Cycling guide
What to bring when you rent a road bike
Renting a bike means travelling light, but a few things make the difference between a rental that feels like your own bike and one that never quite fits. Here is what to pack for a cycling trip to the Costa Blanca, and what we provide.
Pack these
The things only you can bring
Your cycling shoes
The most important item. Shoes you know will save your feet on a week of climbing. Check that your cleats are not worn out before you travel.
Your pedals
Pedals are not included in the rental. Bring your own and we will fit them before you collect, at no extra cost. If you would rather not, rent Shimano SPD-SL, Shimano SPD, Look Kéo or flat pedals for €5 per day.
Your saddle, if you are particular
A familiar saddle is the quickest way to make a rental feel like your own bike. Bring it and we will fit it for free. We can also transfer your own bar tape or computer mount.
Your bike computer
Every bike comes with a Garmin or Wahoo mount. Load our GPX files before you travel. If you navigate with your phone, rent a smartphone holder for €4 per day.
Your helmet
Helmets are compulsory on roads outside towns in Spain. Bring your own, or rent a lightweight, ventilated helmet from us in S, M or L for €5 per day.
Your bottles
Every bike has two bottle cages fitted. Bring your favourite bottles, or buy them locally, and plan on two full bottles for any mountain ride.
Clothing
What to wear, season by season
The coast is mild, but the climbs take you high and the descents are long. Layers are the answer at any time of year outside summer.
Winter
Dec – Feb
Base layer, long-sleeve jersey or arm warmers, knee or leg warmers, a gilet and a windproof jacket for the descents. Full-finger gloves for early starts. You will often strip down to short sleeves by midday on the coast.
Spring and autumn
Mar – May · Oct – Nov
Short sleeves and shorts most days, plus arm warmers and a gilet for the morning and the high passes. A light rain jacket in autumn.
Summer
Jun – Sep
The lightest kit you own, sun cream, sunglasses and a cap under the helmet. Ride early and carry more water than you think you need.
Send us before you travel
Your measurements
To set the bike up before you arrive, we need your height and inside-leg measurement. Even better, tell us the make, model and frame size of your own bike, plus your saddle height. We will match it as closely as the fleet allows and confirm the frame size before you travel.
If you have had a professional bike fit, bring the numbers. Our partner Bike Fit Studio also offers fits at our base in Altea.
Leave at home
What we provide
- A full mechanical service before every rental
- Position set up to your measurements
- Two bottle cages and a Garmin or Wahoo mount
- A spare tube, tools and a puncture repair kit
- A Bosch battery charger with the Synapse Neo
- Route advice and GPX files
- A professional floor pump for your stay, if you add it (€4 per day)
Peace of mind
Insurance and documents
With our accidental damage cover (€20 per day) there is no excess and no credit card deposit. Theft is not covered by it. We also recommend travel insurance that covers cycling, for yourself rather than the bike.
Carry some ID and a phone on every ride, with our number saved: if you have a mechanical within our delivery area, we will come to you.
Checklist
The short version
- Cycling shoes, with cleats in good condition
- Pedals and saddle, if you want your own
- Helmet, or rent one from us
- Bike computer with our GPX files loaded
- Layers for the descents, sun cream and sunglasses
- ID, phone and a bank card for the café stop
Plan your trip
More guides for your trip
The best time to ride
Month by month on the Costa Blanca, from the pro camps in winter to the summer heat.
Read the guideCycling rules in Spain
Helmets, riding two abreast, the 1.5 m rule and the other rules visitors need to know.
Read the guideQuestions and answers
Booking, sizing, delivery, deposits and what happens if something goes wrong.
Read the FAQBring nothing but shoes
We will have everything else ready
Tell us your dates and your height. We will set the bike up to your position and have it ready at Hotel Cap Negret, or delivered to where you are staying.