About us
Cycling expertise, trusted service, and real Algarve experience.
Who We Are
We have 15 years of experience
Avalanche Bike Shop, also known as Avalanche Algarve is a bike rental and cycling service company based in São Brás de Alportel, serving riders across the Algarve – including Faro, Albufeira, Vilamoura, Tavira, Quinta do Lago, and Vale do Lobo.
Founded and operated by lifelong cyclist Rui Barros Cruz, Avalanche combines high-quality bikes with expert mechanics, reliable delivery, and a local’s knowledge of the region’s best routes.
For the past decade, the company has supported thousands of visitors, athletes, and families exploring the Algarve on two wheels – earning one of the highest satisfaction ratings in Portugal across Google, TripAdvisor, and partner agencies.
Our philosophy
Cycling in the Algarve isn’t just transportation. It’s scenery, coastline, villages, cafés, nature, freedom, and connection to the outdoors.
Our job is simple:
Make every ride easy, safe, and unforgettable.
Avalanche Bike Shop
São Brás de Alporte, 8150-144
We focus on what matters:
- Bikes that feel new, tuned daily
- Support from real cyclists, not generic staff
- Fast, honest service - no overpromises
- Delivery to where riders actually stay
- Route guidance based on real local knowledge
Every interaction should feel like borrowing a bike from someone who knows the region well – because that’s exactly what Avalanche is.
Meet Rui - Owner, Lead Mechanic & Guide
A decade of cycling, racing, and helping riders explore the Algarve
Rui Barros Cruz has been part of the Algarve cycling community for over 10 years. Before opening Avalanche, he spent years racing downhill and enduro in Portugal’s National Championship circuit. That experience built an understanding of bike performance, rider safety, and how the smallest tuning detail influences comfort and control.
Rui handles:
- All bike tuning and mechanical setup
- Route recommendations tailored to fitness level
- Emergency support and troubleshooting
- Customer communication and coordination
- Guided tour leadership
If you book with Avalanche, chances are you’ll speak directly to Rui – he prefers it that way so every rider gets clear, expert advice.
What makes Avalanche different
Real bikes. Real expertise. Real Algarve knowledge.
High-quality Road Bikes and premium E-SUVs are curated specifically for Algarve's resort zones such as Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura, Tavira and Faro, where riders expect smooth performance, stability and reliability on both coastal roads and long open straights.
Our MTBs and E-SUVs are adjusted for the inland profiles of São Brás, Tavira and the quieter countryside. Rolling gradients, gravel patches, tight corners and mixed surfaces require a setup that matches real riding conditions. These adjustments are based on daily experience, not generic factory tuning.
Years of national-level downhill racing create a deep understanding of braking, geometry balance, suspension feel and drivetrain performance. The tuning quality comes from thousands of hours spent riding and maintaining bikes in Algarve conditions. This expertise cannot be improvised.
Fast support, clean bikes and fair pricing are mentioned repeatedly across Google, Facebook, TripAdvisor and partner agency reviews. Riders highlight clear communication, reliable equipment and smooth delivery. The reputation was built through consistent service, not advertising claims.
Our partners
Avalanche works with leading hotels, villas, agencies, and tourism operators across the Algarve.
Our workshop
São Brás de Alportel
Our main workshop and tuning center is located in R. Cinco de Outubro n1, 8150-144 São Brás de Alportel – the heart of our operations.
We service, assemble, clean, and tune every bike here before delivery. Customers can also pick up bikes directly from the shop.
Algarve coverage
Avalanche provides bike rental, guided tours, and repair services across:
- Faro
- Tavira
- Albufeira
- Vilamoura
- Quinta do Lago
- Vale do Lobo
- São Brás de Alportel
- Olhão
- Loulé
Every area has tailored bike recommendations based on real customer behavior and local terrain.
Our bikes
We maintain a curated selection of bikes
Every bike is tuned before and after each rental – brakes, drivetrain, wheels, tire pressure, battery health, and cockpit adjustments.
Road bikes
E-SUV
MTB
E-Bike
MTB Premium
Trekking
Safety standards
We apply the same safety principles used in competitive racing:
- Brake and drivetrain check before every delivery
- Full bolt inspection
- Tire integrity review
- Battery stress test for all e-bikes
- Fit assessment for beginner riders
- Guided tour safety briefing
Safety is not optional. It’s part of every rental.
How we work
Simple, fast, and made for travellers
Submit your dates, bike type, and location. No upfront payment.
We reply quickly via WhatsApp or email with bike availability and total price.
Bikes arrive fully tuned, with helmets and locks included.
At the time you choose, right from your hotel, villa, or apartment.
Our commitment to you
Honest advice
We recommend bikes based on your route and terrain needs. No upselling and no unnecessary add-ons. Just the right bike for the right ride.
Reliable support
If anything happens during your ride, we respond quickly and assist wherever you are. Your safety and comfort always come first on every route.
True quality
All bikes arrive clean, tuned, and quiet. Smooth shifting, stable brakes, and a ride that feels effortless from the first turn of the pedals.
Contact us
- Phone: +351 963 415 122
- WhatsApp: +351 966 436 534
- Instagram: @avalanche_bikeshop_algarve
- Facebook: avalanchebikeshop
- Address: R. Cinco de Outubro n1, 8150-144 São Brás de Alportel, Portugal