Touring Bicycles Overview

Traveling on a bicycle is one of the best ways to fully appreciate the glorious countryside. When you have a good quality touring bicycle, some basic travel necessities and a lot of energy, you'll begin to see the world in a whole new way.

As the name suggests, touring bicycles are used by cyclists who want to travel while carrying supplies. These bicycles feature storage racks mounted on the front and rear of the frame to carry extra gear like food, water and extra clothing. They also have mudguard mounting points, triple water bottle mounts, a large wheelbase and a frame suitable for wider tires.

Road, recumbent and tandem bikes are the three most popular touring bicycles in use today. Each style of bike has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Learn about the different touring bikes and choose one according to your particular needs.

The classic style of road touring bicycle has 700C wheels. The diameter of the wheels is the same as a racing bike, but the rims are wider and there is more frame clearance. Manufacturers have recently begun to modify the 26-inch mountain bike tires, allowing them to provide more strength and better resistance.

A recumbent touring bicycle has a unique appearance because of the position of the seat. The recumbent rider sits on a reclined seat, low to the ground, with legs outstretched in front. Steering is positioned above or below the seat level.

Tandems are essentially meant to carry two riders, and are popular choices for couples wishing to travel long distances economically. However, these bikes can't carry any extra weight, so the riders often have to hitch a trailer.

Modern touring bikes are usually equipped with front and rear luggage racks, road handlebars and saddles for long distance comfort. These bikes also feature rugged hubs, heavy-duty rims and 36-spoke wheels, increasing their stability and reliability. A long wheelbase and stable steering arrangement adds to the practicality. Many models have a longer chain stay to ensure that the cyclist can ride longer distances without discomfort.

Touring bikes have various attachment points for keeping luggage, fixing fenders and storing their all-important water bottles. Some models allow for space to store spare parts. Another option is to attach a trailer, which can be towed behind the bike to carry extra gear and provide a low center of gravity.

Touring bicycles are built to handle the elements and carry the rider over long distances. The frame and parts are made of sturdy, long lasting materials, allowing the bikes to handle fast ascents and descents even when loaded down with gear. Normal caliper brakes used in racing bikes are replaced by cantilever or lever-pulled brakes. Some manufacturer even use disc brakes to provide excellent stopping power.

What's gained in ruggedness and utility can be lost in speed, but it's a compromise that most touring cyclists are happy to make. With all of the available features and benefits of a touring bike, these are the obvious rides of choice for so many adventurous tourists looking for a new way to get up close and personal with the countryside.