If you are thinking about cycling the Camino de Santiago with CaminoWays.com and possibly a Camino bike rental, we have prepared this useful list to answer all your questions about your new best holiday friend: your bike!
How It Works
You’ve chosen to cycle the Camino and have booked your self-guided tour, and you might be curious about how it will unfold. We also arrange guided cycling tours of the Camino de Santiago for groups; please contact us for more information.
We recommend cycling the Camino only if you have some experience as a cyclist and are familiar with essential bike maintenance such as changing a tube, fixing the chain if it comes off or attaching the pedals. If you are cycling for over a week we also recommend adding rest days, particularly if you are cycling the Camino with children. This would allow you to have a day’s rest and also explore some of the great cities and towns along the routes such as Burgos, León, Porto, etc…
Your Camino bike will be delivered to your first hotel, ready for the following day: your first day of cycling. The bike will be neatly packed in a box so the handlebar needs to be straightened and the pedals attached and secured (instructions included). You must check the bike before you start your journey, ensuring that everything is working properly. If you think there is something wrong, let us know so your bike can get replaced and avoid trouble on your way (in a way, it is similar to renting a car!).
Once you finish your cycling trip, you can bring your bike back to the bike shop in Santiago de Compostela. You can see full details in the general information document included in your Camino Travel Documents.
If mid-tour, you decide you don’t need some of the Camino bike rental accessories (such as the pannier, etc…) make sure to pack them in your suitcase so it can be transferred easily (avoiding additional charges and risk of losing the equipment). Our bike rental packages include a €100 refundable deposit. Do not leave pedals or any other bike accessories supplied behind in your hotel, as you will be charged for loss or damage of equipment.
A minimum period of 4 days (3 nights) applies when hiring a Camino bike for your Camino de Santiago trip with CaminoWays.com; a minimum of 5 days (6 nights) if you are hiring an e-bike.
Cycling the Camino de Santiago: What’s included
- Your Camino MTB Standard Mountain Bike: You will get an aluminium 12-gear (1×12) mountain bike with disc brakes and 29-inch wheels, as standard, from a local company.
- These bikes are specifically designed for the Camino de Santiago terrain. They will be adapted to your height (you must give the sales team your exact height – particularly if you are cycling the Camino with children).
- The bike has a rack, bottle holder, lock, and reflectors.
- Camino e-Bikes: are available on selected routes for Camino trips finishing in Santiago de Compostela.
- Pannier Pack: with a bike repair kit inside. (*If you don’t need it, just let us know 2 months in advance). The repair kit includes a pump, set of tools, spare inner tube, patch kit and cables, as well as a simple label showing you how to carry out essential bike maintenance. It also comes with a bike lock.
- Please note that the panniers are waterproof. The model is Ortlieb City roller waterproof (20Lx2).
- Helmet rental is also included as part of your package, but if you don’t need it and instead bring your own, please let our team know. Remember, Spanish legislation mandates that all cyclists use officially sanctioned protective helmets when cycling in non-urban areas. Children under 16 must wear helmets at all times.
- Exceptions are made on extended, steep descents, for medical exemptions, or in extremely hot weather. Not adhering to these rules could lead to a traffic penalty.
- If you are cycling the Camino with kids, let our travel consultants know in advance, as we also have various options. We will also give you suggestions for a children-friendly route/itinerary. We generally suggest covering approximately 25km per day with children.
** Please be aware that your bike does not come equipped with additional accessories such as lights, reflective gear, or phone holders. You are welcome to bring these items with you or acquire them along the route.
More Information About Our Standard Mountain Bike:
- Shift Sram SX Eagle 1x12s
- Fork Suntour XCM RL 29″, Regulable, T: 100mm
- Rim 29″
- Frame: Limbo 296
- Fork Suntour XCM RL 29″, Remote pop lock
- Frame: Aluminium
- Front derailleur Sram SX Eagle
- Brakes Shimano MT200, Disco Hidráulico F-160/R-160
- Crank Sram SX Eagle 11-50t
- Pannier rack included
- Safety retroreflectors
More Information About Our Standard eBike:
- Frame: Aluminium Lite
- Fork: SR Suntour XCR 32 EL (travel 100mm, remote lockout)
- Front hub: Shimano FH-TX505
- Back hub: Shimano FH-TX505
- Tire: Schwalbe Rapid Rob (29″x2, 25)
- Rims: Kross Disc (Aluminium, double wall, 29″, 19mm)
- Front brake: Shimano Disc BR-M315 (disc, hydraulic)
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore SL-M6000 (10)
- Crank arm: Shimano Steps 38T, 175mm
- Chain: Shimano CN-HG54
- Engine: Shimano steps E-7000
- Battery: Shimano
- Charge: 80% up to 2.5 hours | 100% up to 5 hours
- Autonomy: ECO + Normal about 70-90km | Normal + Boost under 60km
Cycling the Camino: Support
We have carefully planned the distances you will cover by bike on the Camino, taking into account the nature of the terrain, type of track, and other circumstances, such as the fact that the trail is shared with walkers in most cases.
If you feel the distances for your Camino cycle are too short or long, talk to our sales team when planning your trip. There is probably a good reason behind the mileage chosen; just ask us!
The Camino de Santiago routes cover thousands of kms/ miles so it is difficult to have someone on the ground at all times but relax, it runs smoothly all the time!
CaminoWays.com has a 24/7 assistance number should you need assistance and advice (this number is provided with your booking/travel documents); we also provide you with a support number from the bike provider. While we are not able to send someone to repair your bike on the Camino trail, our trusted providers will give you as much support as possible.
Your bike comes with a repair kit for essential repairs such as flat tyres and punctures. In the unlikely event that you have a second puncture, we can provide you with the contact details for the closest bike repair shop (you will be responsible for repair costs).
If you are in a remote area and don’t feel like walking, we can also get you contact details for local taxi drivers (a taxi transfer will be at your own cost).
If you feel you need a break from cycling, we might be able to organise a transfer for your bike but we will need 48 hours notice and there will be a cost associated with the bike transfer (as additional luggage transfer).
When cycling the Camino, it is vital to remember that you are sharing the tracks with walkers, so be mindful and respectful to other pilgrims, whether on foot or on wheels.
Surcharges for standard mountain bike
Please make a note of surcharges that will be charged should any of the following occur:
When cycling the Camino, it is vital to remember that you are sharing the tracks with walkers, so be mindful and respectful to other pilgrims, whether on foot or on wheels.
- Theft or loss of bicycle MTB Standard Bike: €1,000
- Theft, damage or loss of panniers: €30
- Theft, damage or loss of helmet: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of tool kit: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of bicycle lock: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of handlebar bag: €15
- Late return fee per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement – MTB standard: €23
- MTB bicycle collection at the customer’s hotel rather than a shop (if you finish in Santiago): €35
Surcharges for EMTB e-bike
Please make a note of surcharges that will be charged should any of the following occur:
- Theft or loss of an EMTB e-bike: €2,000
- Theft, damage or loss of panniers: €30
- Theft, damage or loss of helmet: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of tool kit: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of bicycle lock: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of handlebar bag: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of saddle gel cover: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of battery and charger: €300
- Theft, damage or loss of LCD screen: €300
- Theft, damage or loss of key: €200
- Damage or scratches of frame: €250
- Damage to wires: €200
- Late return fee of EMTB e-bikes: €50 per day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement.
- E-bike collection at a customer’s hotel in Santiago rather than a shop: €300
Enjoy the Camino ride!
For more information about cycling the Camino, the best routes for cycling and to book your trip, contact our travel specialists
