Quality bike hire in Nelson.
If you’re eyeing up the Kahurangi 500, you know it’s not just a ride—it’s a true test of both rider and machine. That’s why our hardtail mountain bikes at Scottish Express are purpose-built for the wild demands of New Zealand’s premier bikepacking routes like the Kahurangi 500, with its rugged singletrack, remote backcountry, river crossings, and the legendary climbs and descents of the Heaphy and Old Ghost Road.
We deliberately choose proven older MTB frames from brands like GT, upgrading them heavily with quality components such as reliable 1x drivetrains, route specific tires on 29” wheels, and precise gearing to conquer steep hills and long days in the saddle. This also reflects our super ethical business structure, strongly linked to sustainability: we invest time and money into building up these durable frames rather than seeing them discarded , this cuts down on biking industry waste, employs experienced local bike mechanics while creating quality tough NZ bikepacking machines. These older frames boast perfect geometry for bikepacking—stable yet agile—paired with mounts for all your gear and extras for true self-sufficiency.
We’ve tested our fleet on the Kahurangi 500 itself, fine-tuning every detail so you can focus on the adventure, not your equipment—living our business commitment to sustainable, and ethical adventuring!!
What’s Included ?
Included in all pricing . Repair kits and pumps and advice on adventure riding in the region
What does it cost ?
Nelson based bike starts at $65 per day, with long term weekly rates available
Want to customise your Bike?
Get 5% off any bike packing equipment hire when hiring your bike – Just use the discount code “bikehire“
Please select options below to find out more about each bikes specifications and bike equipment hire options

2014 GT Karakoram Elite – Size Large

2013 Specialised Carve Pro – Size Medium










