Isaac Cruz - Owner at Berganti Bikes

Tell us a little bit about Berganti Bikes, how it started out and where you're based. Why did you decide to set up business in Mallorca?

We are Mallorquins and we love cycling! So we consider ourselves very lucky to have grown up on this island. In the early 2000s, we thought... what could be better than dedicating our time to do what we really love? So, in 2005, we founded Berganti Bikes with the main goal of bringing the same feelings and emotions we have experienced through our long cycling life to our customers.

Berganti Bikes is strategically located on the beachfront promenade of Playa de Palma (Can Pastilla and S'Arenal) so customers can enjoy the best starting point to many of the island's favourite cycling routes. From here, they can ride a few kilometres to warm up along the beach before getting into more serious stuff. They will be able to choose among many different ways to get into the famous UNESCO-protected Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, or they can just go in the other direction and explore the east of the island, with less known routes but a very charming spirit. Besides all of the above, Berganti Bikes is only 2 km away from the airport, as well as 2 km from the biggest and newest entertainment shopping centre on the island, only 10 km from Palma, a few hundred metres from Palma Aquarium and much more…. So if for some unlikely reason the cyclists want to spend the day off from riding, they have hundreds of alternative things to do ;)

What were you doing before?

Before founding Berganti Bikes, we were regular employees working for big corporations, such as airlines, tour operators or insurance companies. We felt neither involved nor motivated, it was just not our place to be. So, after looking deep into our soul and finding the courage to give up our stable jobs, we put all our efforts (and money) into our passion and created Berganti Bikes from scratch. We started in a small place with just a few bicycles, and we received more and more satisfied customers. We invested all the profit into new bikes, a new location and a new website. Currently, we have around 400 bicycles and more than 3000 customers per year. 

Despite all the hard work, nights without sleeping, discussions with partners, there has not been a single day when we have regretted our decision….. If you are brave and positive, you can get anything you want from life.

What sets Berganti Bikes apart from everyone else in the cycling rentals business?

At Berganti Bikes, we want to make cycling holidays the experience of a lifetime. To make that possible, we aim for excellence in everything we do whether it is our products (top brand bikes, top quality clothing and all kinds of accessories) or our services (complete workshop with certified technicians, roadside assistance anywhere on the island, tips and advice to personalise cycling routes, etc.).

We have a great and diverse fleet of bikes for rent in Palma de Mallorca (Race, Hybrid, TT, MTB, etc.). Most of them are under 1 year old, all of them are under 3 years old. All of the bikes are professionally maintained to the highest standard every time the bike is returned. Our certified technicians are capable of fixing anything. In fact, that’s one of the main reasons why Berganti Bikes was chosen by Ridley to be the first and only Official Ridley Test Centre in the world. We are very proud of this achievement.

Some of the latest models of bicycles we have for rent are Ridley Noah, Ridley Fenix (with standard brakes or disc brakes), Ridley Dean (special for triathletes), Ridley Tempo (specific models for men and women), and more. Some of them are the same models used by the Lotto Soudal official world tour team... yeeeeaaaah!!!

Tell us about your favourite bike that you currently have for rent

It is not easy to choose. It depends a lot on the cyclist. Objectively, the best bicycle we have is the Ridley Noah. It is a beast! With electronic gears and a rigid 24-ton carbon frame, it transfers every pedal stroke right onto the asphalt.

For those who prefer disc brakes, we have the Ridley Fenix SLD, more precise and safe braking than any other bike. If the cyclist is not 100% fit or if they have back problems, this bike offers all day ride comfort. Beyond these, we have specific bicycles for triathlon (Ridley Dean) or MTB and Hybrid bikes.

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?

We have a few exciting projects ahead, maybe opening new bike stations, new bikes, new collaborations with PRO teams... who knows?!

Mallorca is extremely popular for cycling holidays. What makes the island a special place for cyclists?

In the last few years, Mallorca has become a paradise for cycling holidays. Riders from around the world come to discover unique cycling routes and enjoy an infinite range of wonderful landscapes. The variety in terrain means there are routes for all ages and levels, from junior to senior, from beginners to pro-riders. In addition, the sun and nice temperatures make Mallorca one of the top cycling destinations in the world. A clear indication of this is that most of the professional cycling teams come to the island for the pre-season training, as it is the perfect place to get ready for the tough season.

Mallorca has a wide range of activities to complement cycling. Cyclists and their families can enjoy world-renowned beaches with warm and safe waters. There are many natural and cultural landmarks, plenty of excursions on offer, villages and markets to visit, watersports and good shopping. There are plenty of things to do on the island.

Any tips you can give to people in the search for a cycling holiday on the island?

Our first suggestion would be “do not bring your bicycle with you”. This is a common mistake that a lot of cyclists regret. Why? It would mean tons of work for the cyclist (at home, they would need to dismantle the bicycle, wrap it up, transport it to the airport, and the same process once they land in Mallorca, repeating again when they return home). It would also give the cyclist a few headaches (risk of getting the bike damaged or lost by the airline) and, of course, the cost of transporting it. Plus, what happens if their bike or a component breaks on the road? They have no assistance at all.

Our recommendation to have a delightful cycling experience is to hire the bikes directly in Mallorca. At Berganti Bikes, we make it super easy for them. On our website, they can see our rental fleet and book the bikes they want online in just a few steps. The bicycles will be ready on their arrival, we will make any adjustments needed and that’s all. The rest… they just have to ride them!!! And, if anything goes wrong, we will be there for them. Besides, Berganti Bikes offer free helmets and normal pedals, so cyclists don’t have to bring them along and they can save precious space in their luggage for more souvenirs. ;)

Can you tell us a bit about one or two of your favourite cycling route in Mallorca? 

The three hermitages route in the centre of the island features narrow and charming empty inland roads. The challenging climb up the hills to the beautiful hermitages of Cura, San Salvador and Montision offer panoramic views.

Any restaurant on the island you can recommend for a special occasion?

There are lots but one of our favourites is Purobeach Beach Club, a restaurant with a huge terrace and a pool just perched over the sea. Good food, nice music, unbeatable views.

How about for tapas?
We are regular customers at Rumbo Fijo in Can Pastilla.  They serve an excellent grilled octopus.

And a great bar for a drink?

The rooftop bar at Hotel Nautic has amazing views and live jazz music. 

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in Mallorca?

It would depend on each person’s taste but the old town of Palma and its Gothic cathedral are a must for tourists. I personally love the towns along the Serra de Tramuntana mountains: Sóller, Orient, Fornalutx, Lluc and hundreds more.

Finally, can you give us a tip to escape the crowds in the summer?

There are still remote places on the island. In the summer, you can escape by boat to beautiful coves with stunning waters and no one else around