alps, trousers to wear when biking

[dxtans]

Hello,

Me and mrs dxtans are off to the Alps next week, bit confused on the temp' especially when going up the mountains roads.
We intend on wearing our bmw summer-2- trousers , taking our water proof leggings as well, in case it rains. But, how cold is it when you start going up the mountains, do I need to take my 'normal' biking trousers instead and ditch the summer-2-trousers.

Thanks for any advice.

thanks
Dxtans

 

[ricardo]

Tend to wear my Hein Gericke goretex pants, without the liners and for the most part with the vents open. Never been cold enough to have wanted the liners in, even over the highest passes.

 

[charlie brown]

no extras

David,
I did the Pyrenees in May last year, still snowy and damp at the tops but BMW summer weight trousers were fine. Came home through the Alps and still no dramas. I think they are super strides and ideal from April to October. If you are at all concerned take some tights with you (seriously) no point in wasting space on two pairs of trousers.....
Just an opinion.

Enjoy the ride.

 

[wessie]

Take layers, as you have indicated.

At this time of year the temperature might be high 20s or low 30s in the valley floors and could be blowing a blizzard at altitude. Although rain is more likely.

I tend to ride in leather trousers with a wicking layer underneath. Adds extra insualtion for the cold and stops you getting sticky in the heat. 2 piece waterproof suit in the tankbag for rain.

When bimbling about at lower altitude, sightseeing rather than touring, I ditch the ATGATT and wear a pair of combat trousers as the extra pockets are handy for bits & pieces when off the bike.

 

[dxtans]

OK,
thanks for the advice, everbody. We will take a pair of tights with us. I remember in my old army days use to weartights under my combats when on tour in NI during the winter.
dxtans

 

[Wapping]

 

[twizzle]

i crossed a pass in the Alps last August 7th.... 3 degrees, snowing with snow ploughs clearing the road.... that night in Chamonix we sat outside in T shirts!!!

i took my "heated waterproofs", a Landrover Discovery 3...

 

[wessie]

Interesting. We have similar Alpine interests.

Where are your favourite cruising places?

Personally, I have found Lake Bled on the edge of the Julian Alps to be very good. Lots of lycra clad rowers and a very friendly wine waiter...

 

[Wapping]

Interesting. We have similar Alpine interests.

Where are your favourite cruising places?

Personally, I have found Lake Bled on the edge of the Julian Alps to be very good. Lots of lycra clad rowers and a very friendly wine waiter...

Always best to keep friendly with the locals!

 

[consigliero]

Two years ago after GA-PA we made some km in the Alps offen we had temperature from 20 in the valley to 0 and snow in the passes

Timmelsjoch 2509 , Passo del Stelvio 2757, Umbrailpass 2501 ( part off-road), Ofenpass (pass dal Fuorn), Passo d'Eira 2209, Passo di Poscagno 2291, Bernina Pass 2328, Malojapass 1815, Val del Cannobino very exciting, Simplonpass 2005 waste off time , Col du Grand St. Bernard 2473, Colle d. Piccolo S. Bernard 2188, Col d' Iseran 2770, Col du Mont Cenis 2083, Colle delle Finestre 2176 small hardcore, pass was off-road and very narow bike was not easy to turn, 2 times I had to take turn in 5 times, Col de Montgenevre 1854, Col de Lautaret 2058, Col du Galibier 2645, Col de la Madeleine 2000, Cormet de Roselend 1968, Col des Saises 1650, Col des Aravis 1486, Col de la Colombiere 1613, Co de la Croix 1727, Col du Pilon 1546, Sustenpass 2259, St. Gothardpass 2108, Nufenpass 2478, Furkapass 2431, Oberalppass 2044, Passo del Lukomango 1916, Passo del S. Bernardino 2065, Albulapass 2312, Fluelpass 2383, Loehningen, Praga , Krakow.
5000 km ,rain , snow even 0 degree , but this was much better than return in temperature 36 degree. Big thanks that I hadn't change tyres before passes.

BMW

In the last year we where in the some time more on Dolomites part and we had also heavy rain but was a bit warmer

 

[Chisurz]

Less than two weeks ago the temperature ranged between mid-twenties and below 10. Layers are the key.

I was using summer trousers, sometimes with thermals underneath against the cold, sometimes with over-trousers on the top against the rain, and sometimes by themselves against the heat. The temperature gradient bottom to top can be in excess of 10 degrees, but if it is stifling in the valley you'll be pleased about the coolness at the top. And you'll certainly wear summer gear on your way to and from the Alps...

And don't forget the Alps are green for a reason...

 

[swissrob]

the last days have been pissing down with temps of about 12c but next day its 29C.......
will be cool at the top of the passes now but not freezing... as above take ur waterproofs and some layers and u will be fine...