Gearing for Etape du Tour
For most people, gearing for Etape du Tour will be as simple as putting compacts on!
I've done Etape enough times as a rider with pretty solid race fitness to tell you that compacts make sense.
Here are my Etape du Tour reports from 2009, 2010 and 2011.
And just to put the frighteners into you even more, here's a video promo I made for Etape 2013.
Trust me, there's no point being a hero and rolling on full sized cranks (even with a 27 on the back).
Sure, you might look tough as nails and it's useful on the downhills but really, how much time can you make up on descents. (That's a rhetorical question!)
Hint, it's not as much as you can on the uphills.
On the flipside, you'll appreciate compacts in the uphills more than full sized cranks on the descents.
SRAM Force 11-28
Gearing for Etape du Tour
You may be tempted, when faced with a ride like this to leave your full sized chain rings (if you have them) on and put a 27 or 28 on the rear.
And for some people, this might be enough (especially for slightly easier routes like the 2013 Etape du Tour).
For stupidly hard routes like the 2009, 2010 or 2011 Etape, some readers could get by with a 32 or mountain bike 36 (with SRAM Apex or Shimano long cage derailleur) on the rear.
But for many participants, a 39×27 or 28 combo still won’t suffice.
For participants who don't have great race fitness or haven't undertaken any Training for Etape, a 27, 28, 32 or mountain bike 36 (with SRAM Apex or Shimano long cage derailleur) on the rear will be way more useful.
Tdon’t be silly, don’t be proud, ride compacts – read this post on gearing for the mountains for more information.
Rear casette
If you do decide on a 53/39, definitely take a 27, 28 or even 32 or 36 – your legs will thank you.
I seriously cannot understate how hard Etape du Tour will be for most people.
If you’re on a 50/34, you might still want to have the option of an 11-28.
There’s nothing worse than running out of gears and already having very tired legs.
Read this review of SRAM Force and Apex cassettes for more gearing info.
Where to get gearing for Etape du Tour
If you need new a cassette or crankset for Haute Route, click on through using the links below (affiliate links).
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