Mountain Bike Rentals 101: What to Know Before you Ride
Whether it’s your first ride or your fiftieth, nothing beats the feeling of wind in your face and dirt under your tires as you explore mountain terrain on two wheels. From rugged singletrack descents to mellow path rides through town, biking is one of the best ways to experience the mountains up close.
At Christy Sports, we make it easy to get rolling. With expert gear, local trail knowledge, and bike rental shops in some of the best mountain towns in the West, we’ve got everything you need to make your ride smooth from start to finish. Here’s everything you need to know before you gear up and go.
1. Make a Reservation (and Save 20%)
Booking online is quick, easy, and smart—reserve your bike at least 24 hours in advance and receive 20% off your rental. Walk-ins are welcome, but early reservations guarantee your gear and your discount.
2. Choose Your Ride: Bike Types We Offer
From rugged downhill rigs to comfy cruisers, we have a ride for every style and skill level. Choosing the right bike comes down to the kind of ride you’re planning. If you’re sticking to gravel paths or want a more traditional feel, a Front Suspension Trail Bike (aka hardtail) offers a lightweight, efficient ride. For rougher terrain or technical trails, a Full Suspension Mountain Bike gives you added comfort and control with both front and rear shocks.
Want a little help on the climbs? A Mountain E-Bike provides pedal assist, so you can go farther with less fatigue. If you’re heading to a lift-accessed bike park or love steep descents, a Downhill Mountain Bike is built for speed, jumps, and rugged terrain—plus it comes with body armor. Fat Tire Bikes are your go-to for soft surfaces like snow or sand, offering added grip and stability. And if you’re thinking about buying a bike, our Demo Mountain Bikes let you test top-tier models and apply rental fees toward your purchase. Not sure which is right for you? Our in-store experts are happy to help you find the perfect match for your ride.
3. Find Your Fit
Bike sizing starts with your height, but getting the right fit goes beyond frame size. Our in-store experts will not only match you to the right size bike—they’ll also fine-tune the seat height, handlebar position, and suspension settings to make sure you feel confident and comfortable before you roll out. A well-fitted bike allows you to maintain a natural riding posture, keeps your knees and elbows in a healthy alignment, and gives you better control over steering and braking.
Here’s what to look for: When seated, your feet should reach the pedals comfortably with a slight bend in your knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke. You should be able to stand over the frame with a bit of clearance between you and the top tube, especially on mountain trails. On the handlebars, your reach should feel relaxed—not overstretched or cramped. If anything feels off, our team is there to adjust it on the spot.
Bonus: Helmets are included with every rental to keep you protected, and if you’re renting a downhill bike, body armor is part of the package too.
4. Pack Smart for the Ride
A great ride starts with solid prep. Here’s what we recommend you bring:
- Water: A hydration pack or bottle is essential.
- Snacks: Think energy bars or fruit to keep your legs going.
- Layers: Mountain weather can change quickly—pack a light jacket or fleece.
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses: Higher altitude = stronger sun.
- Phone or Trail Map: Cell service isn’t guaranteed, so grab a printed trail map in-store.
Whether you’re cruising downhill or coasting into town, we’ve stocked up on gear that keeps you riding in comfort and style. Explore bike lifestyle apparel from Club Ride and Flylow—designed for versatility with trail-ready performance and post-ride chill in mind.
Need protection? We’ve expanded our selection of body armor and full-face helmets from trusted brands like Troy Lee Designs, Fox, and Smith to keep you covered. And when it comes to accessories, we’ve got all the must-haves: water bottles, multi-tools, and everything you forgot to pack but can’t ride without.
5. Safety First: Quick Tips for a Smooth Ride
We want your ride to be memorable for all the right reasons, and that starts with staying safe on the trail. Before you head out, take a moment to check your gear: test the brakes, tire pressure, and suspension. Our staff is happy to help with this during pickup to ensure everything’s dialed. Once you’re riding, pace yourself and stay within your limits, especially if you’re new to mountain biking or trying out an e-bike for the first time. And don’t forget basic trail etiquette: yield to uphill riders, announce when passing, and always stick to marked trails to help protect the environment and keep the experience enjoyable for everyone.
6. Bike Rental Locations
With 15 bike rental shops across 10 iconic mountain destinations, you’re never far from a great ride. Look for us in:
📍 Colorado: Aspen, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Frisco, Steamboat, Telluride, Vail, Winter Park
📍 Utah: Deer Valley
📍 Montana: Big Sky
Each shop offers expert fitting, local trail advice, and in-store repair services. Here’s an overview of the bikes in our fleet:
MOUNTAIN BIKES
- Front Suspension Trail Bike: Challenge yourself with a classic hardtail setup or take a scenic spin down gravel paths.
- Full Suspension Mountain Bike: Take on technical trails with a ride that smooths out the bumps and keeps traction dialed.
- Mountain E-Bike: All the control of a full-suspension bike—plus the power of electric motor assist for longer climbs and bigger adventures.
- Downhill Mountain Bike: High-performance bikes built for speed, jumps, and technical descents. Body armor included.
- Demo Mountain Bike: Thinking of buying? Test a top-tier model before committing. (Single-day rentals only; up to 2 days’ cost can go toward your purchase.)
- Fat Tire Bike: Like a monster truck for trails—fat bikes give you extra traction for snow, sand, or rocky terrain.
ADULT ROAD, PATH & CRUISER BIKES
- Path Bike: Ideal for bike paths and smooth gravel trails. Easy to ride, easy to love.
- Path E-Bike: All the perks of a standard path bike, with an extra electric assist for breezy cruising.
- Cruiser (Townie) Bike: Comfortable and classic, these are perfect for casual rides around town or resort villages.
- Road Bike: Lightweight and efficient with a more aggressive riding position—built for speed on paved roads.
KIDS’ BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
- Junior Bike: Reliable and versatile for young riders.
- Junior Downhill Bike: Full-suspension performance in a kid-friendly size.
- Bike Trailer: Bring the little ones along for the ride—plus room for essentials.
- Kids Tag-a-long: Great for kids not ready for full independence but still eager to pedal.
7. Rental Pickup & Return
To ensure availability, please pick up your bike within the first hour your rental store opens. Bikes must be returned to the same location by the end of your rental period to avoid late return fees. And just a heads-up—early pick-ups, such as the day before your reservation, are not available, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Running behind? Call the store to keep your reservation active. If your plans change and you need to cancel, we get it. Email help@christysports.com to cancel or update your reservation.
8. Ready to Ride?
When you rent from Christy Sports, you’re getting more than just a bike, you’re getting a trusted partner in adventure. Our fleet is meticulously maintained to ensure a smooth, safe ride, and our experienced team is there to help you every step of the way. With over 50 locations across mountain towns and resort destinations, we offer unmatched service, local expertise, and a year-round commitment to getting you outside—whether it’s biking, skiing, snowboarding, or relaxing on the patio.
Mountain Bike Rentals 101: What to Know Before you Ride
Whether it’s your first ride or your fiftieth, nothing beats the feeling of wind in your face and dirt under your tires as you explore mountain terrain on two wheels. From rugged singletrack descents to mellow path rides through town, biking is one of the best ways to experience the mountains up close.
At Christy Sports, we make it easy to get rolling. With expert gear, local trail knowledge, and bike rental shops in some of the best mountain towns in the West, we’ve got everything you need to make your ride smooth from start to finish. Here’s everything you need to know before you gear up and go.
1. Make a Reservation (and Save 20%)
Booking online is quick, easy, and smart—reserve your bike at least 24 hours in advance and receive 20% off your rental. Walk-ins are welcome, but early reservations guarantee your gear and your discount.
2. Choose Your Ride: Bike Types We Offer
From rugged downhill rigs to comfy cruisers, we have a ride for every style and skill level. Choosing the right bike comes down to the kind of ride you’re planning. If you’re sticking to gravel paths or want a more traditional feel, a Front Suspension Trail Bike (aka hardtail) offers a lightweight, efficient ride. For rougher terrain or technical trails, a Full Suspension Mountain Bike gives you added comfort and control with both front and rear shocks.
Want a little help on the climbs? A Mountain E-Bike provides pedal assist, so you can go farther with less fatigue. If you’re heading to a lift-accessed bike park or love steep descents, a Downhill Mountain Bike is built for speed, jumps, and rugged terrain—plus it comes with body armor. Fat Tire Bikes are your go-to for soft surfaces like snow or sand, offering added grip and stability. And if you’re thinking about buying a bike, our Demo Mountain Bikes let you test top-tier models and apply rental fees toward your purchase. Not sure which is right for you? Our in-store experts are happy to help you find the perfect match for your ride.
3. Find Your Fit
Bike sizing starts with your height, but getting the right fit goes beyond frame size. Our in-store experts will not only match you to the right size bike—they’ll also fine-tune the seat height, handlebar position, and suspension settings to make sure you feel confident and comfortable before you roll out. A well-fitted bike allows you to maintain a natural riding posture, keeps your knees and elbows in a healthy alignment, and gives you better control over steering and braking.
Here’s what to look for: When seated, your feet should reach the pedals comfortably with a slight bend in your knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke. You should be able to stand over the frame with a bit of clearance between you and the top tube, especially on mountain trails. On the handlebars, your reach should feel relaxed—not overstretched or cramped. If anything feels off, our team is there to adjust it on the spot.
Bonus: Helmets are included with every rental to keep you protected, and if you’re renting a downhill bike, body armor is part of the package too.
4. Pack Smart for the Ride
A great ride starts with solid prep. Here’s what we recommend you bring:
- Water: A hydration pack or bottle is essential.
- Snacks: Think energy bars or fruit to keep your legs going.
- Layers: Mountain weather can change quickly—pack a light jacket or fleece.
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses: Higher altitude = stronger sun.
- Phone or Trail Map: Cell service isn’t guaranteed, so grab a printed trail map in-store.
Whether you’re cruising downhill or coasting into town, we’ve stocked up on gear that keeps you riding in comfort and style. Explore bike lifestyle apparel from Club Ride and Flylow—designed for versatility with trail-ready performance and post-ride chill in mind.
Need protection? We’ve expanded our selection of body armor and full-face helmets from trusted brands like Troy Lee Designs, Fox, and Smith to keep you covered. And when it comes to accessories, we’ve got all the must-haves: water bottles, multi-tools, and everything you forgot to pack but can’t ride without.
5. Safety First: Quick Tips for a Smooth Ride
We want your ride to be memorable for all the right reasons, and that starts with staying safe on the trail. Before you head out, take a moment to check your gear: test the brakes, tire pressure, and suspension. Our staff is happy to help with this during pickup to ensure everything’s dialed. Once you’re riding, pace yourself and stay within your limits, especially if you’re new to mountain biking or trying out an e-bike for the first time. And don’t forget basic trail etiquette: yield to uphill riders, announce when passing, and always stick to marked trails to help protect the environment and keep the experience enjoyable for everyone.
6. Bike Rental Locations
With 15 bike rental shops across 10 iconic mountain destinations, you’re never far from a great ride. Look for us in:
📍 Colorado: Aspen, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Frisco, Steamboat, Telluride, Vail, Winter Park
📍 Utah: Deer Valley
📍 Montana: Big Sky
Each shop offers expert fitting, local trail advice, and in-store repair services. Here’s an overview of the bikes in our fleet:
MOUNTAIN BIKES
- Front Suspension Trail Bike: Challenge yourself with a classic hardtail setup or take a scenic spin down gravel paths.
- Full Suspension Mountain Bike: Take on technical trails with a ride that smooths out the bumps and keeps traction dialed.
- Mountain E-Bike: All the control of a full-suspension bike—plus the power of electric motor assist for longer climbs and bigger adventures.
- Downhill Mountain Bike: High-performance bikes built for speed, jumps, and technical descents. Body armor included.
- Demo Mountain Bike: Thinking of buying? Test a top-tier model before committing. (Single-day rentals only; up to 2 days’ cost can go toward your purchase.)
- Fat Tire Bike: Like a monster truck for trails—fat bikes give you extra traction for snow, sand, or rocky terrain.
ADULT ROAD, PATH & CRUISER BIKES
- Path Bike: Ideal for bike paths and smooth gravel trails. Easy to ride, easy to love.
- Path E-Bike: All the perks of a standard path bike, with an extra electric assist for breezy cruising.
- Cruiser (Townie) Bike: Comfortable and classic, these are perfect for casual rides around town or resort villages.
- Road Bike: Lightweight and efficient with a more aggressive riding position—built for speed on paved roads.
KIDS’ BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
- Junior Bike: Reliable and versatile for young riders.
- Junior Downhill Bike: Full-suspension performance in a kid-friendly size.
- Bike Trailer: Bring the little ones along for the ride—plus room for essentials.
- Kids Tag-a-long: Great for kids not ready for full independence but still eager to pedal.
7. Rental Pickup & Return
To ensure availability, please pick up your bike within the first hour your rental store opens. Bikes must be returned to the same location by the end of your rental period to avoid late return fees. And just a heads-up—early pick-ups, such as the day before your reservation, are not available, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Running behind? Call the store to keep your reservation active. If your plans change and you need to cancel, we get it. Email help@christysports.com to cancel or update your reservation.
8. Ready to Ride?
When you rent from Christy Sports, you’re getting more than just a bike, you’re getting a trusted partner in adventure. Our fleet is meticulously maintained to ensure a smooth, safe ride, and our experienced team is there to help you every step of the way. With over 50 locations across mountain towns and resort destinations, we offer unmatched service, local expertise, and a year-round commitment to getting you outside—whether it’s biking, skiing, snowboarding, or relaxing on the patio.
