Re:
I have indeed ridden the cingles on a Raleigh Dynatech, hardest ever day on the bike for me!
I purchased a TA conversion inner ring, it let me run 53/39/30 as a triple with a 115mm bb.
Mechs were Campags Racing T front and rear, my low gear was a 26 tooth on the rear, which gave me a gear equivalent to 34/29 on a modern compact, about 30 inch.
If I ever try it again, I am prepared!
I will go 53/39 for C Record chainset, New Rally rear mech and 7 speed freewheel, 13/34 - that gives me a 30 inch gear, but it will still be tough!
As for riding order, Bedoin first, that's the classic climb. Properly hydrated, and having eaten until you hurt the night before. Descend to Malaucene, eat and drink until you need to pee, I had terrible cramp it was so hot, I was begging water from Dutch knickers!
Descend to Sault, but stop to eat a whole lasagne at Chalet Reynard.
're hydrate in Sault, and then take the easiest of the three, until Chalet Reynard that is, to finish your day.
If the weather is nice it will be fantastic, if it's wet then have a second set of brake pads as you'll get through them!
On the descent don't touch the brakes between corners, brake fade otherwise which is teaching grandma to suck eggs, but don't be tempted to feather them on the straights!
Richie
Should have done it when I was 15.
