‘The Travel Hack’ – Monica Stott

We cycled the Way of the Roses with our adult children and some friends. We had been struggling to put together bike rental, bike transport and baggage forwarding, but after contacting Vern, found he could do it all and at a better price than separate providers. He was always prompt in his responses when we were planning and had lots of very useful suggestions. His equipment, which included carbon fiber Trek road bikes, helmets, locks and repair kits was all first rate. He met us as planned the first morning, right on time, and dropped our bags before our arrival at our hotels along the way. He adjusted the bikes to fit us, offered our choice of pedal type and even did a tune up along the way. It was clear that he really cared about our experience and about the service he offers and his knowledge of cycling comes from personal experience. I would very highly recommend Vern for anyone considering a trip like ours across the UK.

Vern provides great customer service during our visit for the world championships. We hired hybrid bikes with helmets and had a great time exploring the countryside.
Vern made himself available when we needed to both pick up and drop off the bikes.

My former coworker and long time bike partner and I recently completed the Way of The Roses on bikes supplied by Vern Overton Cycling. Quite simply, I can't say enough good things about our experience with Vern. First, the equipment is top notch (high quality Trek hybrids), beautifully maintained.

But where the experience really rose to amazing levels was in Vern's attitude and willingness to go the extra mile (or twenty) to support and encourage us. For months before the trip, I exchanged emails with Vern about the trip, equipment, attractions, lodging, and on and on -- truly endless details. He never failed to respond promptly and helpfully.

You must understand we are retired men in our 70s and only fair weather bikers. Once we arrived and met Vern, I'm sure he realized (as we soon did) that we did not know what we were undertaking. Vern followed our progress and supported and encouraged us with texts and emails full of helpful suggestions and cheering congratulations on our progress.

Once when we had a damage problem with one of the bikes, Vern drove miles to attempt repair, then substituted another bike, drove us to the next planned stop and stayed with us when we had trouble locating a room!

Well, I could go on and on to the same effect. Suffice it to say, you could not wish for better service or a better person to deal with than Vern Overton Cycling. If I am ever back in his area I would not even think of going to any other service.

Thanks, Vern.

John Watson (New Haven, CT, USA)

We hired 2 x bikes for a weekend of cycling around Harrogate. The bikes were delivered to/collected from our hotel. Friendly service, good, well-maintained bikes. Perfect.

Vern has a great selection of high quality road bikes and along with it provided customer service.
Vern even helped us with finding some cycling routes in the Dales.

Great bikes - Trek and Specialized set up for us with right gears for the terrain.
Convenient drop off and pick at our doorstep!
Call Vern for all your cycling needs.

I contacted Vern to do a full service on two of my bikes, Both specialized, an ageing Rockhopper mountain bike and a sirrus hybrid used for commuting, both were both showing a bit of age mechanically! Vern was very friendly and professional when arranging the service and for a small fee agreed to pick up the bikes, There was no hurry I pointed out as I used another bike in the meantime but both were done after a few days, Vern did a written report of any issues found and any work carried out as well as brake pad wear which was really useful. Vern dropped the bikes off and I took them both for a little test ride. Well it was like riding brand new bikes (war scars still there) they were so clean and everything felt just right, nice and tight, gear change smooth. Cant thank Vern enough and will do my best to recommend him to friends and family.

Booked to ride a sportive in Thirsk, N. York’s but was without a bike after an accident & left with little prospect of hiring a road bike to be able to take part. Then we found Vern on a web search. Spoke to him briefly over the phone and then completed everything by e mail and txt. Nothing was too much trouble for Vern who delivered the bike to me, fitted my pedals and all was good to go. Completed my sportive the following day and the bike was great to ride. I phoned Vern to see if I could change the day of return for the bike which was no trouble at all and I received a refund which was unexpected. Vern contacted me after dropping off the bike to say I had left a piece of personal equipment on the bike and would post to me which I received the following day. Overall very impressive service from Vern who was a pleasure to talk to who provides an excellent service. If you are in the Yorkshire area and fancy hiring bikes look no further than Vern Overton Cycling.

I contacted Vern from the United States and he responded immediately with road bike availability. Given measurements from our bikes at home, he set the hired bikes up perfectly! Should you need a helmet or a lock, just ask and Vern may be able to accommodate you. Each bike worked well and was fully kitted with pump and spare tube. If you are from an area with less hilly terrain or are not an especially strong climber, let Vern know and I am sure he will dial in your bike accordingly. He installed our pedals and provided excellent advice for a route into Harrogate as well as an amazing ride into the Yorkshire Dales. We rode about 18 hours that week with long, steady rides, shorter hard rides and race watching with some inclement weather and had no issues with the bikes. There is no better way to see that amazing part of the UK than by bike. Vern is an encyclopedia of riding knowledge in and with his expertise setting up bikes, I cannot imagine that one could do better hiring bikes in that area of Yorkshire.

Me and my partner hired 2 electric bikes to go out and explore the area for my birthday and pedal over to Brimham Rocks. Vern was very friendly and there was no hassle, we signed the forms, got shown how to use the bikes and off we went.
Will definitely be using VOC again the next time we’re here
Thank you!

Hired two bikes off Vern for the day and had a lovely time cycling around the Yorkshire dales. We collected the bikes around 11am and had a full day of cycling in the nearby countryside. The scenery was magnificent, especially in this gorgeous weather we've been having lately.

Vern was very helpful, providing us a map of the area as we had never been before and we were able to return the bikes later that day at a time that suited us. All in all a fantastic day out, highly recommended!

We hired two Marin DSX bicycles from Vern to do a 5-day cycling tour in, around, up, and down the Dales, and will highly recommend VOC! Vern was very responsive in answering our pre-trip questions. He was flexible and accommodating in providing us with equipment that we could not bring overseas (helmets, lock, pump, multi-tool, puncture kit, and pedal spanner), and in meeting us at the start and end points of our tour. The bikes themselves were in great condition: almost new, and well maintained. They were a pleasure to ride, and we had no mechanical issues with them at all. Their disc brakes were a must for the steep Dales, especially in the rain.

I rent a bike for the day.
The bike was super bike and as good as new. A pump and repair kit is supplied with the bike.
Vern was very nice and helpful.
The place is easy to find and ideally situated to have a ride in the Dales.
I spent definitely a very good day.
Benoit Barre

See you Vern

We have just had the most wonderful family day, riding the Nidderdale Greenway Cycle track! All thanks to Vern from Vern Overton Cycling! From the moment we contacted Vern, he supplied us with all the information and recommendations for booking 4 mountain bikes for our family day out in Harrogate, Ripley and Knaresborough! Super helpful in making recommendations and the bikes were in superb condition, supplied with maps, spare inner tubes, locks - everything you would need for a day out riding! Would highly recommend Vern's company if you are wanting to hire bikes in Harrogate & District!

I rented a road bike from Vern during a stay in Harrogate in April 2022.
I can only give Vern my very best recommendations, he was friendly and forthcoming in the booking process and we found a really good bike for me to hire, and I enjoyed cycling on for the 4 days I had it.
Prices are good and he even delivered and collected the bike from me.

Had a great 5 days of cycling around the Yorkshire Dales on one of Vern's hired road bikes. Some of the best cycling I've done in the UK with endless quality roads and some great hill climbing and descents. The Trek I hired didn't skip a beat and was ideal. Light and well maintained with a good gear set-up for some of the steeper gradients. Would thoroughly recommend as it really is a great value service that's relaxed and accommodating, I doubt if you could get better, thanks Vern!

I’m in Harrogate for the World Championships Cycling. My plan was to ride the Yorkshire Dales myself, as well as the Harrogate Circuit. When my frontwheel broke during a ride a few days earlier, I thought that was it.

I began looking to hire a roadbike in Harrogate and ended up at Verns site. He answered very quickly that he was all out of roadbikes but he was enthusiastic to lend me one of his spare front wheels! After some quick and clear communication we met in the center of Harrogate, where he just gave me his wheel. He didn’t want any money or something in return. He trusted me, a complete stranger, to return his wheel two days later.

Thanks to Vern I did my ride today: 126km including 2x the Harrogate Circuit.

This review is long overdue! My wife and I visited Yorkshire this past July. I was fortunate enough to have a friend take me on a beautiful yet sometimes grueling 104 mile ride through the Dales. I was also fortunate in my choice of Vern Overton Cycling for my bike rental. Their bikes and service are top notch! I met Mr. Overton twice once on delivery and then on pick-up...great guy! I highly recommend this shop!

Vern was incredibly helpful and gave us some fantastic guidance for a day cycle. Definitely reccomend his services.

vern was a very helpsom and nice. he responsd fast on thelephone and mail. when we met him and his wife, they were extremly kind and flexible 😁😁. we will recomand him to everyone who want to rent god bikes

Great service from Vern! He was very accommodating with our last minute reservation and he also arranged for the bikes to be dropped off and picked up at Loft House for us (as we didn’t have bike racks). The bikes were perfect for the Dales terrain (we did the Nidderdale classic route)!

We booked a cycling break in Harrogate. Vern provided the bikes which were excellent. He delivered the bikes to our hotel and collected them at the end. All arrangements made went like clockwork. A very good experience. Would highly recommend.

I hired a road bike from Vern Overton to do the 2021 Struggle Dales sportive as I was concerned my road bike was not geared low enough for the 6 climbs on this event. Vern provided an immaculate (Trek Emonda with Shimano 105) bike that rode all day on some stunning terrain without the hint of a glitch. Easy to organise. Thank you

Excellent bikes for a lovely ride on the Nidderdale Greenway. Extras like helmets, locks, pump, spare tire provided. Thank you VOC!

I'm a keen cyclist and Vern set me up with a lovely late model Trek road bike. I went for long rides in the Dales every day for two weeks and never got tired of riding in this beautiful part of the world. There are so many quiet lanes and roads, and you have a choice of terrain from flat to Tour-level climbs. Lots of other cyclists about and plenty of places to stop if you wish. If you love cycling, come and try Yorkshire. I couldn't have asked for more.

Hired an ebike for two days. I had never ridden one before and Vern gave a great explanation of how to get the best use from it. I was able to overtake my husband on his road bike on several climbs which was very satisfying! We did an average of 25 miles each day and I only used half the battery on each day. We could have covered 40 miles easily each day. It is hilly in Nidderdale and an ebike transforms the experience of riding for a non-regular cyclist. On the first day we cycled to Ripley on back roads and picked up the Nidderdale Greenway which took us to Harrogate, mostly off-road. The next day we did a brilliant run: Pateley Bridge, Lofthouse to Scar House reservoir and back as recommended by Vern. We gained 1000 feet in height but I hardly noticed it! Back was all downhill. Lovely quiet road. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience: worth every penny!