island rider

I'll be in Switzerland for business during the tour de suisse. I'll be in Zurich, but will be able to take a few days after meetings to travel a little. I was thinking of getting a bike (buying or renting, probably not bringing my own) and getting some riding in, and maybe watching a stage or two of the trou de suisse. Anyone have any advice on either front? Where to get a bike, groups to hook up with over there (tour or otherwise)? Particular stages to watch, and where?

I'm thinking maybe of something like they do with the TDF. Get with a group that rides up an alp the morning of, watch the stage come through and either drink beer and figure out how to get to the hotel, or ride back down.

Any thoughts are appreciated

island rider

Yes, I said buying. What better way to tell the story than ... you know where I got this bike? But renting would be preferable.

K.Katso

You should check this out:

About the Challenge: Tour de Suisse

These types of events are pretty cool. I've done L'Etape du Tour a number of times, and it is really fantastic riding on closed roads.

redfooj

Best opp to buy a canyon and fly it back

island rider

This is awesome! Now I need to figure out how to get a bike over there. Bring my own, rent or buy. I am really tempted to buy a Canyon...

K.Katso

Better order it now. They don't sell them in stores and they have a long lead time.

K.Katso

Unless you're buying it used, that's going to be a hassle. They only sell factory direct, and the delivery times are from a few weeks to a few months based on what I've heard from friends lately. Brining your own is a good option if you already own a quality bike box. Otherwise you might just look at renting one for the days when you aren't working. That's also good because you don't have to worry about leaving your bike behind in a hotel while you are out. Some hotels don't want you to keep your bike in your room, so they try to force you into leaving it in a luggage room or bike rack in a parking garage.

island rider

I'm going to try and do a few days of the Tour de Suisse Challenge, but the logistics might be a nightmare. I'd love to track down a tour group that could just handle the whole thing for me.

jeffpoulin

Buying in Switzerland? I work in Geneva, so I know the area a bit. If you buy a bike in Switzerland, expect to pay 50% more than you would in the U.S., then pay oversize fees to bring it back, then the import duties. Nobody is going to care where you bought it anyway. The leading brands are all the same: BMC, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Giant, etc... The only difference is that some of the frame stickers may be in German or French.

For bike tours, check out Bike Switzerland

Lazyass

FYI

Cycling in Switzerland - English Forum Switzerland