Southern California - One-way Bike Hire?

Hi guys,
Am in the UK and coming over to Calif in Aug to cycle San Fran to Los Angeles.
Going to ahve to leave my beloved bike at home. Two reasons: expenses of flight travel, and what to do with the Polaris bike pod case...
So, what I want to know is are there companies which hire bicycles in one place, and allow drop off in another... eg san fran and los angeles..
Ideas?
Pete

Nothing I've ever heard of.

Probably best off renting a bike from a Los Angeles place and having them ship it to San Fran. That seems like a potential solution.

Thanks Dude - great idea.

Just put the question to staff@hollywoodprobicycles.

Any experience of them?

Pete.

Yes--and outstanding ones. "Demo'ed" a couple of MTBs from them last year, and they took really good care of us. Plus, we ran into a couple of folks visiting from Georgia while we were there who said they rent from Hollywood Pro all the time when they're in town and had nothing but good things to say.

If Chris can find a way to make it work for you, he will. And Scott there's a great mechanic.

Well, if you want to bring your bike, maybe a disposable case....tons of cardboard?

Yea, how do you think bike shops get their bikes. Just go to your local one and ask for a leftover cardboard case and ship it in that, then toss it when you get to san fran. When you get to los angeles go to another bike shop and ask for a new one.

Yea, how do you think bike shops get their bikes. Just go to your local one and ask for a leftover cardboard case and ship it in that, then toss it when you get to san fran. When you get to los angeles go to another bike shop and ask for a new one.

That's what a lot of people do when they tour abroad. That way, you also get to ride a bike that you know fits. I'd be very wary of riding a rented bike on such a long tour without a proper fitting.

You could also ship your Polaris case from San Francisco to your destination in Los Angeles. I don't see how that would cost any more than shipping a bike from LA to SF.

My friend has shipped bikes for people from his shop LOTS of times. You just drop off the bike, give them an address, pay and they take care of the packing. I imagine it'll cost a bit more going to the UK... but that is to be expected.

UKPeter It can be hard to hire bikes in some cities California, I would agree with the above send your bike over, Ride to where ever , Pack it up or have a LBS pack it up and send it home, I am sure you will find that this will actually be cheaper, I live in San Francisco and if I can help in any way just PM me

Use your bike - from San Francisco, ship your bike case to your hotel in LA, pick it up when you get there.

Go to Wal-Mart, buy one of these http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3663046, ride it, give it to someone in LA before you leave.

Edit...bring your pedals with you.

Hi guys,
Am in the UK and coming over to Calif in Aug to cycle San Fran to Los Angeles.
Going to ahve to leave my beloved bike at home. Two reasons: expenses of flight travel, and what to do with the Polaris bike pod case...
So, what I want to know is are there companies which hire bicycles in one place, and allow drop off in another... eg san fran and los angeles..
Ideas?
Pete

Get an REI membership, buy the bike you want from an REI in San Fran, and then return the bike to an REI in the LA area sighting that it doesn't fit you properly. You would only be out the $15 for the membership.

Get an REI membership, buy the bike you want from an REI in San Fran, and then return the bike to an REI in the LA area sighting that it doesn't fit you properly. You would only be out the $15 for the membership.

Lame.

Unbelievably helpful, the whole lot of you. Trying to get a fedex quote for the polaris pod - but with airport storage at LAX (fly out same day) expect it will be a bit. Am an REI member, so maybe do that if my scruples say yes. Which they won't, but thanks anywa cradduck - and good luck on your two fingers to the big-boys attitude. I like it. Incredibly cheap GMC bike, but cjbruion - Walmart - aren't they're evil...? No, it looks like it's cardboard boxes for me. Thanks.

PS: You know, this got me thinking. If you live in SF, ring a friend in LA. Or vice versa. Buy a few bikes between you. Set up a website. Advertise to suckers like me. You have a business. QED.

Lame.



It would work. Lame or not.