Advice on transporting road bike in/on a hire car abroad

discobobulated

Hi,

I'm flying to Lourdes with my road bike in May to spend a few days cycling in the Pyrenees. I'm after a bit of advice on how to transport the bike from the airport to Luz Saint Saveur and back. Is it generally possible to hire a car with a bike rack? I have checked with a couple of car hire companies and they can't provide bike racks. Are there companies which do? If not, would I have to hire a large, expensive car and put the bagged-up bike in it? What do others do?

Thanks,

discobobulated

Brakeless

If you have more than 2 in a car it's a problem. Otherwise most medium size hatchbacks will easily take a bike box with the rear seats folded.

discobobulated

Thanks brakeless. There are three of us with hand luggage (and the bike) so in theory we only need a smallish car with a bike rack, if such a thing exists. Estate cars are waaaayyyyy more expensive...

cooldad

So buy a bike rack.

cougie

Luggage on top of the car and the bike in the boot ? I've seen inflatable racks that you could take with you.

Or hire a bike at your destination ? Or hire a van ?

durhamwasp

How many of you are going?

The last two trips to the Pyrenees (Stansted-Biarritz flights) we've hired a small 3 seater van through Enterprise and its actually been cheaper than a car.

Pic of van (and trip write up) here https://snookcycling.wordpress.com/pyrenees/

dombo6

Get a folding bike rack that hangs of the back and the bike sits on two protruding arms, the simpler the better. Then for the bike box get one that has slots to fit onto said rack design. Otherwise a hatchback with split rear seats will give you room for three people, bike box and luggage.

cougie

Depends on the car and box. I'd go for the cheaper van.

discobobulated

Thanks for your advice. The problems with taking a rack are (i) it's extra luggage to take on the plane and (ii) compatibility with the hire car as you never know for sure which model of car you will get. I have to take my own bike as it's a 68cm beast and fits in a bag but not a standard bike box. I'm quite surprised that car hire companies don't offer racks as an optional extra in the same way as baby seats etc, especially in a big cycling area. I'll look into the small van option. Cheers.

shazzz

Rent a van / large people carrier; or
get a local taxi/ transport company to transport you; or
Seasucker bike racks (never used them myself but they get good reviews).

Craig_Broadbent

Can I place a note of caution regarding Seasucker. Vacuums decay as air leaks out, and legally in the UK at least you are responsible if it goes wrong.

VeloPeloton

Small van is probably your best option.

If you are getting a transfer I recommend this company. They are very reliable, but be aware taxis in France are always expensive.
http://www.lourdes-transferts.com/GB/index-GB.php

I would also recommend Argeles-Gazost rather than Luz. Easier to get to and more things for non-cycling family members to do.

All (as far as I know) car rental companies disapprove of the use of attachments to their vehicles. In the small print, it may say that use of bike racks or other attachments invalidates the insurance.

pblakeney

Consider all options -

https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Lourdes-Tarb ... lès-Gazost

daniel_b

3 front seater van all day long.

plymouthsteve

I cycle abroad 2 or 3 times per year and would never think of taking my own bike.
Local rental is generally 20 to 30 euro per day and you get a bit of support plus a chance to play with something different.
No additional travel costs, no need for a bigger rental car, higher ferry price, bike box purchase or rental etc etc.
Maybe not for everyone but serves me well so thought worth sharing.

hdow

A rear bike rack would most likely also require a light board with registration plate if it obscures any of the aforementioned. Can't imagine hire companies bothering with the expense or hastle.

ronnierocket

Just break the bike down (wheels off, saddle) and put it in the boot or if it's a hathback put one seat down and put it upright.

I have done this at home, if I have cycled somewhere and getting a lift back. Try it on your own car at home. You can leave your bike box at the airport.

Darius_Jedburgh

plymouthsteve wrote:

I cycle abroad 2 or 3 times per year and would never think of taking my own bike.
Local rental is generally 20 to 30 euro per day and you get a bit of support plus a chance to play with something different.
No additional travel costs, no need for a bigger rental car, higher ferry price, bike box purchase or rental etc etc.
Maybe not for everyone but serves me well so thought worth sharing.

Hiring locally just about pays for itself, plus there's no hassle in breaking down and rebuilding bikes before/after travel. No worries about missing luggage or how the "considerate and helpful" airline staff will treat your gear. Any mechanical problems are sorted locally and there's always the chance of trying something new.

plymouthsteve

... and I should add that I am totally useless at any kind of workshopidness, so I would also have to pay a shop to put my bike together

gsk82

Stay with pyrenees cycling in bareges. They'll pick you up and drop you off as well as been a spot on family who cook great food.