Bike trip: how much does it really cost?

Bicycle Trip: How Much Does It Really Cost?

The bicycle trip is often presented as an economical and eco-friendly alternative to other modes of transport. However, between the purchase or rental of the bike, equipment, accommodation, and food, costs can vary significantly. Here’s an overview of the main expenses to consider for a successful bicycle trip.

1. The Cost of the Bike: Purchase or Rental?

Buying a Bike

If you plan to travel by bike regularly, investing in your own bike can be a good option. Here are the price ranges according to the type of bike:

- Classic touring bike: like the A200 Voyage from Vélo de Ville starting at €809.
- Gravel or all-terrain bike: like the Vadrouille from Adris starting at €1,799.
- Electric bike: like the Charget GT from Rise&Muller starting at €5,799.

Renting a Bike

If you do not wish to invest immediately, renting is an excellent alternative. DolceVia, for example, offers the rental of electric or muscle bikes with a flexible return system.

- Daily rental: between €19 and €45 depending on the type of bike.
- Weekly rental: between €149 and €249.

2. Essential Equipment

A bicycle trip requires a minimum of equipment to ensure comfort and safety. Here’s an estimate of the costs:

- Waterproof panniers: between €50 and €200.
- Helmet: between €30 and €150.
- Lock: between €20 and €100.
- Lighting and various accessories: between €50 and €200.
- Suitable clothing (waterproof, gloves, shoes, etc.): between €100 and €500.

Note that you are not obliged to buy; there are several rental companies, including DolceVia, which offers them for rent starting at €35.

3. Accommodation: From Camping to Hotels

The accommodation budget varies according to your choice:
- Camping (tent or bivouac): between €5 and €20 per night.
- Youth hostel / guesthouse: between €20 and €50.
- Hotel or bed and breakfast: between €50 and €150.
- Warmshowers (homestay accommodation): €0.

Tip: Prefer campsites or partner accommodations along cycling routes, often equipped to welcome bicycle travelers.

4. Food: Cook or Eat Out?

Again, your budget will depend on your consumption mode:

- Supermarket and homemade meals (if camping or picnicking): about €5-10 per day.
- Fast food / snacks: about €10-20 per day.
- Traditional restaurant: between €20 and €50 per meal.
For a multi-day trip, the ideal is to mix prepared meals and restaurants to optimize costs.

5. Transport and Logistics

If your trip involves a train or bus journey to reach your route, or for the return, you need to budget for additional costs: train ticket with bike, bus transport, or even shipping the bike (if necessary), costs can vary!

6. Insurance and Unexpected Expenses

Traveling by bike also involves some unexpected expenses like repairs! It is therefore interesting to inflate your budget a bit.

At DolceVia, we also offer weather insurance and assistance to ensure total peace of mind during your travels.

Estimated Total Budget for One Person

Here’s an estimate for a one-week trip based on the mode of travel:

Mode of Travel	Minimal Budget	Average Budget	Comfort Budget
Bike purchase + equipment	€809	€1,799	€5,799
Accommodation	€35	€210	€1,050
Food	€35	€140	€350
Total for 7 days for one person	€879	€2,149	€7,199

Conclusion

Bicycle travel is a unique experience adaptable to all budgets. Whether you opt for an economical adventure in a bivouac or a comfortable trip with accommodations and a high-end bike, the important thing is to anticipate your expenses and adapt your itinerary according to your budget. So, ready to pedal towards adventure?