The first year they ran the Trans-Provence, I remember the marketing blurb stating a long-travel (steel) hardtail was the ideal bike to do it on.
Yet all the vids show everyone seems to be on full-suspension bikes this year. Has it got rougher, or have the riders got softer, or was it related to the sponsors that first time?
Still want to do it one year...
Can't imagine there being much in the way of terrain that would be faster on a long travel hardtail than on a sorted FS bike. Especially a multi stage european enduro. Maybe many many years ago when FS bikes where heavy, not that effective and would probably have broken down, then that might have been true.
Some people just like to say that everything would be best on a long travel hardtail.
Some people just like to say that everything would be best on along travel hardtailfull suspension.
I seem to remember the first one was sponsored by Dialled Bikes, which could explain the choice of "ideal" bike...
Jenn rode Trans- Provence for the third year on a hardtail - of course it's possible , but a full susser would definitely be more fun for most! ;]
Of course you can do it on a hardtail...
Also read the blurb about having ridden in the Alps or tough terrain in other places before doing the TP. If you have done (and do) that you won't need to ask the question.
Up to date guide:
'What bike should I bring?
This really is up to you as there are a variety of bikes and builds that would do the trick. Essentially, your bike must not too much of a slog on the fairly long ups, yet capable and confidence-inspiring on the long technical downs. There's a lot of discussion as to whether this means a 125mm (5") "trail-bike" or a 150-160mm (6") all-mountain bike. Our thought is that IF you have the stamina to ride an all-mountain rig all week without tiring too much and IF you have the choice, then bring the all-mountain to perhaps get a bit more out of the trails. But if not, a trail-bike will be just fine. All that said, arguably, the outright amount of travel matters less than geometry and cockpit setup. For confident descending we recommend no steeper than a 68 degree headangle, but if you really want to compete on the descents you'd be better off nearer to 66 degrees. Also, wide-ish (700-760mm) handlebars and a short stem (70mm absolute max!) are the order of the week.'
if i were to ride a week long enduro, i would ride it on a bike that would aid my limited climbing ability.
this kind of bike would be a 130mm forked hardtail.
you lose a heck of a lot more time on a bike that you cant climb on, than one that is a bit steadier on descents.
imho that is.
Er... is all the timing not done on the descents? In which case it's only the doonhalls that count and hence take the best bike for the doons and slog the ups?
I wasn't aware that I'd ever sponsored the whole event. I just gave Ash, Mel and crew a few prizes for the first few years.
I did the first year's event on a hard tail based on Ash's original suggestion - after all he scouted and rode all the trails on his hardtail, although he's a far better rider than I will ever be.
My only comment on the hardtail approach is that over the course of the week the pounding takes its toll, and if I was to do it again (and I really would love to) I'd go for the full sus option so the muscles were marginally less tired in the latter stages.
As Rob has also pointed out, if you're happy with your bike then just use that.
Stages are mostly downhill, but occasionally they do have climbs in them. The linking stages are not timed and they are where the majority of the 'updulation' is found.
One thing to be aware of, the on-paper stats for a typical days riding on the TP do not do it justice. They may be short days (distance) and with manageable climbing numbers (particularly as the uplift takes out some of the sting) but do not underestimate it. It is a tough week, but oh so rewarding for the riding, scenery, organisation and camaraderie.
Ride it on a hardtail... yes.
Race it... no.
This bit of advice;
Also, wide-ish (700-760mm) handlebars and a short stem (70mm absolute max!) are the order of the week
..kinda makes them sound a little stupid.. bar width and stem length are personal preference- the ideal setup for a male 6'3" rider is going to be a little different to that of a 5' female rider.
Clever as that sounds roadwarrior, the rider that fit your latter description was riding some of the widest bars (and a bike that weighed 40% of her) was nailing very respectable times.
It has been done..... It wasn t sponsored by Dialled bikes though.It was in a time when there was no elite category, only one. A gravity dropper would`ve been more use maybe and as mentioned above it would no longer be competitive...
150mm forks, 720mm bars 2 biggish crashes
1 forgotten brand Black hardtail
1 Orange R8
2 Cotic souls(1 staff)
1 Dialled PA
2 Alpines(staff)
Thats right Rob isnt it?
Can you yes, would I no... You "might be" ok, but it's the might that is important, riding hard tail for a day in swinley forest is fun, getting your back battered for a whole week on some steep, rOcky technical trails might not be so. However as I/my LBS are likely to be responsible for spares, please go ahead I'd love to sell you 4 tubes everyday 
Having just returned from this years event I don't recall seeing a single hardtail all week, the reason is that only the timed sections are down, although a few have some climbs, but the majority are down. The trails are very technical, think of the most tech trail you can think of and multiply it by at least 10. So ... Could you do it on a hardtail yes, would it be fun, not half as much as a sus bike. And defo slower on the timed sections. You'd also be totally knackered. Totally totally knackered. A sus bike is the best choice. Slackish head angle, dual ply tires and wide bars but some climb ability and carry ability is essential .
i am very keen to do this next year. I even have the green light from the the wife
do all sorts do it or just the super fit?
do you think a nukeproof mega is too much bike?
THERE IS NO "CORRECT BIKE" just ride your bike. Unless it's an hardtail. Ideally you want a 5-6 light FS AM bike with a slackish head angle...
If not just use what you're use to. You don't have to race it you know.
The only thing you want is a HR 2.35 Lust super tacky on the front.
The TP event is about you not the bike.
You need to know what you are in for (relatively), have spent time in the mountains (UK or Alps Or Canada whatever) and know how to handle yourself. You'll know how much fitness a 7 day point to point event takes with 1400m on average of ascent per day. You'll know that its hard and tough and will prepare accordingly.
The bike you own will mirror the type of riding you do. If you do the above you'll have one. A hardtail is totally doable. As long its not a 19lb xc race machine you'll get through.
Of course it helps to have a slack, light, 130-150mm travel full sus that has a dropper, good brakes and good rubber but its time spent on your steed that is important.
Of course it helps to have a slack, light, 130-150mm travel full sus that has a dropper, good brakes and good rubber but its time spent on your steed that is important.
HE USED THE WORD STEED!!!!! BURN THE WITCH.
Shut up Joan
But to my original point, does anyone have a copy of the marketing blurb that went with the first one? What year was it?
Larrythelathe asks 'do all sorts do it or just the super fit?'
I did it in 2010 when I was 51, I broke my ankle in the January and so didn't start training proper until July. One guy did it on a bike with no suspension whatsoever and another guy did the WHOLE thing ie he didn't take a single uplift and he'd broken 2 ridbs on the first day. Take your pick which of those you would like to emulate which ever option you choose EAT PASTA.
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