When it comes to choosing the best touring bike for you, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, you need to decide what type of terrain you’ll be riding on most often.
If you’re looking for a practical way to get around town or commute to work, then a road bike might be the best option. However, if you want something that can handle more rugged terrain and provide extra durability over time, then a touring bike is the way to go.
Touring bikes have relaxed geometry and an upright riding position which makes them ideal for long-distance rides and commuting alike.
In addition to the type of terrain you’ll be riding on, it’s also important to think about the components used in your touring bike. Look for durable parts that are easy to maintain so that they can be fixed even when far away from a bike shop.
This will help reduce mechanical issues and lower running costs in the long run. Finally, make sure your touring bike has enough space for mudguards and racks so that you can carry all your gear with ease. With these tips in mind, you should have no problem finding the perfect touring bike for your needs!
What is a touring bike?
A touring bike is designed to provide a comfortable and safe ride for those who are embarking on multi-day unsupported trips. It features a long wheel-base and chain-stay geometry, which helps to absorb vibrations and make the ride smoother.
This also helps to avoid heel-to-pannier contact without shifting the panniers back too much, thus keeping the center of stability in place. The frame is also designed to carry heavy loads comfortably, making it ideal for longer trips where you need to bring along all your necessary belongings.
In addition, a touring bike is equipped with components that can handle different road conditions, from gravel to smooth tar and even single tracks.
This makes it an excellent choice for adventurous riders who want to explore new places while still having the comfort and safety of their own bike. With its sturdy frame and reliable components, a touring bike can take you anywhere you want to go with ease.
What to look for in a touring bike.
When it comes to selecting the perfect touring bike for your needs, there are a few key elements to consider. Firstly, the frame of the bike is an important factor. Steel is often considered the best material for longer trips as it offers resilience and comfort. The amount you’re willing to invest will determine the weight, strength and character of the steel you end up with.
The next element to consider is components such as brakes, gears and wheels. For touring bikes, disc brakes are often preferred due to their superior stopping power in wet conditions.
Gears should be chosen based on how hilly your route will be – if you’re tackling steep inclines then more gears may be necessary. Lastly, wheels should be strong and durable enough to handle long distances and varied terrain. Look for double-walled rims with 36 spokes or more for extra strength and stability.
What are the best touring bikes?
Kona Sutra
The Kona Sutra is a classic touring bike that stands out from the crowd with its bar-end shifters. These low-tech shifters are easy to operate while wearing gloves, and they make space between the brake levers for a bar bag. The use of these shifters also frees up budget that can be allocated towards other components such as the high-spec Deore groupset, light steel frame, and mechanical disc brakes.
The finishing kit on the Kona Sutra is top quality too. It comes with a rack and mudguards, as well as 40c Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres and WTB rims. The wide flared bars provide an excellent grip, while the Brooks leather saddle adds an extra touch of luxury. All in all, this bike is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable touring bike that won’t break the bank.
The Trek 520 is a classic touring bike that has been in the company’s line-up for many years. It features a steel frame and an alloy disc touring fork with a ThruSkew captive quick-release skewer, making it ideal for loaded touring in hilly countries. The Shimano Sora and Alivio parts provide 27 durable gears, while the nine-speed cassette and triple chainset offer plenty of range.
The 520 also comes with 38c wide tyres, allowing you to ride across a variety of paved surfaces from tarmac to hardpack. Additionally, it comes with both front and rear racks so you can easily attach your own mudguards. All in all, the Trek 520 is an excellent choice for those who want to explore the world on two wheels without sacrificing comfort or performance.
Specialized Sequoia Elite
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than the Specialized Sequoia Elite touring bicycle. This genre-bending bike has all the features needed to hit the road and never look back. From its durable Cr-Mo tubing frame, its dedicated Adventure Geometry, to its reliable Shimano 105/RS505 components, this bike is built for anyone looking to explore with confidence.
The Sequoia’s Premium Cr-Mo tubes are size-specific, ensuring that each frame rides as intended by Specialized engineers. That paired with its unique geometry — which offers both efficient travel and control at full load — make it an ideal choice for any journey. Fitted with an ample number of mounts, riders can easily attach racks, fenders and even customize their ride if need be.
Plus, robust components like Shimano 105/RS505 shift levers and powerful aluminum handlebars provide the confidence of maximum performance when you take on sudden changes in terrain or weather conditions. And lastly, lightweight Hayfield wheels give you a reliable roll on your next excursion wherever it takes you!
Take off into nature with the one bike that can do it all — get your hands on a Specialized Sequoia Elite today!
The Surly Disc Trucker is a redesigned version of the popular Long Haul Trucker, now equipped with disc brakes for improved stopping power and lower maintenance. The frame is made from durable steel and uses only the most common fitting standards, making it easy to replace parts if you find yourself in a remote location. It also features a holster to carry spare spokes built into the frame, as well as being available with either 700c or 26” wheels and can be converted to use Rohloff hub gearing.
For those looking for an ultra-adaptable bike that can handle heavy loads, the Surly Disc Trucker is an excellent choice. With its reliable braking system and durable construction, it’s sure to provide years of reliable service.
Bombtrack Beyond 1
The Bombtrack Beyond 1 is a radical and modern touring bike that is designed to take you far from the beaten track. It has mountain bike width tyres, massively broad gearing, and flared handlebars that make it perfect for tackling rough terrain. The low slung frame makes it easy to maneuver, while the high front end reduces stress on arms and back when spending long hours in the saddle.
The Bombtrack Beyond 1 also comes with plenty of features for carrying your gear. It has mudguard, rack, and three bottle mounts so you can attach traditional panniers or bikepacking bags. There are even fixings to directly attach a snack box to the top tube so you can have quick access to snacks during your ride. With all these features, the Bombtrack Beyond 1 is ready for any adventure you throw at it!
Giant Toughroad SLR 1
The Giant Toughroad SLR 1 is a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrain. With mountain bike style tyres, it’s perfect for tackling rough roads and trails, while its 700c wheels make it suitable for more sedate use. The flat handlebar puts the rider in a comfortable position to respond to obstacles on the road or trail, while the D-Fuse seatpost absorbs bumps before they reach your bottom. The aluminium frame and carbon fork make this bike lightweight yet strong enough to carry your gear with the included racks.
This bike is ideal for those who want to explore beyond tarmac roads and venture into gravel paths and trails. It’s also great for commuters who need a reliable ride that can take them from point A to B without any hassle. With its adjustable features, you can customize the Giant Toughroad SLR 1 to suit your needs whether you’re taking on an adventure or just commuting around town.
Fuji Touring Disc
Say goodbye to boring rides with the Fuji Touring Disc. This professional-grade touring bicycle is made with the toughest of materials, including Reynolds 520 Chromoly, plus sealed cartridge bearings, Shimano Deore components and TRP Spyre C mechanical discs for all the stopping power you’ll need.
Plus, this bike boasts seven different sizes—from XS (49cm) to XXXL (64cm)—to ensure you get the perfect fit for your body type. The geometry is set up for a more upright riding position that’s perfect for those long days in the saddle carrying loads. And durability is taken to new heights, with extra-thick 30mm vinyl material that won’t break or bend no matter how intense your journey gets!
So if you’re looking for an adventure companion that won’t let you down, then look no further than the Fuji Touring Disc. Come on—it’s time to take control of your destiny and take on your next epic ride!
Cube Travel
The Cube Travel is the perfect bike for both tourers and commuters alike. It has all the features you need for a successful tour, such as puncture-resistant Schwalbe Marathon tyres, a wide-range Shimano Deore drivetrain and hydraulic brakes, plus mudguards, rack, kickstand and dynamo lights. The aluminium frame makes it light compared to many steel bikes, while the broad tyres and ride position ensure it remains comfortable for long rides. With integrated cables, the whole package looks neat with plenty of space up-front for a bar bag.
The Cube Travel is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a bike that can do it all. Whether you’re planning on touring or commuting around town, this bike has everything you need to make your journey enjoyable. Its lightweight frame and comfortable ride position make it easy to handle on any terrain while its reliable components will keep you safe and secure no matter where your travels take you. Plus, its stylish design ensures that you’ll look good wherever you go!
Condor Heritage Disc
The Condor Heritage Disc is a classic touring bike that has been designed to be custom built. This steel frame is lightweight and features modern touches such as down tube bottle cage mounts and a sloping top tube for user-friendliness. The Tange fork adds to the classic look, while the geometry ensures stability without being sluggish. With this frame, you can tailor your bike exactly to your needs and quirks, making it perfect for any expedition schedule.
For those looking to build their own custom touring bike, the Condor Heritage Disc is an excellent choice.
Stanforth Conway
The Stanforth Conway is a classic-looking steel touring bike that has been designed with speed in mind. It features Reynolds 853 steel construction, which gives it a lightweight and durable frame, as well as bosses for racks at both ends and mudguards. The bike also comes with plenty of tyre clearance, allowing you to ride on different terrains without worrying about punctures. To make sure you can keep up the pace over long distances, it comes with a Shimano 105 50/34t double chainset and wide Ultegra 11-34t cassette.
Created in collaboration with adventurer Sean Conway, the Stanforth Conway was used by him to set the record for cycling across Europe. This shows just how versatile and capable this bike is when it comes to long distance touring. With its classic looks and modern components, the Stanforth Conway is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a fast yet comfortable touring bike that can handle any terrain.
Thorn Sherpa
The Thorn Sherpa is the perfect touring bike for those looking for a practical yet stylish ride. With 26-inch wheels, it’s strong and manoeuvrable, making it easy to service even in remote locations. It also comes with a map holder and sandals, so you can easily accessorise your ride. The Sherpa is available in 10 sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit regardless of your proportions.
The Sherpa has been well proven all across the globe and is a true touring classic. Fully customisable, it may look dorky but its performance speaks for itself. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to explore the countryside, the Thorn Sherpa is an excellent choice. Buy now from Thorn Bikes and get ready to hit the road!
Are you an adventurous spirit and dirt-lover, who’s looking for something more progressive than your average traditional all-terrain bike? Then, the Kona Libre AL is sure to fit your needs. This bike has a frame made of ultra-durable 6061 aluminum and comes in sizes 50 to 58 so that everyone can find their perfect fit.
Features such as SRAM GXP, Apex drivetrain and TRP HDC711C brakes will help you tackle any type of mountain or terrain–from road to gravel, and everything in between! The quality components also keep the weight light and responsive so you’re never weighed down on your journey. Plus, with Silkshield tires from Maxxis, this bike was made for exploring both on-road and off.
So climb atop the Kona Libre AL to start adventuring the remote corners of nature with confidence. It’s lightweight enough to navigate any route yet durable enough to make long rides a breeze. And maybe most importantly – it looks great while doing it too! With striking green gloss metallic paint highlighted by matte black forest decals, no one will miss you as you ride past them down every gravel path you decide to take!
Co-Motion Deschutes
Experience your next adventure in style, comfort and control with the Co-Motion Deschutes touring bicycle. Hand-built from double butted Cro-Moly tubing and equipped with a Shimano 105 R7000/ SLX 11-speed drivetrain and Formula hubs for increased stability and control, this bike is ready to take on whatever challenge you throw its way.
The cockpit features a FSA Gossamer stem, Omega compact handlebar, plus an FSA Orbit Z Internal headset to minimize road vibrations and provide added steering precision so you feel like you’re one with the road. And with TRP Spyre 160mm Disc brakes, you’re guaranteed superior stopping power, even in wet conditions.
From city streets to mountain roads, the Co-Motion Deschutes is designed to give you an uncompromising ride each time. Representing true American handcrafted quality at a price that competes with imported models from other brands, why settle for anything less? Get the Co-Motion Deschutes touring bike today and experience your adventures in unmatched luxury and performance.
The Surly Ghost Grappler is a drop bar touring mountain bike that is designed to take you on all kinds of off-road adventures. With 27.5 x 2.5” tires and tire clearance for up to 27.5 x 2.8” or 29 x 2.1″ tires, you can explore almost any terrain with this bike. It also features custom dropouts that are ready to run single-speed or internally geared hub setups like Dynamo hubs, giving you plenty of options for your setup.
And with seatstay mounted bottle bosses plus three-pack mounts at the top and bottom of the down tube, as well as fork mounts, you have plenty of mounting options for whatever gear you need to bring along on your journey. At 13.34kg, it’s light enough to carry around but still sturdy enough to handle whatever terrain you throw at it.
Panorama Forillon
The Panorama Forillon is an all-road touring bike designed to take you around the world. It is a mid-component range steel bike that offers great value for money, while still being reliable and strong enough to handle any terrain. The frame is made from Reynolds 525 steel tubeset and the 4130 steel fork ensures stability and easy handling when loaded with luggage. The 36 spokes double walled with reinforced eyelets rims are paired with 700x50mm tires, providing excellent grip on a variety of road types.
The Panorama Forillon has been designed to be ridden efficiently on any type of terrain, while remaining stable and easy to handle when loaded with all your luggage. The components have been chosen for their strength and reliability, ensuring that this bike will last you for many years of adventure. Whether you’re planning a long distance tour or just want a reliable bike for everyday use, the Panorama Forillon is an excellent choice. With its robust construction and reliable components, it’s sure to take you wherever you need to go in style and comfort.
The Bombtrack Arise Tour is an all-new touring bike that looks perfect for any adventure. It features traditional touring bike design, but with modern-day components. The 2021 updated geometry and sliding dropouts, making it even more versatile than before. It also comes with Twin Tubus racks, mudguards, and dynamo lights to make sure you’re prepared for whatever the road throws at you.
I love how Bombtrack has pulled this off! This bike is truly ready for any adventure, whether it’s a long distance tour or just a weekend getaway. With its classic look and modern components, the Bombtrack Arise Tour is a beautiful bike that will turn heads wherever you go. Plus, its lightweight frame makes it easy to carry around when needed. If you’re looking for a reliable touring bike that won’t let you down, then the Bombtrack Arise Tour is definitely worth considering!
The Marin Four Corners Bike is a budget-friendly full Chromoly steel gravel/touring bike that is perfect for touring. It has a longer wheelbase and chainstay, making it highly versatile and able to carry all your gear with ease. The bike is designed for touring, bikepacking, and dedicated commuting, so you can take it on any adventure you have in mind.
The frame of the Marin Four Corners Bike is made from lightweight Chromoly steel, which makes it strong and durable enough to handle any terrain you may encounter while out on the road. The frame also features rack mounts so you can easily attach panniers or other cargo to the bike.
The bike comes equipped with disc brakes for reliable stopping power in all conditions. Additionally, the bike has wide tires that provide excellent grip on dirt roads or gravel paths. With its great features and affordable price tag, the Marin Four Corners Bike is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable touring or bikepacking bike.
Focus Atlas 6.7 EQP
The Focus ATLAS 6.7 EQP is the perfect touring bike for those who want to explore the world without having to worry about their gear. This lightweight alloy frame and carbon fork make it easy to carry all your belongings, while the integrated CIS cable routing ensures a smooth ride.
The specially designed pannier rack allows you to store up to 20kg of gear, and the carbon fork can carry a 3 kg load on each side. Additionally, this bike comes with a dynamo hub that powers the lights for all-night touring adventures.
This bike is well-equipped right out of the box, so you don’t have to worry about buying extra accessories or parts. It also has mudguards for added protection from dirt and debris, as well as a strong lighting system that will keep you safe during night rides. With its great features and reasonable price tag of $2,316, the Focus ATLAS 6.7 EQP is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an adventure-ready touring bike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great touring bicycles on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or something more high-end, there is sure to be a bike that fits your needs. The Bombtrack Arise Tour, Marin Four Corners Bike, and Focus ATLAS 6.7 EQP are all excellent choices for anyone looking for an adventure-ready touring bike.
