Traveling or shipping a bicycle to an event can be a major hassle and expense. There is the time that it takes to find a box; disassembly/reassembly (twice); shipping through a carrier like FedEx or bringing it on the plane; insuring your bike; and praying that will see your bike in one piece or for that matter…ever again! Triathletes rejoice – now there is another option. Three seasoned triathletes, Erol Sarikaya, Jeffrey Goldberger and Jeff Mark, have launched a new company to rent high-end triathlon bikes that are race-day ready and onsite at certain events.
Their company, Tri-Cycle Rentals, offers a race-day ready fleet of Orbea bikes for rent that athletes pick up at the race venue. Riders reserve the bike online, show up at the event to check out the bike, get fitted on it, then return the bike afterward at the race expo or transition area.
The company has a 20-bike fleet of 2011 Orbea Ordu SLT triathlon bikes of various sizes equipped with Shimano Ultegra, water cages, tool kit and bike computers. Customers have the option of upgrading their wheels to Zipp 404s. The cost is $399, or $475 with Zipp 404s.
Having shipped mountain bikes around the country myself, the comparison numbers against FedEx, UPS and the airlines seem a little high, but then again, they are including a packing fee which if you do not feel comfortable doing that work is an additional expense. The major plus with using Tri-Cycle Rentals is that they have the bike all ready to go at the event so that you do not have to hassle with anything except for making sure that it fits you properly.
The company plans to be on-site at six races during the 2011 tri season including the Rev3 Olympic and Half Ironman race in Connecticut June 4-5, Washington D.C. TRI June 19, Philly Tri June 26, Nautica NYC Tri Aug. 7, Nations Tri in Washington, D.C. Sept. 11 and the Pocono Mountains 70.3 Oct. 2. All of these events are occurring on the East Coast, but if you are competing in another event around the New York City area, they offer two other options. You can pick up the bike at Strictly Bicycles in New Jersey or they will deliver it to your residence in New York City.
If you do decide to rent a bike through Tri-Cycle Rental, they are not currently offering insurance during your rental period. If you wreck the bike or it is stolen, you are on the hook for all of the costs associated with replacing that rental. You may be covered by your own personal insurance, but it is best to check with your agent before going online and booking your reservation with Tri-Cycle Rentals.
Tri-Cycle Rentals Official Website
[Via Bicycle Retailer: Tri Enthusiasts Launch Rental Company]