What Bike for Etape?

A few people have emailed me and asked me what type of bike they will need for an Etape.

I've seen people do Etape on mountain bikes, tandems and roadbikes ranging from bikes that could only be described as WWII era messenger bikes to high end road race weapons.

What Type of Bike Should I Look At?

If you do a lot of climbing, I recommend spending your hard earned money on a bike designed to climb. Just ask your local bike shop, what they have. For instance, I'd prefer a Specialized Roubaix over something racier like a Tarmac or Venge. I'd look at a Wilier Izoard too. There are a lot of options and likely something that will suit, in your favourite brand (mine are Look, Time, Focus, Wilier, Felt and Scott).

So, What Level of Bike Should I Take?

If you don't have one, and if your budget permits, I recommend a low to mid-level roadbike (see my discussion on frames below) that you are comfortable doing lots of kilometres on. This way it'll be great for Etape, travelling and at home (commuting, training etc),

It might make sense to look at an aluminium frame (see discussion below) – there are many inexpensive options from Specialized, Scott, BMC, Cannondale, Felt – the list goes on. I owned a Specialized Roubaix (albeit carbon) for a few years and it was probably the most comfortable bike I've ridden. Great for climbing, great for descending, great for long rides. Awesome bike (budget permitting, my next bike will be a Roubaix S Works – they are that good).

If you're flying from overseas, I strongly recommend you don't take something high-end. I took my prized Look 586 RSP in 2011, and it copped a beating in the campervan. It was great for Etape, fast on ascents, stable and fast and turns on a dime on the descents. The Look 586 is a mountain WEAPON – highly recommended.

Frame Considerations

Whilst many people take their carbon bikes overseas without a problem, it's not without risk, unless you pack your bike properly.

You can read more about packing your bike in the EVOC bike bag. And find out more about the best way to take your bike overseas without damage.

Having said that, if you are looking for a bike to take overseas you can't go wrong with a rock solid aluminium bike that will last years and take a lot of damage (like the famous Cannondale CAAD5). There are loads of deals online (Wiggle, Chain Reaction are good places to start). Even Competitive Cyclist has some great deals like this BMC aluminium complete bike for under US$900 (note, this is not an affiliate link).

What Parts?

I'd recommend alloy bars and stem. This is particularly important if you are taking a Scicon Aero Comfort Plus Bike Bag as the design of the bag exposes the bars to potential baggage handler knocks.

I used one of Scicon ACPs in 2009 and the bars copped a huge impact but bent, instead of breaking.

Using alloy minimises your risk of carbon damage.

The same goes for wheels. Don't take high end tubs and I don't recommend carbon wheels. Take some bomb proof Mavic Open Pros or Ultegras or whatever takes your fancy (Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle).

What Group Should I Ride for Etape

If you're also wondering what Group (gearing) you should put on your bike, read this post on Gearing for Etape. Lots of people have followed my advice, and are thankful for putting compacts on their bike.