Bikes in Paris

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m going to Paris in April/May (woo-hoo). I was thinking of taking my bike, but, damn, that bike box is large and unwieldy.

So, I’m wondering if anyone knows if you can rent road bikes in Paris? This may be complicated by the fact that I’m pretty small (“small” or 48 cm frame). Does anyone know the name of a shop?

Any tips on travel are also appreciated, as are tips on good rides (I’m imagining getting out of town for day trips).

Thanks!

2

Bump. Francois?

3

Hey, Cyborg42

I don’t think it’s easy or even possible to rent a real road bike in Paris, there are only commuters for tourists or MTB …

How long will you be in Paris ?

4

Not sure about renting road bikes, I think you might struggle to rent anything better than a commuter bike for tourists.

There are some good rides you can do out of Paris. Head south-east from the city and shortly after crossing the peripherique you are in the forest. Summer arrived here on Tuesday with a bang, after snow last week Tuesday appeared with blue skies and warm weather. April/May is perfect for a trip out to the Vallée de Chevreuse (south-west). Swing by Versailles on the way home for a look at the palace from the outside if you don’t have time to take a trip out there when you’re in Paris.

I’ll ask around to see if you can hire a decent road bike, but as I said I think you’ll struggle.

Decent bike shops are in fact a little scarce in Paris, Velo & Oxygen on Avenue de la Grand Armée is one of the biggest.

VELO 1 OXYGEN PARIS
72 AVE DE LA GRDE ARMEE
75017 PARIS
METRO: PORTE MAILLOT
Tel. : 01 45 74 19 93

5

I hear there are a few cheap Cervelo p2k’s for rent, ones with Powerbars still stuck on the top tube from Forster.

6

Salut Camel,

I didn’t realize you were in France ! Where do you live … in Paris ?

OK, summer arrived this week but is gone for the week end ;-)) to have some rest !

8

Thanks guys for all your input, you confirmed what I suspected no real road bikes available for rental. I will take my bike (though after reading stories of the effect of travel on bikes it’ll be the Schwinn and not the Pinarello!).

I’ll be there April 25 through May3. What I’ve heard about rides: stay south not north, there are several one day trips outside Paris. I will share stories with the Slowtwitchers!

Leigh