| Traveling on a bicycle is one of the best ways to fully | | | | handlebars, front and rear luggage racks and saddles |
| appreciate the glorious countryside. When you have a | | | | designed for long distance comfort. These bikes also |
| good quality touring bicycle, some basic travel | | | | feature heavy-duty rims, 36-spoke wheels and rugged |
| necessities and a lot of energy, you'll begin to see the | | | | hubs to increase their reliability and stability over long |
| world in a whole new way. | | | | trips. A longer wheelbase and stable steering |
| As the name suggests, touring bicycles are used by | | | | arrangement adds to this enduring practicality. On |
| cyclists who want to travel while carrying supplies. | | | | many touring bikes, a longer chain stay helps to ensure |
| These bicycles feature storage racks mounted on the | | | | that cyclists are able to ride longer distances without |
| front and rear of the frame to carry extra gear like | | | | discomfort. |
| food, water and extra clothing. They also have | | | | Touring bikes have various attachment points for |
| mudguard mounting points, triple water bottle mounts, a | | | | luggage, replacement gear, and those all-important |
| large wheelbase and a frame suitable for wider tires. | | | | water bottles. Some models even provide space to |
| Road, recumbent and tandem bikes are the three | | | | store spare parts. When space is limited, some touring |
| most popular touring bicycles in use today. Each style | | | | cyclists choose to attach a trailer and tow their extra |
| of bike has its own distinct advantages and | | | | gear behind the bike. The low center of gravity is an |
| disadvantages. Learn about the different touring bikes | | | | added bonus to using a bike trailer. |
| and choose one according to your particular needs. | | | | Touring bicycles are born to ride and able to withstand |
| The classic style of road touring bicycle has 700C | | | | elements and take the cyclist over long distances. The |
| wheels. The diameter of the wheels is the same as a | | | | frame and parts are built with sturdy, long-lasting |
| racing bike, but the rims are wider and there is more | | | | materials, allowing the bikes to handle fast climbs and |
| frame clearance. Manufacturers have recently begun | | | | descents while loaded down with gear. The normal |
| to modify the 26-inch mountain bike tires, allowing them | | | | caliper brakes used in racing bikes are replaced with |
| to provide more strength and better resistance. | | | | cantilever or lever-pulled brakes. Some manufacturers |
| Recumbent touring bicycles are unique in appearance | | | | have implemented disc brakes to provide excellent |
| due to the seat position. Riders sit on a reclined seat | | | | stopping power. |
| with the legs stretched out in front. The steering can | | | | The added utility and ruggedness are usually gained at |
| be positioned above or below the seat level. | | | | the expense of speed, but this is a compromise that |
| Tandems are essentially meant to carry two riders, | | | | touring cyclists are willing to make. The unique |
| and are popular choices for couples wishing to travel | | | | combination of features and benefits are what makes |
| long distances economically. However, these bikes | | | | the touring bike the ride of choice for adventurous |
| can't carry any extra weight, so the riders often have | | | | travelers who want an up close and personal view of |
| to hitch a trailer. | | | | the countryside. |
| Most modern touring bikes are equipped with road | | | | |