Rent or Buy Bikes in Hilton Head

[slank]

Headed to Hilton Head with two preschoolers who don't own their own bikes.

We rented bikes last time we were at HH for a week, but I am thinking that it might be advantageous to just buy the bikes this time.

Do you think that is a good idea? We could probably SQUEEZE them in the back of our stationwagon for the 9hr. drive home, and if it came down to it, we could always just donate them to Goodwill on our last day.

What do you think?

[MULTIZ321]

Slank,

Can't help you on your decision on whether to buy bikes while you're on Hilton Head Island, although I probably woundn't.

For more bike info on Hilton Head Island see this previous Tug thread


Richard

[Egret1986]

Originally Posted by slank

Headed to Hilton Head with two preschoolers who don't own their own bikes.

We rented bikes last time we were at HH for a week, but I am thinking that it might be advantageous to just buy the bikes this time.

Do you think that is a good idea? We could probably SQUEEZE them in the back of our stationwagon for the 9hr. drive home, and if it came down to it, we could always just donate them to Goodwill on our last day.

What do you think?

I've never been anywhere that rents bikes as cheaply as bike companies do on Hilton Head. The last time we were there we rented four adult bikes with baskets and locks that were delivered and picked up at the resort. Total cost was $80.

[elaine]

IF you are talking bikes with training wheels, I would buy them. Go to walmart and get bikes for $30-40 or so and then you have them when you get home. I have found that it is far better to get cheaper bikes that you can toss/donate in 1-2 years and then get bigger sizes as they grow. We went from 12" to 16" and I was glad we did. Friends invested more and started with the 16" bike, but it was too big for their kid in the beginning.

[pcgirl54]

Walmart or neighborhood yard sales may be a good option for you and take them with you if you have the time before vacation.



Bikes rentals are inexpensive on HH but I think I would buy them since they can use them at home.

[slank]

Thanks for the advice. We are staying three weeks this time, and both kids would need the smallest (12") bikes with training wheels.

[pedro47]

After you purchase the bikes. you will also needs to purchase a bike rake to transport the bikes on your many t/s vacations. Please purchase a very nice bike rake so it can hold up to four bikes ( 2 adults & 2 children bikes). Plus add a air pump to the shopping list.

Enjoy the Island.

[Egret1986]

Originally Posted by slank

Thanks for the advice. We are staying three weeks this time, and both kids would need the smallest (12") bikes with training wheels.

Even cheap rentals will start adding up then.

[jme]

Not totally sure about the current bike rules as observed inside Sea Pines, the avowed "Best Trails" spot on Hilton Head. But there are rules concerning privately-owned bikes brought into Sea Pines. Someone may remember exactly, or you can check the archives.

That's the best place to ride, so I thought I'd address it. I THINK they must be attached to the vehicle, that's all-----you just cannot ride in there....I THINK that's what they said.

I personally posted on this subject, but have forgotten EXACTLY what I reported, because it was a few years ago, and we don't take private bikes there ourselves anyway, but rent. To me, renting them is so much easier. But I do think my recollection is correct.

My post was the result of calling the Sea Pines Security Gate and simply reporting what they said..........if my assessment was correct, maybe buying cheap bikes would work out..........jme

[pcgirl54]

Marty

On several occasions including 10/2008 the SP gate guards stated unless staying in SP you must rent bikes in SP. One cannot bring them in a car then ride in SP if visiting for the day or you will be turned away at the gate.

There are rental companies not in SP that will deliver to your SP resort or you can rent them from the resort.

Having said that some tuggers have stated in the past they had no issues but who wants to test this on vacation and get annoyed?

[MULTIZ321]

See my link in Post #2 of this thread for where to rent bikes within Sea Pines Plantation.

Richard

[jme]

I guess the policy has changed, because you used to be able to take bikes in if attached to vehicle. I remember the officer on duty telling me when I called to check for another TUG member who was asking, but that was a couple of years ago or more.

We ALWAYS rent from inside Sea Pines anyway, simply due to convenience factor. Sadly, we just left HH today.....our 3 weeks are over, and my wife is about to cry....she loves it there.

We usually rent bikes from the place next door to the Plantation Club, at golf course, 500 yards down from Monarch, under the green & white striped awning at left end of the parking lot. One day, tho, they were out of bikes, so we went to the place inside the shopping center across from Swallowtail (in plaza where Truffles restaurant is), and they were very friendly, had great bikes, were CHEAPER, and had a more liberal return policy (we returned bikes after hours, no problem, and simply signed them in & locked them).

I think we'll return there from now on when renting. We did have a blast riding all over Sea Pines........rode to South Beach, Harbour Town (ice cream at Country Bear Store), and out Plantation Rd. to the stables.......Marty (jme)

[DebBrown]

I would not go for a bike ride with pre-schoolers on their own bikes. I can't imagine any fun riding that slow with kids who will get hot and might not be able to finish an outing.

I highly recommend you rent two adult bikes with either a carrier seat or a tandem attachment. You will enjoy your trips MUCH more!






Deb

[pcgirl54]

Deb,
I think you have a great idea on the tandems.

Marty
Dh and I are still crying from leaving HH in May. It wasn't as warm as in prior years but we love it anyway. 3 weeks would be heaven but more painful to leave.
You never know on the bike thing as a few were able to do it and others have been turned away even having them on bike racks. Why take a chance?

[Paumavista]

We love bike riding while on vacation with our kids. When the boys (now 9&10) were little we used the tandem bikes and they worked GREAT! It was a really good way to keep them right with us!

Recently with our little ones (3&4) the last few times we've biked we've rented adult bikes with bike seats. The little ones far prefer sitting up and looking around then being in the trailer.

Either way......depending on the size and ability of your little ones I would skip having them on bikes with training wheels! Frankly I would think it would make your biking trips just terribly slow and with young ones on their own you have little to no control over how or where they ride.....if they're attached via tandem....you KNOW they'll stop at the corner!

Have a great trip....!

Judy

[jme]

yep, agree with the tandem bikes. They're wonderful for kids not capable of keeping up. It's always more fun if you have a group with the same pace!!!! And kids adore the security of a parent leading ( of course, they think THEY'RE pedaling.)

They have different versions, some for older kids, as pictured above, and some with little kiddie cages for really wee ones, & some with a two-wheel little mini-carriage----sorta like an old-fashioned long seat (with back) with top over it, open in front. Saw a few last week, very cool-looking...kid was having a blast. Wish I could talk someone into pulling ME in that!!!

Marty (jme)