| There are a lot of things to consider before you set | | | | During tours, I consistently notice people dragging along |
| off on a bicycle tour. The biggest issue to resolve: | | | | way too much stuff. They have 4 panniers loaded and |
| which bike will best suit you. Many people will | | | | strap other stuff to the rear rack using bungee cords. |
| recommend you get a traditional steel framed touring | | | | This type of travel, in my opinion, is very restrictive. I |
| bike. However, I've discovered that this isn't always the | | | | am a big fan of ultralight bicycle touring because of the |
| best option. In this article I'll tell you why the best touring | | | | freedoms it provides. |
| bike for your situation might not be the standard option. | | | | Before you begin searching for the perfect bike, I |
| The two most common types of bikes designed for | | | | suggest you first round up all the things you're going to |
| touring are the traditional and sport. Traditional touring | | | | take with you. If you notice your load is getting pretty |
| bikes have dropped handle bars and a longer wheel | | | | heavy, you should realize that there are other |
| base. They're made specifically for carrying a heavy | | | | lightweight options. |
| load. | | | | A lot of bicycle enthusiasts are taking a cue from the |
| Sport touring bikes are a lot like road bikes - built less | | | | lightweight backpacking community and making the |
| for comfort and more for speed. Recently, I've even | | | | switch to more of a minimalist approach. One that is |
| been experimenting with using a regular road bike (not | | | | certain to take the focus of stuff, and put it on |
| a touring bike at all) because I try to go as light as | | | | enjoying your tour and the scenery. |
| possible. Road bikes make this option very viable. | | | | |