Frequently Asked Questions

Must I reserve? How do I reserve?

Yes, you must reserve. Our bikes are kept in a nearby storage facility and we don’t always have what you need in the shop. So, we probably cannot help you if you simply walk in wanting a bike on the same day.

Also, because each bike gets a full service before leaving, we require a minimum two day rental.

In order to reserve, you must go to our "Reserve" page and choose the number of bikes you will be needing. You will then need to fill out information concerning each bike: name of rider, bike size, etc.. The website will then show you the total price of the rental based on this information. You'll then need to pay a 100 chf deposit for each bicycle reserved.

Your reservation cannot be confirmed until we check your request with our inventory, so you will need to wait 24-72 hours in order for your reservation to be confirmed. You'll then receive an invoice and be required to pay the balance when you pick up the bike. You can pay your balance in person with Swiss francs or by credit card. We accept Visa and Mastercard only.

What are your hours?

During the season (April through October) we’re usually open from 11 am until 6pm and closed on Sunday and Monday. However, we're flexible with rentals and can usually make an appointment with you for a bicycle pick-up or drop-off.

What comes with the bicycle rental?

You'll get a clean, polished and serviced bicycle with a helmet, rear seat post bag, handlebar bag, map holder, a set of bike wrenches, a tube and a pump and a cable lock.  

We can also put on a computer or GPS unit (extra charge). You'll be fitted with your bicycle and a mechanic will make adjustments as necessary before you leave. We ' ll fit your bike with your choice of pedals and seat at no extra charge. Insurance for theft/damage of bicycle is extra and costs 3 Chf per day.

What doesn't come with the bicycle rental?

The following options incur extra charges:
GPS, telephone, water bottles, computer, panniers, pick up or drop off outside Geneva. (But all are possible at an extra charge).

Can the bicycle be delivered?

Yes. We can send the bicycle ahead to any train station in Switzerland for 60 Chf. However, you'll need to give us at least 72 hours notice and you'll also need to pay all of the rental fees beforehand. We can also deliver in nearby France, but charges may be higher based on the number of bikes.

Do we have to pick up the bikes in Geneva?

No. We can ship the bikes anywhere in Switzerland for 60 Chf per bike. However, this requires that you pay your entire balance up front.

Can we put the bikes on the train?

Yes, almost all trains in Switzerland have places for bikes. The price of a "Day Card" for your bicycle is 15 Francs (10 francs if you have a "half-fare card").

Is my deposit refundable if I cancel?

We are able to refund ½ of your 100 Chf per bicycle deposit if you cancel 10 days ahead. Shipping bikes to or from Geneva requires us to plan a month ahead. So, any charges related to shipping a bicycle will not be refunded if a cancellation is made.

What is insurance? Is it obligatory?

We also offer damage/theft insurance. This insurance covers the bicycle if it is stolen or damaged. Insurance costs 3 Chf per day, and is not obligatory. However, if you don't purchase insurance, you will need to make a credit card reservation of 1,000 chf for each bicycle rented.

Your card is not charged. We simply keep the reservation on file until after your rental in the unlikely event of a problem. You will be asked to make this reservation on-line after your booking if you haven't purchased insurance.

What if the bike is stolen?

This is highly unlikely. In the nine years that we have been running tours, we have only had two bikes stolen. If you keep your bicycle locked when traveling and stored inside the hotels in the evening, then you'll never have to worry.

We have two different lock systems. A heavy bar lock if you plan to be spending a lot of time walking around in larger cities with your bicycle, and a much lighter cable lock. Most riders will only need the light cable lock. If, however, you were to leave your bicycle unattended to visit museums in a larger city, you would want the bar lock.

In the unlikely event that your bicycle is stolen and you have purchased theft insurance with us, then there is no problem. You'll simply have to declare the theft to the local police and we'll do our best to get another bicycle to you at no charge. This insurance also covers all accessories that we lend you. 

If you have not purchased theft insurance, then we will charge your credit card 1,000 Chf and you'll also need to file a police report with local authorities and present us with the report. We will then try to get you another bicycle asap.

What if the bike is damaged?

We understand that our bicycles and equipment will go through a lot. We're not worried about normal wear and tear and cosmetic damages. However, if a cyclist does significant damage to a bicycle during the ride (bent derailleur, broken wheel, etc), we will direct the cyclist to the nearest bike shop en route and the cyclist will be expected to pay for those repairs.  If serious damage is seen upon the bicycles arrival, then we will charge for whatever repairs are needed. If the rider has purchased our insurance, no charges are incurred.

What about your telephone rentals?

This is a good and affordable idea if you are travelling in Switzerland with a need the telephone to communicate with other people in your group. In this case, it’s best to rent two telephones. Telephones come with 20 Chf of talk time and cost 5 Chf per day. If you use the telephone to communicate with your group in Switzerland, then this 20 Chf will last hours.

Telephones can be used to call and receive calls outside of Switzerland, but the high fees make it rather impractical.

How does the GPS work?

We'll mount a GPS on your handlebars and put a series of rides on it. We use the Garmin Etrex Legend HCX series with color topographic road and hiking maps.

The GPS does not talk to you. It's not like in your car. You'll see yourself and the route on the screen, and you will have to pay attention so as to not miss your turns. For a better understanding of how our GPS functions, see the PDF link here.

Can you recommend some itineraries and hotels?

We recommend that you go to www.veloland.ch to take a closer look at the possibilities.
Once you decide on a route, we can program it on your gps. Or, we can plan your whole tour with hotels and luggage transfers. Please look at our other website: www.bikeswitzerland.com
for more information about "independent tours".

What if I get a flat?

You'll have all the necessary equipment you need to change a flat: spare tube, tire irons and pump (or C02 cartridge if you’re riding a racing bike). Of course, anytime that you go out riding alone, you should be prepared for a flat and know how to change one. Although you can always rely on the spontaneous generosity and know-how of the locals, it helps to be young, attractive and outgoing. That said, we use good tires, and although not 100% puncture proof, we only get a couple flats a year on our guided tours.

Are your bags waterproof?

Yes, all the bags come with a rain-fly. You'll need to take out this rain-fly and put it over the bag if it begins raining.

Can we raise the handebars?

We can probably find a stem that will give you a few more centimeters of height.

Do you sell any map books?

Yes, Switzerland has 9 national biking routes and each route has been issued a map book. We have these for sale for 26 Swiss francs. Just let us know which ones you need and we'll add them to your invoice. The books are available in German and French. Routes 8 and 9 are available in English. You can also buy them directly from us at www.bikeshopswitzerland.com

Do you have any bikes for sale?

Yes, normally after each season we sell part of our fleet. If we do have bikes for sale, we list them on www.bikeshopswitzerland.com

Can you put our bikes together? Repair our bikes?

Yes.

Can you store our luggage?

So long as you're in possession of your bikes, we can store your luggage at no charge.