If you are thinking about cycling the Via Francigena with Camino Ways, we have prepared this useful post answering all your questions about your new best friend: your bike!
Table of contents
How it Works?
You have decided to cycle the Via Francigena, you have booked your self-guided holiday and you are now wondering how it will work. We recommend you cycle the Via Francigena only if you have some experience as a cyclist and are familiar with essential bike maintenance (how to change a tyre, for example, and basic bike repairs and assembly).
Please note that bike rentals are only available as part of our Via Francigena package and cannot be rented separately.
Getting Your Bike Ready
When you arrive at your first hotel, your bike should be there waiting for you, ready for the following day: your first day cycling.
The bike will be neatly packed in a box, so the handlebar needs to be straightened and the pedals need to be attached. It is very important that you check the bike before you start your journey, making sure everything is working properly.
If you notice anything wrong, it’s important to report it right away so that your bike rental. Think of it as similar to checking a hire car before driving off—better safe than sorry.
After the Journey: Returning the Bike
Depending on the time of the season and the returning stage, you will have the necessary instructions on your Trip Portal to leave your bike in a safe place for the supplier.
Handling Bike Accessories During Your Trip
If you find during your journey that you don’t need some of the bike accessories, such as panniers or other add-ons, you can pack them in your luggage. This ensures they’re transported safely with your luggage, avoids extra costs and reduces the risk of losing important gear.
Any missing or damaged accessories, like pedals, panniers or other supplied items, will incur a surcharge (see below for more information). So, it’s important to return all items in good condition and avoid leaving anything behind at your hotel.
Please note at CaminoWays.com we can provide bike rental if you are cycling the Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome, or any of the stages in between, including the most popular section of the Via Francigena in Tuscany.
Cycling the Via Francigena: What’s included
Minimum Bike Rental Period
To hire a bike for your Via Francigena journey, the minimum rental period is 3 days (4 nights). If you’re planning to use an electric bike (e-bike), the minimum is 5 days (6 nights). This helps ensure you have enough time to enjoy the route and make the most of your cycling experience.
Bike Sizes
Bikes E-bikes are suitable for people between 1.47m (4’8″) and 2m (6’56”) in height. Our supplier will provide the bike according to the height you confirm to us. Please note that this information is essential to deliver the right bike, as we cannot change the bikes during the route.
Support
We have carefully planned the distances you will cover by bike, taking into account the nature of the terrain, type of track and other circumstances (If it’s a path shared with walkers or not, for example). If you feel distances for your Via Francigena cycle are too short or long, talk to our travel consultants when planning your trip. There is probably a good reason behind the mileage chosen, just ask our travel specialists for advice.
CaminoWays.com has a 24/7 assistance number should you need assistance and advice (this number is provided with your travel documentation). Our team will be able to give you guidance and, if necessary, our bike rental partners will assist you on the trail.
Customising Your Cycling Distances
We have carefully planned the distances you will cover by bike on the Via Francigena, taking into account the nature of the terrain, the type of track, and other circumstances, such as the fact that the trail is usually shared with walkers. If you feel the distances for your Via Francigena 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, ask us!
Not only the Cycling Path
When cycling the Via Francigena, it is vital to remember that you are sharing the tracks with walkers. Be mindful and respectful of other pilgrims, whether on foot or on wheels. Enjoy the ride!
For additional information and advice about cycling the Via Francigena or to book your cycling holiday, contact our Camino travel specialists.
More Information About Our Standard Trekking Bike & Our eBike
- These bikes are specifically designed for the Via Francigena terrain. They will be adapted to your height (you must give the sales team your exact height – particularly if you are cycling the Via Francigena with children).
- The bike has a rack, bottle holder, lock and reflectors.
- Pannier Pack: This pack includes a bike repair kit. The repair kit includes a pump, set of tools, spare inner tube, patch kit, cables, and 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 BACK-ROLLER CLASSIC (20Lx2).
- A helmet rental is included in your package. By law in Italy, all cyclists must wear approved helmets outside city areas. Kids under 16 must wear a helmet at all times. We provide an adjustable helmet in standard sizes M–L. If you need a different size, tell us when you book — otherwise, you’ll get size M.
- If you are cycling the Via Francigena with kids, let our travel consultants know in advance. We also have various options. We will also give you suggestions for a child-friendly route/itinerary. We generally suggest covering approximately 25km per day with children.
*Please be aware that your bike is not 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.
If you don’t need it, just let us know two months in advance
Trekking Bike
A local company will provide a Trekking Bike. The bike for all seasons, ideal to travel on asphalt or white roads in the best possible comfort. The amortized fork gives stability on every type of ground, while the front and rear disk brakes allow you to stop in safety in every weather or road condition.We mounted anti-puncture tyres with reflectant bands, to improve safety and visibility, as well as rear racks that can sustain up to 25 kilos in weight, so that you can carry on your bike everything you need (and thanks to the reinforced easel you’ll have the maximum stability even when you stop). The dinamo powered lights will always keep you visible and clear the way ahead of you without risking to end up “in the dark”. Saddles have been selected for their comfort.
More Information About Our Standard Trekking Bike
- Frame: SmartForm C1 Alloy, Dual Battery ready, removable downtube battery.
- Fork: SR Suntour XCM 34 Boost, 100mm, 15×110, Coil, 51mm offset
- Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing, Tapered
- Drive Unit: Bosch Performance Line CX 250W
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube, 625Wh
- Charger: Bosch 4A
- Display: Bosch Purion
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M5100
- Shifters: Shimano Deore M5100, 11-speed
- Chain: Shimano HG601, 11-speed
- Crank: FSA Bosch E-Bike w/ custom Ai offset, 38T
- Rear Cogs: Shimano Deore 5100, 11-51, 11-speed
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc, 180/180mm RT10 rotors
- Brake Levers: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
- Tire Size: 2.25
- Wheel Size: 29
- Tires: Schwalbe G-One Allround Performance, 29×2.25″
E-bike: Cannondale Tesoro Neo X2
With the Tesoro Neo X2 e-bike you’ll enjoy effortless riding on any route you choose. This bike lends itself to paved roads, but performs best on off-road trails and bikepacking tours. Its mudguards, front and rear lights, kickstand and Bosch battery will make your experience even more comfortable.
This model allows you to take a break from your busy life and enjoy nature. It is the right model to rent if you love speed and riding long distances on a reliable and comfortable bike. A new adventure is waiting for you!
Depending on availability, setups may change without altering the quality standard of the bike.
More Information About Our Cannondale Tesoro Neo X2 E-Bike
- Frame: SmartForm C1 Alloy, Dual Battery ready, removable downtube battery.
- Fork: SR Suntour XCM 34 Boost, 100mm, 15×110, Coil, 51mm offset
- Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing, Tapered
- Drive Unit: Bosch Performance Line CX 250W
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube, 625Wh
- Charger: Bosch 4A
- Display: Bosch Purion
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M5100
- Shifters: Shimano Deore M5100, 11-speed
- Chain: Shimano HG601, 11-speed
- Crank: FSA Bosch E-Bike w/ custom Ai offset, 38T
- Rear Cogs: Shimano Deore 5100, 11-51, 11-speed
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc, 180/180mm RT10 rotors
- Brake Levers: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
- Tire Size: 2.25
- Wheel Size: 29
- Tires: Schwalbe G-One Allround Performance, 29×2.25″
Important Features and Details
E-Bike Specifications
With its 625 Wh battery, this bike offers a range up to 170 km, but please note that such value may change depending on the cyclist’s weight and the type of route, as well as on climate conditions, and may even be significantly lower.
Here is the maximum range for each of the riding modes selected on the display:
- Eco – 170 km
- Tour – 100 km
- Sport – 80 km
- Turbo – 70 km
Charging the Bike
Charge your bike every night. Even if the battery runs out during the day, you can pedal as with a standard bike.
We strongly recommend that you leave the battery in the carter while charging it. If this is not possible, please carefully place the battery back into the carter after charging and turn the key. This is not a difficult operation, but requires great caution to avoid bike malfunction or loss of the battery while riding.
Support Cycling the Via Francigena
Via Francigena Assistance on the Road
The Via Francigena routes cover hundreds of km/ miles, so it is difficult to always have someone on the ground, but it runs smoothly all the time!
24/7 Assistance
Via FrancigenaWays.com has a 24/7 assistance number should you need assistance and advice (this number is provided with your client’s portal). We also provide a support number from the bike provider. While we cannot send someone to repair your bike on the Via Francigena trail, our trusted providers will give you as much support as possible.
Surcharges for Standard Trekking Bike
Please make a note of surcharges that will be charged should any of the following occur:
- Theft or loss of bicycle MTB Standard Bike: €1,149.50
- Theft, damage, or loss of panniers: €60.50
- Theft, damage, or loss of helmet: €36.30
- Theft, damage, or loss of any tool from the tool kit: €36.30
- Theft, damage, or loss of bicycle lock: €15
- Theft, damage, or loss of handlebar bag: €60.50
- Late return fee per day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement – MTB standard: €23
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: €5,445
- Theft, damage or loss of panniers: €60.50
- Theft, damage or loss of helmet: €36.30
- Theft, damage or loss of any tool from the tool kit: €36.30
- Theft, damage or loss of the full toolkit: €60.50
- Theft, damage or loss of bicycle lock: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of handlebar bag: €60.50
- 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: €363
- Theft, damage or loss of key: €200
- Damage to the charging cover of E-MTB Focus: €36.30
- Damage to the stand of E-MTB Focus (XS | S): €72.60
- 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.
Cycling the Via Francigena is an unforgettable way to experience the heart of Italy, from ancient hilltop villages to peaceful countryside paths and lively piazzas.
Our travel specialists are here to help you plan the perfect route, whether you want to conquer the Last 200km to Rome, explore our curated Via Francigena Cycling Tours or start creating your personalised journey with our easy-to-use our Planner.
FAQs about Cycling the Via Francigena
Q: Can I rent a bike without booking a Via Francigena package?
A: Bike rentals are only available as part of our Via Francigena travel packages. This ensures full support, accommodation, and logistics throughout your cycling journey.
Q: What type of bikes are included in the rental?
A: You can choose between a high-quality trekking bike or an e-bike, both perfectly suited for the terrain and distances along the Via Francigena cycling routes.
Q: Is a helmet included with the bike rental?
A: Yes, every bike rental includes a helmet for safety. You’re also welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Find more details about our luggage transfer services.
Q: How do I receive my bike at the start of the trip?
A: Your bike will be delivered directly to your first hotel on the Via Francigena, fully prepared for assembly with pedals and handlebars.
Q: What happens if my bike gets damaged or lost?
A: In the event of theft, damage, or loss of the bike or accessories, surcharges may apply. All details are included in your Via Francigena travel documents before departure.
Q: Is there a minimum rental period for e-bikes?
A: Yes, the minimum rental period for e-bikes is five days (six nights), while standard bikes can be rented for a minimum of three days (four nights).
Q: Is support available if I have a problem on the Via Francigena?
A: Absolutely. All cyclists enjoy 24/7 assistance, a repair kit, and contact details for nearby bike shops along the route for extra peace of mind.
👉 If you’d like a personalised cycling itinerary, try our Award-Winning Via Francigena Planner and start planning your journey today.