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