Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Do I need a reservation for a few hours to bike the Coastal Trail this summer?

Although a reservation is not needed because we never run out of bikes (we have more than 180) you can make one if you want especially if you need a unique bike like a carbon fiber road bike.  Multi-day reservations are recommended but like with any other bike you can switch to a different bike when you get here.  click here to email.  There is no deposit and you can cancel.


2.  Do you take reservations for multi-day rentals.

Yes.  There is no deposit and you can cancel.  You can also switch to a different bike when you get here.  Also, sometimes people want to rent a road bike on one day and a mountain bike another so you're welcome to switch out bikes as often as you like. (See FAQ 11 below.)
 
Click here for main menu of all our rental bikes then email your pick with our online form.  Include your height and weight and the date and approximate time you will pickup and return.  We will reply with a confirmation email  

3.  I will be in Anchorage for more than one week.  Should I rent, buy a bike there, or bring my own bike?

Your decision depends on three variables.

Variable one: Do you like the bike you currently own?  If yes then depending the airline you're flying on, consider option A.

Option A: If you like the bike you currently own and the airline you are flying on charges the same to check a bicycle box as it does any other piece of luggage, then you should probably bring your bike.  Here are three airlines that treat bike boxes the same as regular luggage so long as they are no more than 50 lbs.

Alaska Airlines:  First bag - $35.  Second bag - $45.  Third $150.  However there are a number of waivers which could make the first or second bag free and those are listed at the bottom of their Exceptions and Waivers page. 

Delta Airlines does not charge extra for bike boxes but it does cost $30 for your first piece of luggage and $40 for the second.  Like other airlines, the bike box must not be more than 115 total inches.  To confirm, here is a link to their policy:  Delta Airlines Baggage.

American Airlines:  First bag - $30, second bag - $40, third bag - $150.  You may not have to pay however based on you AAdvantage® status or oneworld® status,

United Airlines "[o]versized fees are waived on properly packed bicycles."  https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/baggage/sports-equipment.html   This means that "The equipment counts toward your checked bag allowance."  If you click on may be subject to fees that page states that the weight limit is 50 lbs.  (First & Business class passengers can check an oversize bag no more than 70 lbs.)  Next, scroll down to "Additional Info" and click on the dropdown menu "Oversized, overweight, and extra bags."  Here it explains the maximum dimensions of an oversized bag.  "We can’t accept bags that measure (length + width + height) more than 115 inches (292 centimeters)."  This is within the maximum dimensions of most cardboard bike boxes but measure first before getting one from your neighborhood bike shop.  If you are a United Mileage Plus member or have a United Chase credit card your first bag is free and the second one will either be free or $40 depending on what type of card you have. 
https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/baggage/free-bags-for-cardmembers.html
If you are not a member or cardholder then the fee will likely be $40 for the first bag (bike box) and $50 for the second (normal) bag, but use the "bag calculator page" to make sure.  NOTE: Bike boxes do not qualify for the small prepay discount that is mentioned on the bag calculator page; pay the fee at check in.
  
If you are flying on another airline, check with them to see what they charge.

If you are bringing your own bike to Anchorage and want us to store the box it was transported in until you fly out, we charge $5 per day to store it for the first week; $3 per day thereafter.  We have an extra stand in the common area of the mall (lots of space) and you can use it and our tools to assemble/disassemble your bike.

Variable two:  If you do not currently own a bike, or if you dislike the bike you currently own, or you're thinking of buying a second bike of a different type, then Option B might be the best choice.

Option B: Buy a bike in Anchorage, use it while you're here and then fly home with it as luggage.  You'll avoid the cost of renting and end up with the bike you've been thinking of buying and using back home anyway.  Your trip to Alaska could be the tipping point to owning a second bike. 
Anchorage has no sales tax and bike prices are competitive.  We sell Fuji, Breezer, Surly.  There are many other bike shops in Anchorage that sell other brands so it would be prudent to do some research and compare.  If you do decide to buy from us we could confirm it is available to order and have it here when you arrive.  (50 percent deposit to order.)

Alternatively, check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and buy a used bike.

Variable three:  You're on a tight budget or don't want to bring a bike home after leaving Alaska.

Option C:  Buy a used bike in Anchorage use it while you are here, then sell it before you leave. Check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.  You could also buy a department store bike (Walmart) for about $200 and although it won't perform, last, or re-sell for as much as name-brand bike, it's a cheap way to have wheels over the weeks or months you're here.  It's unlikely a cheap bike used for many weeks will be worth the trouble to box up and take home and it will sell for a lot less than what you paid for it so another option is to donate it to charity. AWAKE (Abused Women Aid in Crisis) is always in need of bikes for women and their kids who have left their house in a hurry but still need wheels to get around.

4.  What is the difference between a Fat bike and a Plus bike?

Tire width.  Most fat bike tires are 26" x 4" while plus tires are 27-5" x 3" wide.  Regular mountain bikes during summer are about 2" wide.  A Plus bike is an all season bike.  It is in-between a regular mountain bike and a Fat bike.  During winter, when the trails are packed down and it is cold plus bikes are faster than fat bikes because they have less rolling resistance.  If biking in unpacked, new or soft snow fat bikes are the better choice.

On average it takes two and a half hours round-trip at a leisurely pace to cycle the Coastal Trail. It's 22 miles round-trip.  About 1.5 hours to bike out and one hour to bike back. Riders return faster because outbound there are two hills to tackle. One is in the middle of the trail near Earthquake Park. It's not too steep but it's about one mile long.  The second hill is short and steep and at the very end of the trail.  People who turn around at the bottom of the second hill see almost the entire trail.  If you decide to ride up the hill at the end, you have the option of returning on the Alternate Return Route. The Alternate Route adds 3 miles to the return trip. Click here for Anchorage bike map.

6. How far is the beginning of the Coastal Trail from your store?

Five blocks. We have the closest and safest access to the start of the trail which begins on 2nd Avenue not at the bottom of the super steep hill at Elderberry Park.  

7.  Do you provide free lock, helmet, and map.

Yes.  

8. Where is nearby mountain biking?

At the end of the Coastal Trail is 1,500 acre Kincaid Park. Kincaid has more than 30 miles of roller-coaster trails. Click here for Kincaid Park Trail Map. To see a video of Kincaid's "Bolling Alley, trail, click here.

Another place to mountain bike is at Far North Bicentennial Park and on the Hillside.  To get there from our store take the Chester Creek Trail to Goose Lake, ride throughUAA.  From there bike on bike-friendly Elmore Road then take a left on Abbott Road to the Hilltop ski area. Here is a link to the Hillside Trails. The best descent after climbing is on a trail called "Jeff's Whoop Whoop." Click here for a video of it.

Another way to get to the Hillside Trails is to take the Flattop Mountain Shuttle to the Glen Alps trailhead (elevation 2200 feet) for $17 one way (includes $2 state park tax) and then bike back to our store (sea level).

9. Is there a bus that will take me to the end of the Coastal Trail so I can mountain bike in Kincaid first and/or ride the Coastal Trail just one way?

The Number 40 People Mover City Bus can get you 2/3 of the way to Kincaid Park for $2.  It leaves every 15 minutes from downtown on weekdays; on weekends every 30 minutes.  Get off at the bus stop on Spenard Road before it turns right onto International Airport Road. Then bike about 4 miles into Kincaid to mountain bike or 5 miles to the end of the Coastal Trail.  There is a favorable incline (more downhill) on the trail returning to downtown.  Click here for the Number 40 schedule and route. 

10. Where should I park?

It depends on the day of the week and the time of day.  Here are the options.

A. On any day at any time, for $2 per hour you can park catty-corner from our store in the giant orange trimmed five-story parking garage.  It takes up an entire city block between 4th and 5th Avenue and B and C Street.

B.  On-street downtown parking meters are enforced on weekdays from 9 to 6.  Therefore, because most people need 3 hours to cycle the Coastal Trail roundtrip, do not park in the street at a meter on weekdays unless it is after 4 pm. Unfortunately, between 9 and 6 on weekdays you cannot park at an on-street meter for more than two hours even if the meter is paid because the city "chalks" the tires which means they cite you ($20) for parking on the same block on the same side of the street for more than two hours.  That said, if you arrive on a weekday at or after 4 pm, park at a street meter and pay it until 6 pm because after 6 pm they are free until 9 am the following day.

C.  On Saturday, parking meters are free but you cannot park for more than 2 hours because the city "chalks" the tires.  After 4 pm there is no chalking.

D.  On weekdays if you want to park for free and don't mind walking five blocks to our store, park on Denali Street between 4th and 5th Avenues.  The first letter of each name of the street east of A Street corresponds with the sequence in the alphabet: Barrow, Cordova, Denali, Eagle, Fairbanks . . . etc.)  For this option we suggest that you pull up in front of our store and we will put a couple of quarters in your meter while we you get set up with equipment, the drive to Denali Street and walk 5 blocks back.

E.  On Sunday park at any street meter for free until 9 am Monday morning.  There is no chalking on Sunday.

11. Can I exchange the bike I rented for a different type later in the day/week?

Yes. Exchange one type of bike for another type at any time. If you want to go mountain biking in the morning and road biking in the afternoon, no problem. This policy sometimes tips the balance between renting for two weeks, buying a bike in Anchorage, or bringing your own bike from home.  (See FAQ 5.)

12. Can I bring my own pedals and shoes?

if you're renting for more than one day there is no charge to put your pedals on one of our bikes.

If you're renting for one day or less there is a $4 charge for us to take our pedals off, put your pedals on, take your pedals off when you're done riding, then put our pedals back on again.

If when installing your pedal it "fights" the threads on the bike you've selected we won't be able to install your pedals.  Sometimes people question us about this so when we're doing the swap if the threads don't cooperate we'll hand the pedal wrench to you and ask you if you'd force the pedal on your bike's crank.  Because some rental bikes have their pedals swapped a lot our threads get worn down.  Over the years we've accommodated riders who insist on using their own pedals even when the threads aren't cooperating and then later when they're riding the threads strip which aborts their ride, forces us to rescue them and order a new crank.  

Instead of bringing your own pedals and shoes, you can rent them (SPD) from us for $4. If renting for more than one day there is no charge to use our clip-in pedals and shoes.

If renting for one day or less and you want to bring your own SPD shoe and clip into our SPD pedal, the cost is $2.

To minimize pedal swaps our bikes we use platform pedals (similar to this one) that provide plenty of surface area, traction and upstroke grip.

13.  Do you deliver bikes or do I/we have to come to your?  Will you pick up bikes after we're done riding them or do we have to return them to your store? 

No, we do not deliver bikes and we do not pick them up elsewhere after your ride.  Here is why.  We cannot deliver bikes because it is difficult and often impossible to know which bike will fit you and you will like best.  When a bike is tested prior to being rented the customer is empowered.  It is imperative that each bike be tested prior to being rented not only to see how it fits and feels, but to verify that everything is working properly and that it is safe.  If there is an issue with the bike's performance we will either fix it or suggest another bike for you to test.  After that you sign a liability release.

Renting and returning downtown is not inconvenient because the Coastal Trail is only five blocks from our store.  Also, most visitors want to explore downtown anyway.  Also, it is convenient and cheap to get to and from downtown using a city bus which costs only $2 ($1 for seniors).  On weekdays buses run every 15 minutes and on weekends every half hour.  Click here for a map of the bus routes and their schedules. 

14.  Can I drink Anchorage tap water?

Yes! Over 85% of Anchorage water comes from Eklutna Lake about 20 miles northeast of downtown in the mountains of Chugach State Park. The Anchorage Water and Waste Water Utility "takes its water quality and safety very seriously."  Anchorage water come out of the tap cold.  There is no need to buy bottled water in Anchroage although we do sell it at our store for $1 and each bike has a water bottle cage and/or a bike rack to accommodate a complimentary pannier to carry it.  If you buy a bottled water, after drinking it, save it and keep refilling from the tap. We have a drinking fountain in our mall. (We also have a recycling bin.)

15. Can I store luggage at your store?

Yes. During your rental period or until the end of the day after your ride, you can store whatever you want here at our store for no charge.  It will be safe and we will take responsibility for it.

If you need to store something at our store for a number of days before or after your rental, depending on what you're storing, we will either store it for free or charge a nominal price.  Traveling is a step out of one's comfort zone; we're in a position to minimize the hassle so we do what we can to help.

16.  Who pays if the bike gets stolen or damaged?

Renter assumes the same risk and responsibility they have when they ride their own bike back home.  Renters must sign a Bike Rental Agreement/Liability Waiver/Contract. So that we have recourse in case a bike is stolen or damaged, a credit card (not a debit card) is required.  A business that rents bikes is trusting not only an unknown person but that person's unknown judgment.  Bikes rented by honest people are sometimes stolen by someone else.  Because the renter is responsible for absorbing the loss (just as they are with their own bike back home) they have strong motivation to not only keep it locked, but to never let it out of their sight.  Locks are free with your rental. We will offer a thick coil lock if you will always be able to see the bike and u-locks if you won't be able to see it.  Remove the seat and carry it with you when the bike is not in sight because seats with quick releases get stolen too.  If you're renting overnight, even if you have a u-lock, keep the bike in your hotel room.  Thieves need time and privacy to cut a u-lock. In sum, treat your rental bike as the one you own back home and everything will be fine.

17.  What if I get hurt or hurt someone else when riding a rental bike?

Renter assumes the same risk and responsibility they have when they ride their own bike back home. Renters must sign a Bike Rental Agreement/Liability Waiver/Contract. Riding a bike (like many other outdoor activities) is an inherently dangerous activity so crashes sometimes occur.  Helmets are free with your rental. If you don't have medical insurance, even if you're not renting a bike, buying traveler's insurance makes sense. It is not expensive and buys you peace of mind. You're in an unfamiliar area outside of your regular routine.  Expect the unexpected.

With safety in mind, before renting, it is in our mutual interest that you first thoroughly test ride a potential bike and verify it is working properly and safe. We keep records of our maintenance and ask returning renters how bikes performed. That said, outgoing renters are our last line of defense. What seems fine to a returning renter might not meet the expectations of an outgoing renter. If after your test ride something isn't quite right we will either remedy the observation or suggest another bike to test. Safety is our highest priority.

18. Do I need a guide?

No guide is needed to cycle the coastal trail.  Just keep the ocean on your right on the way out, and on your left on the way back.

Some people decide to bike back on the Alternate Return Route. If you choose it, dovetail our detailed directions with the highlighted route on provided map.

A direction sheet and properly marked-up map makes it easy to bike anywhere in Anchorage.

We're also versed on where to ride out of town

19.  Can I bike to Flattop Mountain?

Yes. We will provide you with a direction sheet and map so you can safely bike a scenic route from downtown (sea level) to the Glen Alps trailhead (2200 feet) in Chugach State Park. Depending on how fit you are it takes between one and two hours.  If you rent an ebike it will take one hour. Click here for the trailhead webcam

20.  Does Anchorage have public transportation; is it convenient and how much does it cost?

Anchorage's "People Mover" bus system is very convenient and costs $2.  On most routes run every 15 minutes and on weekends most routes run every 30 minutes.  Click here for People Mover routes and schedules.


21. We arrive at the airport and would like to rent a bike during a long layover. How much does it cost to travel between the airport and your store?

Take the Route 40 People Mover bus downtown.  It costs $2.  On weekdays it runs every 15 minutes.  On weekends every 30 minutes.  It picks up outside baggage claim on the eastern edge (mountain side) of baggage claim.  It will take you to the downtown transit center which is located only six blocks from our store.

22. What happens if I don't borrow a repair kit and I get a flat?

Call us. Depending on where you are on the trail, we will figure out what is the most reasonable way to solve this problem. While flats are rare, they sometimes occur.

Potential remedies:

1. Wait to receive repair kit from an outgoing renter and fix flat
2. If there are enough employees working at the store, wait for one of us to race out on a bike and fix it
3. Ask for help from a good samaritan with a repair kit
4. Walk bike to bus stop and take bus back downtown
5. Call cab. (DBR not responsible for cab fare.)

23. What happens if I have a mechanical issue that I can't or don't know how to fix with the free repair kit?

Call the bike rental and we'll figure out the best way to help.

24. What should I wear?

Layers with a wind breaker or rain jacket. In summer be sure to wear or bring shorts. Even if the day starts out cool, it often gets hot (really) and so do cyclists when they ride. Sweatpants are better than pants or jeans. If you do wear pants, we will offer you a rubber band to mitigate the risk of grease stains from the chain.

25. Are there any restrooms or places to buy food on the Coastal Trail?

No.  There is a port-a-potty at Westchester Lagoon 1.5 miles from downtown and a bathroom at the Kincaid Park Chalet at the end of the trail.  If you want to eat on your ride without bringing food then return on the Alternate Return Route.  The attributes and drawbacks of the ARR along with detailed directions are provided with map and briefing when you're set up with bikes prior to leaving our store.

26.  Is there a meet-up link for local rides?

Yes.  Click here for a list of local bike clubs, rides and meet-up opportunities. 

27.  What is the closest hotel to your store?

The newly remodled Aviator Hotel is across the street from our store.