What Comes With Your Hire Bike - and How to Look After It

When you hire a bike from us for trails like the Otago Central Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan Trail, Clutha Gold Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail and Kawarau Gorge Trail, you’re not just getting a bike, you’re getting a trail-ready machine selected specifically for New Zealand’s most iconic cycling adventures.

Our bikes are maintained by skilled mechanics and equipped for the demands of trails they travel on. Here’s what’s included with every hire, and how to take care of your ride along the way.

What’s Included With Your Bike Hire

Every adult bike comes with:

Bottle cage – Stay hydrated on the trail. This cages will take bottles similar in size to powerade, or pump water bottles under 1000 ml
Pump – You’ll only need this if you get a flat tyre
Puncture repair kit – Includes tyre levers, spare tube, patch kit, and multi-tool
Cycle computer – Track your ride, distance, and bragging rights
Kick stand – Use this instead of bike racks to protect your wheels
Pannier rack and pannier bags – Carry gear without a backpack
Front bike light – Useful for any tunnels

E-Bikes also include:

Charging bag – Contains battery charger and key
All of the standard gear listed above

For remote trails like the Lake Dunstan Trail and Roxburgh Gorge Trail:

Chain-breaking kit – Included because help is further away on these routes and sorting a broken chain is simple as long as you have the right tools

Children’s bikes come with:

Puncture repair kit
Front light. Note: Not included on tag-alongs or trailers

How to Treat Your Hire Bike Right

Our bikes are tough – but they’ll last longer and ride better when treated with care. Here’s how to avoid damage and extra charges:

Don’t use café bike stands
Those metal racks can bend wheels and damage disc brakes. Use the kick stand, gently lean the bike, or lay it down on the ground with the chain side up. If it’s windy, laying it flat is safest.
No skidding
It might feel fun, but skidding ruins tyres and can cause falls. Flat spots caused by skidding will need to be replaced – at your cost.
Keep it dry
Our bikes aren’t submarines. Avoid riding through deep water or fully submerging the bike. Water can damage bearings, chains, and e-bike electronics and you’re liable for replacement cost.
No car racks
We’ve had some bad experiences in the past with bikes being damaged on bike racks, so please don’t use your bike rack to transport our bikes.
Avoid those thorns
The best way to avoid getting a puncture is to not ride over debri on the trails. Central Otago is known for the Rose Hip, which has very thorny branches as you’d expect from a rose. Although the Rose Hip provided a necessary source of vitamin C for gold miners, it’s ready and waiting to puncture your tyre. If you see a branch on the trail, don’t ride over it, it’s probably a thorny branch.

Why It Matters

Taking care of your hire bike means:

A safer, smoother ride
Fewer breakdowns on the trail
A better experience for you and the next rider

Think of it as borrowing a friend’s bike – and that friend is watching. A little respect goes a long way.

Ready to Ride Central Otago’s Top Trails?

We service the best general cycling location in New Zealand:

Whether you’re planning a multi-day trip or a scenic half-day ride, we’ve got the gear and support to get you there comfortably.

Quick Summary

All adult bikes include pump, bottle cage, pannier bags, lights, repair kit, and more
E-bikes come with a charger and key
Remote trail riders get a chain-breaking kit
No car racks unless approved
No skidding or riding through deep water
No café bike stands
Avoid debris on the trail, that’s how you puncture.

Get ready to explore Central Otago with confidence — your trail adventure starts with the right ride.