Moorea: Bring or rent a bicycle?

Hi,

I'm flying to Tahiti tomorrow for 10 days and planned to spend most of the trip camping and exploring around Moorea. I won't rent a car, and would rather get around by bicycle (I'm a seasoned cyclist). The question is, should I stuff everything (clothes, tent, personal items) in a big backpack, take le Truck to the campground and then rent a bicycle for a week once I get there? Or would it be better to bring my bicycle (a road bike) from home and pack everything in panniers? Air Tahiti transports bikes for free.

I guess the factors I'm considering are: (1) quality of the bikes in Moorea (2) availability of weekly rentals (3) security of the bicycle while exploring the island (lock the bike, go for a hike, etc.) (4) quality of the roads (5) general convenience of having my bicycle with me when I land in Tahiti.

Anybody have any opinions about this?

-Chris

Sorry, I don't have any details for you at all. As you leave tomorrow, however, I'd just go without the bike. You can hitch many places, and you'll probably end up in one area most of the time anyway, except for a couple of trips around the island.

Chris,

I would have brought my bike. Air Tahiti does transport bikes for free and, it seems that your entire travel itinerary revolves around cycling. I wouldn't suggest leaving it and hoping for a decent quality bike to rent in Moorea.

Having you own bike gives you the assurance of being prepared and ready to go the moment you arrive. I encourage you to island hop over to Huahine/Raiatea/Bora Bora, if your budget permits. Safety/security of the bike = common sense. Theft can occur anywhere.

Dustbrother.