Road bike or MTB for uphill slog?

[DonnieDarko]

Heading to France in a few weeks to tackle some of the classic Alpine mountain passes - my dilemma is do I take road bike (twin chain ring) which is lighter but harder to pedal uphill, or hybrid bike (triple ring) which weighs in 8lb heavier but much easier to budge on the muscle bursting ascents? Any shared wisdom would be appreciated...

 

[oldfatfool]

No wisdom but, which are you most comfortable riding? Which will give you the greater satisfaction having bagged a 'trophy' climb on it?

Which will you be able to enjoy the descents on the most?

Can the Roadie be fitted with a smaller chainring or wider range cassette to ease the uphills? Can the hybrid be fitted with narrower slicker tyres to offset the drag?

How are you getting there, can you take both bikes and see how you go.

When and where are you going out of interest? I set off in 3 weeks touring round the alps, I'll look out for you whizzing past me

 

[DonnieDarko]

Hi, thanks for advice. Unquestionably, fitness permitting my preference would be to take the road bike, any day. Trouble is with two young children I have not been able to get out to train as much as I would have hoped so I know it’s going to be a massive struggle when the time comes. I have considered changing the ring and/or cassette on Trek road bike to make life easier but it’s all added expense and also one more thing to go wrong mechanically at the business end of the trip. With roof box only space to carry one…. Heading over w/c Mon 9 July to tackle Col de l’Iseran, Alpe d’Huez and Col de la Bonette, in that order. Best regards.

 

[oldfatfool]

Ah well whatever you decide I hope you have a great holiday. I will be there a few days before (I will be on the Bonette on the 7th all being well)