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