Last year the good people at Clear Channel Outdoor introduced us to SmartBike DC, which is basically a two-wheeled version of ZipCar. It all seemed convenient enough -- 100 single-speed bikes, 10 locations (Metro Center and Dupont included).
But wait! Bikes aren't guaranteed to be available at every location, and there's a three-hour rental limit imposed. What if you hate feeling fenced in by other people's rules? Tough, because a late bike meant a cancellation of your subscription. Ouch.
Enter Bikes to Borrow. Order a rental hybrid or road bike for one day, two days or a full week. Enter your height or weight to get a properly fitting bike. Helmets, racks and mud guards come free with your rental. And it gets better -- they deliver. The company delivers and picks up in both the District and Rosslyn.
The one disadvantage? Sure, the Bikes to Borrow is convenient, but convenience comes at a price. Your ride may end up costing $60 depending on the the bike you want, as opposed to SmartBike DC's $40 annual membership.
Look, we never said that being eco-chic was easy, but renting beats having to shove a 21-speed up the stairs to your studio apartment.
