Bike Options When Flying

[max18018]

I am flying in to Reno from the East coast and then taking the Burner Express so my weight and volume is very limited. I'm trying to figure out bike options, but all of them have limitations. It's my first time to BM. I listed the options in the order I am considering them, but would appreciate some input.

1. I have a folding bike that I can figure out how to box up to ship out on the plane. I like the idea of having it with me, but I'm already pushing the limit on the amount of luggage I can manage in the airport. Also, the smaller wheels of the folding bike should function on the playa but are not ideal.
2. Ship a bike in one of the regional containers near me. This was my front runner, but it sounds like it is going to be logistically more challenging than I anticipated.
3. Rent a bike from the camp that delivers them to the playa. I like the idea of having my own bike so I can decorate it and light it freely. Also, there will be some logistics of getting to the bike and getting it back again. It doesn't sound like people have problems with these rental bikes (performance, availability, etc.), but it is a variable I don't have to content with if I bring my own.
4. Does the Burner Express make some sort of stop for renting or buying bikes? I saw something mentioned about a bike stop, but I don't know what was meant by this. Also, If I buy a bike there, I will need to figure out a way to get it home or donate it and it sounds like there are already too many bikes left behind.
5. Skip a bike and just use yellow bikes when available. From all I ready, this doesn't sound like a great option.
6. Something else I'm missing?

[AntiM]

We've hosted international burners who used the rent and pick up on playa service. They were decent bikes, and they put on their own lights, which they left with us. A decorated bike is nice, but really, unless it is a real wowza, no one looks at them very closely.

[Popeye]

1. I have a folding bike that I can figure out how to box up to ship out on the plane. I like the idea of having it with me, but I'm already pushing the limit on the amount of luggage I can manage in the airport. Also, the smaller wheels of the folding bike should function on the playa but are not ideal.
If you are someone who enjoys working on their bike you coulod do this, but you it will never be the same after a week on the playa.

2. Ship a bike in one of the regional containers near me. This was my front runner, but it sounds like it is going to be logistically more challenging than I anticipated.
I don't know what the logistical problems are but this might be a good idea. If you do this buy a junker, grease it well and bring extra tubes.

3. Rent a bike from the camp that delivers them to the playa. I like the idea of having my own bike so I can decorate it and light it freely. Also, there will be some logistics of getting to the bike and getting it back again. It doesn't sound like people have problems with these rental bikes (performance, availability, etc.), but it is a variable I don't have to content with if I bring my own.
I'll reccomend Eliot who posts on here. Good bikes, need to bring your own lights and decorations.

4. Does the Burner Express make some sort of stop for renting or buying bikes? I saw something mentioned about a bike stop, but I don't know what was meant by this. Also, If I buy a bike there, I will need to figure out a way to get it home or donate it and it sounds like there are already too many bikes left behind.
I saw someone pick up a bike at Keystone and put it on the bus 2? years ago. Burners buy grocerys and water at Keystone and there is not a lot of extra room for bikes. Check with BE before doing this.

5. Skip a bike and just use yellow bikes when available. From all I ready, this doesn't sound like a great option.
Yellow bikes start to become available on Sunday and Monday. As you say, not a great option

6. Something else I'm missing?

When are you arriving in Reno? Sounds like you plan to get off the plane and get on the bus. If that works for you then fine but you might want to get in a day early and pick up food and water. There is, I think, one BE per day that stops at Keystone. You will have an hour or so to find and buy everything then pay for it and get it out to the bus. If you do arrive early think about getting all your junk to the airport, where BE leaves from. Reno cabs are tiny little roller skates.

[max18018]

Thanks. Will likely try the rental service.

[Elliot]

... ... ...
3. Rent a bike from the camp that delivers them to the playa. I like the idea of having my own bike so I can decorate it and light it freely. Also, there will be some logistics of getting to the bike and getting it back again. It doesn't sound like people have problems with these rental bikes (performance, availability, etc.), but it is a variable I don't have to content with if I bring my own.
I'll reccomend Eliot who posts on here. Good bikes, need to bring your own lights and decorations.
... ... ... ...

You rang?

I appreciate the recommendation.

Now, please allow me to make a correction: Elliot's Bicycle Service does not rent bikes. We do not engage in any form of commercial activity.

We lend bikes. And many of our Loaners are lent out as "perks" -- tokens of appreciation -- to folks who make donations of money to help defray the cost of operating our camp.

Last year, we repaired 677 bikes -- just in our Main Shop. Most of these bikes required new parts, which we have to pay for.

Also, we gave out a couple thousand beverages. Five refrigerators -- powered by a "whisper-quiet" generator -- not cheap.

And we offer several other services, such as massage. I bought another massage table just the other day, when I found one at a good price.

All our inter-activity takes place under a giant shade structure. Expansion and repairs cost money.

And so on and so forth.

So... we have expenses. Our camp would simply not exist without donations. But any commercial activity is utterly off limits. We have even been investigated by the BLM -- and cleared, of course. (The BLM agent was wonderfully courteous and helpful. They work for us, remember, and they do a good job of it.)

Next... I need to be careful about discussing fund-raising on ePlaya, to make sure we comply with ePlaya's Terms Of Service. This is of course all as it should be.
This year's fundraising will launch in a few days. Meanwhile, I invite you to peruse our website -- link in my sig.

We Are Going To Burning Man!

[mulister]

hi burners,

im new to bm, and im already lost bout what im gonna do with my bike

was looking here and this topic is pertinent


im flying there next week, and havent got my bike yet, do you reckon any bike shop that still have good options and dont rip me off ??


ive looked into heaps, but em all seem to be sold out


thanks a lot

[Token]

Hi mulister, there will be plenty cheap bikes in Reno you can pick up on the way in.

Wallmart has them in huge stacks.

How are you getting to the Playa from Reno? Renting a car? Burner Express?

Your means of entry to BM will have greater impact on the bike than availability.

Also remember that a bike is a luxury and you can fully enjoy BM without it.

Welcome to the dust.

[Captain Goddammit]

And remember, if you get a Huffy Cranbrook - that specific model only - you can donate it to the Yellow Bike program on your way out.
It must be the correct bike because they need all parts to interchange in order to manage the fleet.

Bring a crescent wrench and pliers and such, and some grease. The thing will be poorly slapped together and probably un-greased.
They schlep those things together out of China as cheap and dirty as possible. Skip this and your likelihood of pushing it to Elliot’s and being loaned out as a sex slave to the Geriatric Swingers Camp on 4:30 & F in return for a repair is much higher.
Colostomy bags were never meant for what goes on there.

[Netty58]

I did 2015 sans bike. It's a lot of walking...well, it's as much walking as you choose to do.

Apart from ending up with some bruised toenails, I enjoyed walking and the participation and random greeting that resulted.

I know I didn't see as much of everything as those on bikes but that was okay. It was kind of a gentle way of traveling.

[mulister]

And remember, if you get a Huffy Cranbrook - that specific model only - you can donate it to the Yellow Bike program on your way out.
It must be the correct bike because they need all parts to interchange in order to manage the fleet.

Bring a crescent wrench and pliers and such, and some grease. The thing will be poorly slapped together and probably un-greased.
They schlep those things together out of China as cheap and dirty as possible. Skip this and your likelihood of pushing it to Elliot’s and being loaned out as a sex slave to the Geriatric Swingers Camp on 4:30 & F in return for a repair is much higher.
Colostomy bags were never meant for what goes on there.

Sweet

ill keep shifter and pliers ,grease on my , tks for that

Im having a look here most interesting ones are from hammer and cyclery , bm bike rentals, have you seen this ones ?

Playa bike repair has got some but they are pretty much expensive , does it worth ??



Token , im going by RV and staying at Lagrange camp

Definitely i gotta find out something cause my friends are on bikes and if i aint got one id be out of the party with em.

Do you reckon buy cheap bikes on the way or rent in one of those mentioned above

Guys i dont know how to thank you im at the other side of the world lost

Lets have some drinks toghether on the house


Cheers

[Token]

I’m going to bend the rules a bit on “commerce” on account of international relations ...

Mods, you can spank me as you see fit, but be warned, I might like it.

OK, you and your friends go to Walmart. Use google to find it.

Park with all the other burning man folks.

Have your friends start the party.

You go in to Walmart and ask for a:

“Ladies Huffy Cranbook bicycle”

It isn’t super cheap but it is not expensive either. Usually in the ~ $100 range.

Good luck traveler!

[mulister]

I’m going to bend the rules a bit on “commerce” on account of international relations ...

Mods, you can spank me as you see fit, but be warned, I might like it.

OK, you and your friends go to Walmart. Use google to find it.

Park with all the other burning man folks.

Have your friends start the party.

You go in to Walmart and ask for a:

“Ladies Huffy Cranbook bicycle”

It isn’t super cheap but it is not expensive either. Usually in the ~ $100 range.

Good luck traveler!

Fuckin hell that bike is mad and alright for 100 bucks

Hopefully they gonna have it in stock

Thanks for that mate