Gear and equipment

A well-maintained bike, that is checked each time you go for a ride, is the guarantee for a long life... both for the bike and for yourself. Here is a checkpoint list you should carefully follow:

What type of bike do I need?

It is said that there are no bad tools, just bad workmen... but this is not completely true in mountain-biking. On a hardtail (a bike without a rear shock absorber) the descent from Le Cerf to Alpe-d’Huez, for example, will seem much more difficult and tiring than on a freeride model with a 20 cm clearance at the back! If you don’t have disc brakes, you will lose braking power and downhill runs will feel more tiresome.

For touring, a hardtail may be enough. For freeride and downhill, you will soon be pushing old equipment to its limits, not to mention that an old or ill-adapted frame can shatter like glass.

Think seriously about hiring equipment. Most rental points offer top of the range bikes, and some even hire out protection gear (shells, knee pads and full face helmets). Rental points can be found at Alpe-d’Huez, Les 2 Alpes, Auris-en-Oisans, Bourg-d’Oisans, Oz Station and Vaujany. Contact the tourist offices for more information.

What protection should I wear?

It has to be said that the downhill rider does look a bit like something from a Mad Max film. However, it’s common-sense not to skimp on protection gear since, as with all outdoor activities, mountain-biking has its dangers. A steering error, a bend taken a bit too fast, a stone is the wrong place or just a momentary lack of concentration... and you’re on the ground! The consequences, needless to say, can be serious. To limit the damage, it’s best to wear proper protection gear.

On touring routes, a helmet, glasses and gloves are a strict minimum. Don’t under-estimate the importance of glasses as, sun or no sun, they are essential. Imagine a large bumble-bee buzzing peacefully around in the middle of the path that you are hurtling down, completely carried away by the speed and the beauty of Oisans. The collision between the unfortunate insect and your eye could be very serious...

On freeride trails, you need to go up a gear: full face helmet and long gloves, together with back, elbow, knee and shin guards.

As for the budget: ouch! All this gear comes at a price and the more you ride, the more you understand that it really is essential. To avoid spending two months housebound with an injury, you must be prepared to invest in your health!

Prices are given as an indication:
• helmet: 30 €
• glasses: 15 €
• gloves: 15 €
• full face helmet: 50 €
• long gloves : 40 €
• simple back guard: 40 €
• complete back guard (shoulder, humerus and radius reinforcement): 200 €
• shin guards: 30 €
• elbow guards: 30 €

What should I take with me?

A mountain-biker’s backpack should include:
• an inner tube
• repair patches and glue
• a pump
• tools for simple mechanical repairs
• a spare link for chain repair
• 1.5 litres of water
• some energy bars
• a cellphone

Maps

The MTB office of Alpe-d’Huez - Massif des Grandes Rousses (FFC approved) describes 25 routes on a free map that is available from the tourist office or at cable car payment desks. Maintained trails are numbered using a small and easily recognisable plastic sign. The resort of Les 2 Alpes has developed a similar system. Free maps are also available there at the payment desks and at the tourist office.

What should be checked each time?

1: FRAME
Clean your bike regularly to check for cracks.
2: TYRES
Check pressure and wear.
3 : CHAIN
Keep the chain clean, lubing it regularly. Never use heavy oil - it picks up sand that wears the chain down.
4: BRAKES
Check the brake blocks and the disc brake pads for wear and any signs of leakage.
5: FORK
With the front brake on, gently try to move the bike. Put your finger on the steering-head bearing to see if there is any play.