Review of the five best bikes for touring. An ideal bike for tourism and travel. Touring Reliable Bike Single Speed ​​Touring Bike

Recently, when it has become possible to choose a high-quality bicycle for tourism, the number of cycling enthusiasts has increased significantly. But how to choose a good car that will travel along mountain paths without unnecessary shaking and stops, and will overcome potholes on country roads, and will drive like a breeze on the highway.

Regardless of whether your future route is along steep mountain passes, along forest roads or along a highway, you should choose a bike for a hike based on the following general principles:

• Ease. No matter how smooth the route, there will definitely be moments when it is not the bike that will carry you, but you will carry or roll the bike. No cycling trip is complete without this. And if we take into account that the car will also be loaded with things necessary for the trip, then the weight of the bike itself will play a very big role.
• Strength. This does not mean resistance to mechanical damage, but the same luggage loaded onto the frame. The bicycle must carry it for a long time and this should also be taken into account.
• Availability of spare parts. An important aspect. Even a first-grader can adjust the height of the seat or steering wheel, but if something breaks that cannot be repaired with improvised means, it would be nice if you could find the necessary part in even a small provincial town.
• Comfort. This primarily relates to proper fit. It is necessary to take into account windage, maneuverability, and endurance of the muscles of the back and arms. It won’t be pretty when after a couple of days you fall down with lower back pain.
• Availability of additional fastenings. When choosing a suitable model in a specialized store, be sure to pay attention to the availability of these components. If the model does not have a trunk, then the luggage will have to be placed in a backpack and hung on your back, and this is absolutely unacceptable for a cyclist going on a multi-day hike.

If at least one of these five requirements is not met, then no matter what brand the bicycle is, it will not be suitable for a long journey.

Types of touring bikes

There are only four categories of bicycles that are more or less suitable for cycling tourism. They all have their own characteristics, which should be considered more carefully.

Mountain bike (MTB)

The most common option. Low landing, wheel diameter 26 inches, front shock absorber, straight steering wheel. All these characteristics indicate that this is primarily a mountain bike, which is also good for traveling along forest paths. It also behaves well on the highway, but if the lion's share of the route is paved roads, you should opt for a faster model.

Niner

Relatively recently, designers decided to improve the classic mountain bike. The front fork was lengthened and wheels with a diameter of 29 inches were installed. Some other changes have been made, but they are not noticeable to non-specialists. The result was Niner. The landing remained the same, the weight, albeit slightly, increased, the elongated fork, designed to soften the ride, actually takes a lot of energy from the hands. The car turned out to be heavy, bulky and not very convenient for transportation. True, due to the increase in wheel diameter, the ride has become smoother, but this is perhaps the only plus that does not make this model suitable for bicycle touring.

Hybrid

But people who really know their stuff worked on this type of bicycle for tourism. They were able to combine a mountain bike and a road bike, and it turned out pretty well. The front fork is short travel, but nothing more is required. Wheels with a diameter of 28 inches, but with wide tires. The seating position is slightly higher than a classic road bike. The result is a car that can drive well both in the mountains and on asphalt. This option is probably the best.

The only thing I would like to draw attention to is that the model you choose should not have a rigid fork. In this case, all the advantages of the Hybrid are instantly reduced to zero.

Another improved type of touring bike is very popular in Europe, where the roads are rumored to be much better than ours. It's somewhere between a hybrid and a road bike, which makes it even more interesting than the previous version. Wheels with a diameter of 28 inches, steering wheel, rigid front fork. It is possible to install wider tires and all kinds of luggage holders. It would seem that it should lose to a hybrid, but, according to reviews from experienced cyclo-tourists, it is much easier to control a cyclocrosser and it has shown itself to be very good on uneven roads.

So, what is the best bike for touring? This is a fair question and one that interests many people. And the answer is both simple and complex at the same time. Simple in the sense that for each type of route you need to choose your own car. The difficult thing is that this choice will be correct only when you try to travel yourself and compare, or at least consult with more experienced travelers.

Rating of bicycles for tourism

It will not be possible to cover all bicycle models in this article, so we will present the most famous and popular ones.

Surly Long Haul Trucker

According to experienced cyclists who have traveled thousands of kilometers on a variety of roads, this model is almost ideal for this type of outdoor activity. There are nine frame sizes and two wheel sizes: 26 and 29 inches. The steel case ensures the model's durability. There are several configurations for installing the trunk. The bike is very reliable and requires repairs rarely enough to be an unnecessary worry on long journeys. Preparing a bicycle of this model for a hike does not require any special knowledge or actions.

Trek 520

Classic touring bike with a steel frame. The seating position is somewhat low, but you quickly get used to it and after a few kilometers you feel very comfortable. In addition, this allows you to keep your balance much better when fully loaded. The SHIMANO transmission is a high-quality, time-tested mechanism. Speeds change quickly and without additional effort. The trunk is immediately included in the kit. The car is reliable and durable, but to buy this particular model you will have to spend money financially.

Another fairly high-quality option for a touring bike on a steel frame. Withstands very heavy loads. We can say that it is equipped with a unique 30-speed transmission, which has very low gears, which makes climbing even steep slopes much easier. It is possible to install fenders and a trunk. The components are not of the best quality, but they are good enough that at a fairly affordable price this becomes a plus.

Fuji

Quite a budget option for a touring bike. Moreover, it is equipped with a SHIMANO transmission, which speaks for itself. The frame is steel; when fully loaded, the machine behaves very obediently and maneuverably. The luggage rack is included. All that remains is to prepare for the long journey and boldly hit the road.

Another not very expensive touring bike with a steel frame and high-quality SHIMANO transmission. For those who argue that the cheaper a product is, the less it will last, this machine can serve as a good example of the wrongness of this opinion. For those who are just starting to turn their wheels on the exciting path of cycling, the Novara Safari can be a great first step in this direction. The only negative that is noted, but not blamed, is the rather heavy weight of the bike.

There are a great many models of bicycles for tourist trips, one-day or long. There is no point in talking about them all. Not everyone can afford a car with a titanium frame, which is both lightweight and durable, but increases the cost significantly. Not everyone dares to immediately set off on a difficult mountain route, which requires a special quality bicycle. We have listed five models that can be purchased at almost any specialty store and which will become not only a way for you to travel, but also an everyday vehicle.

Preparing your bike for a hike

It’s quite easy to prepare the bike itself, even for a long trip. Inspect all components and mechanisms, where they need to be lubricated, where they need to be wiped. But in order to ensure its high-quality work on a long hike, you will definitely need some tools and accessories.

• Set of hexagons.
• Chain squeezing.
• Pliers and wire cutters. Better in the form of a multi-tool.
• Key for connecting rods.
• Bicycle Pump.
• Bike first aid kit.
• A couple of spare cameras.
• Spare cables. One for brakes, one for shifters.
• Full oil can.
• Two sets of brake pads.

You simply cannot go on a trip without this set. Otherwise, you can become a porter for the mechanism that was supposed to carry you.

The rest of the preparation does not apply to the bike itself. It includes assembling a backpack, selecting products, and so on. This must also be taken seriously, otherwise you simply will not be able to admire the beauty of nature, difficult mountain passes, crossing streams and small rivers and other delights of cycling tourism.

A touring bicycle is a tool that people use to travel. How ordinary or specialized it is depends only on the tourist himself. Many people prefer to travel by mountain bike. They are attracted by suspension forks and strong wheels, an upright body position and low gears. Others go to the store and buy a touring bike, but their selection is not very large. And someone decides to modify a more sporty bicycle model, or order a custom frame.

A touring bike needs features that most other bikes don't need, most notably:

• Place for mounting the trunk, front and rear;
• Mounts for bottle cages, two, or preferably three;
• Low for going uphill;
• Frame with "relaxed geometry" which makes the ride more comfortable;
• Fenders and the distance between the wheel and the fender so that dirt does not get stuck.

Touring bike material

Steel

Before the advent of aluminum, all frames were made of steel. Although such frames are heavier, they are practically indestructible; even rusting will take 30 years. Any necessary fasteners can be welded to steel, it is very easy to repair and its price is quite affordable.

Aluminum

Aluminum is lighter than steel and is practically resistant to corrosion. Aluminum frames come with any mount, but it provides a stiffer ride than steel frames. When driving on narrow tires, the feedback to the hands is more than sensitive. And repairing an aluminum frame is much more difficult than steel frames.

Carbon

Fragile and vulnerable, but hard and very light material. Many people will not choose such frames for tourism. Firstly, they have a very high price, secondly, they do not absorb vibration well, thirdly, they only carry loads well in a certain direction, and a small blow from the front or side will easily break such a frame. Unlike other materials, carbon frames cannot be repaired at all.

Titanium

The best material for a touring frame. It combines the lightness of aluminum and the vibration absorption of steel, while lasting longer. Titanium is light and strong, but it is very expensive. But titanium frames must be made at a very high level, so when choosing a company from which to order, you need to very carefully check reviews of its products.

Touring bike frame geometry

The frame material is an important indicator, but it still has little effect on how the bike rolls. But the geometry of the frame plays a very important role in this matter.

On mountain bikes, for example, the wheels are too close together, the front fork is at a low angle in the frame, this makes the bike more controllable. The saddle hangs closer to the pedals, which promotes acceleration. Bringing the rear wheel closer to the saddle will make the bike faster on climbs. On a racing bike, the compression of the frame makes it lighter.

All these advantages can be useful for a touring bike, but: The verticality of the tubes and the forward displacement of the saddle reduces comfort and the muscles do not relax. The straight fork doesn't handle bumps well. The short rear seats do not allow the load to be properly secured and the legs touch it when pedaling. The location of the rear wheel is also very important: the closer it is located, the more shaking, and the further away, the smoother the obstacles go.

Some touring bikes have an unusually long wheelbase. The ride is very soft, but, again, you have to pay. When the rear wheel is too far away, the bike becomes less maneuverable, more difficult, and turns more sluggishly.

When choosing the frame geometry, each person has to choose what will be more important and comfortable for him. Any tourist spends a lot of time in the saddle of a bicycle while traveling. When buying a bicycle for tourism, everyone must decide what is more important to them: speed of the route, comfort while riding, ease of pedaling, rolling, etc. It is advisable to consult with someone who knows a lot about cycling tourism.

Good luck with your choice.

Top 12 bikes that can carry more cargo on long touring trips.

With its Diverge series of bikes, the company blurs the lines between endurance-oriented road bikes and touring bikes. The Diverge Sport A1 is an affordable model for beginner cyclists looking for adventure.

This model features an aluminum frame and carbon fiber fork with Zertz vibration dampening inserts. The model is equipped with 30c Specialize Espoir Sport tires, but can also use tires with 35c tread. The compact Shimano Sora crankset, coupled with an 11-32 gear ratio cassette, provides a wide range of speed options.

Price: 1 150 $

Information: specialized.com

The Four Corners bike from Marin is one of the few touring bikes equipped with a simple 1x drivetrain, but it's not afraid to climb hills in a low 40x42t gear. The frame and forks feature end-to-end Columbus Thron steel inserts, as well as thru-axle lugs, fender mounts and a low-slung rack.

The ability to attach three bottles allows you to travel long distances between water sources. The G-One Evo 40c tires from Schwalbe have internal Kevlar puncture protection. When using WTB KOM i21 rims, tubeless tires can be installed. Rounding out this impressive package is the SRAM Rival, which can be used wherever you go.

Price: 2 309 $

Information: marinbikes.com

Raleigh's Tamland bike is all you need for easy off-the-beaten-path riding. The smooth-riding Reynolds 631 frame and Clement X'Plor MSO 40c tires smooth out road imperfections, while TRP Spyre disc brakes provide powerful, controlled braking in all weather conditions.

12-degree flared handlebars add comfort and control when riding off-road. And if you take into account the price of the bike, the presence of a Shimano Ultegra 6800 transmission is pleasantly impressive.

Price: 2400 $

Information: raleighusa.com

The Moots Routt bike has longer rear fork stays than the company's standard models. This gives increased stability and additional ground clearance when using tires up to 45c. The frame is made from stronger tubing than regular Moots cross and road models. The Enve CX Disc carbon fork provides steering functions and features through-lugs for the hub axles.

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Suspension fork designed to soften all the obstacles you pass. It consists of a spring, which bears the main “shock” and processes vibrations, and a damper, which absorbs vibrations. All these parts are made from different materials using air, oil, synthetic materials - elastomers. Depending on this, the suspension fork can be oil-air, spring, elastomeric, spring-elastomer, air.

Disc brakes- This is a special type of hand brake, which consists of a steel disc that is installed on a special wheel hub, and a device that compresses the disc with brake pads. Disc brakes have a number of advantages: independence from weather conditions (rain, snow), less clogging when driving, better modulation, their operation is not affected by “eight” wheels, do not wear out the rim, and require less frequent maintenance.

High quality rim– the key to successful skating and not bending the wheels with “eights” and other “joys”. Double rims are more durable and repairable. At the same time, they have less weight, but higher strength.

Aluminum frame Widely used by many famous bicycle manufacturers. As a rule, an alloy of aluminum with silicon, zinc, scandium, and magnesium is used. Its advantage is that while the weight of the structure is reduced, the strength and reliability of the frame remains at a high level. Other advantages of an aluminum frame include good dynamics and road sensitivity, high corrosion resistance, and good load capacity.

Hydraulic brake drive It works on the principle of pressing the pads to the disc using the pressure of brake fluid, which is poured into special cables - a hydraulic line. The hydraulic drive is characterized by excellent endurance, the speed of reaction of the mechanism to pressure on the handle, and the overall reliability of the system, proven over the years. Disadvantages: high cost, slightly more expensive maintenance.

Multi speed bike Suitable for terrain. This bike is equipped with a gear shift system, and the number of gears depends on the type of bike and the level of training of the cyclist. Multi-speed bicycles from well-known manufacturers are as reliable as and even superior to models that use a single gear.

Damper in oil-air, oil-spring forks The cartridge with oil serves, and the spring contains air (air). Advantages of forks that use air or oil: comfort, better handling of small bumps, vibration damping, fast rebound. Such forks improve the ride quality of the bike - handling, comfort, and performance - reliability, durability.

The carbon frame is known for its strength and rigidity. A carbon frame is used where it is necessary to achieve the lowest possible weight. For example, the weight of some carbon frames does not exceed 1000 g. This is especially important for dual suspension, cross-country hardtails, and road bikes. Its main drawback is its high cost.