blog.navut.com http://blog.navut.com/best-bike-rental-options-montreal/

Cycling city | Best bike rental options in Montreal

Fitz and Follwell bike rental shop, courtesy of Sik Photography

With the entire city covered in snow for most of the year, Montrealers are quick to take advantage of the few dry monthsthey have to pull out their bikes and enjoy the city. Of course, you don’t need to have a bike of your own to be a part of theMontreal culture. Local bike rental stores are abundant enough throughout the city to serve the different needs of localsand visitors alike. Whether you’re just trying to get to a friend’s house, or wanting to take a day-tour around the area,bicycle rental options will be in no shortage in this city.

Here are some of the best options for this summer:

Convenient: Bixi

In operation from April to November, Bixi is Montreal’s public bike system that is incredibly popular with the locals. Withstations installed all over the city, users can take a bike out when they need it, and drop it off as soon as they’re done. Justlike a bus pass, users can buy monthly or yearly memberships, while they also have the option of renting for the day orsimply a few hours. With the instructions clearly explained at each docking station, Bixis are an easy, inexpensive, andhassle-free way to get around the city. The only downside? You’ll have to bring your own helmet if you want to stay safe onbusy Montreal roads. Besides that, Bixi’s will be your best option for getting from point A to point B in the city.

Functional: Ça Roule Montréal/Montreal on Wheels

No matter what type of bike ride you’re planning, Montreal on Wheels will cover all your bases from tours to rentals, onanything from a tandem bike to children’s bikes or trailers. As one of Montreal’s largest bicycle shops, they keep youprepared for your ride by including a helmet, lock, bike trail map and repair kit with the price of your rental. With the widevariety of options, I recommend visiting Montreal on Wheels if you’re looking to travel in groups or with your family so thateveryone will find what they’re looking for.

Experiential: Fitz and Follwell Co.

I had the pleasure of being introduced to Fitz and Follwell at this years C2MTL conference this past May. With theiroutdoor setup, their biking-meets-style approach to rentals and tours was clear from the start. Unlike many of the otherbike rental stores in Montreal, Fitz and Follwell offers a unique experience with stylish city bikes and personalizeddirections and recommendations. With options for men, women and children, each bike rental includes a helmet, lock,water bottle and map at an affordable price. If you don’t want to go at it alone, they also offer guided tours throughout thecity that are known to be a “must-do” activity for visitors. Even if you’ve lived in Montreal all your life, riding in style on asunny Saturday wouldn’t be such a bad way to pass the weekend.

Be sure to check out amazing, bike-friendly neighborhoods in Montreal via our Neighborhood Profiles!

Photo courtesy of Sik Photography