Renting a bicycle in Greece

Almost every resort town or island in Greece now has at least one shop that will rent you a bicycle (po-THEE-la-toe). Generally, this is a motor scooter rental shop, with bicycles an unloved step-child. Selection and service are limited, especially for adults with long legs.  Derailleurs are often badly adjusted and brakes noisy or slack. Many have worse-than-useless rear suspensions that  make riding uphill an agony of wasted energy. 

Keep in mind that most Greek islands are the pointy end of a submerged mountain.  Road engineering is rudimentary. Steep uphills and their inevitable corollary of steep downhills are a fact of life, and don't forget the meltemi and other strong breezes.  Working gears and working brakes are vital to your safety and pleasure.  

IDEAL is the most common bicycle make in Greece.  Their high-end bicycles are adequate. Look for models with Shimano gearshifts and brakes but no rear suspension or fancy gadgets.  Rent the tallest bicycle whose top tube you can straddle comfortably. Take a test ride that uses all the gears.  Make sure the brakes will hold you on a slope.  The shop can probably fix the brakes, if not the gears.  Don't forget to have them adjust the seat for  full leg extension, and check the tires for full  inflation. 

Ask for a helmet.  Ask for toe clips on the pedals.  If enough people ask pointedly, the shop might get some. Take their card with phone number, just in case something goes wrong.