I am planning on rinding Alpe d' Huez in january. Some bike shops only rent for 3 days during this time, others tell me to just show up no payment necessary, while others wast fullpaymentto reserve a bike. Does anyone have experience with the bike shops in this area? The last thing I want is to not find an available bike at the time nor do I want to pay for a bike for 3 days that I will only use for one.
Posted by
Reston VA
315 posts
January? I encountered snow at the top of the Alpe d'Huez in JULY!!!!
Honestly, as Jan is the bottom of the season for cycling (there is a ski lift at the top), my guess is that any shop you visit will have plenty of available rental bikes - and also not be turning their nose up at a one day rental.
I'd definitely check out the options on-line first and have a 1-2-3 list of shops to check out to find the bike I wanted. If you have a Specialized at home, you'll be able to match the sizing of a rental Specialized quickly. Same with Trek or Wilier or Pinarello or whatever.
I'd also consider tire options at that time of year. Depending upon weather and road maintenance, a slick road tire vs a more chunky all season or gravel type might be in order.
When I was there, I had my own bike, but we did visit a local shop in Bourg d'Oisans but I don't remember the name. We picked it for convenience at the time, and I didn't think to even notice the shops name.
It's a fun climb (among many in the region), so have great time!