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