When you travel by bike, one question always comes up: where to sleep tonight? Like many cyclists, we’ve long relied on Warmshowers to find hosts along the way.
Warmshowers has played — and still plays — a major role in the cycling hospitality community. But over time, and after many trips, one thing became clear to us: we were looking for a Warmshowers alternative !
Not out of frustration alone. Not out of opposition. But because the way we travel, communicate, and use digital tools has evolved.
We are Pierre and Clément — cyclists, bike travelers, and occasional hosts — and this is how Bikipi was born.
Why Look for a Warmshowers Alternative?
People don’t usually search for a Warmshowers alternative by accident.
It often comes after real-world experiences on the road.
Over time, we encountered the same limitations :
- an interface that feels outdated, especially on mobile
- host profiles that are inactive or hard to filter
- uncertainty around real availability
- messages sent without replies
- limited messaging features
- a subscription model that can discourage occasional travelers
- a platform historically built for long-term touring, less for bikepacking or short trips
None of this takes away from what Warmshowers has built. But it clearly shows why cyclists are now looking for an alternative to Warmshowers.
Bikipi: a Warmshowers alternative
We wanted to build the Warmshowers alternative we would have liked to use ourselves during our bike trips.
A free Warmshowers alternative
For us, cycling hospitality should remain:
- open
- accessible
- free of financial barriers
That’s why Bikipi is completely free, for both hosts and travelers.
No mandatory subscription. This is a core value of Bikipi.
A Mobile-First Cycling Hospitality Platform
Today, cyclists travel with their phones:
- at the end of a long day
- sometimes with limited connectivity
- often tired and looking for something simple
Bikipi was designed from the ground up as a mobile-first Warmshowers alternative:
- modern apps (Android, iOS, web)
- fast, intuitive navigation
- location-based host search
- clear and simple messaging
- an interface adapted to bike travel realities
Less friction. More human connection.
Find active Host
On a cycling hospitality platform, profiles should answer practical questions quickly:
- Is this host active?
- Are they available?
- Under what conditions can they host?
- How close are they to my route?
Bikipi focuses on clear, useful profiles, not just filled-out profiles:
- essential information first
- better visibility on availability
- fewer inactive accounts
- faster decision-making for travelers
A better experience for hosts
We’ve been travelers.
We’ve also been hosts.
We know hosting can sometimes create pressure or awkward expectations.
That’s why Bikipi aims to be a more balanced Warmshowers alternative:
- simple and respectful requests to host
- clear rules
- better protection of hosts’ time and boundaries
- a calm, human approach to hospitality
Who Is Bikipi For?
Bikipi is a Warmshowers alternative designed for:
- cyclists traveling for a few days or a few weeks
- bikepackers
- micro-adventure enthusiasts
- occasional cycle tourists
- women traveling solo (with dedicated filters)
- hosts who want to welcome cyclists without heavy commitment
Warmshowers vs Bikipi
We don’t believe there should be only one platform.
| Warmshowers | Bikipi |
|---|---|
| Historical network | Modern alternative |
| Subscription-based | Free |
| Web-centric | Mobile-first |
| Focus on long tours | Long tours + short trips |
| Slow evolution | Continuous improvement |
Warmshowers opened the path. Bikipi continues it, with a different approach.
Why create a Warmshowers alternative today?
Because:
- cycling travel has evolved
- bikepacking has grown massively
- short trips and micro-adventures are more common
- user expectations around UX have changed
Creating a Warmshowers alternative today isn’t about criticism.
It’s about adapting cycling hospitality to today’s reality.
Our Vision with Bikipi
We want to build a platform that is:
- simple
- free
- human
- respectful
- designed by and for cyclists
Nothing more. But nothing less either !
In summary: Bikipi, a free Warmshowers alternative
If you’re looking for a Warmshowers alternative that is:
- free
- modern
- mobile-first
- adapted to bikepacking and short trips
- respectful of both hosts and travelers
Bikipi is exactly what you’re looking for.
We’re building it step by step, with the community, and always guided by real-world cycling experience.
FAQ – Warmshowers Alternative
Is Bikipi a free Warmshowers alternative?
Yes. Bikipi is completely free.
Is Bikipi meant to replace Warmshowers?
No. It’s a free alternative to Warmshowers.
Is Bikipi suitable for short bike trips?
Yes.