Cycle shop on the Camino

[Goosey]

Hello. I live in Navarrenx, one of the 'haltes' on the chemin de Compostelle (as the French call it) and we run a bike hire shop here. Over the past two years we have helped many pilgrims with various problems with their bikes or just hired them bikes when the walking has become too much! If you're doing the 'Voie de Puy', you'll walk right past our shop, so drop in and say 'bonjour'. If we can help with any questions you might have, just ask!

[LePuy]

Hi, I have been attempting to get to Santiago since July this year because of a broken ankle. Im currenly in Moissac and running out of money since Ive been here to long (over to Australia) Ive put out a call for help from any pilgrims who may want to donate thier bicycle from Santiago to me when finished, in case I dont get a reply (faith Michelle faith) whats the cheapest bike I could buy or rent off you to do the rest of my trip from navarrenx? I planned to do this leg from St Jean Pied de Port but navarrenx isnt too far off by the looks.
thanks
Michelle

[Goosey]

Hello Michelle. sorry to hear about your plight. To be honest, you'd be better off buying a new but cheap bike from somewhere like a Leclerc supermarket and then either trying to sell it at Santiago or just giving it away, failing that. I couldn't sell you a bike as cheaply as they sell them in a supermarket. It wouldn't be half as good as one of mine obviously, but it would get you there. Trying to buy one second hand in France is difficult as the French seem to have an over-optimistic view of what second-hand goods are worth for some reason!

Sorry I can't be more help, but contact me again if there's anything else you think we could try.

David

[Atlantic]

I totally agree with David here. I think he gives good advice.

Hello Michelle. sorry to hear about your plight. To be honest, you'd be better off buying a new but cheap bike from somewhere like a Leclerc supermarket and then either trying to sell it at Santiago or just giving it away, failing that. I couldn't sell you a bike as cheaply as they sell them in a supermarket. It wouldn't be half as good as one of mine obviously, but it would get you there. Trying to buy one second hand in France is difficult as the French seem to have an over-optimistic view of what second-hand goods are worth for some reason!

Sorry I can't be more help, but contact me again if there's anything else you think we could try.

David

[Atlantic]

David's comment about the French having an inflated idea of the worth of second hand stuff is spot on. But there is an answer and it may help our poster. (?)

If there is an Emmaus nearby, then you can get a bike for between 5-10 euros. Let's call Emmaus (for English language speakers) a charity shop warehouse. I use it all the time.


Thanks to Goosey, too, and I will call and say hello when next in Navarrenx.