If you go on a cycling holiday, you always have the option of bringing your own bike. You can also rent a bike at your holiday address. We write down some useful tips and considerations for you, whether to bring your own bike or opt for a rental bike. There are also some learnings. Spoiler: don't do like Sander, who is Bike lost in Greece hit. Read on so you can make an informed decision for yourself for your next cycling adventure.

Bring your own bike if you can

Nothing is nicer than cycling on your own bike. Especially if you are going somewhere for a week or more. Your own bike feels familiar. It is of course optimally adjusted to your measurements. You also know exactly how it feels and what it does in corners and descents. That's nice.

If we go by car, the bike automatically goes with us. If you are alone, the bike almost always fits in the back of a car, whatever size. If you go as a couple or with your seen, then a Seasucker Mini Bomber a welcome outcome. Fits every roof, every car, every time. So if you switch to a new car, or go with someone, you don't have to buy a completely new roof rail and accessories.

The rule of five for flying

If you are going to fly and want to take your bike with you, there is the 'rule of five'. If you go cycling at least five times, then it will be worth the cost of transporting your own bike. Our experience with Transavia is very good. Taking a bike case in the hold costs Transavia €49.00 per flight, so for a return you pay €98.00.

Choosing and packing a bike case

The bike case is something you don't want to skimp on. An expensive race or gravel bike deserves optimal protection. If you don't fly often, then renting a bike case is the best option. Then consider MH Rental or Sportrental and then go for the Scicon Aerotech. This bike case offers more protection than many other cases. For extra protection, you can put in a roll of bubble wrap and two sheets of foam rubber. We would also wrap the rear derailleur, handlebars, front and rear forks in bubble wrap.

For most bike cases, you remove the wheels and also dismantle the handlebars, pedals and seat post including the saddle. I wrap the seat post and pedals with bubble wrap and put them together in a bag intended for bicycle parts. This bag contains all parts that have been dismantled and are no longer on the bike. You always check this bag before closing the case. Then you know if you have everything. Always check your packing list.

I place the foam boards last on both sides to give the bike extra protection against falls and bumps. Because count on the case being dropped and bumped! The people who arrange the luggage don't feel the same way about your bike as you do yourself

Renting a bike

Then renting a bike. If you're flying somewhere for a long weekend and you're going to ride your bike less than five times, go for a rental bike. Bike rental reviews are always good to read. We now have very positive, but also very negative experiences of renting a bike, and in most cases you can quickly see in the reviews how customer-oriented the organisation is. A good bike rental is characterised by:

• A range of different types of bikes, preferably including entry-level and high-end. Unless it presents itself as high-end only, but even then you want choice.
• You have to provide some bike measurements in advance. So that's more than: how tall are you and what are your pedals. Ideally, we always send you a bikefitting. You actually want to specify at least your desired ‘stack and reach’.
• Communication is quick and competent: if unclear, you are contacted. Preferably, they indicate which bike is ready for you. So if you choose a Specialized Roubaix, for example, you don't want to be fobbed off with another model.
• When issues arise, solutions are sought immediately. Rather no: 'yes but you didn't use the bike properly'. Then you know you're in trouble.

It is useful to contact them in advance and ask some specific questions. Send your stack, reach and other bike fitting sizes on it. See how they respond. If there is no response or a vague response, without, say, ‘we have this size for you then, or these options, etc’ don't be afraid to cancel your booking and look for another option.

The five-minute check on collection

Whether you are at the bottom of the Stelvio in Bormio or embarking on a gravel adventure in Girona: you always do this check.

• Tyres - sufficient tension, no visible cuts or wear. Always ask for replacement if you don't trust it. Your feeling and your bike is leading.
• Brakes - check both levers, wheels stop immediately? Can you squeeze the shifters to the handlebars (that is NOT good). And the check if you rent from a UK rental company: is right the rear brake and left the front? or is it the other way round?
• Chain and link - no slack chain, shifts smoothly through the full cassette
• Saddle height and reach - adjust everything before you set off, not on the way down a descent. Do a trial run and if you are uncomfortable, sort it out straight away. Saddles are also very specific. If you really want to be sure, take your own saddle with you. Otherwise, hope for a good saddle at the rental.
• Tubeless or inner tube - Ask what is in it and whether you get a spare tyre or plug kit.

Bring your own saddle and pedals

When renting a bike on location, there are two things to think about:

• Bring your own saddle
• Bring your own pedals

Even when you have a super bike, you don't know if the saddle is suitable for your ergonomics. And nothing is more annoying than having to abort your adventure early because of pain in your bottom. Extra tip for the ladies, as specific women's saddles are almost NEVER available at the rental. So bring your own saddle if you know you are prone to this. Bringing your own pedals can also avoid annoyances when clicking in. Or still finding out that the rental does not have your pedals. Better safe than sorry.

Insurance, liability and what goes wrong

This is where it gets serious. With most rental shops, you are fully liable for damage to the bike. Theft, a fall, a damaged wheel after a pothole: it will be on your account. With a carbon road bike, you're soon talking hundreds to thousands of euros.

Some rental companies in the Alps and Dolomites include basic insurance in the rental price. Always ask about it explicitly. What does it cover? Is there an excess? Does it also apply in case of theft?

In addition, check your own travel insurance. Does it cover rented sports equipment? Also for your liability insurance: does it also apply abroad? In many cases it does, but the conditions vary between insurers.

Helmets are not legally required for adults everywhere in EU countries. You can almost always get one from serious rental companies, but preferably bring your own: it fits, you know it, you trust it. And if you're going down a mountain at 80, you'll want to wear a helmet.

Conclusion

Briefly, the advice.

• If you go by car, bring your own bike and if necessary use one or two Seasucker Mini Bombers. You can put those on any car, even if you don't own one yourself. Ideal.
• If ja goes flying, apply the rule of five. On five or more trips, take your own bike in a Scicon Aerotech or in a variant that takes up just a little less space at home, for example a Thule.
• To pack a bike case, use bubble wrap and two foam sheets to provide extra protection for fragile parts.
• When you have a rent a bike, then always check out the reviews and send a message. Also, always look at what bikes they offer. Are they newer models? Or are they the latest in line?
• Going to popular destinations such as Mallorca, Calpe, Tenerife or Gran Canaria, then you often have a lot of choice. Then rely on organisations you know, such as, for example Fred Rompelberg On Mallorca, Pro Cycle Hire, Eat Sleep Cycle, Cycling Friendly or Bikepoint Tenerife.