Our technical advice to properly equip your bike
Road cycle
As its name suggests, road bikes are meant for paved roads. They are distinguished by lightweight chassis and thin tires, designed to maximize speed and efficiency. The geometry of the frame and the lowered handlebars provide a more aerodynamic and forward-facing driving position. These fast, easy-to-use bikes are usually best suited for more experienced cyclists looking for speed and driving over long distances.
Mountain bike
For use on trails and rough terrain, a mountain bike is the best choice. Mountain bikes offer a vertical driving position for better visibility, and have flat handlebars for superior steering control. They are equipped with large tires with crampons, rear shock and front suspension to absorb shocks and obstacles typical of mountainous and forest landscapes. These sturdy and flexible bikes are usually best suited for more experienced riders looking for thrills and off-road technical riding!
Road cycle tires
Road cycle tires
Tires of 23 to 25 mm will be a guarantee of comfort in mountain, avoid punctures and a better support / stability on the strong decelerations. Advocating more robust and rigid tires for travel, with Kevlar protections for example, is more expensive, heavier and less efficient, but they will avoid punctures and allow you to face some sections on degraded asphalt.
Mountain bike tires
Mountain bike tires
Choose quality and robust Enduro / All Mountain tires, around 2.35 “wide, with aggressive but round-profile side cleats to maintain a good performance, which will allow you to grip in fast descents but will not penalize you not too much in the rolling sections The “tubeless” is synonymous with happiness in the mountains, farewell flat tire.
Wheels and speed
The ALL MOUNTAIN or ENDURO bike type with wheels of 27'5 or 29 'offers great versatility and will allow you to have fun in all types of terrain found in the Andes.
Recommend a wide range of speed to climb steep hills.
Wheels and speed
The ALL MOUNTAIN or ENDURO bike type with wheels of 27'5 or 29 'offers great versatility and will allow you to have fun in all types of terrain found in the Andes.
Recommend a wide range of speed to climb steep hills.
Drive
Drive
The use of a triple crankset or a compact crankset is a good choice for all our circuits, in order to cope with the Andean climbs. A front pedal of 50×34 with a cassette 12/28 allows you to overcome most of the climbs of our circuits. Of course, you have to adjust according to your fitness level.
Shock &
Suspensions
Shock & Suspensions
We recommend a damper and a suspension with a good clearance (suspension from 140 to 180mm), flexible and can be blocked to adapt to the climbing or technical descent.
Brakes
Braking is also a very important element to consider. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes are needed, combined with medium-large diameter discs for better braking.
Note that a telescopic seatpost is also an asset.
Brakes
Braking is also a very important element to consider. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes are needed, combined with medium-large diameter discs for better braking.
Note that a telescopic seatpost is also an asset.
Maintenance and revisions
Be sure to check the condition of your bike before your departure, which says ascension, called downhill at high speed! A visit to the mechanic will optimize the security conditions. Any piece at the end of life must be changed to nine because it is not always easy to find recent pieces in some areas of the Andes.
You must plan to bring a mini repair kit with: inner tube, tire changer, mini pump, and multifunction tool for bike.
For certain essential parts, it is strongly recommended to provide an extra replacement in your luggage in case of breakage: X2 tubes, derailleur hanger, X2 brake pads or pads, speed cables, brake cables and wheel radius X2.