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I've just returned from the French Alps and decided to do some testing on the Pro Connect while out there. We took a completely standard Pro Connect step-thru and headed for the Alpe d'Huez resort, home of the famous 21 turns hill climb section of the Tour De France.
The town sits at a height of 1850 metres above sea level and the total climbing height is 1150 metres in just over 13 kilometres. It is a constant climb over a series of 21 tight hairpin turns, and is seen as a real test for many pro cyclists. Now I am most definitely NOT a pro cyclist, weighing in at 15 stone. There is no way I could possibly complete this climb on a normal bike without some serious rest stops.
I'll be honest, I did have my doubts. I mean I have ridden this bike up 1 in 4 hills in Wales, and I know how good it is, but when we got there this place we found it really is something else! It just keeps on going up... and up... and up. Whoever decided to build a road up the side of this mountain was either slightly sadistic, or mentally unstable. Possibly both. Anyway, we pressed on.
The battery wasn't fully charged, as I had been staying in a tent all week and had no way of charging it, but it was showing all five lights on the indicator. I set off and kept a steady speed throughout, finding no lack in performance as the hills got steeper. The bike just kept pulling. I stayed between 1st and 3rd gear pretty much all the time, and completed the climb in a respectable 1 hour 5 mins, with no stops. The scenery was absolutely breath taking, and I can tell you we got a few looks overtaking some of the serious road riders on a step through hybrid, whilst they were struggling to control their breathing!
I will post pics and a full video once I have finished putting it together. I just wish the ferry and 17 hour motorbike ride home was as much fun!
Happy biking
Lloyd
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