do they rent helmet; lock/chain and bike as a package and do they have a special weekend rate or day rate? I am Dutch and I would rent a bike at the bike parking at the railway station, but I am sure they do not do helmets. (Locks are part of the bike and as such will not even be mentioned.) They do do a different rate for longer rentals.
Here is a link to a site with links to several sites of rental companies used by tourists:
http://www.amsterdam.info/transport/bike...
I have never used any of them, so I can not advise you on which one to use. Your entry point will be the central station. From there it's about 20 steps to the VVV or tourist information office. They have all the answers.
Do not worry. Amsterdam is completely made to cater for tourists just like you.
Do not worry about the helmet. Are you American? Nobody uses them here; reason being that the country is flat and the common bicycle is not the mountain-bike type; hence, speeds are low. You will also find that there are cycle lanes everywhere, bicycle trafficlights and cars look out for you. You'll be quite safe.
Enjoy your stay. | 