Got a question you don't see here? Give us a call at (415)741-1196, email us at friends@sportsbasement.com or stop by and ask us in person.
You'll have to ask the fisherman at the wharf. Just kidding, no catch what you see is what you pay.
You can always come in and rent a bike on the spot, but we can't always guarantee a bike unless you reserve online.
Our bike experts do! Call our shop and ask for recommendations: (415)741-1196.
1 DAY rentals must be returned on the same day they were picked up. They get homesick.
After you rent a bike, you'll get a voucher for Sports Basement with a value equal to the cost of your bike rental. On your way to the bridge, take a time-out at Sports Basement and use it all up because it expires 72 hours after you receive it. Get a breakdown here.
From Downtown San Francisco: Take BART to Embarcadero Station. Hop on the F Muni train to Jones and Beach street then walk a short two blocks towards Bay Street. We're dressed in green.
San Francisco weather is fickle so it's best to layer. Check conditions for the day and build your layers accordingly. It is almost always windy so a windbreaker or jacket is recommended. Wear closed-toe shoes and a helmet while biking. Sunglasses and sunblock can also make your ride more comfortable.
While we understand our crazy (and amazing) city can make you a bit late, if you really go past your bike rental window, you'll be charged for the rest of that day's rental. We know you can't see everything in San Francisco in three hours, so if you're not sure you'll make it back in time, opt for the one day rental and tour to your heart's content.
We'll miss you (bike rentals just aren't the same without you) but you can give us a quick call and let us know: (415)741-1196.
Yes! Other than Basically Free Bike Rentals, you can drop off your bike rental at any Sports Basement location. The Presidio and Bryant locations are both shown on these routes.
We have an awesome selection of bikes available to rent including road bikes, hybrid bikes, electric bikes and even tandem bikes. Check out our current selection here.
All of our bikes are available for 3 hour rental with the exception of our road and mountain bikes, which are strictly full day rentals.
Yes! The extra days you choose to rent will be half off. For example, if you rent a bike for one day at $40, it will cost $20 for each additional day you rent it.
You must present a valid ID at the time of rental. The responsible party for the rental must be at least 18 years of age.
California requires riders under 18 to wear helmets. Adults can choose to ride without a helmet, but Sports Basement recommends helmets for all riders. It's not you, it's the other guy!
The bike, a helmet, and a lock.
Not hard at all! It takes a little getting used to. The driver and the rider need to coordinate shifting but that's about it.
Our electric bikes feature the Bosch drive system and are therefore "pedal assist". You still need to pedal, but the motor helps you, especially on hills! The bikes have a range of up to 60 miles depending on how much assist you use.
Nope, just a passionate desire for exploring San Francisco on a bike.
We do sell most of the bikes we rent. Once you return your bike we can direct you to our bike department to begin the purchase process.
You may occasionally see some of our rental bikes at one of our "Basement Basement" sales. These happen approximately every three months and rotate between our different locations to spread the love.
We do rent bikes for Escape, but they book up fast. Here is the Escape section of our rental site.
Nope! Just like our road bikes, our Premium Mountain bikes can be fitted with all the popular pedal styles at no extra cost. You may also bring your own and we will install them for you.
Reserve the 20" model for kids 8 and under. The 24" model works for larger kids. We have plenty of bikes and can make adjustments at the time of pickup if your child feels more comfortable on a different size.
You could pull them along on a trail-a-bike. They still pedal but balance and steering are handled by the adult in charge. You could pull them in a trailer as long as they are under 100 lbs. Another option is to put larger kids on the back of a tandem.
We have a map and guide here that details our favorite route.
Not difficult at all! There is about 300 feet of elevation gain to get up to the bridge. Some people walk their bikes for the steepest 50 yard stretch. Most all the way is on bike paths. Follow the bikes! All roads lead to Rome...
On the bridge itself you will be on a dedicated pedestrian/bike path (weekdays) or a bike only path (weekends). The paths are separated from the roadway by a fence. The bridge can get crowded. Be cautious and courteous.
Because of the popularity of Biking the Bridge, the City of Sausalito has instituted a paid bicycle parking lot right in the center of town. The cost is $3.00 per bike. It's well worth it as your are right there in the center of town and the parking area is monitored. You do need to lock up your bike but you don't have to worry about it. There is free bike parking about ¼ mile beyond the downtown area mixed in with the car parking near the marina.
You can buy tickets for the ferry in Sausalito.
You definitely should! Biking the city is the best way to get to know this city. We have a few routes we recommend for touring San Francisco.
Flat -tires are a natural part of any bicycle's life, including our rentals' (they don't like them either). If you happen to get a flat while exploring San Francisco, pop into any bike shop, have it fixed, and bring that receipt back to us for reimbursement. We also provide flat-tire kits with our bike rentals so you can DIY and be back on the road ASAP. Wow, we love acronyms.
If you're tired, it's rainy, or you don't wanna put your bike on the ferry, you can opt to use Sausalito Bike Return. You leave it there by the end of your rental time and they'll bring it to us for you! The drop off location is at Parking Lot 1 on the corner of Anchor Street and Humboldt Avenue. See their website for more info and questions.
Yes! We rent bike seats and trailers for kids 2 and up. Note that your child must be able to support their head by themselves and fit in one of our child helmets in order to ride. California law states that children must wear helmets while riding (or being otherwise transported on) a bike.