[Closed] Alps season 2013 - what bike are you taking this year?

I'll be taking this to Verbier shortly.
Now has angle reducer bushes on the shock, a slackset up front and 203 rotors with icetech pads.

Should be teh awsumz.
[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7813562588_f477992972_z.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7813562588_f477992972_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/stu-b/7813562588/ ]TBLTC[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/stu-b/ ]multispeedstu[/url], on Flickr

I'll be taking this to Les Arcs and the Megavalanche. Can't wait! 🙂

[img] [/img]

Just to complete the SC line up, I'll be on my Chameleon (just like every other year) 😆

dantsw what chainring on the front of that??

Rocket with added alps-ness in terms of fat tyres, chain device, 1x10 and a proper set of non noodly forks. 10 days before we go, a couple more before PPDS 🙂

[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/9052177862_f7ce14e895_c.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/9052177862_f7ce14e895_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/9052177862/ ]Rocket in Alps mode[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr

Far more excited than befits a middle aged man!

I wish I had the money to build up an 'alps bike', dunno where I'm headed yet but I'll be going somewhere in August and I'll be taking the same bike I ride on trails over here. Damn light it is too, though I'll prob for a shorter stem.

[IMG] [/IMG]

Al, is that front rotor on the right way? looks weird, but.. (answering my own question) I guess they only go on one way, right?

In order not to feel left out, can I throw in the bike I am taking to Whistler in August?

Thank you

[img] [/img]

I'll double check as it's first time its been on there since I bought the new forks. But I'm sure they only go one way. Still if I'm involved with it, probably the wrong way.

Still not sure about flats tho, last 'proper' ride tomorrow before we go and shall be flipping back to SPDs to see which I prefer.

bosh! (now with Reverb)

[IMG] [/IMG]

My only bike - Five.

Got one of these arriving in the next couple of weeks.

[img] [/img]

Orange Alpine, off to Les Gets on 23rd 😀

[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/7490080876_6988e48a5b_z.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/7490080876_6988e48a5b_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/karl33to/7490080876/ ]DSC_0062[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/karl33to/ ]Karl33to[/url], on Flickr

ChunkyMTB I hate FS'ers but that is way cool 8)

8)

Should be teh awsumz

sstu - might be worth fitting a rock-guard thingy?

David cracked his down-tube in Spain recently, needed new frame 😯

Going to treat it to a dropper.
[URL= http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr259/godzillaqwerty/9A37BD5A-3509-4009-B752-6CA9D97C70C1-7383-000001D47CAD3C66_zps33928618.jp g" target="_blank">http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr259/godzillaqwerty/9A37BD5A-3509-4009-B752-6CA9D97C70C1-7383-000001D47CAD3C66_zps33928618.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]
[URL= http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr259/godzillaqwerty/C971EA0F-3AA8-458B-81AD-E193ADC7D406-7383-000001D46F377730_zps85272892.jp g" target="_blank">http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr259/godzillaqwerty/C971EA0F-3AA8-458B-81AD-E193ADC7D406-7383-000001D46F377730_zps85272892.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]
And this if i have space.
[URL= http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr259/godzillaqwerty/null_zps045700f0.jp g" target="_blank">http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr259/godzillaqwerty/null_zps045700f0.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Clink - Member
sstu - might be worth fitting a rock-guard thingy?

http://www.rockguardz.com/santa-cruz/santa-cruz-tallboy-ltc.html?___SID=U

Taking my Canyon Nerve XC 120mm travel but then I'm not doing the gnarl, more an XC thing. Still gonna get me some pads though

[img] [/img]

Tadah.

I've had a guard on it since i took it to the Pyrenees last year. 8)

I've had a guard on it since i took it to the Pyrenees last year.

Good man!

Loddrik - I split and sold my C456, bought the frame/forks second hand for a steal, used my old Hope Pro2/XM819 wheels, and put a hacksaw on my old slx cranks to make a single front ring, so all in cost me about £150 for an Alps bike 🙂

NickC - it's a gold Hope 32t single ring, with a DaBomb chain guide cheap s/h from eBay.

[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/9052982374_7a3c8290f7.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/9052982374_7a3c8290f7.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/97551569@N06/9052982374/ ]photo 1[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/97551569@N06/ ]nammynake[/url], on Flickr

Any of you pussies taking a hardtail?

😆 For sure! Bfe in its normal spec (arch ex, slx brakes 203/180, slant 34's, dropper, 1x9), just wider bar and nobbly tyres

[url= http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/9053345582_b5f693d11e.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/9053345582_b5f693d11e.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/94144731@N04/9053345582/ ]image[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/94144731@N04/ ]thegman1968[/url], on Flickr
Morzine July25/7

Nice gman67. Mine is the same bike, but beefed up a little more 🙂

Not going to be doing much uphill on this badboy! Chairlift up and ride down.

[img][url= http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/9053666170_b6f89dd07f_z.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/9053666170_b6f89dd07f_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url] [url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/95235510@N02/9053666170/ ]2013-04-12 14[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/95235510@N02/ ]kudos100[/url], on Flickr[/img]

Ill be taking these two. Took my Nukeproof Mega last year and kind of wish i still had it.

[URL= http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8113/4xes.jp g" target="_blank">http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8113/4xes.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Uploaded with [URL= http://imageshack.us ]ImageShack.us[/URL]

Looking forward to a week on this...

[img] [/img]

Taking the yamaha wr 290, the carbon covert, kona operator and lapierre xelius 200.

Will be there a while

Mine

[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/8715803007_bf1c01cc66.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/8715803007_bf1c01cc66.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/37621241@N05/8715803007/ ]Untitled[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/37621241@N05/ ]ianvincent[/url], on Flickr

Junior's

[url= http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5221/5820210017_ba98918fcd.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5221/5820210017_ba98918fcd.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/37621241@N05/5820210017/ ]bighit grom[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/37621241@N05/ ]ianvincent[/url], on Flickr

Better shock on this one now.

Lots of big bikes here...so here's my little bike. 140/127mm travel, 180/160mm brakes. Now with Havoc bars and High Rollers. I'll be taking lots of spare brake pads. Verbier 8 weeks and counting....

[img] [/img]

@IANV tiewraps leave sharp edges, maybe cut them off on the inside of jnrs swingarm, could be a nasty leg scratcher!

This, Scott Gambler.
[img][url= http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/9057425182_cf349fe827.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/9057425182_cf349fe827.jp g"/> [/img][/url] [url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/84441709@N04/9057425182/ ]DSCF4466[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/84441709@N04/ ]bikerider27[/url], on Flickr[/img]
[img][url= http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/9057425298_96c0e6389a.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/9057425298_96c0e6389a.jp g"/> [/img][/url] [url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/84441709@N04/9057425298/ ]DSCF4465[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/84441709@N04/ ]bikerider27[/url], on Flickr[/img]

@IANV tiewraps leave sharp edges, maybe cut them off on the inside of jnrs swingarm, could be a nasty leg scratcher!

Its an old photo, that has changed now

A change of tyres (and brake pads) away from this years "Alps" spec:

[URL= http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q137/max_torque_2006/Lapierre%20Zesty%20714/714_alps_spec_2_zps01fcdb0c.jp g" target="_blank">http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q137/max_torque_2006/Lapierre%20Zesty%20714/714_alps_spec_2_zps01fcdb0c.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q137/max_torque_2006/Lapierre%20Zesty%20714/714_alps_spec_1_zps2d25d2ed.jp g" target="_blank">http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q137/max_torque_2006/Lapierre%20Zesty%20714/714_alps_spec_1_zps2d25d2ed.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Limiting factor is almost certainly me........ DOH 😉

[img] [/img]

Old photo, as in preparation for Chatel in 3 weeks, the bike's in bits: forks/shock at J-TECH, wheels at LBS, brakes dissembled waiting new hoses and a TI shock in the post.

I've got the perfect bike for the Alps but I have never managed to go over there to ride. I'm going to try to organise a trip over there next summer with this beast.

[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/8936145456_cf6de98773_b.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/8936145456_cf6de98773_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/29930426@N04/8936145456/ ]Enduro Evo 2011 mid build[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/29930426@N04/ ]i_ache[/url], on Flickr

Going to bounce my way down the megavalanche on this: [img] [/img] needs lightening up somewhat first though!

Kudos100. The bike looks awesome,when I was wanting to upgrade to 180mm Vans Giant told me the most I could put on my bike is 170mm 180mm here I come.

Just because it's possible, doesn't mean it's a good idea 😉

I am having trouble deciding. I have a 2010 Bighit with 66ATA forks and a recently rebuilt 2005 Giant Reign with uprated 6.7" travel at the rear.

I have tried a pair of 160mm Marzocchi Z1 Sport forks on the Reign, but they are relatively basic, quite heavy, and don't have a Maxle type axle (we're roadtripping so will be stashing the bikes in the van every evening). I have also tried a pair of Dual Position Air Revelations at 150mm, but they are noticably shorter, and a bit more twitchy as a result.

We are planning on riding lift/shuttle assisted singletrack at a number of (obviously) highly secret locations. We are certainly avoiding the fleshpots of Les Gets/Morzine. I can't decide whether to take the Bighit or not, and what forks to run on the Reign.

Ideally I'd have some Lyriks on the Reign...

Taking the 66 to do the Mega, then the Mountain of Hell the week after, followed by a weeks trail riding in Les Arcs to chill out.

[img] [/img]

Hobnob - not my idea of ideal alps bike (dual crowns and 8" for uplifting for me) and rarely post "I like your bike" type comments, but that is luuuuurvrly!! 😆

If I go:
[img] :large[/img]

Hifives the only other bigwheel alpine biker. 🙂

Was hoping to take the cotic rocket I ordered in January, but alas nay. Still not here, so a hired NP Mega it is.

Taking my Santa Cruz Carbon Nomad to Les Arcs, c/w Cane Creek DBA, Alps virgin but can't wait - will be awesome if the videos are anything to go by!

what a depressing thread. No alps trip for me this year, definitely will try to get out there next year however.

Now off to gaze longingly at my Enduro...

[img] [/img]

ps..some lovely bikes on here. Hope everyone has fun 🙂

Broke my cherry last year.

Also broke my wrist and collarbone!! Be careful out there!!

Maxtorque - loving the Zesty!!

I will be on the "Slayer" again[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7554929234_86bf53e68e.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7554929234_86bf53e68e.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/46432102@N02/7554929234/ ]Les Gets 2012 MTB 133[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/46432102@N02/ ]cmaddski[/url], on Flickr

Maxtorque,Godzilla,

how are you finding the CCDB airs?

how are you finding the CCDB airs?

Same bike I take everywhere 🙂 Bigger tyres on the Hemlock and it's alp-ready (well, it'd be fine as it is right now but it'll be better with a wee swap).

[img] [/img]

Taking this to Les Arcs, I only plan to ride trails that suit it.

It's morphed a bit snce this photo, now has Flows, KS Lev, 150mm Revs, and bigger brakes.

Same bike I ride all year round.. Scott Genius LT20
[URL= http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a607/MilkieKula/Bike%20Stuff/WR2012-CanonG10-28_zps158cee03.jp g" target="_blank">http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a607/MilkieKula/Bike%20Stuff/WR2012-CanonG10-28_zps158cee03.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Bike prep for the Alps consists of... **** All !!! 😉
10 Weeks to go!!

[img] [/img]

To do this:

[img] [/img]

Any of you pussies taking a hardtail?

But last year we took a Soul and a 456 to Morzine, and survived.

Like Mikey74 I too can not be bothered with the Alps this year.... [b]Whistler instead![/b] (in August - like Mikey too)! When you going?

I'll be taking a bike designed for a bike park to a bike park. It's been before and my only upgrade for ages is some new Saint brakes.

[img] http://www.mountainbikerides.co.uk/photos/image.raw?type=orig&id=2059 [/img]

Might get a rental for a couple of days XC too?

I'll take this and join the big wheelers again
[img] [/img]

Taking my Enduro for two weeks with Bike Verbier

[img] [/img]

Bagstard

how are you finding the CCDB airs?

Expensive and a little heavy, compared to say a Fox RP series, but very good indeed once setup. Having the full range of independent adjustments is ace, assuming you know enough to twiddle the knobs correctly (which tbh, isn't hard after a bit of experimentation).

And on my Spesty (160mm Zesty) i am finding i am not needing to constantly re-adjust to avoid any issues like that pesky Bob or whatever. I certainly don't miss not having any form of lock-out, because once set correctly, the damping performance is maintained across the full range of shaft velocities. Of course, i wouldn't recommend one for XC racing, but if you're considering a DBair i'm guessing you're not really an XC whippet 😉

P.S. I'll let you know after a week of riding down proper tall mountains in July how it retains its composure after an extended battering!

Kudos100. The bike looks awesome,when I was wanting to upgrade to 180mm Vans Giant told me the most I could put on my bike is 170mm 180mm here I come.

They will only warranty 170mm, but plenty of people put bigger forks on them. The important measurement is the axel to crown. Boxxers have the same A-C as totems, which are 180mm. Certain marzocchis have longer A-C's at 170mm.

It rides amazingly with boxxers, I've ridden quite a few DH bikes and I prefer the reign x 🙂

Do people just rock up at say Morzine and just ride around figuring it all out themselves or do you all tend to hire guides or go with companies like Bike Virbier or Flow MTB?

I'm quite interested as for my first trip I would probably consider doing it as cheaply as possible to see how everybody finds it and what they would want to do next time.

Morzine /les Gets is possible to just "Rock up and Ride" as we did last year. This year we are getting a guide for a day to explore the area.

Oh and another one. I am assuming the bike trails tend to be in the same areas (but not routes) as the ski pistes, I know Morzine/Les Gets from skiing so that would be handy.

[i]Any of you pussies taking a hardtail?[/i]

See my post on page 1, my Chameleon, gf will be on her Talon

Hopefully going towards the end of summer on this:

[URL= http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww299/deesta-pics/685c4465-bfe9-4c65-8f78-91b96512a7f3_zpsc279e5b5.jp g" target="_blank">http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww299/deesta-pics/685c4465-bfe9-4c65-8f78-91b96512a7f3_zpsc279e5b5.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

nickc - Member

Any of you pussies taking a hardtail?

See my post on page 1, my Chameleon, gf will be on her Talon

Good stuff! 8)

I'm taking one of these
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[img] https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos?pid=5890432143791296498&oid=111358819812974628321 [/img]

And one of these
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https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos?pid=5890432239019115986&oid=111358819812974628321

to do lots of this.........
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[img] https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos?pid=5890434462778203570&oid=111358819812974628321 [/img]
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In places like this
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[img] http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciencarter/6405779673/ [/img]
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3 and half weeks, catching the Mega, Crankworx Les2Alpes, and the Tour, with 20 sleeps to go....

In Les Gets, the runs are from the Chavannes ant Nauchettes lifts on one side, and Mont Chery on the other. Morzine is served by the Pleney and Super Morzine.

Try [url= http://http://www.rushadventures.co.uk/upload/LesGets%20Bikepark%202013%20Map.pdf ]This link[/url]

For a mtb run map

In Les Gets, the runs are from the Chavannes ant Nauchettes lifts on one side, and Mont Chery on the other. Morzine is served by the Pleney and Super Morzine.

Try [url= http://http://www.rushadventures.co.uk/upload/LesGets%20Bikepark%202013%20Map.pdf ]This link[/url]

For a mtb run map

2nd try,

One of these
[url= http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/9065728745_be45ea5600.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/9065728745_be45ea5600.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciencarter/9065728745/ ]IMG00228-20110916-1713[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/luciencarter/ ]lucien.carter[/url], on Flickr

One of these
[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/9065723403_f9ef48151a.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/9065723403_f9ef48151a.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciencarter/9065723403/ ]Commencal DH[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/luciencarter/ ]lucien.carter[/url], on Flickr

Doing this
[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6405779673_5688d20e52.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6405779673_5688d20e52.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciencarter/6405779673/ ]6199 43 [/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/luciencarter/ ]lucien.carter[/url], on Flickr

Here
[url= http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/9065727129_478237716d.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/9065727129_478237716d.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciencarter/9065727129/ ]Trails1[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/luciencarter/ ]lucien.carter[/url], on Flickr
-
-

3 1/2 weeks, catching the Mega, Cranworx at Les2 Alpes, plus the Tour....20 sleeps to go

Like Mikey74 I too can not be bothered with the Alps this year.... Whistler instead! (in August - like Mikey too)! When you going?

I'll be taking a bike designed for a bike park to a bike park. It's been before and my only upgrade for ages is some new Saint brakes.

Might get a rental for a couple of days XC too?

Jealous;MP you're back at BBB? If you get the chance bag Mark H to guide you. We had him last year and he's a fantastic guide/rider/laugh. Tell him high from the 'weapons' he had to put up with in 2012 (a bunch of loud mouthed cockneys). We'll be back in 14.

You'll figure out Morzine & Les Gets really easily. Guide will take you to out of the way stuff but all the main trails are very easy to navigate.

torihada - Member

Jealous;MP you're back at BBB? If you get the chance bag Mark H to guide you. We had him last year and he's a fantastic guide/rider/laugh. Tell him high from the 'weapons' he had to put up with in 2012 (a bunch of loud mouthed cockneys). We'll be back in 14.

Yep we're back with Bear Back. This will be my 4th trip! We're managing every 2 years since that initial "once in a lifetime" trip! 🙂

Like Mikey74 I too can not be bothered with the Alps this year.... Whistler instead! (in August - like Mikey too)! When you going?

24th August - 7th September