Bicycle riding is not only a hip, green way to get around car-crazy Los Angeles (if calories were gas, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles per gallon), it’s also way less stressful than driving on one of L.A.’s parking lots, otherwise known as freeways. If you’re in Los Angeles without a bicycle, not to worry. You can channel your inner Lance Armstrong at one of these popular L.A. bike rental shops.
Helen’s Cycles
Santa Monica
Helen’s Cycles targets the serious bicycle rider who plans to cover quite a few miles. For $65 per day or $375 per week, bicycle renters snag a premium quality road bike: a Cannondale CAAD9, with a titanium frame and choice of two types of pedals. Each bicycle rental is equipped with all the tools for minor repairs and a complementary helmet (hey, if you’re under 18, it’s the law).
Bikecology
Malibu and West Los Angeles
Bikecology is the bike rental shop for the more casual recreational bicyclist. Cruise the colorful streets of downtown L.A. on a city bike, or hit a picturesque beachside trail on a mountain bike. At $35 per day or $95 per week, renting with Bikecology will leave you some spare change to buy a Mochachino.
Spokes N Stuff
Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Griffith Park and Dockweiler Beach
In addition to all kinds of bicycles-beach cruisers, hybrids, tandems and more-Spokes N Stuff carries a wide array of other wheeling options. Skateboards, roller blades and even Segways are just a few of the wheeled vehicles on which you can roll around town. Most rentals cost less than $25 per day, making Spokes N Stuff an economical way to test out some new transportation.
Daniel’s Bicycle Rentals
Marina Del Rey
Just a few pedals away from the South Bay Bike Trail, Daniel’s is an ideal starting point to head up or down the coast and soak up postcard worthy views. Bicycle rentals range from $20 to $38 per day, or around $8 per hour. Best of all, with an all-day bike rental, Daniel will treat you to a scoop of ice cream! (You can always pedal it off!)
Perry’s Café
Santa Monica
You’ll spot the bright, cheerful façade of Perry’s Café a mile away. More than a café, Perry’s also rents out mountain bikes, beach cruisers, choppers and more. Prices start at $10 per hour or $25 per day. When you’re done cycling, enjoy a healthy meal or snack while chilling on the beachside patio.
Topanga Creek Bicycles
Topanga
If you prefer tree-covered hillsides to tourist-crammed boardwalks, Topanga Creek Bicycles could be your kind of bike rental shop. Located near Topanga State Park, you’ll be only minutes away from a network of bicycle trails. At $75 per day-or $200 per week-hop on a premium mountain bike for some adrenaline rushing off-road cycling.
Renting a bicycle in Los Angeles is not only one of the best ways to stay fit among the slim and tanned, it may be the only way to truly appreciate the area’s natural beauty.
Sources:
http://www.quotegarden.com/bicycling.html
http://bikecologyonline.com/
http://danielsbikerentals.com/
http://spokes-n-stuff.com/
http://www.topangacreekbicycles.com/index.php
http://helenscycles.com/
http://www.perryscafe.com/
