A group of us are heading to the Alps and space is at a premium in the car so just wondered what clothing to take? We are going to Les Arc
Is is worth taking long sleeve base layers? Full Face? Jackets? leggings?
I usually ride places like Afan
Just use what you use at Afan. Depends what your riding in terms of a helmet I guess. I've ridden everything Les Arc has to offer and never worn a full facer.
A few base layers (long and short sleeve) and a waterproof shell that you can stuff into your pack. I'd take knee pads.
Generally normal biking wear is fine. Long sleeved tops (not base layer - too hot) are useful to protect you from sun, full face if you have one, elbow and knee/shin pads (or you can rent body armour). Most of the time I ride in normal helmet and no pads (as do most of my mates) as we are not screaming down the DH runs, we ride "normal black" trails. It can get cool in the evening so take something warm, likewise it can rain (we've had hail in June) so a jacket. As you'll be in your kit everyday it's good to have a change, especially socks and undershorts.
During the fortnight we were there last July, weaqther varied between low to mid thirties and blazing sunshine to rain and temps in the mid teens!! Apart from the crappiest days, we just rode in short or long sleeve jerseys, with an extra layer in our packs if we did a longer trip.
Full face is personal preference and depends on what you'll be riding. All day XC and you'll not appreciate one. DH, lift only days you probably will! Pads again, up to you. would say knee pads as minimum - lots of rocks about and you wouldn't want to ruin a holiday with a simple off that bashes your knee up.
i would had that knees only knee pads are very fashionable, but useless. Get some shin + knee ones.
We were making snowmen at the end of July in les Arcs last year! The previous week had been roasting. In short, take everything.