Cycling in the hills, however, is an increasingly popular pastime. See the daytrips section for information on the sites around the city. 

About bicycle transportation

Some places where you can rent or repair bikes:

Bicimanía
Bike Comp Shop
Calmera
Caracol Sport
Ciclobike
El Caballo de Acero
Otero
Bravo Bike

USE THE BUSES
Transporting bicycles in buses is still not very common and generally speaking it depends on the good will of the driver.
There are several bus companies that allow bike transport for a 3 euro charge: ALSA, Alsina, Auto Res and Portillo (Malaga).
But here again they ask you to speak first to the driver. In the case there is room in the baggage compartment they will allow you, otherwise they will not.
But do no despair, follow these pieces of advise and you will avoid trouble.
1. Do not travel in groups of more than five, in the same bus. Even if there is enough room the driver may not feel at ease if he sees too many bicycles.
2. Try to board the bus at the beginning of the trip. On the contrary they may not allow you to step in.
3. Arrive a bit early. lf you are one of the first, you will have the chance to place your bicycles properly when there is still plenty of room.
4. Use a bicycle cover. Otherwise use big plastic bags, but cover the bicycle properly so the driver is not concerned with the bus being dirtied.

USE THE UNDERGROUND
Most people do not know, but you are allowed to carry your bicycle in the Madrid underground at NO COST.

RULES TO FOLLOW WHEN TRANSPORTING BY UNDERGROUND:
1. Underground users can transport a bike on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between 6:00 and 16:00 hours.
2. Only one bicycle per person will be allowed.
3. The access to the underground will only be permitted through the corridors attended by the station personnel, whom after verifying the ticket will give you access through the gates. When leaving, you shall do it in the same way.
4. There will be times in which access will be denied, such as rush hours, a break down, or any other type of circumstance.
5. You should always ride near the driver's cabin, allowing only two bicycles per wagon.
6. lt is not permitted to ride the bicycle inside the stations, corridors etc. 7. The use of escalators or moving platforms is not permitted either when carrying the bike.
8. The owner/user of the bike will be at all times responsible of the safe keeping and custody of it, always avoiding any trouble or discomfort to the other passengers. The Madrid underground is not responsible for any damage the transport of bicycles may inflict other passengers.
9. These rules can change whenever necessary for a better transport and use of the underground.

TRAIN AND BICYCLE USE
What kind of trains can you use for bicycle transportation?
Short distance trains (Cercanias) admit one bicycle per platform / wagon, two in a very needed case, which makes a total of eighteen per train.
Sometimes we have even placed three per platform, but one can have difficulties with the conductor, and in some cases he may "invite" you to leave.

Hours in which it is allowed to carry bikes:
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: All day.
Monday to Friday: Until 3 pm.

There are three different types of regional trains: UT440 (the oldest) with a large wagon, 592 with a small and medium one and those used for Regional Express 444.
In all these, there are no problems to fit the bicycles properly arranged.

Long distance trains admit bicycles at no extra cost as baggage if: You are travelling in a sleeping wagon, there are no more than two bikes per compartment and it is situated under the bunk beds.

Nowadays under RENFE regulations, a regional train may transport up to five bicycles without any problems. lf the group is larger you will need to ask for permission as more people may be getting on during the journey. In order to get this authorisation it is necessary to phone Regional Trains of RENFE, this not being needed for short distance trains.
When asking for these permissions have in mind asking for one or two more bicycles, just in case. Call at least three days in advance and for round trip tickets.

GETTING THE BICYCLES ON BOARD
Try to be at least 20 minutes early, before the train departs in order to buy the tickets.
lf the group is larger than 7 it is better you buy a 10-trip ticket (for short distance trains).
In Regional trains there is a special fare with a 20% discount when 10 or more are travelling.
lf when buying the ticket, the ticket seller does not know about it tell him it is fare number 179.
According to RENFE, the way of placing bicycles is always at the rear wagon, if all do not fit in one then you will have to use the next.
lf the wagon is not open, you will have to get in contact with the supervisor that normally will be in the train front cabin.
In the big wagons (UT440 and 444) place the bicycles parallel to each other, on both sides, allowing enough room in between them to get through.
In the middle sized and small ones, place them against the walls and fix them, front wheel resting on the wall, with ropes, as they are liable to fall.
You will be able to fit up to five, in such a way, making a total of 20 in the train.
Try and be quick when going up and down, without bothering the rest of the passengers, but carefully.
Try and make yourselves be seen in order to avoid the train from starting until you have all finished. RENFE at no time is responsible of damages, thefts etc. therefore we suggest you lock them up.

ANY PROBLEMS? Should you have any problem with the supervisor, the conductor (asking you to leave the train without a reason) or the ticket seller (who may not want to sell you a group ticket) ask for the claim sheets that are available at all stations.

information provided by Bravo Bike.com the cycling experience in Spain

http://www.bravobike.com/
email: info@bravobike.com/

"One day cycling Tour in and around Madrid"
Madrid City Bicycle Tour EUR 60
Offer you a wonderful one day excursion by bike, visiting the most interesting places, monuments, parks and experiencing the life of Madrid. Although they are biking mostly on paths with little traffic, cyclits should have some experience in a busy city environment. They pass through the Casa de Campo, the Manzanares River, Parque del Oeste, Templo de Debod, , Plaza de España, Royal Palace, Town Hall, Austrias and medevial squares, Plaza Mayor, Parque del Retiro, calle Alcalá, and Gran Vía.
At the end, we shall have lunch to share some experiences.

Optional:
- Route for medium and advanced cyclists. - 30 km, mostly level. Many stops.
- Half-day trip: 10.00 a.m. to 15.00 p.m. approx.

El Escorial Cycling Tour EUR 90
Pick-up at the hotel and transfer by van to El Escorial ( 1 h. ) where they will visit the monastery. The Bike tour begins with a visit to the "Casita del Principe", from there they will climb to the Phillip«s II chair. Later they pedal to the nearby village of Zarzalejo where they have lunch. From there, enjoy some more cycling to Robledo de Chavela. Transfer by van to the hotels.

- Route for beginners, medium or advanced cyclists.(30 km, few up-hills).
- Full day trip ( 9.00 a.m. to 19.00 p.m.)

Segovia and La Granja Tour EUR 120
Pick-up at the hotel and transfer by van to Segovia (1 1/2h.), where they visit the fortress "El Alcázar", thereafter bike around the city of Segovia and have a look at many historic monuments. From there, they visit the palace of Riofr’o where they have lunch or a picnic. Finally, bike to La Granja, its Palace and wonderful gardens.
Another option for advanced cyclits is, to cross the Guadarrama sierra, climbing to Fuenfr’a and biking downhill to Cercedilla.

- Route for beginners, medium or advanced cyclists. (35 km, few up- hills).
- Full day trip ( 9.00 a.m. to 19.00 p.m. )

Chinchón and Aranjuez Tour EUR 120
Pick-up at the hotel and transfer by van to Chinchón (50 min.) where they visit its well-known main square and surroundings. Thereafter enjoying the beatiful countryside, bike to Aranjuez along the river Tajo. There, they visit the Royal Palace, its garden and have lunch where the Royal Families used to spend their springtime.

- Route for beginners, medium or advanced cyclists. (30 km, mostly level and downhill).
- Full day trip (9.00 a.m. to 18.00 p.m. approx )

Prices include:
- Personalized service with bilingual guides (English, German, French).
- Van support on longer routes.
- Kona Bravo Bike 24 speed with front fork, helmets and technical support.
- Transportation from and to the hotels.
- One day travel insurance.
- Lunch (set menu or picnic) and refreshments during the bike trip.
- Entrance tickets for most important monuments.

Reservations:
- All tours need: a minimum of two people, with a maximum of 8.
- For groups or families: 10% discount (starting from the third person).
- For group packages of more than 8 people, please call us for availability and discounts.
- For booking, please call mobile phones 607448440 or 677356586 at least one day before, specifying your height, helmet size and cycling level.

Get to see some lovely parts in and around Madrid by bike and enjoy it differently. They have chosen the most beautiful and interesting places always giving a personalised attention. Bravo Bike will be taking care of everything in order for you not to have to bother about anything but enjoying yourselves