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