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 do our customers have to say?……….“Excellent Service and ideal bike for the Kahurangi 500 and Old Ghost Road
I hired an MTB from Scottish Express for a 7-day bikepacking trip, and it ended up being the best rental experience of my time in New Zealand. I contacted several places before my trip, but Dave stood out immediately. Communication was quick, clear, and genuinely helpful, and he offered exactly the kind of setup you want when you’re heading out for a longer ride. I brought my own bike packing bags and gear, but Dave would also rents out gear if you need it.
The 2013 Specialized Carve Pro he provided was superb: light, well-built, and clearly maintained with care. Dave builds and looks after the bikes himself, and it shows in all the details — from the component choices to the small but important items in the repair kit like spare brake pads and chain oil.
Even though I arrived on a Sunday and Dave wasn’t there in person, he arranged everything so I could pick up the bike easily, and he even offered me a place to stay for the night, which was incredibly kind. While I was out riding the Kahurangi 500 loop, he checked in when a weather front was coming through and suggested alternative routes.
I rented two other bikes elsewhere on my trip and none came close to the quality and reliability of Dave’s setup. Don’t be deceived by the bikes being slightly older — they’re properly maintained and kept up to date, well-tested, and built with a sustainability mindset rather than unnecessary replacement.
Highly recommended for anyone planning a bikepacking trip starting from Nelson. Great bike, thoughtful setup, fair pricing, and excellent support from start to finish.” Google
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
2017 Giant Fathom- Medium
