Bike Choice for Bike Tour in Tibet

[RonK]

Kathmandu is only 1400m. You won't acclimatise there.
Lhasa is 3656m. Most people will suffer at least mild altitude sickness. You will need those three days. Take diamox, drink plenty of water, and don't overexert.

[Stormtrooper]

If I spend the week before I leave in the mountains of Colorado visiting mountains between 12,000 and 14,000 feet during the day, will that help me?

[RussSeaton]

If I spend the week before I leave in the mountains of Colorado visiting mountains between 12,000 and 14,000 feet during the day, will that help me?

I doubt it.  Because you will be at the high elevation only for a brief period of time.  90% of the time you will be at 5,000 feet in the towns at the bottom of the climbs.  And your 12,000 and 14,000 numbers are a bit goofy.  Those are the very summits, peaks of the mountains in the Rockies.  The passes where you will be are only about 8,000 feet.  Unless you plan to hike to the top of all the Rocky mountains and stand on the summit.  If you want to get used to altitude, assuming you even have a problem with altitude, go to Tibet, Nepal one month early and live for a month at the high elevations.  I'm sure a lot of cities over there are at 10,000 feet plus elevation.

[John Nelson]

If I spend the week before I leave in the mountains of Colorado visiting mountains between 12,000 and 14,000 feet during the day, will that help me?

Yes, I think so.

[Stormtrooper]

My plan was to bike mountain evans multiple times. Its outside Denver at 14,500 feet.

[Pat Lamb]

If I spend the week before I leave in the mountains of Colorado visiting mountains between 12,000 and 14,000 feet during the day, will that help me?

No, you need to spend time at high altitudes measured in meters.  -)

OK, seriously, I expect it may help, as you'll be exercising at high altitudes (simulating riding in Tibet), and recovering somewhat lower overnight, which will give your body enough oxygen to repair itself from the damage done up higher.

[RonK]

My plan was to bike mountain evans multiple times. Its outside Denver at 14,500 feet.

Good for your fitness, but not much benefit for acclimatisation.

Three days in Lhasa will probably be sufficient, but as previously posted, carry Diamox, a supply of painkillers, drink plenty of water, and take it easy. When you start cycling, don't overdo it.

The last lot of advice you posted from the tour company about bikes seemed very sensible - I'm sure they will have advice about altitude sickness as well.

And don't forget to treat your drinking water.