| One of the best ways to see the countryside and | | | | the riders may want to hitch a trailer to bring their |
| appreciate the beauty of the land is to travel by | | | | supplies along for the ride. |
| bicycle. All you need is a pack with the basic | | | | Many modern touring bikes are equipped with front |
| necessities, a good quality touring bike and a lot of | | | | and rear luggage racks, road handlebars and |
| energy, and you'll be on your way to seeing the | | | | specialized saddles to provide long distance comfort. |
| world in a whole new way. | | | | These bikes also feature rugged hubs, heavy-duty |
| Touring bicycles, as the name suggests, are used by | | | | rims and 36-spoke wheels to increase their stability |
| cyclists wanting to travel while carrying supplies. | | | | and reliability. A long wheelbase and stable steering |
| These bicycles have racks mounted on the front and | | | | arrangement add to the ease of use and practicality. |
| rear of the frame for carrying the extra gear like a | | | | Many models feature longer chain stays to help |
| change of clothes, food etc. They have mudguard | | | | cyclists ride longer distances with less discomfort. |
| mounting points, triple water bottle mounts, a large | | | | Touring bikes have various attachment points for |
| wheelbase 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 |
| of bike has its own distinct advantages and | | | | touring cyclists choose to attach a trailer and tow |
| disadvantages. Learn about the different touring | | | | their extra gear behind the bike. The low center of |
| bikes and choose one according to your particular | | | | gravity is an added bonus to using a bike trailer. |
| needs. | | | | Touring bicycles are built to handle the elements and |
| A classic road-touring bicycle has 700C wheels. The | | | | carry the rider over long distances. The frame and |
| wheel diameters are the same as racing bike wheels, | | | | parts are made of sturdy, long lasting materials, |
| but they have wider rims and better frame clearance. | | | | allowing the bikes to handle fast ascents and |
| In recent years, manufacturers have modified the | | | | descents even when loaded down with gear. Normal |
| 26" mountain bike tires to provide better resistance | | | | caliper brakes used in racing bikes are replaced by |
| and greater strength. | | | | cantilever or lever-pulled brakes. Some manufacturer |
| A recumbent touring bicycle has a unique appearance | | | | even use disc brakes to provide excellent stopping |
| because of the position of the seat. The recumbent | | | | power. |
| rider sits on a reclined seat, low to the ground, with | | | | What is gained in utility and ruggedness is often lost |
| legs outstretched in front. Steering is positioned | | | | in speed, but it's a compromise that touring cyclists |
| above or below the seat level. | | | | are willing to make. The combination of features and |
| Also known as "bicycles built for tow", tandem | | | | benefits make these bikes the ride of choice for |
| touring bikes are perfect for a couple looking for an | | | | adventurous tourists wanting an up close and |
| economical way to travel together. These bikes can't | | | | personal view of the countryside. |
| handle the additional weight of storage and gear, so | | | | |