Center Parcs bikes
 

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[Closed] Center Parcs bikes

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Anyone know how it all works? As far as I can see they’re standard frames, 7sp Altus with dynamo hub but badged variously (Forme, Haro etc).

Is it a tendering thing?


 
Posted : 26/02/2022 6:24 pm
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The fancier ones are GT bikes...look nice.


 
Posted : 26/02/2022 6:52 pm
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Sure I read on here a few years back that they can play hell with your arse....


 
Posted : 26/02/2022 7:06 pm
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They had some Zaskars in the bike shop when I went to ask why there were a load of bikes outside out chalet we hadn’t asked for.

Looked nice, but I’m not precisely sure what gnar there is to shred at CP. I did see a Transition Spider chained up outside the centre on a previous trip.


 
Posted : 26/02/2022 7:11 pm
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At least at Longleat, there's no issue taking hire bikes off campus, with the exception of the ebikes.

The Zaskers are worth paying the extra for imo.

Heavens Gate is fun but can get quite sloppy, usually I just stick to the roads and ride the generous handful of decent climbs right on the campus doorstep, including Gare Hill and the Longleat Estate entrance/exit.


 
Posted : 26/02/2022 7:58 pm
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I would bring my own lube, they can be a bit dry


 
Posted : 26/02/2022 8:15 pm
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A trip to the oxo tower is also an option.


 
Posted : 26/02/2022 8:53 pm
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A trip to the oxo tower is also an option.

I thought the context to that one was someone on Mumsnet saying she’d rather up iop the oxo tower than go back to CP?


 
Posted : 26/02/2022 9:00 pm
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Also thinking about it, for a place that’s meant to be bike free and eco friendly it’s very car dependent.

Are any of the sites accessible without a car?


 
Posted : 27/02/2022 1:14 pm
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Yes, for the last ~15 years, I've regular gone to Longleat by train. In recent times I've taken a bike on the train with no issues instead of hiring, ~50mins from Southampton to Warminster with ~4 stops.

Warminster train station is just under 3 miles away from campus entrance, ~15mins at a gentle cycle pace slightly uphill, alternatively there is a taxi rank at the train station that takes under 10mins... You'll probably spend much more time in the taxi in the queue to the check-in desks, on a bike you can bypass that!


 
Posted : 27/02/2022 1:30 pm
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Whinfell isn’t that far from Penrith station (4.5 miles) but it’s via the ever-delightful A66.


 
Posted : 27/02/2022 3:41 pm
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At least at Longleat, there’s no issue taking hire bikes off campus, with the exception of the ebikes.

Hence why you regularly see groups of them at Windhill scaring the crap out of everyone as they head off down the blacks 🤣

Have seen a few at the bottom with various broken bits too.


 
Posted : 27/02/2022 4:27 pm
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Is bike theft a thing at Centre Parcs?

Was planning on taking a mountain bike for getting around as it has the Shotgun Seat fitted to it, and the correct axle for towing our Thule Chariot. Do I need to be nervous leaving it outside the pool for half a day?


 
Posted : 27/02/2022 5:12 pm
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Is bike theft a thing at Centre Parcs?

It’s said so, yes, and CP recommend using a decent lock with your own bike. While providing wheelbenders to lock it to.


 
Posted : 27/02/2022 7:20 pm
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I was chatting to a mechanic at Whinfell a few years back, I spoke to him for about 3 mins. Whilst chatting away he changed both brake cables and new pads on V brakes. He reckoned he would have no issue doing it blindfolded but guessed it would slow him down by about 30 secs.

The bikes we have hired there have always been in great condition. The bike shed is an impressive site when full.


 
Posted : 27/02/2022 7:45 pm

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