The E-MTB would actually be the ideal machine for the big Transalp tour: the motor helps on tough daily stages with a heavy rucksack, especially towards the end when your legs are tired. You can plan for steeper and longer climbs and still enjoy the scenery. You are faster uphill and can possibly shorten the tour by one or even two days because longer stages are possible. But only really! The lack of battery range speaks against all these advantages. With a maximum of 1500 metres of altitude in the tank, you usually get less distance than a normally trained mountain biker without a motor. The theoretical advantage evaporates due to insufficient battery capacity.
So what can you do? First of all, choose an e-MTB with the largest possible battery. Bosch normally offers 500 watt hours. That's not enough. Bulls with Brose still manages 650 watt hours. That's enough for around 1800 metres in altitude with an economical riding style. Better, but not good enough. With motor support, 2500 metres in altitude would easily be possible.
Solution: the spare battery. But where do you put it? There are six more or less suitable options.
Crossing the Alps on an e-MTB would also be physically feasible for less trained bikers. In practice, however, this is prevented by limited battery ranges. Transalp expert Uli Stanciu knows how you can help yourself.
With luggage rack
Both visually and functionally, the solution is questionable. Many bikes do not have braze-on sockets for the carrier above the rear wheel, and the carriers that are mounted on the seat post are usually not stable enough for the weight of a battery. Especially when cornering, the racks turn to the side and hydraulic seat posts can only be lowered into the seat tube to a limited extent due to the clamping.
Spare battery on the frame
Some resourceful E-Transalp riders put six sturdy, 50-centimetre-long cable ties in their rucksack for each stage. The spare battery is secured under the down tube with three cable ties, then the normal battery is clicked into the holder. Each time you change the battery, you have to cut the cable ties and lash the empty battery in place. As the distance between the battery and the front wheel is reduced, this design only works with certain frame shapes.
Packing systems
Bike packing means: experience adventure on your bike, spend the night outdoors and enjoy nature. Even if you don't spend the night outdoors on a Transalp - the products that have been developed as part of this trend are sometimes also suitable for crossing the Alps. The special bags, which are attached to the handlebars, seat post and even the frame, are available from Ortlieb, Topeak, Blackburn and other suppliers. Even if the spare battery does end up in the rucksack - the more luggage is stowed on the bike, the better it is for your back.
With rucksack
Theoretically, you can also carry the spare battery in your rucksack. There are even special models with a battery compartment, but their packing volume is not sufficient for a Transalp. The only option is a large rucksack with at least 30 litres. The seven things for the big tour have to go in there: A change of clothes, trousers, T-shirt and jumper for the evening, wash bag. Five kilos is the minimum for a Transalp rucksack, with an additional battery it would be eight kilos. Only bikers with a broad back and strong shoulders can carry such a heavy load on their backs. And the heavy weight on the back is not conducive to manoeuvring on tricky trails either.
Escort vehicle
Sure, you have to turn a blind eye to the ecological aspects, but a support vehicle is not uncommon on guided Alpine crossings, and it's standard practice for stage races like the BIKE Transalp anyway. So why not also on a privately organised crossing of the Alps? At least for a larger group, the logistics and costs are worthwhile. Then all you have to do is guide the rider to a skilful spot on the stage and swap the empty battery for a full one.
Bike with double battery
Bosch has been offering a dual battery system since this year: 1000 watt hours are sufficient for up to 3000 metres of altitude. The batteries discharge simultaneously during the ride and can be recharged together with a charger in the evening. This is currently by far the best solution. The test of the Riese & Müller Delite Mountain starts on page 110. The Focus Jam2 Plus Pro - the test winner from EMTB 1/2017 - also manages more than conventional single-battery bikes with two 378 Wh batteries. After around 2000 metres in altitude, however, this is the end of the road.
TRANSALP DANGERS
A transalp must also be well organised with an e-mountain bike. And you also need a plan B for unforeseen events.
What was that again during thunderstorms? Should you look for the beech trees or avoid the willows? And how did the first aid course five years ago go with the recovery position? A transalp is an adventure, and adventure means: not everything can be planned, not everything is predictable. Of course you choose a sunny month for a crossing of the Alps - but even in July and August the weather can be treacherous. And of course you try to base your choice of route on the ability of the group - but it's easy to get lost in the Alps, and the extra kilometres and metres in altitude can lead to excessive demands and exhaustion. And a fall can never be ruled out in alpine terrain - especially not with heavy luggage on your back. This means that if you're planning to cross the Alps, you not only need a good master plan, you also need a good plan B just in case - and the e-mountainbike is no different. It is true that differences in performance are generally not as significant on an e-mountainbike as on a conventional mountain bike. But here too, the group must be as homogeneous as possible and the choice of route must be tailored to the performance of the weakest member. Because a weak rider will drain his battery more greedily than a strong rider. And when the last battery light flashes, it's often a case of push or carry in the Alps - that wouldn't be a good plan B, especially with an e-MTB.
Group dynamics
Three to six people is the ideal group size for a crossing of the Alps. Why at least three? There is often no mobile phone reception in alpine terrain. In an emergency situation, one participant can stay with the injured person while another goes for help. Why no more than six if possible? The more participants, the greater the likelihood of a breakdown. Breaks for refreshments, changing clothes or photo sessions can also be extremely lengthy if the group is too large and jeopardise the schedule.
Route planning
The person who plans the route is automatically the guide. Nevertheless, all members must be aware of the route. The length of the stages must be based on the ability of the weakest participant. Calculate the stages in such a way that you don't finish on your last legs. And if it is foreseeable that the battery capacity could run low, there must be exit routes on the route - descents to nearby places or huts. And these should of course be open.
Recognising the limits
At least at the beginning, a participant who has a lot of experience in terms of range on alpine tours should ride ahead. This is because heavy luggage and steep climbs drain the energy from your battery and legs faster than on moderate tours. An experienced guide will slow down the pace, especially at the beginning. Also, the level of exhaustion should never go so far that your ability to concentrate suffers significantly - technically demanding descents often await you in the Alps. The schedule for each individual stage must include regular breaks. In the evening, you should stretch, eat plenty of carbohydrates and drink plenty of fluids - no alcohol. If a participant is not hungry or has slept badly after a strenuous stage, this can be a sign of overexertion. The ideal solution would be to take a day's break or an easy alternative stage in company.
The whims of nature
Check the regional weather forecasts regularly. In the event of heavy, persistent rain, dense fog, thunderstorms or the onset of winter, cancel the stage in good time. Your equipment must be prepared for all weather conditions, and you should also make sure you have sun cream that protects you from the sun - the planet is particularly bright in the mountains. Thunderstorms in exposed terrain pose a particular threat. This means: get off the summit, away from individual trees, keep your distance from watercourses, cables and pasture fences. Switch off all electrical devices, put your bike down at least 50 metres away, find a hollow and crouch down on your rucksack. Keep your feet together - there is danger not only from direct lightning strikes, but also from electricity in the ground.
In times of need
If a passenger is injured or so exhausted that they can no longer descend into the valley under their own power, you must provide first aid and call the mountain rescue service. Either with the central European
Emergency number 112 or better with the direct emergency numbers of the countries:
Austria 140, Switzerland 144, Italy 118, France 15, Slovenia 112, Germany 112
Don't panic if you are stuck in a dead zone: switch your mobile phone off and on again, then enter the central European emergency number 112 instead of the pin. The mobile phone will then search for the strongest available network, regardless of your provider. You can also request help via special smartphone apps. The only requirement for the procedure: The battery must be charged. If there really is no network, you must call for help: at least one person must stay with the injured person and at least one person must set off. Mark your position on the map or using a GPS device. Make sure that the next help is really waiting in the valley - or perhaps at a nearby hut.
