08/17/09

Greatest way to see NYC? ... Bike!!

by OutdoorChris

Not being in New York City since I was a child, I found myself trilled to have an extra day on a work trip. A friend recommended checking out so I did just that. Compared to most bike rental places I have been to, they definitely had their stuff togeher. It was quite busy when I arrived but I was given quick and excellent service. I bike quite a bit back home so I liked that I could quickly get in and out. For those who may need more hands-on care, while I was being helped I did notice two other employees taking extra time helping a family with smaller children get comfortable with their bikes.

I had the greatest time zooming around Manhattan all day. I did appreciate the map that I was given but ended up using a more detailed one I had brought myself most of the time. I saw everything (well the exteriors of everything) I really wanted to and made it across the Brooklyn bridge and up through Harlem. I rented the Trek 7.3 (one of their middle grade bikes) that couldn't have been more than a few months old, and it worked wonderfully. When I got back I asked and they said that most of their bikes are replaced every single year in order to have nice equipment (they have a big bike sale in the off season).

The only hiccups in my day were the taxis and and a flat tire; but having been supplied all the right equipment I was able to fix it in no time. If you are an inexperienced city rider I would definitely suggest sticking to the Greenway around Manhattan, the Bridges with their paths and Central Park. These places are very safe for all riders as long as you take your time and be safe around pedestrians. While most of the streets are fine to cycle on, traffic can become hectic and can be quite dangerous to some.

I picked my bike up at the Pier 84 location but was told they had them at the South Street Seaport, Battery Park and was hoping to open a new one in Central Park soon.

I have no problem at all recommending this place. I was a great compnay and worth every penny. I only wish they were not only in big cities (though Washington DC has great riding....and i will definitly check our their place down there next time I visit.)

• Pros: Great bikes, very nice staff, best day in NYC
• Cons: None

06/17/08

Great customer service!

by skinnymag

While the gal was helping us get a rental bike for my bro she was simultaneously helping two other customers. In addition to helping some recreational bikers find a great bike to rent tool around the city for the afternoon, she also helped a father and son pick out a bell for the son's bike and a very serious bike-racer solve the problem he was having with his wheels. All of us walked away with our problems solved and feeling like we had been given great and attentive service.

• Pros: Customer Service, bike selection, tours, locations
• Cons: nothing

06/03/08

What a blast!

by ggl

I never even thought about riding a bike in New York City. I'm not a big biker, but I like to do stuff outside and try to stay somewhat active. I ran into one of the Bike and Roll stores at South Street Seaport just by chance. After checking out their really cool bike map with all the great things to do by bike, one of the Bike and Roll staff explained that I was standing about three feet away from a bike path that went all along the perimeter of Manhattan. The bike path was amazing - it was stripped for lanes like a car road and even had special stop lights with little bikes. I rode up the Hudson River to the Boat Basin and had a drink outside on the restaurant deck overlooking the river. After that, I called some friends back at the hotel and told them to meet me at the Seaport and to rent some bikes. I met up with my friends and we rode our bikes over the Brooklyn Bridge. The bike path goes over top of the cars and the views of the river and city were amazing. We made our way down under the Bridge in Brooklyn and found the pizza place the Bike and Roll guy had recommended. He said it was the best pizza ever and he was right! There was a line for pizza which the bike guy had told me about. He said Grimaldi's Pizza is world famous and very popular. After pizza we went for a walk on the Pier and enjoyed the great view of the bridge and the city. Of course we needed desert, so we had an ice cream at the Ice Cream Factory and then caught the water taxi back to the Seaport. After that great day of riding bikes we got to enjoy famous Brooklyn pizza and ice cream guilt free!! It was the best day in the city for me and my friends.

• Pros: comfortable bikes, great event and great service.
• Cons: none