Sunny Mountains

SlowMe

Hi,
I'm looking for some advice on two fronts - I want to try and get away cycling in europe in some mountainous terrain this year. I was wondering if anyone has some recommendations on where to go and also whether I need to think about getting a suitable cassette. My current cassette is 12-25 with 53/39 front rings.

I've searched bit and came across some good feedback on vamos in southern spain but I don't see any recent reviews...

thanks for any help

lennymc

search for the raid pyrenean on here - a few of us did it last year. Lots of mountains, lots of sun. Also a discussion on gearing

Tonyandthewhale

SlowMe wrote: »

My current cassette is 12-25 with 53/39 front rings.

Sounds fine if you're a strong climber, sounds less fine if you're not.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi

Just back from a week in Lanza and i would highly recommend it, plenty of climbs there to keep you honest and along with the wind you are always working.
Gearing should be fine, i got up them all with the same ratio without any issues.

Raam

I'd happily book with Vamos. Gary and Sarah are very nice people. There are some long hills around there so if you are not a competent rider then I would bring a 27. You don't have to use those extra teeth but they are there if you want them.

Lumen

Vamos are great.

I took a 34-28 and passed Raam a few times.

after he stopped to take pictures

Chips Lovell

I was at Vamos with Lumen and Raam. It was a great trip, excellent weather and fantastic cycling country (if you like climbing). The Sierra Nevada is a good spot for winter/early season training. I'd say it would be very hot though in the summer months.

Oh, and I took a compact.

Raam

I've been in August and it was feckin roasting, but I wouldn't let that stop me going again at that time. We started cycling early and so weren't out too long during the hotter weather. It is a very nice feeling descending at speed and feeling the warm air against your skin.

SlowMe

I'm thinking of April/May time so southern Spain or the Canaries look like the best bets for weather guarantee (from what I can see the alps/pyrenees might be hit and miss around that time). Thanks for notes on the cassette - sounds like my setup would be ok. I might look into getting a 27 on the rear. Unlikely I'd get a 34 on the front with a 53 large ring (anyone ever seen that config?? I'd imagine the derailler would fail bridge that gap).

From looking around at some of the various sites it seems that bike hire is a fairly common option. I've never been cycling abroad and I like the idea of having my own wheels but between the costs of hiring a bike box and extra airline fees not to mention the logistics of getting the box into a car to travel to the airport, the hire option is getting more attractive. any thoughts on the hire option? Do most people have their own bike box and travel with their bike?

Sean02

You might consider Calpe on Costa Blanca. Weather almost guaranteed. Enough interesting routes for a week.Ok not as challenging as Pyrennes or Alps but it attracts many pro teams for pre season training.I think it depends on how much time per day you want to spend on bike. Around here for up to 2-3 hours, whereas you might spend a day climbing a few Cols up north.

for example_ http://www.seanoreilly.4t.com/images/dscf0291.jpg