Cycling UK Forum

What is the smallest chain ring people have used to cycle the Mont Ventoux and using what cassette? Just interested as I am thinking about buying a triple chain ring to tackle the Ventoux, but am now thinking do I actually need a triple as I am a pretty fit touring cyclist? Any advice would be gratefully received

Did ventoux three times last year from Bedoin on a MTB did it on a 36 middle chain ring and 29 on the back , what you nead to take care of is the change in weather conditions , i started the one day in 35 degrees not a cloud in the sky when i reached the summit i have never been so cold on a bike in my life, started down i could just about see the road in front of me i had to stop at the cafe at chalet renard to warm up before continuing down when i got back to the camp site it was still 35 degrees every one was sunbathing and it took an hour, two cans of soup, and a hot shower before i stoped shaking with cold i promise you it can change as quick as that , did it next day sunshine all the way but still cold on the top , good luck Malcolm

I would endorse what mac said about weather conditions having experienced similar amazing changes in weather conditions plus a wind that blew me to a standstill on arriving at the summit ridge! The gradient is easier from the Malaucene side but if you approach from Bedouin you will need to gear down for long stretches of 12% or steeper before reaching the easier slopes above chateau renard. The other thing to note is the sheer length of the climb at 20kms or more-and you might wish to pack a gear or two in reserve!

Cheers guys, that is really helpful. I read a recent article in Cycling plus (I think) about cycling all the routes up the Ventoux, which also mentioned the rapid changes in weather conditions.

Any plans do do it again?

i did ventoux in april with a 12-25 on the back and 39-52 on the front.

it took 1hr 40mins. i'm quite fit, not amazing, but certainly quite fit and did a lot of fixed wheel riding beforehand, including ascents of ditchling beacon on a 74".

you have to work harder and get out of the saddle more, but you go up quicker. it depends if you're a spinner i guess. i have to say, the weather gods were on my side, it was an incredible day and there wasn't a breath of wind at the top.

it was the most amazing experience i have ever had on a bicycle. there was snow at the top, only the bedoin side was open.

24x32, fully loaded on my old Kona, from Sault / Chalet Reynard. Very glad of the low gears, and that was at the end of my month in the Alps so I was super-fit.

Weather did everything, including hail, and really strong winds. At one point my cycle computer actually read 0km/h! Am quite proud of that.

Thick fog/cloud at the top, couldn't see a bloody thing.



Excuse the wonkiness of the snap, it has sentimental value!