How to choose a good bicycle for traveling?

Question

I am tending to do a trip to a place where renting bicycles is a common trend for travelers to do the area which includes hard slops up and down. I know nothing about bikes, so anyone can give an advice on what to look for when renting one?

Thanks

Answer 1

Take your own lock and chain. There is a common scam out there. You hire the bike cheap but pay the insurance waiver when the bike gets "stolen". It is very easy to steal a bike if you have the key and/or combination.

Don't ride much and slopes.

There is usually a group of gears front and back. A smaller gear at the pedals, bigger at the wheel makes it easy to climb. Make sure the wheels spin easily, the gears change, there are brakes that work and there is plenty of air in the tyres.

Don't expect much if your talking a hire bike.In many places around the world you won't even get gears(ie just one)

Answer 2

if you are talking about long bicycle tours, purchase a touring bike, either a good aluminum frame or carbon that is a relaxed geometry... go to your local bike shop and ask around, and get fitted...

for renting a bike for short distances, it doesn't really matter as long as it is fitted well to your body type. if you are traveling with a cycling tour group, they probably have basic comfort or road bikes.