imetis

The timing stinks, but, I'm coming to San Diego next week with my wife who will be at a conference for a week. Is it likely that the air will be clear enough to ride by next Wednesday? If it is, what are some recommendations for getting a bike, and finding group rides happening through the week? I'm a cat 4 racer, looking to meet people out there for any type of ride from casual to fast. I'll be staying near the convention center 10/31-11/8.

Northwest wants $160 to get my bike there and back, so I'm thinking that renting a bike there would be a better bet. Can anyone recommend a shop that rents decent road bikes?

DaveSANYYZ

Pricing is around $45 per day.

Nytro, B&L Bikes, Holland Bikes (Coronado). This one seems to be the cheapest, but I have no experience there (https://www.bike-tours.com/rentals.html; downtown).

imetis

Thanks for the tips. I had seen bike-tours.com, which sounds reasonable at $90 for a week with what looks like a specialized Allez. For $45/day I might have to consider buying a Dahon and not having to worry about it again.

Are the any good sources for used bikes out there? $100 in Michigan will get you a rideable bike from some of the second hand stores, obviously involves a bit of luck as to what you find, but would be worth a look.

I am looking forward to this! We're already in the 30's up here, so some warm weather riding will be nice.

DaveSANYYZ

For used bikes, this is what I have seen recommended at work, but I have no personal experience (Ye Olde Bike Shop & Cafe):
https://entertainment.signonsandiego....-bicycle-cafe/

markg

Since you are staying close to the convention center, Bike Tours will be very close by and within walking distance. All the other shops listed are quite a ways out of the way from where you will be, and you'd need a car or take a cab to get to.

Happytime

Sorry the timing coudn't be better, imetis. San Diego is really such a great place to ride, and at the (usually) right time of year, too.

imetis

Yeah, I was excited from the great things I've heard about San Diego cycling, but really, getting in the way of my vacation is the least damaging thing these fires have done. I feel for everyone out there who's lost homes or worse.

Pamestique 

The smoke will definately be a problem even through next week especially since several of the fire are not yet under control. If you have to ride, stay along the coast. With the onshore breeze, that will probably be the clearest areas. Try not to ride inland. Unfortunately it's not like you can drive north and find clean air. We have to drive up past Ventura.

imetis

Yeah, that's the other big reason I'm not bringing my bike. If it feels nasty there, I just won't rent a bike. Not sure what else I'll do for 8 days in SD, but I'm sure I'll find something.

Pamestique 

There are lots of areas to walk around. Just stay close to the coast where the air will be better. Don't forget to check out the gas light district and Little Italy. Maybe one evening drive out to Coronado Island and have dinner at the Hotel Coronado. There are beautiful museums down there as well as interesting historial areas such as Balboa Park. It's not that you can't be outside, you just need to take it easy.

Just a thought, hope on the train and ride up the coast to LA and back. Nothing else you get a great view of the ocean.

Nachoman

Here are some fun rides while you're in San Diego.

https://www.cyclo-vets.org/training_rides.htm

https://www.sdbc.org/core/template.php?page=ride.satride

https://efgh.com/bike/rides.htm

Chaco

Just came from a 34 mile ride along the coast, from Carlsbad to Del Mar. The air quality was good.

efficiency

Air seemed much clearer today. I think you'll be good to go when you get here.

Nachoman

I pedaled this morning. Seemed much better to me too.

imetis

So, now that the air seems fine, I have a new problem. The biggest road bike the bike rental shop has is a 58cm. I'm 6'3", and ride a 61. They do have a Specialized Sirrus in my size, but flat bar road bikes seem like a horrible comprimise. They do have a larger selection of what look like decent mountain bikes. How are the trail options in the area, or is that mostly what burned last week?

I'd feel weird riding around in my team kit on a flat bar bike, or showing up to the local group rides on one, so if I can't get a road bike I may just take a MTB and find some trail or play on the urban terrain.

Happytime

Looks like Nytro has a Cervelo in a 61.

imetis

That is awefully tempting. Their rental price is more than the airline extra charges though (assuming I rent for 1 week at any of the places) For $180 + a cab to the shop and I'm tempted to wait until Sunday and buy something at the swap meet. $90 walking distance from the hotel at bike-tours is much more reasonable.

blue_nose

Rode to work today and air quality is fine. Just stick to coastal routes.

A friend of mine rented from Nytro earlier this year when he was in town. The aluminum Cervélo's that they rent are actually quite good.

markg

FYI Nytro is in the process of selling off this years rental fleet of Cervelo's so they may not have what you are looking for (I missed buying the 58 cm P2SL by ONE day...).

As far as sizing of the rental bike, my recommendation is to go see if they can make it fit. Not all 58 cm bikes are the same. And just flipping the stem may make it ridable. I am also 6'3" w/ 34.5 in inseam), and I ride a 58 cm Cervelo Soloist, though I could also have gone with a 61.

imetis

Yeah, that's probably what I'll do. I'll just wait till I get there tomorrow and stop in to see what they have.

Thanks for the tips everyone!

blue_nose

+ 1 on the Staurday monring SDBC ride. Good group and we often get people visiting from other cities.

https://www.sdbc.org/core/template.php?page=ride.satride

imetis

If all goes well I'll see you at the Saturday ride. I'll be wearing a black, yelllow, and silver Team Venom Cycling kit, and probably do the B ride.

DaveSANYYZ

Cool. I may ride the B too, though most likely I'll get dropped again like last time.

The SDBC says you should know how to ride in a rotating paceline on ride above 'C'; although you can always drop off and ride behind the group during the paceline stretch.

Nachoman

I may do the B ride as well. I'll be wearing a red carnation.

DaveSANYYZ

Not a rose?

I'll be on a dented matte silver C'dale. Length of ride is almost 50 miles, with a coffee stop at mile ~36.