This is one of the most common questions we get at Moloko when planning cycling trips and there is no straight answer to it. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding which is best for your personal riding experience.
Check out Sundays & Fettle, our bike insurance and bike servicing partners for a discount on your pre-trip checks.
Renting a bike | Pros
Convenience and Hassle-Free Travel: One of the top advantages of renting a bike at your destination is convenience. The hassle of transporting your bike, dealing with airline regulations, and the stress of potential damages — you get none of that. You just walk straight out of the exit doors. Bike rental services are usually widely available in most popular cycling destinations and bikes can be reserved in advance with your measurements for a quick pick-up.
Cost-Effective for Short Trips: Renting a bike may be more cost-effective for shorter cycling holidays. You won't have to worry about the cost of flying with a bike box, storage fees or any wear and tear on your personal bike. British Airways is the only airline that lets you use your 23kg checked luggage allowance for your bike, while others charge extra.
Try Different Models: If you’ve wanted to try a different bike brand or model without buying it, renting is a great option. It lets you explore different features, sizes, and styles before making a big decision. Plus, you can pick the perfect bike for your trip by choosing a lighter frame with good climbing gears.
Renting a bike | Cons
Familiarity and Comfort: Riding a bike you’re not used to can mess with your comfort and performance on your trip. Your own bike is already set up just right for your body and riding style, so you know it’ll feel good and familiar. Renting, on the other hand, might mean adjusting to a new bike or feeling a bit off if it doesn’t fit perfectly, which could take away from the fun of your cycling holiday.
Limited Customisation: Your bike is already dialled in for your comfort and performance, which can be tough to replicate on a rental. But here’s a tip: bringing your saddle with you can massively help with replicating some of your home set-up.
Bringing your own bike | Pros
Comfort and Familiarity: Riding your own bike makes a big difference — it’s comfortable, familiar, and you’re used to how it handles. That makes your ride smoother and more enjoyable (specially if you own a good bike) because you know exactly what to expect.
Optimal Performance: Your bike is probably set up just the way you like it, matching your riding style perfectly. This can boost your performance, especially on long rides or tough terrain. Plus, the confidence of riding a bike you’re comfortable with can make your trip even more enjoyable.
Cost-Effective for Regular Cyclists: If you’re a keen cyclist who goes on regular cycling trips, bringing your own bike can save you money in the long run. Sure, you’ll need to invest in a bike box at first, but skipping rental fees and riding a bike you trust makes it totally worth it over time.
We personally use the Evoc Bike Bag Pro - you only have to take off the wheels & pedals which makes packing super easy and it stores flat under your bed (essential when you live in a small flat in London).
Bringing your own bike | Cons
Logistical Challenges: Taking your bike on holiday can get tricky, especially when flying. Airlines have rules and fees for bike transport, and you’ll need to pack it well to avoid damage. Throwing something such as an AirTag in the bag can give you peace of mind in case your bike goes missing during the trip.
Maintenance and Repairs: Bringing your own bike means you’re in charge of keeping it in good shape and handling any repairs while you’re away. It can be tough to find the right bike shops or parts in a new place, and dealing with surprises can mess up your plans. We highly recommend that you give your bike a full check before heading on holidays.
Bike Insurance: To take some stress off your travels, make sure to check your bike insurance has policies that fit your needs, and their friendly team can help you out if anything goes wrong. At Moloko we use Sundays (get up to 25% off by heading to our brand's page).
Conclusion:
In the end, whether you choose to rent or bring your own bike for a cycling holiday comes down to a few factors, such as how long your trip is, your experience level, and what bike you own. Renting is convenient and flexible, but having your own bike means more comfort and better performance. It’s down to what matters most to you so you can have a fun and memorable trip.
At Moloko, we always take our bikes with us because we’ve learnt how to pack them safely. After investing in good bike bags for travel, it’s become a permanent part of our gear, and we love the comfort of riding our own bikes in new places.
If you need help with the packing, check in with your local bike shop. We also make sure to send our bikes to Fettle for a service before a trip, so everything runs smoothly. And if you’re a Moloko member, you get 15% off!
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