4 Must-Haves and 4 Dream Products for the 2026 Etape du Tour
The 4 Must-Haves
OUR TOP PICK
Rotor Vegast 48/31 Crankset
With its unbeatable price of €330, it allows for easy installation on any Shimano 105, Ultegra, or Dura-Ace 11 and 12-speed transmission. The major advantage? Its 31-tooth ring, which will be vital on the steep gradients of the Galibier. This is our favorite choice since many of you already ride with power meter pedals and don't need a redundant sensor in the crank.
At €603, this is the power meter version of the Vegast, featuring the same 48/31 gear ratios. Kill two birds with one stone: solve your gearing issues and smooth out your effort over the entire day. Relatively lightweight, it offers full connectivity with your phone and GPS to ensure you never blow up mid-climb.
Sold in compact bottles, this product is ideal for your toolbox to take along for races. it ensures high efficiency and prolonged chain lubrication, which is particularly beneficial for an event as long as the Etape du Tour, where every bit of friction saved matters.
A must-have, as many of you will have a worn-out bottom bracket as the EDT approaches. Between natural aging and corrosion, original BBs benefit greatly from being replaced by higher-quality models. At under €70 for most models, it’s the smart choice for restoring drivetrain fluidity.
The lightest BSA bottom bracket on the market, and Aero. This is the next-gen BB for treating yourself to maximum efficiency. Identical to the one used by Pogacar, it's the ultimate choice for those who refuse to compromise on pure performance.
Released in February 2026, this model is our absolute favorite. White frames are timeless, but this model shines with its photochromic lenses. You will love them for the comfort and safety they provide when navigating the many tunnels of the Lautaret and Croix de Fer. An investment in your eyes and downhill serenity.
With oversized ceramic pulleys and a carbon structure, this stunning piece revolutionizes perceived efficiency. That’s 2 to 5 Watts saved constantly. Often underestimated in the mountains, this gain is actually highly noticeable while pedaling (not just freewheeling on the flats). As our customers tell us: "it feels nothing like the original cage."
Note: this crankset has a limit of 50/34 minimum. If you have the legs to handle this gear for the EDT and seek ultra-performance, this is THE product. With its dual-sided power measurement, you’ll know down to the watt exactly where you stand on the Télégraphe, keeping those 20 watts of margin essential for the Galibier.
Behind these tips is my journey as a competitor (former Elite N1 and pro trainee) and a deep passion for the technical side of cycling. I've known the podiums, but I've also experienced the failure of finishing 600th at the Étape du Tour due to major strategic mistakes. Since 2012, I’ve used power meters to decode the physics of performance. My goal? To share this experience so that every ride—from the Galibier to the Rockies—remains a pleasure above all.
