Cycling & Cañas
An Interview with Mallorca Bike Hire and La Bicicleta, Puerto de Pollensa
Just a few days ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Andy and Kate, a British family who have turned their love for cycling and good living into two vibrant ventures: Mallorca Bike Hire and La Bicicleta, a sports bar with soul. Amid high-end bikes and perfectly poured beers, they shared a story that begins with a leap across borders and ends with deep roots in Mallorcan soil. Andy welcomed me with the calm confidence of someone who’s found their place in the world. He moved to the island in 2017, just before Brexit’s full impact. “Thank God we got here before the deadline,” he told me, referring to the complex bureaucracy that followed. He, his wife, and two of their children had already secured residency. Their youngest daughter, however, had to wait and can now visit thanks to a special visa.
By Mar Piris
25/08/25
Their business, Mallorca Bike Hire, is the product of decades of cycling expertise. Andy, a lifelong cyclist turned entrepreneur, understands exactly what customers need because, as he puts it, “I’ve been that customer.” The shop features top-tier bikes from brands like Cannondale and Scott, updated with the latest models. The level of specialisation is impressive: lightweight racing bikes, electric road bikes, and models perfect for those wanting to keep pace without strain - ideal for couples, older riders, or those in recovery. While they don’t offer guided tours, they’ve created something just as valuable: hand-crafted GPS routes available via Strava, designed from firsthand experience and tailored to showcase Mallorca’s quieter, more authentic side. “It’s like having a guide without actually having one,” Andy explained.
They also run a full-service workshop staffed by three full-time mechanics who treat each bike with real care. During the off-season, they maintain many privately owned bikes as well. And yes, the shop also features carefully selected cycling gear, locally inspired T-shirts, and nutrition products from Mega Raw Bar, a brand based in Lloseta. Andy summed it up perfectly: “Whenever we can, we support local.” After our chat in the bike shop, I walked over to La Bicicleta, the family’s second venture, this one led by daughter Kate. Opened in May 2023, the bar is a fresh, modern space full of energy. Though the family had no prior hospitality experience, they’ve created a place that feels instantly inviting.
Kate greeted me with pride and enthusiasm. “We decided to open a sports bar, and I took charge of running it. Now it’s my part of the business.” The venue has six screens showing all kinds of sports—football, golf, cycling, even netball and cricket on request. Each screen has its own sound, so guests can enjoy different matches without overlap. The sunny terrace, bathed in light well into the afternoon, is ideal for a beer after the beach or a bike ride. The drinks menu is equally impressive, with six beers on draft, fifteen bottled varieties—including local brews, Belgian ales, IPAs, and Guinness—as well as mocktails, non-alcoholic options, and cocktails by their talented bartender, Elliot. The food is homemade, delicious, and unfussy.
Chef Chris’s famous chicken wings—crispy, juicy, with sauces from barbecue to Korean—are a crowd favourite. Other options include chicken burgers, vegan dishes, nachos, sandwiches, and simple plates done right. Everything is served with thoughtful touches, like frozen glasses for drinks. Kate also had one important tip: “If you’re planning to watch sports here on the weekend, make a reservation—it gets busy!” Bookings are easy via Facebook or Instagram, and always appreciated.
Leaving the family’s two establishments, one thing was crystal clear: they’ve achieved what so many dream of when moving to Mallorca. They’ve created a business with heart, integrated respectfully into the island’s community, and offer an experience that blends sport, flavour, and genuine hospitality.
Interview Highlights -
Andy, tell us:
When and how did your adventure in Mallorca begin?
I used to run a bicycle shop in Sheffield, England, called Lancet Cycles—one of the country’s oldest, with over 135 years of history. I’d been coming to Mallorca to train since I was young, and later started bringing customers here every March for cycling trips and routes. It was always a dream to have something here, and eventually, the opportunity came.
Is that when you started renting bikes?
Yes, we began by renting a few bikes out of a small shop on the street—just my son Alex and me. It was tough at first, especially since my wife and daughters were still in the UK, so I was constantly traveling back and forth.
Was your shop in England still open at that time?
Yes, up until last year. But the business here started to grow, and eventually, the whole family moved. Now we’re all based in Mallorca: Alex manages the bikes, Kate runs the bar, and our youngest daughter, Isabel, recently qualified as a teacher and now works at the school in Crestatx.
Has it been a positive change?
Absolutely. We work hard—we’re not on holiday—but the quality of life is so much better. The climate, the calm, the safety... all of that played a big role in our decision. Plus, travel connections to the UK are great when we need them.
Is everyone happy with life on the island? And who is Archie to the family?
Yes, we’re all happy. After so much effort, we feel lucky to have made it work. Mallorca really has something special. Living here is like being in a little bubble—everything feels closer and more relaxed. As for Archie (our dog) he’s family. He has more social media followers than the whole company. He’s one of us!
MALLORCA BIKE HIRE, C/DE TEMPLE FIELDING, 10, 07470 PORT DE POLLENÇA | +44 7460 279744 |WWW.MALLORCABIKEHIRE.COM
LA BICICLETA, C/ DE TEMPLE FIELDING, 10, 07470 PORT DE POLLENÇA | 601 98 70 35 | WWW.BICICLETACAFE.COM
Kate greeted me with pride and enthusiasm. “We decided to open a sports bar, and I took charge of running it. Now it’s my part of the business.” The venue has six screens showing all kinds of sports—football, golf, cycling, even netball and cricket on request. Each screen has its own sound, so guests can enjoy different matches without overlap. The sunny terrace, bathed in light well into the afternoon, is ideal for a beer after the beach or a bike ride. The drinks menu is equally impressive, with six beers on draft, fifteen bottled varieties—including local brews, Belgian ales, IPAs, and Guinness—as well as mocktails, non-alcoholic options, and cocktails by their talented bartender, Elliot. The food is homemade, delicious, and unfussy.
Chef Chris’s famous chicken wings—crispy, juicy, with sauces from barbecue to Korean—are a crowd favourite. Other options include chicken burgers, vegan dishes, nachos, sandwiches, and simple plates done right. Everything is served with thoughtful touches, like frozen glasses for drinks. Kate also had one important tip: “If you’re planning to watch sports here on the weekend, make a reservation—it gets busy!” Bookings are easy via Facebook or Instagram, and always appreciated.
Leaving the family’s two establishments, one thing was crystal clear: they’ve achieved what so many dream of when moving to Mallorca. They’ve created a business with heart, integrated respectfully into the island’s community, and offer an experience that blends sport, flavour, and genuine hospitality.
Interview Highlights -
Andy, tell us:
When and how did your adventure in Mallorca begin?
I used to run a bicycle shop in Sheffield, England, called Lancet Cycles—one of the country’s oldest, with over 135 years of history. I’d been coming to Mallorca to train since I was young, and later started bringing customers here every March for cycling trips and routes. It was always a dream to have something here, and eventually, the opportunity came.
Is that when you started renting bikes?
Yes, we began by renting a few bikes out of a small shop on the street—just my son Alex and me. It was tough at first, especially since my wife and daughters were still in the UK, so I was constantly traveling back and forth.
Was your shop in England still open at that time?
Yes, up until last year. But the business here started to grow, and eventually, the whole family moved. Now we’re all based in Mallorca: Alex manages the bikes, Kate runs the bar, and our youngest daughter, Isabel, recently qualified as a teacher and now works at the school in Crestatx.
Has it been a positive change?
Absolutely. We work hard—we’re not on holiday—but the quality of life is so much better. The climate, the calm, the safety... all of that played a big role in our decision. Plus, travel connections to the UK are great when we need them.
Is everyone happy with life on the island? And who is Archie to the family?
Yes, we’re all happy. After so much effort, we feel lucky to have made it work. Mallorca really has something special. Living here is like being in a little bubble—everything feels closer and more relaxed. As for Archie (our dog) he’s family. He has more social media followers than the whole company. He’s one of us!
MALLORCA BIKE HIRE, C/DE TEMPLE FIELDING, 10, 07470 PORT DE POLLENÇA | +44 7460 279744 |WWW.MALLORCABIKEHIRE.COM
LA BICICLETA, C/ DE TEMPLE FIELDING, 10, 07470 PORT DE POLLENÇA | 601 98 70 35 | WWW.BICICLETACAFE.COM