What is the Rental Bicycle Arc? Synopsis and Best Scenes | When & Which Manga Volume [Chiikawa]

Riding a rental bicycle on a slope, Chiikawa wobbles and crashes into a tree trunk. After sitting back down on the scratched frame and catching their breath, by evening someone nearby mentions that compensation will be needed. Hachiware, who says they have completely fallen in love with bicycles and want one, sees the injured Chiikawa and asks if they are okay and whether anything hurts.

Not wanting to leave Chiikawa behind, the three decide to move forward together. Hachiware asks the staff at the counter to connect a bicycle for them, which leads to an unexpected turn of events. The person at the counter proposes a frame with seats attached front and back — a "long tandem" bicycle. Usagi follows behind on a separate frame, and the three of them make their way together along the sunny slope.

With Hachiware in front and Chiikawa in the back, the tandem bicycle makes its way along the slope without falling over. The two realize that while riding alone resulted in a fall, riding together keeps them balanced. They think about the balance of weight and movement, though no explanation is given. Usagi also heads in the same direction on a separate frame, and the three set off toward the slope, planning to buy souvenirs before heading home.