There are pros and cons to each option.  Quality bike hire is easy and in abundance, but book early should you wish to secure the bike of your choice.

Hire tends to work out at around €25 per day compared with flying the bike at around £60-£80 extra (airline dependant).  Most bike shops/clubs will loan bike boxes for around £50 per week, if buying a bag/box is out of the question.  I found Tramuntana Tours in Soller to be particularly helpful, with a stable full of Trek carbon bikes available to hire. 

Travelling with your bike: everything you need to know

Can’t bear to be without your beloved steed? I know the feeling- but be aware that not every airline guarantees your bike to fly on the same flight as you.  EasyJet seem to be the most consistent, but don’t be at all surprised if it doesn’t turn up with you when you arrive at Palma.  Bikes usually appear within 24 hours but this may mean a return trip to Palma to collect.  Another consideration to flying your own bike is the slight hassle of breaking down and rebuilding your bike, twice! 

Review: Polaris Axial Pod