Top Bike Rental Shops in Calpe
Key Takeaways
- Vuelta Turistica offers premium BMC bikes with tiered pricing for longer rentals
- Blanca Bikes combines rental services with a café and repair shop
- SolyBike provides accommodation packages with their rentals
- Most shops offer delivery to hotels and flexible pickup options
- Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (February-May)
- High-end carbon road bikes typically cost €25-40 per day
- E-bikes are widely available for tackling Calpe’s challenging climbs
- Many shops have connections with pro cycling teams who train in the area
Outline
- Introduction to Calpe’s Cycling Scene
- Vuelta Turistica: Premium Fleet and Services
- Blanca Bikes: The Cyclist’s Hub
- SolyBike: Full-Service Cycling Experience
- Start with Bike: Budget-Friendly Options
- CCT Bike Rental: Specialized Expertise
- Comparing Prices and Bike Types
- Tips for Renting Bikes in Calpe
Introduction to Calpe’s Cycling Scene
Calpe sits in the heart of Costa Blanca, and it’s a total dream for cyclists. The weather’s amazing most of the year, with sunny days and mild temps that make biking possible even in January when the rest of Europe is freezing. Pro cycling teams figured this out years ago, and now they come here every winter to train. You’ll often see teams like Trek-Segafredo or Ineos Grenadiers riding the same roads as regular folks.
The terrain around Calpe is what makes it special. You got flat coastal roads if you want an easy day, but turn inland and boom – mountains everywhere! The famous Coll de Rates climb is just a short ride away, and there’s tons of other challenges like Cumbre del Sol or Puerto de Bernia. These climbs aren’t super long like in the Alps, but they’re steep and the views are incredible.
Because of all this cycling love, Calpe has developed a really good bike rental scene. There’s shops all over town offering everything from basic aluminum road bikes to fancy carbon machines that the pros use. Some shops are run by ex-pros or mechanics who worked for big teams, so they know their stuff.
If your planning a trip to Calpe for cycling, you should check out the biking routes on Costa Blanca to get some ideas for your rides. The best part about renting here is you don’t need to bring your own bike – just fly in, grab a rental, and hit the roads!
Vuelta Turistica: Premium Fleet and Services
Vuelta Turistica stands out as one of Calpe’s top bike rental shops, and they’ve earned that spot for good reason. Their bike fleet is seriously impressive – they focus on BMC bikes, which are Swiss-made premium machines that many pro teams use. You can rent everything from their Teammachine SLR road bikes to Roadmachine endurance models if you want something more comfy for long days.
What makes Vuelta Turistica different is their pricing structure. Most shops charge a flat daily rate, but these guys offer better deals the longer you rent. For example, a BMC Teammachine might cost €40 for one day, but if you rent for a week, the daily rate drops to about €30. This makes sense for most visitors since nobody comes to Calpe to ride for just one day!
Their service goes beyond just handing you a bike. They’ll deliver right to your hotel or apartment, which is super convenient if you don’t have a car. I rented from them last year and they brought the bike right to my hotel lobby, already set up with my pedals and adjusted to my height based on the measurements I sent ahead of time.
“We try to make it as easy as possible,” says Miguel, one of their mechanics. “Many of our customers are serious cyclists who know exactly what they want, so we make sure the bike is perfect before they even see it.”
Another cool thing about Vuelta Turistica is their bike holidays packages. They can arrange your entire trip including accommodation, airport transfers, and even guided rides if you want someone to show you the best routes. This is great if you’re visiting for the first time and don’t want to worry about the details.
They also offer mechanical support if something goes wrong during your rental. You can call them, and they’ll either talk you through a simple fix or come out to help if it’s something serious. This peace of mind is worth a lot when you’re riding unfamiliar roads in a foreign country.
Blanca Bikes: The Cyclist’s Hub
Blanca Bikes isn’t just a rental shop – it’s more like a complete cycling hub in the center of Calpe. What makes this place special is their combo of rental services with a café and full repair shop all in one spot. It’s become a meeting point for cyclists in the area, both locals and visitors.
Their bike selection is really good, with a focus on Specialized bikes. You can rent Tarmacs and Roubaixs for road riding, but they also have a decent selection of gravel bikes like the Specialized Diverge if you want to explore some of the dirt roads in the hills. E-bikes are available too, which is great if you’re riding with someone who might struggle on the climbs.
The café part of Blanca Bikes is what makes it unique. You can grab a coffee and pastry before your ride, or stop in for lunch when you get back. They make these amazing recovery smoothies that hit the spot after a long climb. The café has become a social spot where cyclists share route tips and stories.
“We wanted to create more than just a rental place,” explains Sara, one of the owners. “Cycling is social, so we built a space where people can hang out, not just pick up a bike and leave.”
Their repair service is top-notch too. The mechanics are trained by Specialized and can handle everything from basic adjustments to major overhauls. If you’re bringing your own bike to Calpe but need some work done, they’re a good option for bike repair in Costa Blanca.
Blanca Bikes offers some cool extras like route maps with QR codes that you can scan to load the route into your GPS device. They also organize group rides several times a week, which is a great way to meet other cyclists and discover new routes with someone who knows the area well.
The online booking system on their website makes it easy to reserve your bike ahead of time, which is important during busy periods. You can specify your pedal type, measurements, and any other preferences before you arrive.
SolyBike: Full-Service Cycling Experience
SolyBike takes the concept of bike rental to another level by offering complete cycling vacation packages. What’s really interesting about them is that the shop is run by former pro cyclists who know the area like the back of their hand. This gives them a unique perspective on what cyclists need.
Their bike fleet includes high-end Cervélo and Cannondale models, with everything from aero bikes like the Cervélo S5 to more comfortable endurance bikes like the Cannondale Synapse. They keep their fleet updated regularly, so you’re usually riding current or recent model year bikes.
What sets SolyBike apart is their accommodation options. They actually own and operate several cyclist-friendly apartments near their shop, which means you can book your bike and place to stay as a package. These apartments have secure bike storage, washing facilities for kit, and even basic tools for simple adjustments.
“After years of traveling as pro cyclists, we knew exactly what was missing from most cycling holidays,” says Carlos, one of the founders. “We built the service we always wished existed.”
Their guided rides are a big draw too. Unlike some shops that offer basic group rides, SolyBike’s guides are former pros who can show you hidden routes that tourists rarely find. They tailor the rides to your ability level, so you won’t get dropped or be bored if you’re a stronger rider.
SolyBike has strong connections with pro teams who train in Calpe during the winter. If you’re lucky, you might even get to join a ride with some current pros who are friends with the shop owners. Last winter, customers got to ride with several WorldTour riders who were staying nearby.
They offer a “concierge” service where they’ll stock your apartment with groceries before you arrive, arrange airport transfers, and even book restaurant reservations for you. It’s like having a cycling-focused travel agent handling all the details of your trip.
For those interested in more than just road cycling, SolyBike also offers mountain biking trails in Costa Blanca with appropriate bikes and guides who know the best off-road routes in the area.
Start with Bike: Budget-Friendly Options
Not everyone needs or wants to spend big money on a premium rental, and that’s where Start with Bike comes in. They’ve positioned themselves as the more affordable option in Calpe’s rental scene, making cycling accessible to more people without sacrificing too much quality.
Their fleet includes a mix of aluminum and carbon bikes, with brands like Giant and Trek making up most of their inventory. While you won’t find the absolute top-end models here, their bikes are well-maintained and perfectly suitable for enjoying the roads around Calpe. They have a particularly good selection of women-specific bikes, which some other shops lack.
“We believe cycling should be for everyone, not just those with big budgets,” says Marco, the shop manager. “Our bikes might be a bit heavier than the premium options, but they’ll get you up all the same climbs.”
Start with Bike has some of the best rates in town, with basic aluminum road bikes starting around €15-20 per day and carbon options from €25. They offer significant discounts for weekly rentals, making them popular with visitors staying for longer periods.
What’s cool about this shop is their flexibility. They’re more willing than some of the premium shops to accommodate last-minute rentals or unusual rental periods. If you only need a bike for a few hours or want to switch bike types mid-week, they’ll usually try to make it work.
They’ve got a small but efficient workshop for adjustments and repairs. While it’s not as comprehensive as some other shops, they can handle most common issues that might arise during your rental. The mechanics are friendly and happy to give advice about routes and local cycling etiquette.
Start with Bike is located a bit further from the main hotel zone than some other shops, but they offer free delivery for rentals of three days or more. They also have a simple online booking system that lets you reserve your bike with just a small deposit rather than paying the full amount upfront.
For families or casual cyclists, they have a good selection of hybrid bikes, city bikes, and even some kids’ bikes, making them a good option if you’re traveling with family members who aren’t serious cyclists but still want to enjoy some relaxed riding along the coast.
CCT Bike Rental: Specialized Expertise
CCT Bike Rental has carved out a niche in Calpe by specializing in Specialized bikes (yes, that’s a bit confusing!). They’re the go-to shop if you’re specifically looking to rent a Specialized bike, with one of the largest fleets of this popular brand in the area.
Their inventory includes the full range of Specialized road bikes, from the race-oriented Tarmac to the more comfortable Roubaix. They also have a good selection of the Specialized Shiv time trial bikes, which is quite rare among rental shops and makes them popular with triathletes training in the area.
What makes CCT stand out is their technical expertise. The staff includes former Specialized mechanics who really know these bikes inside and out. If you’re a Specialized owner at home and want the exact same fit on your rental, they can match it perfectly.
“We focus on one brand because it allows us to be true experts,” explains David, the head mechanic. “We know every model, every year, every component. There’s no learning curve when a bike comes in for service.”
CCT offers some unique services like professional bike fitting. If you’re staying in Calpe for a while and want to make sure your rental is perfectly set up, they can do a complete fitting session using the Specialized Body Geometry system. This is especially valuable for riders who suffer from discomfort on longer rides.
They’ve developed good relationships with many of the cycling-friendly accommodations in Costa Blanca, allowing them to offer package deals that include both bike rental and hotel stays. This can save you some money compared to booking everything separately.
CCT also organizes some of the most challenging guided rides in the area, targeting experienced cyclists who want to test themselves on the toughest local climbs. Their Thursday “Suffer Fest” ride has become somewhat infamous among visitors looking for a serious workout.
Their location is very convenient, right in the center of Calpe and close to many hotels. They have secure overnight storage if you don’t want to keep the bike in your hotel room, and they’re open early in the morning so you can get out before the heat of the day during summer months.
For tech-savvy cyclists, CCT offers rental bikes equipped with Garmin mounts and pre-loaded GPS units containing popular local routes. This is super helpful if you don’t want to rely on your phone for navigation or worry about international data charges.
Comparing Prices and Bike Types
When you’re trying to choose between Calpe’s many bike rental options, price and bike selection are usually the biggest factors. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay and what types of bikes are available across the different shops.
Here’s a simple comparison of daily rental rates for different bike categories:
| Bike Type | Budget Range | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Road | €15-20 | €20-25 | €25-30 |
| Carbon Road | €25-30 | €30-35 | €35-45 |
| E-Bike | €35-40 | €40-50 | €50-60 |
| Gravel | €25-30 | €30-35 | €35-45 |
| MTB | €20-25 | €25-35 | €35-45 |
Remember that most shops offer discounts for multi-day rentals. The longer you rent, the better deal you’ll get. For example, a premium carbon road bike might cost €40 for one day, but only €30 per day if you rent for a week.
When it comes to bike types, road bikes are definitely the most popular in Calpe due to the amazing road cycling in the area. However, there’s been a big increase in gravel bike rentals over the past few years as people discover the network of dirt roads and paths in the mountains.
“We’ve doubled our gravel bike fleet in the last two years,” says a rental manager at Blanca Bikes. “People are looking to explore beyond the paved roads, and modern gravel bikes can handle both surfaces really well.”
E-bikes are another growing category, especially among mixed-ability groups or couples where one rider might need some assistance on the climbs. Most shops now offer high-quality e-road bikes from brands like Specialized, Cannondale, and BMC. These aren’t cheap to rent (usually €40-60 per day), but they can be a game-changer if you’re worried about the steep local climbs.
For mountain bikers, the selection is more limited than road bikes, but shops like SolyBike and Start with Bike have decent fleets of full-suspension MTBs. These are perfect for exploring the off-road mountain biking trails in Costa Blanca, which offer a completely different experience from road cycling.
When comparing shops, don’t just look at the daily rate. Consider what’s included – some shops include a helmet, pedals, spare tube, and mini-pump in the basic price, while others charge extra for these items. Similarly, some include insurance against damage while others have a hefty excess charge if anything happens to the bike.
It’s also worth checking the age of the rental fleet. Premium shops like Vuelta Turistica and CCT typically replace their bikes every 1-2 years, so you’re getting current or recent models. Budget options might have bikes that are 3-4 years old, which isn’t necessarily a problem but worth knowing.
Tips for Renting Bikes in Calpe
After talking to local shop owners and experienced visitors, I’ve put together some practical tips to help you get the most out of your bike rental experience in Calpe. These little bits of advice can make a big difference to your cycling holiday.
Book well in advance: This is probably the most important tip, especially if you’re visiting during peak season (February to May). The best bikes often get reserved weeks or even months ahead. “We’re usually fully booked for March by late January,” says one rental shop manager. If you have your heart set on a specific bike model or size, don’t leave it to chance.
Bring your own pedals and saddle: Most shops will install your pedals for free, and many will also swap the saddle if you bring your own. This can make a huge difference to comfort, especially on longer rides. Your backside is used to your own saddle, so bringing it along can prevent discomfort on unfamiliar terrain.
Be honest about your ability: When booking, shops will often ask about your experience level and the type of riding you plan to do. Be honest! If you overstate your abilities, you might end up with a super-stiff racing bike that’s uncomfortable for casual riding. Conversely, if you’re an experienced racer, you don’t want to be stuck with a heavy endurance bike.
Check the bike thoroughly: When you pick up your rental, take a few minutes to check it over. Make sure the brakes work properly, the gears shift smoothly, and there’s no damage that could be blamed on you later. Take photos of any existing scratches or issues so there’s no dispute when you return it.
Ask for local route recommendations: The shop staff know the area better than any guidebook or app. Ask them where to ride based on your ability and interests. They can warn you about roads with heavy traffic or sections that are currently under construction. As one local mechanic told me, “We ride these roads every day, we know which ones to avoid.”
Consider the weather: Calpe is generally sunny, but it can get very hot in summer and occasionally wet in winter. Ask the shop about the forecast and plan accordingly. Some routes are more exposed to sun or wind than others. If it’s going to be 35°C (95°F), you might want to start very early or choose a route with plenty of shade.
Learn basic Spanish bike terms: While most shop staff speak English, knowing a few key terms can be helpful if you need to describe a mechanical issue. Words like “freno” (brake), “cambio” (gear), “pinchado” (puncture), and “cadena” (chain) might come in handy.
Check opening hours: Many shops close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta, typically from 2-5pm. If you have a mechanical issue or need to return your bike during this time, you might be stuck waiting. Plan accordingly or confirm if they have an emergency number you can call.
Ask about roadside assistance: Some premium rental shops offer roadside assistance if you have a mechanical problem or accident. This can be a lifesaver if you’re stranded 20km from town with a broken derailleur. It’s worth paying a little extra for this peace of mind.
Join a guided ride: Many shops offer free or low-cost guided group rides once or twice a week. This is a great way to discover new routes and meet other cyclists. The guides know all the best coffee stops too!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a bike in Calpe? Prices range from €15-20 per day for basic aluminum road bikes to €35-45 for premium carbon models. E-bikes typically cost €40-60 per day. Most shops offer discounts of 20-30% for weekly rentals.
Do I need to bring my own helmet? Most shops provide helmets with rentals, but if you’re particular about fit or hygiene, you might prefer to bring your own. Some premium shops have higher-end helmets available for an extra fee.
Can I get a bike delivered to my hotel? Yes, most rental shops in Calpe offer delivery to hotels and apartments, usually for free if you’re renting for multiple days. Some charge a small fee (€5-10) for delivery, especially for short rentals or locations outside Calpe.
What happens if the bike gets damaged or stolen? Policies vary between shops. Most require a credit card deposit or ID as security. Some include basic insurance in the rental price, while others offer it as an add-on. Ask about the excess (deductible) amount you’d be responsible for in case of damage.
Can I rent bikes for children? Yes, several shops including Start with Bike and Family Bike have children’s bikes, including small road bikes for older kids and basic bikes for younger children. Some also offer child seats, trailers, and tag-along attachments.
What’s the best time of year to cycle in Calpe? Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer ideal temperatures and less tourist traffic. Winter (December-February) is mild but can occasionally be wet. Summer (June-August) can be very hot, so early morning riding is recommended.
Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy riding in Calpe? Not at all! While there are challenging routes for experienced riders, there are also plenty of flat coastal roads perfect for beginners. E-bikes make the hillier routes accessible to less experienced cyclists.
Can I rent a bike for just half a day? Some shops offer half-day rentals, typically at about 60-70% of the full-day price. This is more common with the budget-friendly shops than the premium ones.
Are there any women-specific bikes available? Yes, most shops have women-specific models with appropriate sizing, saddles, and geometry. Blanca Bikes and Start with Bike have particularly good selections of women’s bikes.
Can I test ride a bike before committing to rent it? Most shops allow a quick test ride around the block before you complete the rental. Some premium shops like Vuelta Turistica offer a “try before you buy” program where you can apply one day’s rental fee toward the purchase of a new bike if you decide to buy.