Do you want to take advantage of summer to experience mountain biking? To help you plan your bike outings and adventures, here is a guide to assist you in choosing your equipment.
How do you choose your mountain bike or electric mountain bike (also called an "e-MTB")? Is it better to rent a traditional mountain bike or an e-bike? Sport 2000 answers these questions and also supports you during your stay, with resort stores open in summer in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, and the Jura. They offer bike rentals (manual and electric), children's helmets, adult helmets, and everything you need to enjoy mountain activities!
How to choose the right mountain bike?
Many of you choose the mountains in summer to enjoy the scenery and… the slopes to ride! Whether you are a beginner or an expert, here is a list of the main types of mountain bikes. You can then choose the bike model that best suits your riding style. Indeed, if your goal is mostly to ride on relatively flat trails, you won’t pick the same bike as if you want to do downhill riding.
Enduro
Love racing? Head to a mountain bike and e-bike rental to find an enduro bike! Enduro refers to timed races on natural trails, inspired by motorcycle rallies, mostly downhill. Enduro bikes are therefore equipped with sensitive suspensions and a travel range typically between 160 and 180 mm to properly absorb shocks and vibrations.
Cross-Country
With suspension travel between 100 and 120 mm, these bikes make pedaling easier. Lighter than other mountain bikes, they are ideal for riders who spend a lot of time climbing hills. Unlike enduro bikes, cross-country bikes don’t have substantial suspension and aren’t suitable for downhill runs.
Trail
You can easily find this category of bikes at mountain bike and e-bike rentals, for example at Les Orres. Relatively light, with suspension travel between 120 and 140 mm, trail bikes are designed for less mountainous terrain, though their downhill performance is still respectable.
Downhill
As the name suggests, these bikes are designed for downhill rides (with over 200 mm of suspension) and are built to absorb multiple high-speed impacts. They are suitable not only for downhill trails but also for enjoying Bike Park courses.
All-Mountain
If you want a bike that combines all the previous categories, go for an all-mountain model. Their relative lightness and approximately 150 mm suspension make them suitable for mixed use, both uphill and downhill.
Renting a Mountain Bike: Manual or Electric?
Unsure whether to rent a traditional mountain bike or an e-bike? An electric mountain bike (or e-MTB = electric-assisted mountain bike, also called an e-bike) is very convenient because it has an integrated motor. This motor assists with pedaling and power. The rider can adjust the bike via a console in front of them (e.g., level of pedal assistance). This allows for alternating between intense effort and rest thanks to the electric assist, explaining the popularity of e-MTBs in the mountains, especially when climbing steep terrain!
An e-MTB is heavier than a regular mountain bike. That’s why it’s important to choose a good model from a mountain bike and e-bike rental, with a sturdy frame and a high-performance motor and battery (otherwise you’ll get very tired while pedaling).
Electric bikes don’t all have the motor in the same location. Battery life also varies by model. Maximum power (torque) reaches 250 watts and 70 Nm.
The battery has a capacity measured in Watt-hours (Wh) or Ampere-hours (Ah) and a maximum voltage of 36 Volts.
Renting: the ideal solution for mountain biking on holiday
Unsure about which bike size to choose? Which model will be best for the outing you have planned? How to equip your children for comfort and safety?
For all these reasons, booking your bike at a specialized rental shop is the best option. At our 65 Mondovélo stores and their resort branches (e.g., Alpe d’Huez, Serre-Chevalier Chantemerle), as well as our summer resort stores (e.g., Nagano Sport in Valloire, Loc Aventure in Saint-Lary, Sports Mountains in Font-Romeu, etc.), you can get expert advice to find the bike that suits you among the many models and sizes available.
You can book a full-day rental, a half-day rental, or even for the entire duration of your stay. Perfect for enjoying high-end models at accessible prices, perfectly suited to your needs!
Contact the store to find out about pricing, products, and accessories they offer.