Rent a bicycle + get free stuff in San Francisco

Our awesome AirBnB-host in Oakland gave us this tip and we’re so glad we took his advice. Since sharing is caring – here’s it for you in return!

If you’re ready to conquer the quays of San Fran by bicycle – you don’t want to go more inland with all of these hills – head out to the Fisherman’s Wharf and look for Jones St. On the crossing with Bay St. you’ll find the Basically Free Bike Rental – right on the corner. 

This bike-rental shop cleverly gives you the choice of paying for your rental or taking the cost as credit for purchases (valid for 72 hours) at the huge sporting-goods store Sports Basement. Rates for the bicycles start at $32,- for a full day (or $24,- for 3 hours). Those prices are pretty okay by itself, but if you go to Sports Basement, which has a great location en route to the Golden Gate Bridge – and stars lots and lots of outdoor stuff – you can spend all of the paid amount over there! 

If was afraid there’d be a catch with this deal, but there honestly is none other that people may end up spending up more than their voucher (which I’m sure is the master plan behind it). But it could work out fine for you, especially if you’re heading out to one of the nearby national parks and need some stuff for camping! I’m sure this must be a real bummer for all of the other bicycle rental shops. 

In case you buy too much to carry on by bicycle, Sports Basement will mount panniers or mail your stuff home if needed. We were in need ourself for a purifier and bought one almost for the amount that we spent on renting the bicycles. 

So in one afternoon or day, you can explore the Fisherman’s Wharf ( including the fun sea lions), eat a lobster rolls at the Embarcadero, bicycle the park of Fort Mason, see those cute San Fran houses on Marina Blvd, hear The Wave Organ at the Yacht Harbor, play with the many dogs at Crissy Field, cycle the Golden Gate Bridge and shop your gear for your next outdoor adventure at Sports Basement. Sounds like a great day right?!