04 Jul 2024
I stumbled into these guys by accident after a Viator-arranged bike trip to Karlstejn Castle fell apart (note... Karlstejn is typically closed Mondays). I should have gone straight to the source to start with as renting from Praha Bike directly is cheaper and as or more convenient. The patient, friendly, sympathetic service is tremendous: they have lots of available options and fit you to a cycle of your choosing, their advice is absolutely solid, they set you up with a digital and paper route, and remain there for you if you need help after you've rented. (Note: I arranged for my bike in person the day before, and it was all ready to go for me first thing the next morning, but I could have had it that moment had I wanted it.)
Two other tips if you go without a guide and decide not to return by train as I did: (1) it's very doable, but leave time for mistakes because the way to Karlstejn is littered with unmarked turns onto side paths as well as bridge and railroad crossings and bike-speed bumps. Not counting the side road to the castle itself, there's also one extremely steep hill to navigate (with speed bumps!) -- I wasn't riding hellbent for leather, but all told, it took me about 2.5 hours to get there and another 2.5 hours back. (2) I can't stress enough how careful you need to be riding in the city proper. The cobblestoned streets and walks are treacherous, and I crashed hard on my return trying to follow traffic instructions and get inside the tram lane after catching my wheel in the rail rut. Thanks to the Praha Bike team for the peroxide and band aids! Cobblestones and trams are infinitely better suited to pedestrians than bicyclists.