Should you rent a bike or take your own (while visiting Novigrad)

One way or another, check the route and terrain of your cycling holiday to ensure you are taking/hiring the right bike. Find out more!

Renting a bike in Novigrad vs. bringing your own

Big question, right?

To be honest, there isn’t one definitive answer. The decision should depend on a range of factors and personal preferences.

If you are planning to set off on a cycling holiday in Novigrad, it is better to take your own bike with you. If cycling won't be your main holiday activity, we suggest renting a bike once you come to this Istria small fishing town.

Another important thing you should take into consideration is:

• how much you love your bike
• whether it’s custom fit to you
• do you have a history of discomfort on poorly fitted bikes

We all know what a pain it can be to pack a beloved bike into a bag or box. Hours are spent carefully securing and lagging the entire frame, stuffing as many bags of clothes into the carrier in hope of further limiting any potential damage.

At that moment your luggage weighs 23kg or so. Carry it up and down stairs, into transport and finally to check-in at the airport, where it will spend the next few hours enjoying the loving care for which baggage handlers are renowned.

Alright, let’s not make it any more complicated. In this piece, we want to point out some of the most common advantages and disadvantages of both options.

Renting a bike in Novigrad gets you peace of mind

You won't have to worry about taking your bike apart, packing it up nicely in a bike bag or case, lugging it half-way across the world and building it back up again. And most of all, it feels great knowing you won't be running the risk of damaging your bike while in transit. Just remember baggage handlers.

Bringing your own bicycle to Novigrad is a more secure option

Bringing your trusty two-wheeler along with you means you'll be saddling up on the bike you know. The bike that is perfectly suited for your riding style and fits you like a glove.

Decide for a rental and you may find yourself on a bike you just aren't as fond of or doesn't fit you as well. You'll already know you’ll be riding on foreign trails (although, more than 500 km of Novigrad trails are an ideal way for discovering it's natural beauties), do you really want to be riding an unfamiliar bike?

Renting a bike is a chance of testing out a new ride

Renting a bike, without fail, means getting to test out some new wheels. We at Villa Bionda can offer you lightweight aluminum bikes and electric ones.

Whether you've been itching to try a 29er race machine, electric or cruiser bicycle, renting a bike gives you the perfect opportunity to try something new. And if you're already considering purchasing a new ride, what better way to judge compatibility than on a vacation in Istria?

Bringing your own two-wheeler to Novigrad could be cheaper

Depending on the duration of your trip and the bike you end up with airlines will generally set you back roughly 50 € - 100 € each way for sports equipment.

Accidents can happen whether you're riding your own bike or a rental - right? The only difference is you could be hit with a hefty price tag if your rental shows signs of damage, much more so than if you were to get your own bike repaired.

Renting a bicycle in Istria brings you freedom and flexibility

This one goes to the ones among you who don't plan on solely cycling vacation.

If you're planning on traveling before or after the biking portion of your holiday, renting a bike allows you to get up and go as you please without having to worry about carrying a bulky case around with you or finding safe storage space for your bike.

So... what to do now

Opting to rent a bike or to bring your own on your dream Istria vacation will very much depend on your home location, the length of your trip and your overall travel plans.

One way or another, riding a bike is an eco-friendly way of spending your Istria vacation, and we support that way of exploring the beauties of Croatia, Istria, and Novigrad.