Ohio City Bicycle Co-op

OCBC maintains a large fleet of basic bicycles for our educational programs which are also available for rent.  We also rent a limited number of modern, high-quality, "performance" bikes; tandems, trail-a-bikes and trailers (for cargo or kids); and a library of unusual bikes like fixed-gears, recumbents, electric assist, and shaft-drive; and some antiques suitable for special events like photo-shoots or weddings (our his-and-hers, rod-brake Raleighs are going on their fifth wedding ceremony!).

We also have "ergonomic" saddles, clip-in pedals and shoes, aero bars, bike bags and other gear in our accessory library. Bikes and accessories are available to members for free, or for reduced rent.

• Basic bike rental fees are $7/hour, $25/day, $75/week, $150/month
  
• Performance bikes are $50/day, $150/week.
• Lock, helmet, lights and pump/tool kit, are included if needed.
• other accessories available for an additional charge.
  
• We require a signed rental agreement, and a security deposit (see below).

Basic vs. Performance bikes

If you are racing, touring, or want to do serious off-road riding, you probably want a performance bike.

If you need a bike for transportation, or a casual ride, a basic bike will do fine.

(If you just want to do some bike sightseeing, you can save the rental fee and join our Social Ride on the first Saturday of any month: we'll loan you a bike, and show you around our neighborhood in the Flats, Downtown, and Ohio City.)

Basic bikes are older-style mountain bikes with non-suspension forks and thumb shifters, which we outfit with smoother road tires. We also have in this fleet a library of commuter bikes, with fenders, racks, lights, etc. for transportation needs.

Performance road bikes have either integrated brake/shifters (STI or Ergo) or bar-end shifters (mounted on aerobars or on the drops). Performance mountain bikes will have tunable suspension (either hardtail or full). If none of that makes sense to you, you will probably be fine with a basic bike. This fleet also has a some more interesting bikes like recumbents or fixed-gears, as listed on our bike library page.

To reserve a performance bike we require a reservation deposit of $50, and you must call, email or visit to reserve your bike. You can make this deposit then, or on our Payments page (with the last Pay Pal button at the bottom). This is separate from the security deposit below, and it will be deducted from your rental fee, but is otherwise non-refundable: we require this deposit for performance bikes because we take extra time to fit and set them up, and can't invest that custom work on bikes that are then not rented:

Cockpit dimensions

We will select a performance bike with the components you request (as available), and match the fit of your own bike (or one you're comfortable on), if you provide your bike's cockpit dimensions, which are the measurements (in cm) from:

1. the center of the crank to the top of the seat at its widest point
2. the top of the seat at its widest point to the center of the handlebar at the stem
3. the center of the handlebar at the stem to the center of the crank

You can include those three measurements (or you can fill out this much more detailed measurement chart) and other requirements when you reserve your performance bike. If you don't supply cockpit dimensions, we will choose a bike that is safe based on your height or leg length, but can't allot time for extra fitting or equipping when you pick up the bike.

We can install your own pedals or seat if you bring them in when you pick up the bike, but need a request with your reservation deposit for any equipment and accessories you'd like from this list:

Helmet; lock; pump/tool kit; spare tube; seat and/or handlebar bag; lights; fenders; rack; preferred road shifters (STI, Ergo or bar end [on aero bars or drops]); pedals (flat, toe straps, or clip-in -- specify road or Mt., and brand preference); shoes (again, specify cleats); seat (we have a library of most popular brands).  For an additional rental fee we can provide/install panniers; aero bars, computer, and other accessories.

Rental rates and terms

A deposit (and a valid ID) is required at time of bike pick-up, for the full replacement value of the bike and any accessories, which is refunded upon return of the bike. This deposit may be $200 to $350 for basic bikes, or $500-$2000 for performance bikes. If the bike is damaged, we will charge costs for parts and repair along with the rental fee, which is payable on return.

  Rentals can be picked up or returned during the hours listed (on the upper right of this page) or other times by appointment.

Delivery or pick-up is available for $50 within Cuyahoga county, plus $1/mile for travel beyond there.

When you pick up a rental bike we'll help fit your bike and a helmet (if you didn't bring your own), and have you take our short bike safety quiz while we a safety check your bike — it's important to us that you know how to ride safely, and that all rentals be running perfectly when they go out — so please leave enough time, especially on Saturdays, when we are quite busy.

Group bike rentals

We rent basic bikes for groups of 5 or more, who can provide their members' sizes and the rental deposit in advance, and pay the rental fee in one payment.  Group rates are $10/half day or $20/day. Delivery is available for up to 50 bikes for $50 per trip anywhere in Cuyahoga County, and beyond for $1/mile additional.

We can also provide Guided tours, with or without bike rentals. See our Short programs page for more info.