Do you have a question?
We offer you a series of answers to the most common questions from travelers on the Camino de Santiago. Do not hesitate to contact us if you cannot find the solution to look for in this section.
Type of bikes
Our state-of-the-art bikes are the perfect choice to do it. Currently, our available range includes bikes equipped with 12 gears, disc brakes, front suspension and 29" wheels (see pictures). We also have E-Bikes with EPAC system on E-MTB on 29" . Both choices feature aluminium frames and all parts are Shimano-made, SRam and Suntour.
Delivery
Yes, no problem, in fact that would be the most common occurrence. We always deliver our bikes on the day or a few days before your journey is due to start. Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with an exact delivery time (or day), but rest assured that your bike will definitively be at the hotel of your choice before 7 pm. We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that that it is your responsability to inform the hotel about the arrival of the bike.
Regarding delivery practices, our partner courier company will be more than happy to deliver bicycles and other equipment to any private accommodation rented through Airbnb or similar sites. However, customers should bear in mind that our bicycles & equipment are always delivered on the day before the actual start of the booking period; hence the customer in whose name the bicycle is booked must be present at the specified delivery address on the previous day to accept delivery of the bicycle (or authorized person, and sign the delivery docket). If the customer in whose name the bicycle is booked cannot be present at the specified delivery address to receive the shipment, their only other option would be to collect the shipment in person at the local courier office. Please be advised that courier offices are closed Saturday evenings, Sundays and bank holidays.
Furthermore, in the case of Airbnb accommodation (or similar) and for booking periods starting on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday, delivery will take place on the previous Friday. Lastly, couriers are currently unable to accommodate specific delivery times or phone customers in advance. Also, couriers will deliver the bicycles and any other equipment to the ground floor only. If the bicycles need to be delivered to an upper storey, the customer will need to arrange this separately.
If you are not planning to avail of rented accommodation, you could instead pick up your bike at any of the courier depots MRW nationwide. Although please be aware that in the case of big towns and large cities, the said depots tend to be located within the industrial states found in the outskirts.
We use fit-for-purpose packing cases to ship your chosen bicycle and any other additional equipment you may have included in your booking. The only thing you will need to do upon receipt is to screw the pedals on and re-align the handlebar. It’s extremely easy and needless to say, we will provide you with the proper key to do so as well as a step-by-step guide detailing how to do it.
Prior to shipping, all our bikes go through a rigorous inspection and maintenance process, which includes cleaning, mending, oiling and safety checking. We always encourage our customers to keep the bike clean in order to get the maximum efficiency out of it day after day while on the road. If you come across mud on the Camino, our top tip to maximize the bike’s performance is to wash it off at the end of each day with just water and then let it dry. Please DO NOT apply oil before cleaning the bike or on top of a mud layer.
Congratulations!! You have finally arrived at Santiago de Compostela!! Take a well-earned break, enjoy the sights, soak up the atmosphere as you wander around, bask in the feeling of a job well done and when you are ready, please take a moment to return your bike. Our drop-off point is located at our Head Office, but worry not, since we're conveniently located in Santiago’s city centre, just a short walk away from the Cathedral. Our schedule is:
- Moday to Friday: 10:15am - 1:30pm and 5:00pm to 7:00pm
- Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays: call us 1 hour before the drop off to meet at the shop.
- Drop off point: https://g.page/CyclingtheCamino
Equipment
Customarily, each bike comes with a pannier rack, bottle holder, bell, safety retroreflectors and a bicycle lock. Additionally, the panier rack incorporates a tool kit containing: an extra tube, pump, bike multi-purpose Allen key, pedals key, tyre levers and a patch kit.
Problem with my bike on the Camino
It is extremely unlikely, but accidents do happen. Nonetheless, we are here to help, so please, call us on +34 881 97 99 62 and we will pull out all the stops to find a repair centre close to you. We will contact the repairing personnel on your behalf and explain to them what the problem is (removing the language barrier). Please note that it will be your responsibility to pay any costs that may arise from the repair process. Should this be the case, always ask for a detailed invoice, inclusive of VAT tax (called IVA in Spanish).
INCLUDED:
Transfer to garage of breakdown bike (working hours)
Time of transfer (less than an hour)
MTB rate: 2€/day
E-BIKES rate: 5€/day
WHAT'S NOT:
Replacement parts
Labour
Replacement a flat tyre
Replacement bike
FULL ASSISTANCE:
Transfer to garage (working hours)
Replacement parts (not flat tyre)
Labour
Replacement bike (just in case, next day*)
*Need to know before 5:00 pm and delivery service next day before 1:30 pm (not weekend or holidays available).
MTB rate: 30€
E-BIKES rate: 100€
Replacement of a flat tyre is NOT included (you have the tool kit to do it).
Size
| TALLA | CUADRO | ALTURA (M) | ALTURA (FT) |
| S | 16" (40 cms) | 1,55m -- 1,69m | 5.3ft -- 5.4ft |
| M | 17.5" (45 cms) | 1,70m -- 1,78m | 5.5ft -- 5.8ft |
| L | 19" (49 cms) | 1,79m -- 1,87m | 5.9ft -- 6.1ft |
| XL | 21" (54 cms) | 1,88m -- 1,95m | 6.2ft -- 6.4ft |
| TALLA | CUADRO | Height (M) | Height (FT) |
| XS|S | 16" (42 cms) | 1,52m -- 1,69m | 5.3ft -- 5.5ft |
| M | 19" (45 cms) | 1,70m -- 1,79m | 5.6ft -- 5.9ft |
| L | 20" (50 cms) | 1,80m -- 1,89m | 6.0ft -- 6.2ft |
| XL | 22" (55 cms) | 1,90m -- 1,98m | 6.3ft -- 6.5ft |
| SIZE | FRAME | Height (M) | Height (FT) |
| S | 20" (51 cms) |
1,55m -- 1,69m | 5.1ft -- 5.4ft |
| M | 21" (54 cms) |
1,70m -- 1,78m | 5.5ft -- 5.8ft |
| L | 22" (57 cms) |
1,79m -- 1,87m | 5.9ft -- 6.1ft |
| XL | 24" (60 cms) |
1,88m -- 1,96m | 6.2ft -- 6.4ft |
Delivery
Our offices are located in Santiago de Compostela, from where we can ship our bikes to mainland Spain (35€/bike), Portugal (37€/bike) and France (75€/bike). We operate in partnership with the market-leaders courier company in Spain, so that you can have your chosen bike conveniently delivered to your hotel on the day before your journey is due to start (deliveries before 7 pm). Alternatively, if you are not planning to spend the previous night in rented accommodation, you can avail of the option of collecting your bike at any of the SEUR or MRW premises nationwide at no added cost (closed on Saturday evenings, Sundays and bank holidays).
Yes, of course. We can send or collect bikes from anywhere in mainland Spain or Portugal. For example, if you are thinking about starting out your journey in Pamplona and finishing it in Leon, your shipping charges will add up to 40€ (40€ for delivery plus another 40€ for collection). This is as opposed to the most common scenario, i.e., you finish your journey in Santiago, in which case there is no extra charge for collection, you can simply drop your bike off at our premises for free.
Mechanics
- Put the pedals on the right side (R -green- and L -orange-)
- Turn de handlebar right, arc fork on the front and disc on the left.
- Fix a flat tyre, change the tube correctly.
- E-BIKES ARE EXTREMELY FRAGILE
- TURN ON BEFORE EVERYTHING
- PUT THE PEDALS ON THE RIGHT SIDE RIGHT AND LEFT (GREEN AND ORANGE)
- TURN CAREFULLY THE HANDLEBAR | DISK BRAKE ON THE LEFT | READ THE LABEL HOLDING ON THE HANDLEBAR
- DON'T SPIN THE PEDALS BEFORE TURN ON
- BE CAREFULL WITH THE WIRES
- NEVER LEAN ONE BIKE OVER EACH OTHER
- 80% CHARGE 2,5HOURS | 100% 5 HOURS
- MODE (ECO-NORM-BOOST) CHANGE ON LEFT LEVER | TO GET ASSISTANCE CYCLE AT LEAST, ON ECO MODE
- MORE POWER = LESS RANGE | LOWER GEAR = LESS RANGE | USE THE CHANGE OF GEARS AND POWER TO HAVE MORE RANGE FOR THE JOURNEY
- NEVER TRANSPORT THE BIKES BY TAXI OR BUS
- ANY ELECTRONIC PROBLEM BECAUSE ONE OF THIS POINTS CANNOT BE FIXED THE SAME DAY, SO BE CAREFULL WITH THE E-BIKES
TIPS
- ECO or NORMAL modes to cycle the hills, BOOST only mountains.
- Play with the gears and modes to get more range of kms. What can happen? If you always goes on BOOST mode and LOWER gear, the battery will finish in less than 50 kms.
- Downhills only for OFF or ECO mode. What can happen? Aceleration after spin the pedals and fall down.
- NEVER change more than 1 gear in a row. What can happen? Brake the rear dropout and NO POSSIBLE FIX.
Deposit
We DO NOT ask for a deposit for regular MTB but we block €300 on your credit card for E-BIKES. We have the utmost trust in our customers and we are confident that they will take good care of the bike and equipment. In the unlikely event that your bike is lost or stolen (even though it has never happened in all the years we have been in business) you will be charged a standard fine of €650 for MTB Coluer Standard| 1.200 € for MTB Premium y Gravel | 2.000€ for EBIKES, to the credit card used at the time of booking.
Surcharges
- Theft or loss of bicycle: Coluer standard €650 | BMC Premium 1.200€ | Gravel 1.200€ | Ebike 2.000€ |
- Theft, damage or loss of panniers: €30
- Theft, damage or loss of helmet: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of tool kit: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of bicycle lock: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of handlebar bag: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of saddle gel cover: €15
- Late return fee Coluer: €23 per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement.
- Late return fee BMC: €30 per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement.
- Late return fee Gravel: €30 per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement.
- Late return fee E-BIKES: €50 per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement.
- MTB bicycle collection at customer’s hotel: €35
Ebikes surcharges
- Theft or loss of Ebike: 2.000€
- Theft, damage or loss of battery and charger: 300€
- Theft, damage or loss of LCD screen: 300€
- Theft, damage or loss of key: 200€
- Damage or scratches of frame: 250€
- Damage on wires: 200€
- Leave the E-bike in your hotel, not in Cycling the Camino: 300€
We'll send 3 pictures before the shipping to check how the Ebike is, and we'll check the bike at your arrival to Cycling the Camino. If something is wrong the client must pay the surcharge.
Booking Conditions
Booking conditions
Cycling the Camino is a bicycle rental company specialized for the most part in the Camino de Santiago but also in many other biking adventure routes. Besides supplying bicycles, we also offer a complete range of bicycle equipment solutions and services conceived to meet the needs of even the most demanding users.
Booking provisions
Wherever employed herein, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer exclusively to Cycling the Camino, the term “equipment” refers to any material or accessories supplied by Cycling the Camino and the term “customer” refers to you, the person who rents bicycles, equipment and/or services provided by us or to any other third party on whose behalf you agree to make the booking.
Please be aware that your booking is accepted based on the assumption that you have read, understood and agreed to all our terms and conditions (set out below). Please read them carefully.
Furthermore, please note that your booking is accepted on the assumption that you fully understand the risks and hazards inherent to cycling activities. It is entirely your responsibility to cycle with due care and attention at all times.
Bookings
All bookings must be made online through our website cyclingthecamino.com
After registering, customers will be presented with our comprehensive range of products, services and special offers to choose from. At the end of the booking process, customers will be prompted to choose a payment method, either using their credit card.
Failure to pay by the due date will result in the customer effectively forfeiting any payments already made, the automatic cancellation of the booking and the immediate re-availability in our online system of the unpaid services for any other customers to rent.
If you have any doubts or queries about our booking process, we´ll be delighted to help you, so please don’t hesitate to call us on +34 881 97 99 62 | +34 660 315 173 (whatsapp) or e-mail us to info@cyclingthecamino.com
Deposit
We DO NOT require a deposit for regular MTB bikes. We place our utmost trust in our customers. We don’t have a reason not to. We only ask a €300 deposit for E-BIKES that will be blocked on your credit card.
Cancellations
Once a booking has been paid in full, a refund of 80% of the total amount paid will apply to any cancellations made 10 or more days prior to the commencement date of the booking, although any additional bank fees we may incur during the course of the devolution process will be deducted from the refunded amount.
Please be aware that no amount taken on advance bookings will be refunded in the event of the customer cancelling after 10 days prior to the commencement date of the booking.
Furthermore, in the event that the agreed rental period is curtailed by the customer, please note that no monies will be refunded for partially-used bookings.
Receiving your bicycle
Prior to shipping, all our bikes go through a rigorous inspection and maintenance process, which includes cleaning, mending, oiling and safety checking.
We ship all our bicycles already assembled and appropriately packed using special fit-for-purpose packing cases.
There are only 2 straightforward tasks you must perform upon receipt of your bicycle:
Realign the handlebar so that it is at a right angle with the stem and the front wheel and the disc brake on the left. Needless to say, the appropriate Allen key is provided.
Screw the pedals back on. To facilitate this, pedals come colour-coded (green = right | orange = left).
To assist you with this matter, a useful guide documenting step-by-step how to better complete these two simple tasks is also provided. Should you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us on +34 881 97 99 62 | +34 660 315 173 (whatsapp) (English spoken).
Repair Works
The Way to Santiago is a demanding enterprise for both cyclist and bicycle. Although we are confident that our bikes and equipment can endure even the most challenging of journeys, accidents do happen. Should your bike become significantly faulty or suffer any kind of large damage, do not despair, we are here to help. Please, call us on +34 881 97 99 62 | +34 660 315 173 (whatsapp) between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm (English spoken) and we will use all the resources at our disposal to find the closest repair centre to your location. We will contact the mechanics on your behalf, describe the problem to them in detail (removing the language barrier) and note all the solutions offered as well as estimated repair times and total repair charges. Once we have all the relevant information, we will contact you again and help you to choose the most satisfactory solution.
It is important that you understand hereby that it will be your solely responsibility to cover any costs that may arise from the repair process. Once the repair work is completed and upon payment, always asks for a detailed invoice, specifying the amounts charged for parts and labour and inclusive of VAT tax (called IVA in Spanish).
Please note that the company will not be liable under any circumstances for any repair works once our equipment is put on the road by you. It is your responsibility to examine the condition of the bicycle and equipment allocated to you and bring to our attention any possible faults or damage that you may observe. We also recommend that you test-ride your bicycle before beginning your journey.
Bicycle maintenance
Due to the diverse nature of the many roads found in the Camino as well as the changing weather conditions, riders are bound to come across mud, rain, heavy dust, frost and other foul conditions that can potentially affect the bicycle pretty badly.
The great majority of our customers understand that it is in their own best interest to take good care of the bike (and equipment), so that its performance won’t be hindered and to avoid unnecessary damage.
As such, we would like to encourage you to rinse the bike off using just clean water at the end of each day and then leave it to dry and if possible, wipe it down with a dry cloth to eliminate any remaining damp spots.
The daily observance of this basic maintenance routine will go a long way towards reducing the risk of damage or component failure and keeping your bicycle in tiptop condition.
Please DO NOT apply oil, grease or lubricants before cleaning up the bike or on top of a mud, grime or dirt layer. It is contrary to best practice and it causes the moving parts of the bicycle to deteriorate, potentially forcing them to seize or malfunction. It could also affect the efficiency and behaviour of vital bicycle elements like the breaks or the gear shift.
Please be aware that as part of our Terms and Conditions you acknowledge that the bicycle (and any other rented equipment) assigned to you is in proper working condition and you agree to return it in that same condition, or to compensate the Company with the funds required to restore the bicycle back to its initial condition.
Arriving in Santiago
Congratulations!! You have finally arrived at your destination: Santiago de Compostela!! Soak up the atmosphere as you wander around, enjoy the sights, sample the local delicacies, bask in the feeling of a job well done and when you are ready, please take a moment to return your bike to us. Our drop-off point is located at our Head Office, but worry not, since we're conveniently located in Santiago’s city centre, just a short walk away from the Cathedral. Alternatively, we can collect the bike from your hotel in Santiago if you so choose; the cost of this service is €30 per bicycle and it will be charged to the credit card used at the time of booking.
Please note that no monies will be refunded in the event of no-show, non-taking up of the rented equipment, customers arriving in Santiago earlier than anticipated, or any other circumstance on the part of the customer resulting in the curtailing of the agreed rental period.
If in doubt about what daily mileage you should attempt, how to break down your trip into daily stages, which route you should follow or any other queries you may have, please ring us on +34 881 97 99 62 or e-mail us at info@cyclingthecamino.com and we’ll respond to your queries with knowledgeable and helpful advice. Please remember that our goal is to give you the best possible service so that you can enjoy your bicycle trip.
Important and useful tips about panniers
Each one of our bikes comes fitted with a pannier rack as standard equipment. The panniers we provide can hold up to 15kgs. When packing your panniers, it is strongly recommended that you organize and categorize your belongings, carry only what you are going to use (golden rule), protect sensitive articles and balance the weight. Ideally, you should start your trip with roughly half a pannier’s worth of empty room, so you can store more items as the days go by. But please bear in mind that filling your panniers to the brim may result in zippers breaking or damage to the pannier.
Surcharges
Theft or loss of bicycle: Coluer Standard €650 | Orbea 950€ | BMC Premium 1.200€ | Gravel 1.200€ | E-bike Kross 2.000€ | E-bike Focus 4.500€ (+ VAT on all bikes)
Theft, damage or loss of panniers: €100 (+ VAT)
Theft, damage or loss of helmet: €30 (+ VAT)
Theft, damage or loss of tool kit: €40 ( (+ VAT)
Theft, damage or loss of bicycle lock: €15 (+ VAT)
Theft, damage or loss of handlebar bag: €50 (+ VAT)
Theft, damage or loss of saddle gel cover: €15 (+ VAT)
Late return fee Coluer: €23 per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement.
Late return fee BMC: €30 per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement.
Late return fee Gravel: €30 per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement.
Late return fee E-BIKES: €50 per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement.
Bicycle collection at customer’s hotel: €30
Ebikes surcharges
Theft or loss of Ebike: 4.500€
Theft, damage or loss of battery and charger: 300€
Theft, damage or loss of LCD screen: 300€
Theft, damage or loss of key: 200€
Damage or scratches of frame: 400€
Damage on wires: 200€
Leave the E-bike in your hotel, not in Cycling the Camino: 300€
We'll send 3 pictures before the shipping to check how the Ebike is, and we'll check the bike at your arrival to Cycling the Camino. If something is wrong the client must pay the surcharge.
Additional services
Are you planning to carry around your heavy luggage day after day throughout the whole journey to Santiago? Now you don’t need to, we offer a baggage storage and safekeeping service. Give your legs a break and enjoy your itinerary in the knowledge that your belongings are being kept safe and waiting for you to arrive.
Our partner courier company will collect your luggage from your hotel on the day after you check out. All you have to do is tag your luggage with the pertinent label that comes enclosed with your bike. Alternatively, you can download the relevant form from our website and attach it to your baggage with our address on it.
The cost of this service depends of the total added weight of your baggage (approx. €3/kg) plus the length of the storage period (3€/day). Please note that the above mentioned rates are inclusive of delivery charges. Storage charges start accruing on the day your baggage is delivered to us. Charges are to be settled upon collection of the baggage by the customer
Terms and Conditions
The following Terms & Conditions apply when a booking is made with Cycling the Camino:
The company, its employees and sales representatives shall not be liable for any personal injuries, property damage, monetary loss or delays suffered by any individual arising from any act of negligence perpetrated by any customer or other third party availing of any of the services or products being offered in these rentals. Moreover, Cycling the Camino shall not be liable for any physical injuries, casualties, loss, damage, or postponements caused by any events beyond the actual control of the company.
Customers hereby agree to follow at their own risk any of the recommendations given by Cycling the Camino, its employees or sales representatives, exercising due care in safeguarding their personal safety and their own property. Furthermore, customers agree not to hold the company responsible for injury or death resulting from accidents.
Cycling the Camino fervently recommends the use of approved helmets whenever using one of our bicycles.
Cycling the Camino will make every effort to ensure that all the bicycles and any other additional equipment being provided in these rentals are in satisfactory operating condition and consistently customers agree to bring any faults or defects to the attention of a company agent or otherwise use our equipment at their own risk.
Instruction on how to use a bicycle shall not be imparted and by availing of our bicycle rental services, customers acknowledge that they are familiar with the use and functionality of a multi-gear bicycle.