that. Thank you.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Re rentals. Check to see if the rental includes lock, pump, tube/flat kit and pannier(s). You'll need a pannier to carry your wine and cheese along with the above. If you do rent you may be happier bringing your own saddle and peddles.
Sounds like you have baggage support.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1898 posts
Question is...where in Italy will you be? Might help with suggestions if you are trying to rent out of Florence, Milan, Rome, etc...
you will obviously have to return the bike when done...will you be able to return to the same city when you finish your tour?