Dire Need of Assistance RE Bike Hire/Second Hand Bike Purchase

[Dontgotomaine]

Hello, I've been trying for a good 2 months to find a resolution to my dilemma. I am coming from the US and riding the Way of the Roses on 16-May, and am looking to pick up a bicycle on 15-May. My first option has been to hire a bicycle. Bridlington, Leeds, York, Morecambe, and Liverpool are all potential places that would work, based on my itinerary. I am looking for a 22" hybrid bike with a rack that can accommodate panniers. I have emailed almost every bike shop in each of those cities, in addition to every bicycle holiday/tourism company, and have had literally no luck. It seems many bike hire places have closed, or have outright discontinued hiring.
I have considered even purchasing a bike, which seems overwhelming. There are a good handful of secondhand bike restoration spots reselling old bicycles, but I have no true way of knowing if the quality is up to standard for an intense ride. I have even thought about purchasing a new bike out of the box, but that would require professional assembly, which I don't think I will have the time for. I would then have to figure out how to sell or donate my bicycle somewhere in Liverpool before taking the train back to London.
Desperately looking for any assistance in the matter. I leave and two weeks and any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Kevin

 

[craigwend]

http://wayoftheroses.info/poi/category/bike_shops_hire

?

 

[cougie uk]

There's a huge sports shop just opened in the centre of Liverpool. Decathlon. They do some very respectable bikes.

If you have no luck anywhere else you might be able to order one to collect there ? They'd obviously build up the bike for you.

 

[Dontgotomaine]

http://wayoftheroses.info/poi/category/bike_shops_hire

?

Yep, tried them. Half of the links for the websites don't work. Oggy's doesn't hire. Leisure Lakes stopped hiring. Sunshine doesn't have a website or any online option to hire.

 

[DCLane]

I can't see any Large hybrids for sale near me in Yorkshire. If there were I'd be OK to collect and give it a check-over.

An odd suggestion but there are two FB groups that may be of use; Yorkshire Cycling Sales plus British Cycling Yorkshire. Try a wanted / hire wanted advert on there.

 

[Cycleops]

Sorry you’re not having much luck. Once here I would go on a site called Gumtree and see what bikes they have for sale nearby, there’s usually a good selection. Alternatively as Cougie says check out Decathlon, they have some budget hybrids which should suit. The tyres would be the weak point so maybe best to swap them out for some puncture resistant ones.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/browse/c0-sports/c1-cycling/c3-hybrid-bikes/_/N-imnliq

 

[All uphill]

Have you contacted bike recycling projects in the towns and cities? A quick Google search throws up quite a few.

They may be able to fix you up with something suitable at a low cost, then at the end of your ride you could donate it to another project.

A long shot would be Spa in Harrogate who are touring specialists; they may know of someone selling a suitable bike.

Good luck.

 

[vickster]

Assuming you’re flying into London, perhaps @biggs682 has something you could buy and pick up (sort of en route) (and maybe he’d buy it back afterwards)

 

[justinmg]

I am on the east side, and could ask around…. Are you fixed on the west side start on 16th??

 

[biggs682]

Thanks @vickster
@Dontgotomaine what about a road bike ?

 

[Soltydog]

https://www.switchbackcycles.co.uk/pages/hire/
They are about 15 miles south of Bridlington, not sure how you would get it back to them after the ride though & think they only have MTBs which probably aren't suitable
If you are not fussed about riding the route 100% You could always start in Hornsea & pick up the WOTR route on the Wolds,it's what I've done each time I've done the route

If you can find a suitable 2nd hand bike in the area I'll happily collect & store it for you until you start, I'm on a late shift 16th May, so could drop it in Bridlington that morning, or the day before, whenever suits 👍

 

[Cycleops]

What a kind offer @Soltydog

 

[steveindenmark]

Try Cliff Pratts in Kingston Upon Hull. Its an easy place to get to as it is a large city. There is a cycle path from Hull to Hornsea and then its a ride up the Coast to Bridlington. PM me if I can help.

 

[Dontgotomaine]

There's a huge sports shop just opened in the centre of Liverpool. Decathlon. They do some very respectable bikes.

If you have no luck anywhere else you might be able to order one to collect there ? They'd obviously build up the bike for you.

Have you contacted bike recycling projects in the towns and cities? A quick Google search throws up quite a few.

They may be able to fix you up with something suitable at a low cost, then at the end of your ride you could donate it to another project.

A long shot would be Spa in Harrogate who are touring specialists; they may know of someone selling a suitable bike.

Good luck.

Have you contacted bike recycling projects in the towns and cities? A quick Google search throws up quite a few.

They may be able to fix you up with something suitable at a low cost, then at the end of your ride you could donate it to another project.

A long shot would be Spa in Harrogate who are touring specialists; they may know of someone selling a suitable bike.

Good luck.

Ive been in contact with recycling projects in both Leeds and Morecambe. I have a friend in Leeds that could assist in picking up a bike from there, but the person I have been speaking with from Leeds Bike Mill doesnt find what they have suitable for an intense ride. I will check out your recommendation in Harrogate!

 

[Dontgotomaine]

I am on the east side, and could ask around…. Are you fixed on the west side start on 16th??

Yes, set on my dates at this point. I fly in the 14th and will be attending the FA Cup Final. Have a hotel in Morecambe on the 15th, meeting friends after the ride in Leeds on the 19th. I am stopping by Leeds to drop some luggage off on the 15th, so I have no issue collecting a bike on the east side before heading to Morecambe for the evening. BikeAbout in Filey seems to have what I am looking for at a reasonable rate, but they are closed on Sunday, the 15th. Is anyone close enough to Filey?