Coming to London, borrow, rent, buy a bike?

Hi all,

New poster to the boards, introduced myself a little in the welcome section. I am coming to London from the USA in May. My friend and I hope to do some bike trips, Newhaven to Parris planned right now - others to follow.

I'd like to borrow, rent, or buy a bike. I checked Delta and they are pretty awful when it comes to bringing bikes on planes. $300 for international! If anyone had a cheap 10 speed with rack and fenders that I could borrow, rent or buy that would be great. I thought about bringing a wheelset and seeing if anyone had a frame but riding 50 miles a day fixed might be a bit much (not sure how hilly the country is).

I will be in Brighton (or around the area) from May 17th - June 8th. I could ride a 52 - 54cm frame.

Also, if anyone is planning a trip to Wisconsin, USA ( I doubt it) I will let you borrow one of my fixed gears!

i think it would be cheapest to buy a bike bag

it's $300 to carry the bike bag!!

Hi coffeerider, and welcome. Sorry, but my bikes aren't in that size range. I'm sure someone can sort you out! good luck planning your tour aswell.

why don't you try and disassembled the bike as much as you can to make it as compact as possible, put them in a big suitcase and just pay the extra suitcase cost? (summat like $25 I think).

much much cheaper.

it's $300 to carry the bike bag!!

Hi coffeerider, and welcome. Sorry, but my bikes aren't in that size range. I'm sure someone can sort you out! good luck planning your tour aswell.

$300 to carry a bike bag?!! FUCK that's killer

if hillbilly can carry a bike in his Grobags, surely it only take a few more effort to put this into this.

i think my frame is too big :( i have a bike bag but need to investigate about Virgin airlines policy on bike bags

if Hippy can carry a bike in his Grobags, surely it only take a few more effort to put this into this.

Hillbilly, not Hippy.

i think my frame is too big :( i have a bike bag but need to investigate about Virgin airlines policy on bike bags

virgin carry 32kg of any sporting equipment as extra baggage for free.
I bought a bike back from Japan because of it.
Most places if you turn up and are really nice they'll allow free excess stuff.
Like Japan airlines who couldn't work out how to treat us with our copious ski bags, and so upgraded us.

wahey! nice one. haha my mates dad always goes on the japanese airlines and always gets upgraded for complaining about the seats being too small.

"these seats are too small, I am Gaijin I tell you!"

Hillbilly, not Hippy.

Not going to be pleased when he sees that ;)

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/passengerinformation/baggage/sports/cycling.jsp

proof!

excellent i was about to do a quick search on it. nice one eyebrows

Although I'm nor sure if he is still doing it try this guy: http://www.londonfgss.com/thread15491.html

I've heard that Delta has nailed people even for disassembled bikes, plus they don't insure it if you don't declare it. Even if I brought a beater I'd still be pissed at losing the wheel set. I've seen 10 speeds going on ebay for like 40 - 50 pounds. Seems like it would be cheaper to just buy one over there if no one has anything in my size. My friend could always try and resell it after I leave. Not going for any type of style here, just something that is relatively comfortable.

bikeworks at Gun Wharf, sells donated and then refurbished bikes.

bikeworks at Gun Wharf, sells donated and then refurbished bikes.

Thanks! I am also checking into the link posted above.

I assumed there's no way to change airliner then?

i have a loaner bike at home that i would be happy for you to use free of charge
carlton 531 12 speed should fit with the saddle right down

rear holes for panniers though i don't have any myself
can switch front forks to a pair that will take front pannier #

give me a shout when you arrive

Ahhh.... Just the thread I was looking for. Not to bump this, but is there no one renting fixies?? Would love to ride with a few of you.

Similarly, I'm coming into town for a few from Toronto and would like to cruise with a few cats. I forget where I'm staying but I can get the deets.

Anyhow, no worries if not as I'll prob just hit some shops here and there but would be nice to connect with a few riders. Packing my bike would not be cost effective + I like to travel as light as possible.

Thx a mil.

Cheers.

H!

Shop 14 are looking to have a fleet of rental bikes, but I don't think they're ready to go yet.

Get the size of bike you need up here and I'm sure that something can get worked out.

Hello!
I'm from LA and I'm heading to London for a week or so at the end of June 2009. I was wondering if any of you kind folks would lend an experience cyclist a bike. I'm a member of LAFixed, so I thought this might be a good place to search.
Frame size 50-51.
It could be road, fixed, beater, or penny farthing (although i don't know if that's legal in the uk).
I hope to do some local riding, rides, and some local touring.

Thanks so much!
meandmybluebike

Late... but thanks for the reply. I'll hit Shop 14. They don't seem too far. I'm in here, in Hackney.

BTW, loving the weather right now. Wasn't this sunny when I was here last. Sick.

hi all

i have a few bikes at home i am more than willing to loan out free of charge to fellow bikers
give me a pm a few days before you arrive and we'll get something sorted.

also have a spare room if anyone is looking to crash for a few nights / weeks
again london hotels are pricey and you could use your extra cash to have a few more nights out in londons famous london
PM ME

Hello!
I'm from LA and I'm heading to London for a week or so at the end of June 2009. I was wondering if any of you kind folks would lend an experience cyclist a bike. I'm a member of LAFixed, so I thought this might be a good place to search.
Frame size 50-51.
It could be road, fixed, beater, or penny farthing (although i don't know if that's legal in the uk).
I hope to do some local riding, rides, and some local touring.

Thanks so much!
meandmybluebike

are you offering backie services fred ?
anywhere in london for a £5'er !