Good Road Bike Shops in Tuscany

alistaird

We haven't been away for ages and have booked a week in Tuscany. We're basing ourselves out of Siena and driving out each day to see the sights...

Just wondered if there were any good bike shops to visit Pisa/Florence/Siena or other areas in Tuscany?

Thanks for any advice.

veronese68

If you're near Gaiole go in as that's where the Eroica starts and there is a shop in town. Not particularly exciting and it's old stuff but worth a look if you're in the area anyway. You can follow the route of the Eroica which takes in a few of the old gravel roads, it's very well signposted.

meesterbond

You're going to Tuscany (one of the most beautiful places in the world), staying in Siena (probably the prettiest town I've ever visited) and you're asking about bike shops???

If I were you, I'd add Montalcino to the list - particularly if you like wine... you can lose a good few days in Florence. Pisa was a bit overrated in my mind, but has to be done anyway.

I'm sure there are some bike builders working around that area, but there's so much else to do unless you're planning to put an order in I can't see why you'd bother. Or, as suggested above, hire a bike and get some miles on the Strande Bianchi in...

alistaird

meesterbond wrote:

You're going to Tuscany (one of the most beautiful places in the world), staying in Siena (probably the prettiest town I've ever visited) and you're asking about bike shops???

If I were you, I'd add Montalcino to the list - particularly if you like wine... you can lose a good few days in Florence. Pisa was a bit overrated in my mind, but has to be done anyway.

I'm sure there are some bike builders working around that area, but there's so much else to do unless you're planning to put an order in I can't see why you'd bother. Or, as suggested above, hire a bike and get some miles on the Strande Bianchi in...

Indeed :-)

I'm building a Colnago E1 from 2005 and wanted as many Italian bits as possible on it so thought I might pick up a couple of things whilst I was there. Not planning on spending much time in shops (I hope...)

Thanks

john_wr

meesterbond wrote:

You're going to Tuscany (one of the most beautiful places in the world), staying in Siena (probably the prettiest town I've ever visited) and you're asking about bike shops???

If I were you, I'd add Montalcino to the list - particularly if you like wine... you can lose a good few days in Florence. Pisa was a bit overrated in my mind, but has to be done anyway.

.

Forget the bikes, Tuscany is about food and wine, unless it's cycling to do with l'Eroica.

For some brilliant wine, head a few km south of Montalcino to Castello Banfi. Buy their cheapest, Chianti DOCG Superiore and you will not be disappointed, or just go for the tasting, then you will be frustrated if you flew to Tuscany rather than driving.

If you find Panzano, on the northern loop of the 85 km Eroica, then look in the narrow street for the self styled "best butcher in Italy". Fantastic salami and meat products. Then head back across the main road to the cafe, where mama will be in her baking "laboratory" at the back preparing some brilliant pastries.

In Siena try the food from the Pizzicheria de Miccoli in Via di Citta. Again you won't be disappointed.

For one of the best meals anywhere, go to Gaiole and the Ristorante Le Contrade. We ate there at lunch time last year a few days after l'Eroica with food to die for and incredible hospitality. Ring before if you are thinking of going and mind the access road.

Just enjoy your time there, but if you get on a bike be warned, it's not flat.

John.

apreading

Try this: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/search/bi ... 643531,12z zoom out a couple of clicks and there are loads.

The tour guides from Saddle Skedaddle recommened Gippo I think: http://www.gippobike.com/eng/home.asp

Or you could try this place: http://www.ciclosportporciatti.biz/

meesterbond

If you go to Montalcino then the castle on top of the hill (which seems to act as the distributor for most of the surrounding vineyards) will happily send all the wine back to you in the UK!

Very jealous - it's a wonderful part of the world

veronese68

John Wr wrote:

If you find Panzano, on the northern loop of the 85 km Eroica, then look in the narrow street for the self styled "best butcher in Italy". Fantastic salami and meat products.

Go upstairs in the butchers and have a burger. Nothing fancy, just long tables and benches, but well worth it. Can also be accessed from the car park round the back.

ilovegrace

Lets say someone (me Emma and Grace ) were thinking of a taking a weeks holiday in Tuscany next year, and someone (Me) wanted to ride everyday.
Are there any good bike hire shops and is this a good place for the family (Grace 12 years old) ?
regards
ILG

daniel_b

I would strongly suggest you visit Lucca, it's a beautiful walled town, you can spend all day walking around.
There are also some lovely roads just out of Lucca, that some of the pro's train on.

Pisa is not very impressive, as you can well imagine, and Florence is HUGE.

apreading

ilovegrace wrote:

Lets say someone (me Emma and Grace ) were thinking of a taking a weeks holiday in Tuscany next year, and someone (Me) wanted to ride everyday.
Are there any good bike hire shops and is this a good place for the family (Grace 12 years old) ?
regards
ILG

Will the mussus be driving while there? If so then yes, it would be great. But if they are stuck in one place while you are out riding every day then no. The beauty of Tuscany is getting out and around the different places and as much about the journey between them.

ilovegrace

apreading wrote:

ilovegrace wrote:

Lets say someone (me Emma and Grace ) were thinking of a taking a weeks holiday in Tuscany next year, and someone (Me) wanted to ride everyday.
Are there any good bike hire shops and is this a good place for the family (Grace 12 years old) ?
regards
ILG

Will the mussus be driving while there? If so then yes, it would be great. But if they are stuck in one place while you are out riding every day then no. The beauty of Tuscany is getting out and around the different places and as much about the journey between them.

I will ride around 2 - 3 hours a day , we will not have a car so it seems the area is a no go at this moment in time.
regards
ILG