Home FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled a list of the questions that arise most often at Ptown Bikes. If you have any questions that are not addressed here, please feel free to ask us. We'll gladly get back to you and perhaps even post your question here.

SOLD OUT! what do I do?

Published: 02/05/2012

By: Bill

Website reservations will indicate SOLD OUT if your bike selection is unavailable for any part of the reservation. You can play with the date range yourself or feel free to call Ptown Bikes. We can sometimes find solutions like a shorter reservation or a little taller or shorter bike. 508-487-8735

Do I need a reservation?

Published: 03/19/2007

By: Ptown Bikes

We highly recommend making reservations if you plan on being in Provincetown during the months of June, July, August and September. Remember a reservation must exceed 72 hours! We hope to see you!

How far is your store from the Ferry?

Published: 03/19/2007

By: Ptown Bikes

PTB: Walk from McMillan Wharf to Commercial Street and turn left. Walk past the Boatslip to Atlantic Street and turn right. Walk 1 block to Bradford Street. Ptown Bikes is a leisurely and often amusing people watching 10 minute walk from MacMillan Pier.

Do you rent CHILD BIKE SEATS?

Published: 04/09/2007

By: Filippo

PTB- Sorry, no we do not rent child seats. Instead we rent trailers which are much safer, because in the event the adult bike goes down the trailer will stay upright. Please see trailers in the rentals part of the website. They will attach to any bike with a quick release rear axle.

What is your CANCELATION POLICY?

Published: 07/26/2007

By: Mary Beth

You can cancel a reservation and get a full refund of your deposit if you give us at least 72 hours notice. Send your cancelation request to bill@ptownbikes.com or call the store at 508-487-8735

Do you have a WAITING LIST?

Published: 05/26/2008

By: Tony

Im looking for three bikes from 1 Jul to 7 Jul but your reservation system shows no availability. Do you have a waiting list? Ptown Bikes- We are sorry but we do not keep waiting lists. Check out the question about what to do if the website says SOLD OUT.

Do you SELL BIKES?

Published: 06/19/2008

By: Catherine

PTB- Ptown Bikes is an authorized dealer for TREK/GARY FISHER, AND SPECIALIZED bicycles. You can find the MSRP on the company websites: www.trekbikes.com and www.specialized.com. We will always beat the advertised MSRP by at least 10%. We also sell USED BIKES which are retired rental bikes or trade-ins.

Do any of your kids’ bikes have TRAINING WHEELS

Published: 06/27/2008

By: VdR

PTB- Yes, we do have a limited number of 16” and 20” children’s bikes that can be equipped with training wheels. It is best to call ahead if you have that request.

DAILY VERSUS WEEKLY RATE?

Published: 07/01/2008

By: kevin

PTB- Our rate’s are displayed on the Rental’s page. You pay the daily rate unless it is cheaper to use the weekly rate even if you have the bike less than 7 days. For example: It is $22 per 24 hours. Therefore 3 days would be $66. The weekly is $ 89, so in that case the rental would go by the daily rate. If you kept a bike 5 days, 5x$22=$110. Since the weekly rate of $89 is cheaper, that is what we would charge.

Do you have TAGALONGS for kids?

Published: 07/09/2008

By: Ellen Marakowitz

We do rent tag-alongs (also called Trail a Bikes) Please see the description on the RENTALS page of our website. Our Tag-alongs are made by Burley, undeniably the best, most stable Tag-alongs made. Because these connect to Burley’s patented rack system for super stability, they must be pulled by one of our comfort bikes equipped with that special rack.

What OTHER CHARGES are there?

Published: 07/10/2008

By: Karl

What other charges are there for a weekly rental besides the weekly rate and tax?

PTB- Your rental includes a free helmet, cable lock, bungee cords, and maps. All bikes are equipped with bottle cages and racks. The only extras are if you buy Theft Insurance or if you want to rent a rear basket or car rack.

DISASSEMBLY AND SHIPPING?

Published: 04/12/2009

By: jeff

Q: Hi, I may be riding to provincetown on a road bike and might fly home from there. How much would you charge to let me disassemble it with your wrenches, box it up (one that you have that a new bike came in) and ship it to Minnesota?Thanks, Jeff

PTB- Disassembly and boxing is $40 (box and packing included). This applies to most bikes that will fit in a standard bike box 53x8x32. We ship our bikes Fedex Ground unless you choose differently. We do not mark up the Fedex charges and just pass them along to you. You may also set up your own shipping or take the bike yourself. WARNING: Oversized bikes such as choppers or long cruisers cost more to box and about triple to ship.

3 DAY MINIMUM?

Published: 05/02/2009

By: David

Good morning, I'm trying to reserve 2 bikes for 7/3 and 7/4, but the site says I need to reserve for three days. Could I please make a reservation for only those two days? Thanks, David

You are correct, our website does not allow reservations of less than 3 days. If you call we may make an exception depending on availability, but you are asking for July 4 week, so there are no promises. Except for our most busy times we have plenty of bikes on a walk in basis. You may also pay the 3 day rate, even if you keep it 3 days, but beware: If you make a reservation and bring the bike back early, expect to pay the 3 day minimum.

HOURLY BIKE RESERVATIONS?

Published: 05/26/2009

By: Heather

I am trying to make a reservation for an hourly rental and the computer kicks back that I need to rent for 3 days, Why?

Hi Heather. We generally have plenty of bikes available on a walk in basis... we have 600 rental bikes... so you can usually just walk in and rent a bike for just a few hours. The exceptions would be holiday weeks such as July 4 and Carnival. Our 3 day minimum reservation policy protects us from tying up reserved bikes during busy holiday times when most bikes are being rented for multiple days or weeks at a time. It also protects you because there is a $25 reservation deposit which is only refundable with at least 72 hours notice. If it rained or you canceled your reservation at the last moment you would lose your deposit. I hope this sounds reasonable and fair to you. Thanks for your question.

HOW DO I CHANGE MY RESERVATION?

Published: 06/02/2009

By: hillary super

hi I made a reservation and wanted to change the size of my bike. couldnt figure out how to do it. I need a 17"...preferably comfort bike. I booked a 19" by mistake. thanks

PTB- Sorry for the inconvenience. Currently there is no way to change your reservation on the website. The best thing to do is email us at bill@ptownbikes.com or call 508-487-8735.

TAG-ALONG RESERVATIONS

Published: 06/21/2009

By: Trey

I have reserved two bikes for the parents, but I can't seem to rent a tagalong on the online reservation system. Is that possible, or the fact that it doesn't show up mean there are no more available?

TAG-ALONGS must be reserved by phone 508-487-8735 or email. bill@ptownbikes.com

HOURS OF BUSINESS

Published: 07/08/2009

By: Greg

Maybe I'm not looking hard enough, but I can't find your hours of operation on this site? How late are you open on weekdays? Thanks!

PTB- We are open seven days a week 10-5 April thru mid-May and 9-6 mid May thru mid Sept., then back to 10-5 mid-Sept. thru mid-Oct when we close for the season.

How do I RESERVE A ROAD BIKE?

Published: 07/29/2009

By: Jeff Danielson

Hello. I started an online reservation, but I didn't see availability info for your Trek road bikes (either available or sold out). Can you tell me if you have the Trek 1000 or other decent road bike in a 56 - 58 available for the week of Aug 8 - 15. I am a relatively serious road rider but unable to bring mine with me this year. Thanks for your help.Regards,Jeff

To provide you with a more precise fit we ask that you reserve road bikes by telephone. 508-487-8735. Please know what brand and size road bike you usually ride. Your height and inseam also help.

Deposit requirements....?

Published: 07/31/2009

By: Cecilia

How much is the deposit required on the road bike? Also - You mentioned that Road bikes have a special rate after Mid-Sept. - I could not find that rate. What is it?

PTB- Reservation deposits are $25 per bike. When you arrive you will sign a contract and provide a credit card assurance that the bike will be returned. The amount is based on our cost to replace the equipment. As of this update, 2/1/2012, Road bike replacement cost would be $750. Mountain bikes, hybrids and comfort bikes would be $450.

Is there anyway to make a 24HR Reservation?

Published: 08/03/2009

By: Abby

I see I cannot reserve for just 24 hours; what are the chances of getting two hybrid or mountain bikes Saturday am to keep for 24 hours?

PTB- We generally have a decent number of bikes available for walk in traffic for daily use. Big holidays or special weeks like July 4 and Carnival can be difficult. You are always welcome to call in the morning to get the latest info on availability. 508-487-8735

How do I CHANGE MY LOGIN

Published: 08/26/2009

By: james beattie

I need to change my email as part of the login. how do i link upo to do that?

PTB-Please change logins, passwords, and other profile information by email (bill@ptownbikes.com) or by telephone 508-487-8735

PICK UP AND DROP OFF SERVICE?

Published: 11/25/2010

By: Jeri

Do you offer pick up service in another town if we ride to Chatham? There would be 4 of us and going to the airport from there. Yes we do offer either pick up or drop off service for our customers who are doing a one-way bike ride. Please call our store for prices which vary depending on the distance. Bill

Just a Thanks!!

Published: 03/12/2011

By: Rodney Gray

No question, I just wanted to thank you for the great reliable and trustworthy business you have. I know I can always depend on your great bikes. I bought a Gary Fisher Mtn Bike after my last reservation. Seriously, you guys offer a great service and I appreciate it! You add much to the joy of visiting P-town!Thanks, Rodd Thx Rodd. We appreciate your patronage!

Is this where I change my reservation?

Published: 04/26/2011

By: BRYAN

I meant to pick up the bike on Saturday July 9th in the afternoon and drop off on Friday July 15th.can you adjust my reservation? Bryan

Hi Bryan (and others who may ask this question). This forum is more of a question answer resource. Questions of this nature will get a much faster response via email (bill@ptownbikes.com) or by telephone 508-487-8735

AGE REQUIREMENT

Published: 05/09/2011

By: Rebecca

Do you have to be 18 or older to rent the bikes? I am only 17, but I will be leading a group of kids from my GSA to p-town for a day trip.

Persons under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign the contract. Under law, persons under 18 years old may not sign a contract .

Can we Borrow tubes and patches for our ride?

Published: 06/13/2011

By: Jim Gerhard

Outriders of Boston will have its ride to Provincetown this Saturday, June 17. We were wondering whether it would be possible to get some tubes and patches with a deposit and return any unused items on Saturday Sunday?

We offer complimentary tubes and tire changing equipment with our rental bikes. You may always purchase merchandise from our store and return it if unused and in resaleable condition, but you should ALWAYS carry that equipment with you on long rides.

Payment

Published: 06/28/2011

By: Gerard

Unable to confirm reservations, payment is always denied

I apologize. We upgraded our computer software over the winter and have been experiencing problems, which we are working on solving. In the meantime, we will always gladly take care of you on the telephone. 508-487-8735 Again, sorry for the inconvenience.

did not receive email did not receive email confirmation of reservation

Published: 07/08/2011

By: daryl hair

I booked a bike online. the confirmation page said to expect an email confirmation to print and bring along. I did not receive an email email. reservation number is 67168. Thanks, Daryl Hair

Hi Daryl. We were experiencing some software issues with the reservation system and some people were not receiving confirmations. However, one thing to do is check your SPAM folder. Sometimes confirmations end up in there. If you send an email to bill@ptownbikes.com or call 508-487-8735 we can confirm your reservation and send you another confirmation letter. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Sold out?

Published: 07/12/2011

By: Kodie Salter

Your bike selection is sold out. can you notify me of any cancellations or recommend another shop with availability. Thanks

Hi Kodie. Please see the FAQ: “SOLD OUT! what do I do?” There are some helpful suggestions. We do not keep a waiting list. sorry.

BASKETS?

Published: 07/13/2011

By: Jannah

do you rent baskets?

Yes, we rent rear baskets as of this year. They fit the racks on our hybrid bikes. $5/day or $15/week

Sold out?

Published: 08/02/2011

By: Lee Pearce

Logged in an attempted to rent for a month commencing 08/12 and every bike is marked 'sold out' - please confirm

Hi Lee. Please see the above FAQ: “SOLD OUT! what do I do?”

Any bike groups or clubs?

Published: 08/05/2011

By: Chris

Are there any bike clubs or roadie groups that are LGBT friendly? My partner and I enjoy riding in different areas we visit and we enjoy riding with other groups when we travel. They usually know the best places to ride and know the area well. Great way to meet the locals as well.

Hi Chris. There are not any organized bike groups or clubs. My employees and their friends often ride together, but that’s about it.

Sold out?

Published: 08/09/2011

By: Paul Anderson

I was trying to make a reservation for Aug29-Sep3, but was not presented with a list of bikes (res 8042/8043). Is this because there is no availablity or is there a problem with your website?

Hi Paul. You should never be presented with a blank page. If bikes you fit are sold out, they will be listed and marked “SOLD OUT.” It could be a temporary issue with the website or your profile is not complete and the system does not know how to fit you. Best to call us and we’ll figure it out. 508-487-8735

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