Rental bikes produced in economy of scale may suffice for short commutes, but they lack most of the features that road bikes have in maximizing rider output and performance. They are designed to fit a wide range of riders using the cookie cutter approach, and often lack the correct measurements and adjustments specifically tailored for each individual rider.
Moreover, rental bikes are not always available in the areas that we want to explore. Some rental bike startup companies founded in recent years have also failed to stay in business. So instead of searching for bikes to lease, having our own bike in possession at all times is the best way to prepare for the exploration of locations of interests.