Heading to Hawaii from Dec 30 - Jan 13…Spending half the trip in Maui then the other half in Kona. I am planning on bringing my swim and run gear but don’t think I am going to send my bike. Does anyone have any recommendations on good bike shops to rent a good road bike on either island? Planning on doing the Haleakala climb. Any other epic ride suggestions on either island?
In Maui, go to Maui Cyclery (gocyclingmaui.com) in the town of Paia. Most start here to ride up Haleakala (72 mile round trip, approx.) and they have a wide selection of road bikes from alu to carbon bikes. I just rode up there for my second time two weeks ago and renting from Donnie (owner) would be your best bet. Have fun!
In Maui, go to Maui Cyclery (gocyclingmaui.com) in the town of Paia. Most start here to ride up Haleakala (72 mile round trip, approx.) and they have a wide selection of road bikes from alu to carbon bikes. I just rode up there for my second time two weeks ago and renting from Donnie (owner) would be your best bet. Have fun!
+1 - great guy, great shop. Join them for one of their supported rides along the Hana highway if you can. Spectacular ride.
If you’re staying on the Western side around Lahaina go to West Maui Cycles. They have Specialized bike at very reasonable rental prices. I rented a Roubaix and did the West Maui Loop. A beautiful ride and a great bike. They set me up on the bike and then sent me on my way. I just rented it for my ride so I got it in the morning, rode the route and then back to the shop.
Thanks for the info! I figure I will bring my own shoes and pedals. Other than that I should be able to rent everything?
I also brought my own saddle for the Haleakala climb, but that’s just me. They can also lend you a helmet if you wish not to bring yours.
In Kona, Bike Works. Located in town and also in Waikoloa.
I rented from Donnie (actually I went on a supported Haleakala ride, which I thought worth it as I got to spend some time with local riders) and brought my kit, pedals and shoes. Everything else I got from them, including jacket etc for the ride down
I posted some comments and pics in this thread:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=4434202;search_string=maui;#4434202
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My wife and I will be in Maui for the next 3 weeks and will be doing a few rides including Haleakala again (we did 2 years ago). Let me know when you plan to do it.
Tiago
+1 for the recommendation on Bike Works in Kona. They were great to work with and loaned me a helmet and a pump.
Can second the Bikeworks recommendation. Reserve ahead of time (they rent a lot of bikes) and let them know whether you will be picking up from Kona area or up the coast in Waikoloa.
Lots of great riding on the Big Island. If Haleakala isn’t enough climbing for your trip check out the Mauna Loa climb to a bit over 11k. You could also climb to Mauna Kea visitors center on a road bike, but you’ll want a wide ratio rear cassette. Above Kona check out Koloko Road and Poi Factory Road. Bikeworks can help you out with these and other ride directions.
Have fun!
Agreed on Bikeworks. Just came back from two weeks on big island and they were great. I brought my own bike but they were quite helpful. I was in/around Kawaihae. Rode to Hawi a number of times and up to Waimea twice, which was decent climb. Great riding. Hoping to go back soon.
Both Maui shops already mentioned are really good, just to add to the conversation, if you are staying in the Kihei - Wailea area there is a small shop called South Maui cycles, when I was there they were renting some nice Medone’s and also had a weekly group ride that was fun to jump into.
West Maui Cycles was the worst retail experience I have ever had. I would go into details but it would take pages. Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse it did.
I am thinking something along the lines of 2nd-4th in that range. Having some people to ride with would be awesome.
Another vote for BikeWorks in Kona. There is also Cycle Station in Kona to rent from as well - we are renting Felts for our upcoming trip. Looking forward to it.