Samoa Cycles » Cycle Hire FAQs

Cycle Hire FAQs

What is included with the bike hire?

  • Comfortable Gel seat

  • Handlebar bag (much better than a backpack in a hot climate)

  • Helmet

  • Pump, spare tube, basic tools

  • Rear Carrier

  • Lock


Where do we collect the bikes from?
Airport Lodge Motel is located 10 minutes from the airport and close to the ferry to Savaii. It is a great place to start you journey around either Island as it avoids the busy road between Apia and the Airport. It is also a good place to stay on the first and last night of your visit.

Note that the International Airport is 45 minutes from Apia on the road leading to the ferry to Savaii. If you are planning to cycle Savaii or even just circumnavigate Upolu, it is better to stay at the Airport Lodge than taxi into Apia.

What happens if the bike breaks down?
The bikes are near new and serviced between hires. Someone in your group should be capable of minor repairs such as punctures, cable adjustments etc. If your group does not have these skills, consider joining an escorted tour as we have not been able to locate a single bike mechanic living on Savaii.
In the event of serious breakdown of bike (so far it has not happened to anyone) or body - there are numerous taxi companies and your fale operator should be able to assist finding a fair fare.

How long does it take to collect the bike?
Provided you have sent details of your expected arrival and the size of bike required, the bikes will have been selected and tested prior to your arrival.
You will need to sign the hire form and complete a credit card zip zap form as deposit.  
You should get the saddle adjusted (height, forward/backward position and tilt angle) adjusted to suit (the customer service representative will assist as required).
You may swap for your own saddle and/or pedals.
You may leave extra gear at the Lodge.
You may choose to not take some of the extra supplied items (not everyone may want to carry tools etc.) If you leave these behind, ensure you update the hire form.
We strongly recommend that you take a short test ride to ensure that everything is adjusted and working correctly. Ensure you try all the gears.

We recommend that you allow 30 minutes for a couple of hires, maybe 90 minutes for a large group.

Are casual rentals possible?
Yes - if there are bikes available. As our hire service is intended for cycle touring the minimum hire is 3 days. Most cyclists will arrive planning to tour and want to know that the bike will be available and ready to go for their tour. Casual hires are paid in Tala.

Can I extend the hire?
If the bikes are not pre-booked you may extend the hire. Additional costs will be calculated based on the appropriate fee for the longer period, less that paid already. Please call the Airport Lodge to arrange an extension if required.
Unauthorised extensions will be charged as new hires and bikes may be reported to police as stolen.

What are the terms and conditions of rental?
The minimum hire period is three days.
Bikes are for cycle touring, not off road or in-sea use. Hirer is responsible for returning bikes in reasonable condition (fair wear and tear accepted). Hirer will be charged for damage.
Hirer will be charged replacement value for any bike not returned.
A deposit will be required. This will normally be a credit card charge of 900 Tala (approximately $NZ500) per group.

What sort of bikes are they?
Most of the fleet are GT Aggressor 1 mountain bikes with disk brakes.  
There are some GT Lagunas (Women's bikes without crossbar and with rim brakes)
There are also a few TGT Transeo hybrid bikes.

How do I book?
Email us confirmation including arrival flight details (many flights to Samoa arrive soon after midnight- so send flight number/NZ departure details as a check), your heights, other bike preferences (e.g. women’s frame) duration of hire and whether you want panniers, airport pickup, first night's accommodation etc.

We will send an invoice and confirmation. Invoice can be paid via Visa/MasterCard, Paypal, Internet banking or cheque.

What is your cancellation policy on bike hires?
Cancellations more than 2 days prior to departure - 50% refund.
No shows, change of mind on day, early returns - No refund.

Note: see Package FAQs page for details on package cancellation policy.