I found Paris Bike Co. in 2019 the way most good things are found abroad—an internet search that kept turning up the same message: “Highly recommended.” The reviews were unanimous about one point in particular: Sam Weaver doesn’t just hand you a rental bike. He fits you. Properly.
Sam Weaver--Owner, Paris Bike Co.
When I showed up, he took the time to check measurements, fine-tune saddle height, and make sure the bike felt like something I’d been riding for years, not something borrowed for a week. 2019 was my first time renting from Paris Bike Co., and that experience set the pattern. Every time I’ve returned to Paris—March 2020, September 2023, November 2025—the process has been the same: Sam dialed in the fit, checked the position, and made sure the bike was set up exactly for what I wanted to do--ride the daily training ride around L'hippodrome Longchamps. It’s a level of care that’s rare in any rental situation, let alone in a major city.
In 2020, I rented the bike on March 11 planning to keep it until March 16. My flight back to America was March 17. On March 13 (Friday the 13th) the American border closed and the world shut down for Covid. Most Americans panicked and headed for the airport.
Sam said he had to shut down the shop, but I could keep the bike till Monday. It turns out bakeries are essential businesses and stayed open during Covid. So I rode through the empty streets of Paris and ate at bakeries until I left on Tuesday. By the time I flew back the plane was almost empty. I had a row to myself.
Sam's clientele includes many triathletes and para-olympic competitors. I have been in the shop when Sam was working with a local customer on fitting the bike. He is a Californian. His French is fluent, but it is definitely with a California accent. It's fun to listen to.
The shop is located in Malakoff 9km south of Paris. I go there in the Metro. You can check out the shop or reserve a bike on parisbikeco.com
