More Than 21 Bends

Welcome

A bit about More Than 21 Bends. I started organising cycling trips in 2008 from our base in Bourg d’Oisans at the bottom of Alpe d’Huez. Over the years I have expanded our business to include popular destinations throughout France and Europe. In 2017 I started selling our popular cycling maps and prints online and in 2024 I launched our very own You Tube Channel showcasing Phil’s French cycling escapades.

Cycling Trips

New for 2025 our Alpe d’Huez to Mont Ventoux Fully Supported Point to Point Cycling Tour covering the three ascents of Ventoux plus Alpe d’Huez / Col du Galibier / Col d’Izoard and more.

Find out more here >>>>>

More Than the 21 Bends of Alpe d’Huez Cycling Holidays

Check out our cycling destinations below. All our trips are custom organised for you. So if you are on your own, a group of friends, a cycling club, a charity or corporation contact us by clicking on one of the links below to send us an initial email. If you can’t see something that interests you please use the Custom Cycle Tour page to discuss further.

Other services

Alpe d’Huez Cycle hire

Alpe d’Huez Airport Transfers

You Tube Channel

Watch my latest videos. If you subscribe to our channel and click on the notification icon you will automatically be updated when a new video is released.

Can €300 of AliExpress Hardtail upgrades Survive the Hell of the North? | my Paris Roubaix Challenge 2025 We’re taking on the legendary Paris Roubaix route — the brutal Hell of the North — with nothing but two tubes, questionable tires, and a dream. This isn’t just any Roubaix journey… it’s a cobbles challenge on a budget bike conversion from AliExpress. What could possibly go wrong? From an icy start to a monster plate of frites in Yvetot (shoutout Willy’s Friterie 🍟), I head toward Roubaix with one goal: ride the pavé, survive the Trouée d’Arenberg, and maybe, just maybe, bring this €300 cobble-crusher back in one piece. With my Sensah drivetrain, dodgy TPU tubes, and a 3D-printed saddle, I hit 10 sectors — including Pont Gibus, Arenberg Forest, and some lesser-known stretches — while dealing with a puncture (my first in 13 years at Roubaix!), ghost shifting, and some seriously sketchy tire pressure decisions (55psi… too much?). 💥 Will the monster hardtail gravel bike conversion setup hold up? 💥 Can you actually ride the pave on budget parts? 💥 Is it madness or just another day in the biking community? Massive thanks to every cyclist who stopped to help, every cobble that didn’t unseat me, and to you for watching. 👉 Subscribe for part two (if the bike survives) and drop a 🚴‍♂️ if you've ever taken on a Roubaix challenge yourself and watch the conversion process with Episode 1 here https://youtu.be/t5LW7OVvFOs Don't miss !: 0:00 Intro and journey to Paris Roubaix 4:47 Hitting the Pave 6:35 Sector Trouee d'Arenberg 8:18 Sector Pont Gibus 10:35 Did we survive the Paris Roubaix Pave ? #parisroubaix #roubaixchallenge #hellofthenorth #pave #cobbledroads #roubaixtraining #northoffrancebiking e #parisroubaixride #parisroubaixtips #roubaixexperience #gravelbikerace #ridepave #sensah Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends #parisroubaix #roubaixchallenge #hellofthenorth #pave #cobbledroads #roubaixtraining #northoffrancebiking e #parisroubaixride #parisroubaixtips #roubaixexperience #gravelbikerace #ridepave #sensah
Conquering The Paris Roubaix Cobbles Of Arenberg On A Low Budget Bike
Join me on sector 28 as the Paris Roubaix 2025 men’s race flies by some of them are not even on thé Pavé. Enter into the spirit of the race guys 🤣😜 #parisroubaix2025 #parisroubaix #secteur28 #rbx
Sector 28: My Most Insanely fast Moment of Paris Roubaix 2025
RECORD ATTEMPT ON CARREFOUR DE L'ARBRE - 54-YEAR-OLD MAMIL VS HELL OF THE NORTH Could a 54-year-old amateur conquer Paris-Roubaix's most feared sector on a 12-year-old carbon hardtail conversion with €300 of AliExpress upgrades? This was my 13th attempt on the Carrefour de l'Arbre - the 2.1km of brutal pavé that's hospitalized pros and destroyed bikes in the Hell of the North. 🔥 KEY MOMENTS: Testing if budget bike parts can survive pro-level cobbles My 8-year-old PB (set on a cyclocross bike) vs. my AliExpress experiment Why Carrefour de l'Arbre is the ultimate test for any rider (or masochist) Highlighting the MAMIL mid-life crisis that won't quit 📊 STATS: Attempts: 13 (unlucky for some) Age: 54 (what's worse - the cobbles or my knees?) Cost: €300 in AliExpress parts Time Gap: 6 seconds but was i faster or slower ? 🚨 WATCH NEXT: "Building the AliExpress Cobble Crusher" (full build series) https://youtu.be/t5LW7OVvFOs https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPPfQPwC5Ty5SdhtWeQlZP-lGfhHye7Zf Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends #cycleride #cyclistlife #cyclingvlog #cyclisme #morethan21bends #cycling #bikepacking #cyclingvlog #cycling #cyclinginfrance #backackinglife #cyclingworkshop #parisroubaix #parisroubaix2025
How to ride Paris Roubaix’s Carrefour de l’Arbe (Faster)
Episode 3 : Can a budget AliExpress hardtail bike rebuild conquer the infamous Paris-Roubaix cobbled roads? Join my on my Paris Roubaix 2025 journey as I transform a 2015 hardtail into a cobble crusher for the Hell of the North ride, testing Sensah components and gravel grinding route hacks along the way. 🔧 About This Build: Frame: 2015 hardtail (trusty but tested) Drivetrain: Sensah 1x11 groupset + massive 11-50T cassette Wheels: 40mm Arisun gravel tyres (will they survive the pavé?) My Goal: A durable, fast-ish rig for my Paris ROubaix Challenge ⏱️ Key Moments: 0:00 Intro 1:16 Installation of the Sensah Pro HRD 1 x 11 Levers 2:07 Sensah Hydraulic Lever Hose installation 2:48 Rear Gear cable Installation 4:06 Installation of Decathlon 118 Link Chain 4:47 Installation of Shimano Front Hose and Brake Bleed 7:58 Installation of the Decathlon Handlebar tape 8:22 Installation of Shimano SPD pedals into Senicx One by chainset 8:35 Cockpit adjustment - swap stem install garmin / Insta360 mount 9:05 The final converted Hardtail Monster AliExpress gravel bike for Paris Roubaix 🚀 Why Watch? For the biking community who love budget builds Roubaix tips from a North of France biking veteran Gravel bike race prep for tough cobbles challenges Ride the pavé without breaking the bank 💬 Join the Challenge! Would YOU ride this setup on the Paris-Roubaix route? Best/worst AliExpress finds? Comment below! Subscribe to see the Roubaix test ride—will it survive? 🔗 Watch Part 1 (Strip-Down): [https://youtu.be/t5LW7OVvFOs] 🔗 Watch Part 2 (Rebuild Starts): [https://youtu.be/2VbGfX9bixQ] Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends #cycleride #cyclistlife #cyclingvlog #cyclisme #morethan21bends #cycling #parisroubaix #cyclingvlog #cycling #cyclinginfrance #backackinglife #cyclingworkshop #parisroubaix2025
Is It Possible to CONVERT a hardtail into a Paris-Roubaix 2025 Bike on a TIGHT Budget?
In part 2 I continue to convert my 2015 hardtail for the ultimate cobbles challenge-armed with affordable AliExpress upgrades and a lot of optimism. This isn't just a build; it's a journey through the Roubaix pavé of Northern France, testing whether smart budget choices can handle the challenge of the Careefour de l'arbe and the Trouee de Whether you're prepping for your own Paris-Roubaix 2025 ride or love gravel grinding routes, this experiment is for the biking community who dare to ride the cobbled roads differently. 🔧 Build Breakdown: Cobble-Ready or Cobble-Catastrophe? Drivetrain: Sensah 1x11 groupset + 11-50T cassette, 40mm gravel tyres and a 3D printed saddle marketed as a Seat Cushion !?! Wheels: Wheels upgraded with some budget Arisun 40mm gravel tires 3D-Printed Saddle: Comfort gamble marketed as a seat cushion for this Hell of the North of France biking adventure Chapters 00:00 - Why This Madness? (Introduction) 00:56 - Installing the Goldix 11-50 11 speed cassette 02:27 - Installing Senick 1-11 44 tooth Drivetrain 04:24 - Installing the 11 speed Sensah Pro Rear Mech. 05:38 - Installing the Arisun 40mm Gravel Tyres 06:57 - Installing my 3D printed saddle or Seat Cushion ! 08:00 - Putting the wheels back on the bike 08:57 - Final thoughts and sum up. Where are my Sensah Pro Hydraulic shifters ? 🎯 Who's This For? Riders eyeing the Paris-Roubaix challenge DIYers who love gravel bike race hacks Anyone who's debated riding the pavé on a budget 🚴 Join the Adventure! Would YOU trust this build? Let me know in the comments! Share your Roubaix tips-I need all the help I can get! Subscribe for the finale: Cobbles vs. AliExpress, the ultimate showdown. 🔗 Watch Part 1 (Strip-Down): [https://youtu.be/t5LW7OVvFOs] 🔗 Watch Part 3 (The finished Build): https://youtu.be/Y51f9OIqgfM Buy your Paris Roubaix Map Website : https://morethan21bends.com/product/paris-roubaix-cycling-map Its thirsty work making these video - Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends #cycleride #cyclistlife #hellofthenorth #cyclisme #morethan21bends #cycling #bikepacking #cyclingvlog #cycling #cyclinginfrance #cyclingworkshop #parisroubaix2025 #parisroubaix
Converting a MTB Hardtail for Roubaix : AliExpress vs. the Cobbles
If you are cycling the Eurovelo 4 or the vélo maritime then you will need to cycle over the Pont de Normandie between Le Havre and Honfleur Have you ridden it let me know in the comments! Please consider subscribing to my channel for more great French cycling content #cycling #eurovelo #bikepacking #bikepackingadventure #nomandycycling
This CYCLE path is the most dangerous in FRANCE 🇫🇷 😬😱
I've been riding the Paris-Roubaix cobbles since 2013-on everything from carbon race bikes to gravel rigs. This time? I'm rebuilding my trusty 2014 hardtail into a cobble-proof monster for the Paris Roubaix 2025 Hell of the North Challenge … using budget AliExpress cycling components like Sensah . Will it survive? Will I survive ? Will I build it in time ? I have my doubts. The first episode of this two part build series covers the following ✅ Full strip-down of the old MTB (goodbye, 2014 tech!) ✅ My 5 BIGGEST FEARS about this AliExpress gamble (spoiler: quality, fit, durability…) ✅ Teaser of the first delivered parts-are they any good? 🔧 THE PLAN: Frame: 2015 hardtail (free, because I already own it) Drivetrain: 1x11 AliExpress Sensah HRD 1x11 (pray for me) Wheels/Tires: 40mm Arisun gravel rubber + existing Mavic crossride wheelset Handlebars: Existing Road bars for that fake-roadie vibe My Goal: A durable, fast-ish rig that won't disintegrate on the Pavé. Chapters 0:00 Intro 1:25 Existing Components what am I keeping and not keeping ? 2:48 My Five Fears for this Build 3:28 Dismantling the bike 8:46 Handlebars the first upgrade 9:18 First AliExpress components have arrived ! Watch Part 2 Here https://youtu.be/2VbGfX9bixQ Please subscribe to see the completion of the bike in the next episode - What can possibly go wrong on the cobblestones of Paris Roubaix. Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends #cycleride #cyclistlife #cyclingvlog #cyclisme #morethan21bends #cycling #bikepacking #cyclingvlog #cycling #cyclinginfrance #backackinglife #cyclingworkshop #parisroubaix2025 #parisroubaix
I'm CONVERTING my hardtail mountain bike for the Paris Roubaix COBBLES
Join me as I take on the 2025 Tour de France Caen Time Trial on my Origine Trail (@Origine_Cycles) gravel / bikepacking bike! 🚴‍♂️💨 This stage is a rollercoaster of history, wind, and technical challenges, all set against the backdrop of Caen’s 1000th anniversary celebrations. Starting at the Pleasure Port, we’ll tackle twisty city streets, rolling countryside roads, and even a sneaky off-road detour (thanks to a closed road!). Along the way, I’ll dive into the rich history of Caen, from the medieval Château de Caen and the iconic Abbaye aux Hommes to the poignant Caen Memorial Museum. We’ll ride through charming Normandy villages like Cambes-en-Plaine, Colomby-Anguerny, and Authie, each with its own story to tell. And let’s not forget the wind—oh, the wind! A tailwind pushes us toward the coast, but the headwind on the return leg? That’s where the real suffering begins. The finish at the Caen Town Hall is a thrilling mix of technical turns and roaring crowds, capping off a stage that’s as much about history as it is about speed. So, whether you’re a cycling fan, a history buff, or just here for the chaos of a gravel bike in a time trial, this video has it all. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more adventures—and maybe a few questionable life choices. Allez! Allez! Vivre le Tour de France Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends #cycleride #cyclistlife #cyclingvlog #cyclisme #morethan21bends #cycling #bikepacking #cyclingvlog #cycling #cyclinginfrance #tourdefrance #tourdefrance2025 #caen
Can a Gravel Bike REALLY Handle the Demands of the 2025 Caen Tour de France Time Trial?
Join me on an unforgettable adventure as I put the (@Origine_Cycles) OrigineTrail gravel bike through its paces for the first time, exploring the historic region of Normandy, France. From the iconic D-Day landmarks of Pegasus Bridge and Hillman Site to the picturesque countryside, we'll ride over rolling hills, follow rivers, and take in the rich history and stunning scenery along the way. This is a journey that combines cycling, culture, and the profound legacy of World War II. Whether you're a history buff, a cycling enthusiast, or simply curious, this video is for you. Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends #cycleride #cyclistlife #cyclingvlog #cyclisme #morethan21bends #cycling #bikepacking #cyclingvlog #cycling #cyclinginfrance #backackinglife #cyclingworkshop #ddaytour
Cycling the Battlefields of Normandy—A Ride I’ll Never Forget
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