Bikes

When you book a bike tour, the type of bike you will receive is first and foremost on your mind. We understand. We wish there was a simple one size fits all answer to provide here with a spec list neatly organized. It would make our life easier! However, the short answer is, the type of bicycle will vary with each tour.

Bike and Boat Tours

The type of bicycles you will generally find on a bike and boat tour are city touring bikes with step-through frames and a very upright handlebar position. Sometimes only 7-speed bikes are available. When a 21 (or more) speed option is offered, we always request this for our clients.

Hotel to hotel Tours

Some of our hotel to hotel tours offer the same type of upright touring bike, especially in Holland. Other options are 21 to 24-speed hybrid bicycles with flat handlebars or lightweight road bikes with drop-down handlebars.

All tours

More specific information regarding the bike rental offered for each tour is listed on each tour's "Details" page, and will also be provided in the trip packet.

If both men and women's frames are available, the bicycles will be assigned according to gender unless requested otherwise. We are finding that more and more of our tours include bikes with step-through frames.

Bringing your own saddle and/or pedals is usually allowed but not always so please advise.

Bringing your own bicycle is generally not a problem, but does not always guarantee a discount. Ask us for details.

Electric Bikes

We are very excited that the majority of our tours now have E-bikes (electric bicycles) for rental. This option makes it possible for those who love to cycle but need just a little push. E-bikes are NOT motorized but have a battery that enables you to pedal with ease. It has been described as having a constant tailwind at your back. E-bikes are not recommended for beginner cyclists. Considering e-bikes can go faster than a regular bicycle, it is essential that cyclists have the natural balance and agility that comes with regular riding. Likewise, e-bikes are not recommended for cyclists who have never ridden an e-bike before. If your trip will be the first time riding an e-bike, we recommend borrowing or renting an e-bike at home, to get some practice before your trip. Keep in mind for those of you riding self-guided on an electric bike, that fixing a flat is more technical than fixing a flat on a regular bike so make sure you are familiar with this before embarking. If you would like more information on the E-bikes, please contact us!

Tandems

For those of you who ride tandem, even if this option is not listed on the tour page, we do try to accommodate, especially for tours in Holland. Sometimes there is a local bike shop we can contact for a special bike rental. We will do everything we can to confirm your request. However, unfortunately, sometimes we simply cannot.

Children's bicycles

Children's bicycles may be available and must be requested at the time of booking. For a number of our Bike & Boat tours in Holland, a tag-along is available for children age 4 to 9 weighing no more than 77 lbs. and not exceeding a height of 3'8". To make cycling a little easier for the child, this bicycle is attached to the accompanying adult's, and the child pedals along while the adult helps by pulling the bicycle. Please request this bicycle at the time of booking. Child seats and child trailers may also be available.

Helmets

Now for some tough love. We recommend the use of helmets for every one of our tours, even though it may not be required by local law. Tripsite, nor our local partners can be held responsible for non-usage. We wish we could make it obligatory for all tours. The BEST option for helmet usage is to bring your own well-fitted helmet. And yes, we know that it is awkward to pack a helmet. For some tours, they may be available for rent (or free), but this we cannot be guaranteed so please ask.

Bicycle Protection

You can obtain bicycle protection through us at the time of booking.

Hybrid bike protection:

• 8 days or less: €10
• 9 to 12 days: €15
• 13 days or more: €20

Electric bike protection:

• 8 days or less: €20
• 9 to 12 days: €30
• 13 days and more: €40

Bicycle protection covers the cost of the repair or replacement of bicycle parts in case of an accident. It also protects against theft of the bike while it was locked. The key to the integral bike lock will always have to be produced in order for bicycle protection to cover the loss.

IMPORTANT

Bike Rental Agreement

The customer agrees to return the rental bicycle in UNDAMAGED condition to avoid any ADDITIONAL charges for the repair, maintenance, or replacement. If damage is incurred, this must be reported immediately. The customer accepts full responsibility for the care of the equipment while under his/her possession.

ALL accessories provided with the rental are to be returned as per specifications set forth.

Damaged parts or components or missing accessories will be repaired/replaced and the customer agrees to pay regular shop rates and retail prices for components replaced. Please note, in order to receive compensation for costs, all bicycle protection claims must be submitted within 30 days of the last day of your tour.

If you have obtained a bicycle protection policy, this will NOT cover negligent behavior, included, but not limited to:

• Intentional damage
• Theft of bicycle left unattended and not securely locked
• Theft or loss of accessories