Southern California - Road Bike Bike Rental - Santa Monica

HI Guys.

Im in Santa Monica (Lowes hotel) on business ofr a couple days and would like to rent a road bike to get out for a couple hours.
The beachfront stands have nothing, as expected, and I was hoping Performance up on 4th might, but it dosent either.

Can anyone reccomend a place in SM or close by where I could rent a half decent road bike? Dont need anything crazy, just want to get out!!!!

Thanks

Try calling these places: I have no idea if they rent, but they might know who does...

Helens: 310.829.1836

Veloworks: (310) 584-9797

Bike Attack: 310-581-8014

Good luck, and hope you have a great trip.

Thanks! I actually found one - Bicycle Ambulence on Pico and 7th. Limited selection, and rather rough place but turned out fine. Got a 58 Specialized Epic (that might even be carbon frame? prob early 90's) - that was atleast close to fitting, and apart from the toe clips (how to people use those), I dont feel *that* bad after 35 miles this afternoon

Took the bike trail along the ocean - nice in places, treachourous in others with sand, clueless pedestrians and crapping dogs.

How safe is it to take the PCH from Santa Monica to Malibu and furhter out? Would love to do that route, and I generally dont mind traffic, but ima little nervous in taking this :)

Thanks@!

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/803/getattachmentm.jpg

PCH near Santa Monica is the most dangerous part. As you move into Malibu, it gets somewhat safer, but you need to be very careful. I'd advise going as early as possible to avoid traffic. If you like climbing, the nearest good climbs off PCH are Fernwood Pacific Road (you get there taking Topanga Cyn Rd north a few miles), Tuna Cyn Rd and Las Flores Cyn Rd.

Too bad I did not see your post earlier or I would have recommended Hollywood Pro Cycle on Topanga Cyn Road, (310)455-2111 - about 25 min drive from Santa Monica. I know this because I rented a road bike there for a week last month. The bike was only a year or two old, so in great condition, and the service was beyond friendly.

Well, too late as you already have a bike, however, I will recommend a ride along PCH, just stay on the shoulder and be careful where it narrows. Those canyon roads mentioned earlier are very challenging, but worth the effort.
If you have time, google LA bike clubs (there are many) and try to hook up for a group ride, as the members are very courteous and welcoming to new riders.

If you want more suggestions, reply back and I'll tell you about some of the other rides I did during that week.

Enjoy your stay. As I endure the cold weather here in Toronto, I soothe myself by humming "California Dreaming"

haha yea, i got a bike but its pretty rough. It makes me appreicate my (properly fitted bike even more). 2 Hours on this one was worse than an 8 hour on my own bike.

I might try the PCH tommorow. My biggest fear is actually not my own injury but, because im here for work, and have some massivly important meetings later this week, if something where to happen there would be massive hell to pay - so I probbaly wont risk it. If I were hear on my own, no question Id go :). Ill shy away from the climbs, since I have big feet, and these clips are brutal - I miss my clipless too :).

Though Im more than open to any other good routes starting from SM area - I dont mind climbs, just not massive grades :).

Though I did pick up an altimeter at performance bikes here in SM today, so I do want to try that out.

thanks for responses all.

Heres a few more pics. Dont laugh.

Im from south of Toronto too, btw Cdn Guy - Niagara region - so I feel your pain. the last time I was out was mid dec when it was just below freezing and the roads where clear. Riding in 20 deg weather here is MUCH nicer :P

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/3558/getattachment2g.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/5661/getattachment3.jpg

The SouthBay bike path that goes south from where you were is a great ride. The path starts right at Marina del Rey, so you have to pick your way from SM through the Marina. Once on the path, it's a good 15 miles to the end at Redondo Beach/Palos Verdes border.

Here's a map of a route that includes a fairly good way to get through the Marina:
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/los-angeles/403555453

The section from "20" to "30" is what you need. From "30" on the map, just head south on the bike path. In Manhatten Beach the bike path per se ends, and you need to keep heading south on Hermosa Ave. until you run into the RB pier (King's Harbor).

You can pick up the bikepath on the other side of the pier for a few more miles, or go on up to Esplanade, which takes yo uall teh way into the PV peninsula. Lots of climbing there, or just stay on Palos Verdes Dr. through it's various iterations.

Here's an interesting loop of PV:

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/los+angeles/798903940490

Or this:

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/los+angeles/486172615

I'm running out of time here, but look on mapmyride for PV loops that include PV Drive West > PV Drive South > PV Drive East > PV Drive North.

That's my favorite loop in that area, includes some climbing, and GREAT views.

cheers!

I guess scheduling your meetings in the evenings is out of the question. Oh well, hopefully you have a bit more time to experience the great rides. Great suggestions from DScott - If you can get up and around Palos Verdes you'll see some more terrific views.
Oh, and aren't those roads smooth like silk, eh! (had to throw that canadianism in at some point). I had to laugh when I saw a 'rough road' sign - Hey Californians, try driving or riding our roads in Toronto before you label something as rough :)
Since returning home, my wife (not really a cyclist) and I decided to visit Santa Monica annually; we are already counting down the months to January 2010!
Enjoy!

I hate going north from Santa Monica to Malibu on PCH...it's definitely the most dangerous part of PCH, especially the first few miles. Shoulders get narrow, disappear, cars are moving at freeway speeds and tend to be very aggressive, rocks in the shoulder from the cliffs on the side of the road. If you really want to, go early in the morning to avoid a lot of cars.

The South Bay Bike Path actually starts in Will Rodgers Beach. It heads south through Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey, Playa Del Rey Beach, Dockweiler Beach, El Segundo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, then finally Torrance Beach.

From there you can head south through Palos Verdes which I would highly recommend. The sights and area is gorgeous. I can give you a few routes if you're interested. Although it is a little climbing.

I hate going north from Santa Monica to Malibu on PCH...it's definitely the most dangerous part of PCH, especially the first few miles. Shoulders get narrow, disappear, cars are moving at freeway speeds and tend to be very aggressive

Yeah, right there where the 10 freeway goes through that tunnel and fires the traffic onto PCH. That area is very intense.

I hate going north from Santa Monica to Malibu on PCH...it's definitely the most dangerous part of PCH, especially the first few miles. Shoulders get narrow, disappear, cars are moving at freeway speeds and tend to be very aggressive, rocks in the shoulder from the cliffs on the side of the road. If you really want to, go early in the morning to avoid a lot of cars.




Yeah, right there where the 10 freeway goes through that tunnel and fires the traffic onto PCH. That area is very intense.

Fortunately, the bike path from Santa Monica keeps you out of traffic and will take you to just past Temescal Cyn. I don't find PCH from there to be too, too hairy, though your tolerance for traffic will weigh heavily in how you experience the road there.

My preference is to drive to Malibu, then head into the mountains: Latigo, Mulholland, Stunt, and more.

A gret route is starting at PCH and Malibu Cyn., park and ride up PCH to Latigo, then over on Mulholland and Encinal, to then descend the rest of Encinal to PCH, then back to the start (or down Decker for a more intense downhll).

A gret route is starting at PCH and Malibu Cyn., park and ride up PCH to Latigo, then over on Mulholland and Encinal, to then descend the rest of Encinal to PCH, then back to the start (or down Decker for a more intense downhll).
+1 just over that little hill on PCH and Malibu canyon, right at Pepperdine University is where the traffic and craziness tends to die down. I don't drive though, I just htfu and ride through it and pray I don't get hit by some idiot. Plus I'm cheap/a poor college student and live on the complete other end of the bay.

Yea, I ended up taking the trail all the way to the end - around hernado beach or wherever it is - 20 miles out that way. amazingly we went out for supper last night, drove an hour through traffic, and guess where we end up - same area I was in that day. Traffic is rough here - clcying is much easier.

I really enjoyed the trail between manhatten beach and the air port - not nearly as busy and nice views.

yes, i love it hear too - ive been to SM several times for business, and one with wife for pleasure, and she loved it too. next time i want to spend a full week here, ill rent (or buy and have it shipped home) a bike and go every mornign while she shops :)