Perfect bike for the Swiss Alps.

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Perfect bike for the Swiss Alps.

14 posts & 7 voices | Started 2 years ago by Imprezarob | Latest reply from Anthonyl84

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Imprezarob - Member

Morning everyone!

I'm going on a guiding course in Verbier throughout August and part of September.

I really cant decide what bike to take - the riding is a bit of everything - proper XC, bit of DH, All mountain.... everything!

I've got an Intense Slopestyle and a Whyte 905.

I'm worried the Intense may be too heavy duty, and the Whyte wont be suited. I'm hoping to sell the Whyte to help fund a 'do everything' type of bike, but no idea what!

I've looked at a Cannondale Rush which I think might be too flimsy, a Specialized Enduro which is too close to my Intense, a Trek EX8 which seems to have gone up in price.

Can you please suggest the best bike to take with me?

The company I'm going with suggest a full suspension bike with at least 4.5" travel. I've thought about building a Blur 4x, but they're hard to find now, and a Commencal Meta 4x which would work out quite expensive....

Help please!!

Rob

Posted 2 years ago #
GeForce Junky - Member

Its Verbier, so the Intense will be awesome! If your a good rider then you can ride some amazing steep technical trails where big brakes and a nice tall single crown make life much easier. You hardly have to ride up hill so there is no point riding anything lighter, and the Intense isn't going to be much harder to carry (there are a few hikes of done in Vebier to get to the best trails). I've ridden there mostly on my SC Bullit with 66's, and when I did ride a Cove Hustler a few times it was horrible as it was so much harder work and killed you arms and legs very quickly.

Posted 2 years ago #
GeForce Junky - Member

P.S. Have some lovely Verbier photos Its such a awesome place.

Also Crans Montana is worth a visit and isn't too far:

Posted 2 years ago #
Drac - Moderator

God damn it why did I click on this thread.

Time to price flights again.

Posted 2 years ago #
Anthonyl84 - Member

Rob, is that with Peak Leaders? Have seen that recently and been quite tempted, what's your take on it and them?

Cheers

Anthony

Posted 2 years ago #
Imprezarob - Member

Hi Anthony,

Yep - it's with Peak Leaders. I've been really impressed with them so far - they come back to me quickly with any questions or concerns, very friendly, and although the course it rather expensive it's just what I need - a qualification in something, and a long break from work in an amazing country....

Are you tempted to do the same course?

Looks like I'll take the Intense then! I just didnt want to be 'overbiked' but sounds like it'll be just right!

Posted 2 years ago #
foxylaydee - Member

I wanna go to Verbier <stamps feet> !

Posted 2 years ago #
Anthonyl84 - Member

Hi Rob,

Interesting, in short yes I am. Work is somewhat insecure and to be honest I am relatively recent graduate so not a good time to be looking. Looks like just the thing potentially, I'll drop them an email.

As you say though it is bloody expensive, once you put in diesel, bike spares and few new pairs of shorts/tops... What do you reckon work wise after doing that?

A

Posted 2 years ago #
Vortexracing - Member

foxylaydee in tantrum shocker !!!!

Posted 2 years ago #
Imprezarob - Member

I think as part of the course they try and help you as much as possible with connections in the industry - I know they have ties with Neilson for example.

For me though, I've managed to get unpaid leave from work to do the course and will probably be returning to work and the regular 9-5 grind (although life as a guide would be amazing)

Drop them an email, they're friendly and informative.

Posted 2 years ago #
GeForce Junky - Member

I think this has to tbe the ultimate Verbier bike. Orange Strange, 180mm 66's, Hope V2's, DT5.1s on Pro 2s and nice wide bars. Something like this:

Posted 2 years ago #
ampthill - Member

Isn't the answer to take both. Even if you have to post one it'll cost way less than changing bike.

That way you'll be covered for pedalling xc stuff, which surely must be on the agenda at some point

Posted 2 years ago #
Imprezarob - Member

There will be a lot of pedalling i'm sure, but it would be an absolute nightmare to take both - the money it would cost on flights, etc.

Only option I can think of is to try and lighten it up - lighter wheels, ti spring, etc.....

Posted 2 years ago #
Anthonyl84 - Member

Cheers for that Rob - I'll send them an email tonight I think and see what the crack is! I have dual nationality so spending a summer down under or in NZ might be on the cards after if work was available.

Posted 2 years ago #

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