| Traveling on a bicycle is one of the best ways to | | | | have to hitch a trailer. |
| fully appreciate the glorious countryside. When you | | | | Many modern touring bikes are equipped with front |
| have a good quality touring bicycle, some basic travel | | | | and rear luggage racks, road handlebars and |
| necessities and a lot of energy, you'll begin to see | | | | specialized saddles to provide long distance comfort. |
| the world in a whole new way. | | | | These bikes also feature rugged hubs, heavy-duty |
| Touring bicycles, as the name suggests, are used by | | | | rims and 36-spoke wheels to increase their stability |
| cyclists wanting to travel while carrying supplies. | | | | and reliability. A long wheelbase and stable steering |
| These bicycles have racks mounted on the front and | | | | arrangement add to the ease of use and practicality. |
| rear of the frame for carrying the extra gear like a | | | | Many models feature longer chain stays to help |
| change of clothes, food etc. They have mudguard | | | | cyclists ride longer distances with less discomfort. |
| mounting points, triple water bottle mounts, a large | | | | There are various attachment points on touring bikes |
| wheelbase and a suitable frameset for wider tires. | | | | to keep luggage, fix fenders, and store those |
| Road, recumbent and tandem bikes are the three | | | | all-important water bottles. Some models even allow |
| most popular touring bicycles in use today. Each style | | | | additional space to store spare parts. Attaching a |
| of bike has its own distinct advantages and | | | | trailer is another option, and pulling the extra gear |
| disadvantages. Learn about the different touring | | | | behind the bike can provide a low center of gravity. |
| bikes and choose one according to your particular | | | | Touring bicycles are born to ride and able to |
| needs. | | | | withstand elements and take the cyclist over long |
| A classic road-touring bicycle has 700C wheels. The | | | | distances. The frame and parts are built with sturdy, |
| wheel diameters are the same as racing bike wheels, | | | | long-lasting materials, allowing the bikes to handle fast |
| but they have wider rims and better frame clearance. | | | | climbs and descents while loaded down with gear. |
| In recent years, manufacturers have modified the | | | | The normal caliper brakes used in racing bikes are |
| 26" mountain bike tires to provide better resistance | | | | replaced with cantilever or lever-pulled brakes. Some |
| and greater strength. | | | | manufacturers have implemented disc brakes to |
| Recumbent touring bicycles are unique in appearance | | | | provide excellent stopping power. |
| due to the seat position. Riders sit on a reclined seat | | | | What is gained in utility and ruggedness is often lost |
| with the legs stretched out in front. The steering can | | | | in speed, but it's a compromise that touring cyclists |
| be positioned above or below the seat level. | | | | are willing to make. The combination of features and |
| Tandems are essentially meant to carry two riders, | | | | benefits make these bikes the ride of choice for |
| and are popular choices for couples wishing to travel | | | | adventurous tourists wanting an up close and |
| long distances economically. However, these bikes | | | | personal view of the countryside. |
| can't carry any extra weight, so the riders often | | | | |