Ok, so this definitely a random question .. I'll be relocating to Rio and SP for work (3 months) and wanted to purchase a nice road bike and join a cycling club to stay in shape and ride recreationally ... does anyone have input on the road bike/triathlon scene in Brazil?

extremely dangerous. Better a mountain bike then a road bike

***** I am reposting what I wrote on the chat board ******


Even in the US lots of bicyclist get killed by cars.

Imagine here in Brazil. I see some crazy guys driving on Avenida Atlantica in their road bikes.

I feel only safe riding MOUNTAIN bikes on small country roads far outside Rio, best on dirt roads in mountain areas. Mountain bikes, with smooth but wide tires, are necessary so you can swerve off road when cornered by cars.

I used to ride at 6 am Sunday from copacabana to Leblon, Sao Conrado, Estrada do Joá to Barra da Tijuca and back. Most is bike paths and a mountain road. But with all the shootouts at the Favelas, even that looks risky

Don't dream of riding up Corcovado!! Armed robbers' paradise!!

The bike paths all over town are ok, but not for fast riding. Too many joggers, old ladies, kids and potholes


It is safer to go swimming. I am member of Flamengo sports club, they have several olympic pools there. R$ 80 per month. Also safer to run (ironically on the bike path)

I disagree and agree with BS. Agree that it is much more dangerous and you need to take more care when riding. I think the bike paths along the beach are very dangerous as you have people constantly crossing in front from Leme to Leblon. A better route is going from Botofogo to Santo Dumont.

I disagree with BS on riding to Corcovado. It can be done and is less dangerous on saturdays and sundays. better in the morning and in a group. There are several bike groups in Rio. The safest way is starting at Jardim Botanico and going to Vista Chinesa and Alto da Boa Vista, then to corcovado. Wear your sunga and take a dip in the natural showers on the was to Paineiras. You can also go up through Laranjeiras by Rua Alice. It will take you towards Santa Teresa. There is a favela there where violence is a possibility, but again during the day, there are a number of cyclists out.

I would take the normal precautions and not take a obviously expensive bike. In talking to carioca cyclists, mountain bikes are much more likely to be stolen. There are alot of carioca cyclists, but it is a very different type on cycling than in the states. You have to get used to dealing with traffic, take descents slower, know the roads and the favela locations, try to ride in pairs, and be aware of time of day.

Running and swimming are much safer alternatives.