The best touring bikes are designed to be loaded up for comfortable long-distance riding, but they're also a robust, reliable option for local riding with a load or just for 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:commuting.
They're built strong, often with a steel 😼frame and fork and have reliable wheels with plenty of spokes for strength, as well as a wide gear range, which may be via a triple chainset with a smaller range of "speeds" in the cassette or hub gear. Expec🌼t an upright ride position and comfortable touchpoints.
Luggage is normally carried in panniers and bags attached to a rear rack, often supplemented by a front rack, as well as a bar bag. 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Mudguards are also normal, making riding more comfortable in all weathers, while multiple 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:bottle cages mean that you can keep hydrated🔴 even when you're far from a tap.
Below, you'll find our pick of the best touring bikes and below that is our buyer's guide♋ to how to choose the best ♐touring bike for you.
This Genesis touring bike option comes fully loaded, with front and rear racks, lights and a bottle cage, while its 35mm wide tyres give a comfortable ride. 🌊There's a Shimano Tiagra triple chainset, which gives a total of thirty gear ratios, which head below 1:1 for loaded climbing.
Another steel-♛framed tourer with many of the extras you'll need already there. The Kona Sutra has a high ride position and is equipped wit🐼h a Brooks leather saddle for a retro touring vibe, although the disc brakes and wide gear range keep it up to date.
Yet another steel-framed opt🍰ion with front and rear racks and an upright ride, the Salsa Marr♛akesh has 3x9-speed gearing and mechanical disc brakes. Its 42mm Teravail tyres should provide comfort and grip wherever you travel.
Another long-haul 𝔉steel model, theꦰ Disc Trucker has a very upright ride position thanks to its riser stem and yet more rise to its bars. A triple chainset that goes as low as a 26x34t ratio helps with long rides over steep roads.
With 42mm WTB Resolute tyℱres, the Marin Four Corners is a bike that can handle poor road conditions. Th✨e steel frame and fork are robust, while the triple chainset, nine-speed gearing and mechanical disc brakes should prove reliable.
The Giant Toughroad takes a slightly different tack from most touring bikes, with flat bars, an alloy frame and carbon fork. Its 50mm wide tyres and very wide gear range equip it for off-road advent💫ures.
The Genesis Tour De Fer is a great option in this category. It's a top all-round bike, featuring a solid steel frame, durable t🌌yres, disc brakes and all the practicalities such as three bottle cages, front and rear racks, mudguards and dynamo-powered lights.
Simply put, this is a bike ready for whatever you need to do straight away, whether it's commuting, leisure riding or touring.&n𓃲bsp;Th🅰e bike offers an easy, calm ride, and is comfortable enough to get on and go right away.
35mm Schwalbe Mar🔴athon tyres come as standard, with their puncture-proof reputation. The Shimano Tiagra triple groupset gives you plenty of ⛦range including a sub-1:1 ratio to haul your loaded bike up the hills. You might need that range, with the extra features adding significantly to the bike's weight though.
(Image credit: Surly)
2. Surly Disc Trucker
A steel touring bike for the purists
Reasons to buy
+
650b wheels on smaller frame sizes
+
Easy to maintain
+
Durable components
Reasons to avoid
-
Relatively low end spec
Another do-anything bike, the Disc Trucker features a sturdy and good-looking steel frame and fork. It is, however, more suited to r⛦oad riding than exploring gravel and mud, though it's not to say that you can't tackle gravel tracks with it. The rise to𒅌 the bars, paired with a long head tube gives a comfortable all-day ride position.
Mounts for three bottles, a pump, and mudguards add to the practicality, while the tyre clearance will let you get some meaty rubber in there. Surly quotes 2.1" tyre clearance o𝓰n 650b wheels and the smaller frame sꦫizes come specced with this wheel size for better toe clearance.
A Shimano Alivio𒊎 MTB triple groupset with Sora road shifters provides steady and reliable 9-speed shifting, although it's quite a low end spec. Like the Genesis and the Trek, the Disc Trucker relies on TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes for reliable, low-maintenance stopping ♚power.
(Image credit: Giant)
3. Giant Toughroad SLR 1
A flat bar touring bike for multiday adventures
Reasons to buy
+
Front and rear racks included
+
Durable Shimano Deore components
Reasons to avoid
-
Flat bars equal fewer hand positions
-
Slightly over geared for heavy load lugging
What do you get when you combine a mountain bike, a touri🍰ng bike and a gravel bike? No, this isn't the start of one of your dad's jokes, you get the impressively capable Toughroad SLR 1. More suited to the offroad than any of the bikes we've looked at so far, Giant calls it a do-it-all bike capable of commuting, but make no mistake, it's built primarily for dirt and gravel.
There's no suspension fork, but the giant 50mm tyres are a dead giveaway. An 11-4🧔2 MTB cassette on the back will also help with tackling the steep stuff, alth🎃ough there's not the absolute range of the triple chainsets on the bikes above. Pannier racks front and back and three bottle cage mounting points mean you can pile on whatever you need to take with you.
There are plenty of modern features on the bike, including thru-axles, hydraulic brakes, and tubeless tyres. A reliable Giant wheelset and Shimano ඣDeore groupset round off this bike. You might find the lack of variation in hand position with the flat bar configuration gets tiring on longer rides though.
(Image credit: Kona)
4. Kona Sutra
Simple, durable performance in a retro guise
Reasons to buy
+
Front rack included
+
Looks great
+
Wide gear range
Reasons to avoid
-
Fiddly brake maintenance
The first thing to strike you about the Sutra is its retro features; the Brooks leather saddle and steel frame giv𝓰e a different look to many of the bikes we've looked at. Disc brakes and thru-axles remind you that this is a thoroughly modern bike, though.
It's another bike for touring and commuting on the road and on some gravel/dirt surfaces. Mudguards and front a𝄹nd 🃏rear pannier racks are included, while there are other bosses for more additions if needed.
The 10-speed Shimano GRX gravel groupset with Tiagra shifters gives plenty of range, although not as much as a triple like that specified on the Trek, while the hybrid hydraulic/cable-operated brakes should give a bit more stopping power than the TRP Spyre cable brakes specced elsewhere, they are more of a faff to maintain though. It's a classy-looking 🀅bike that can work well anywhere.
(Image credit: Salsa)
5. Salsa Marrakesh
A bulletproof entry into the world of cycle touring
Reasons to buy
+
Durable wheels
+
Swappable geometry
+
Simple, yet stunning frame design
+
Tubeless ready
Reasons to avoid
-
Low spec groupset
A great-looking steel frame is the first thing to catch the eye on this bike, while the fat 42mm tyres give a signal as to its intentions. It's as comfortable off-road as on, whether you🌳're touring, commuting or just riding for fun.
As🎀 with the bikes above, front and rear racks are included, though if you want to add mudguards, be warned that the wide tyres will need to go on a diet – down tℱo a 40mm maximum.
It's a solid e🍷ntry into the touring selection, even if it is a bit on the weighty sid✱e, however, though not so much that you'll be struggling under the weight. Components include a Shimano Alivio groupset with Microshift shifters as well as TRP Spyre-C disc brakes and wheels and tyres ready to be set up tubeless.
(Image credit: Marin)
6. Marin Four Corners
Great for the worst roads and more
Reasons to buy
+
Lots of clearance for 700c or 650b wheels
+
Mounts on fork blades for extra luggage
Reasons to avoid
-
High and short reach frame may not suit everyone
The Marin Four Corners is part tourer, part gravel bike. It's got the clearance for really wide tyres on 650b wheels (which is the ♛stock wheel size specced on smaller-sized frames), but you can also set it up for a more traditional touring configuration with 700c wheels.
The steel frame is bombprooꦆf while the long head tube gives an upright ride position so you've got plenty of visibility all around. There are mounts for a rack, mudguards and to lash extra kit to the fork legs, so you can load up to head into the unknown. It's a bike more geared to gravel than the road, unlike the more traditional tourers like the Kona and the Genesis.
(Image credit: Trek)
7. Trek 520
A great touring bike for the long haul - if you can find it
Reasons to buy
+
Bombproof frame
+
Front and rear rack included
Reasons to avoid
-
Not available in many markets, including US and UK
Marketed as a bike for long-haul travꦗel, the Trek 520 is the longest-running bike in Trek's stable, although 𓆏its days look to be numbered. The 520 is no longer sold in the UK or US, but international buyers in some countries still have a choice of two specs on Trek's site, including the Sora/Alivio option above.
Like the Genesis, the Trek 520 comes with front and rear racks, although you'll have to add mudguards for all-weather use. Small updates include mechanicꦛal disc brakes with a thru-axle alloy fork, while the 9-speed Shimano Sora gearing provides massive range from its triple chainset, albeit with quite l💖arge jumps across the 11-36 tooth cassette.
It's also nice to see tubeless-ready wheels specced (although not the tyres), so you can set up tubeless, which ꦓshould up dependability on long rides.
How to choose the best touring bike for you
Whether you're looking for a practical way to get to work, want that extra durability so that your bike will stand the test of time or want to travel to far-flung corners of the earth with nothing but a tent and a change of clothes, a touring bike a great addition to your stable oᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚf steeds.
You can still get around quickly – whether you're hitting the roads, gravel paths or other rough terrain – but plenty of space for mudguards and racks, as well as a more relaxed position, make a touring bike a be✨tter all-round option than a road bike, a hybrid o♚r a mountain bike.
The relaxed geometry and more upright riding position are also handy for commuting, and the best touring bikes are often built with durable, easy-to-mainta🍒in components so they can be fixed when hundreds of miles away from a bike shop. This lends itself to fewer mechanicals and lower running costs. Steel frames also have a far better chance of being repaired all over the world compared to aluminium or carbon fibre if you're on a big trip.
What types of touring bike are there?
Touring bikes can rang♓𒊎e anywhere from predominantly road-going bikes with horizontal top tubes and 700c tyres, to rugged mountain bikes with knobbly mountain bike tyres.
What the best touring bikes tend to share, however, is a durable design, comfortable geometry and the ability to carry luggage. Some opt for 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:bikepacking bags, which usually consist of frame bags and oversized saddle bags, whereas others opt for the traditional rack and pannier bag m🔜ethod of carryi✱ng luggage.
As with any bike purchase, consider the riding you plan to do with the bike. For those looking to travel far and wide, a bike with more luggage-carrying capacity will be preferred. For those who are looking to travel off-road, look for a bike that can handle the rough stuff. Live in the mountains? Look for a wi🥀de gear range♍.
What's different about touring bike geometry?
Touring bike frames feature a 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:relaxed geometry, with a taller head tube and shorter top tube for a comfortable and more upright riding position compared to a racing road bike. In addition to this, they feature a longer wheelbase, which keeps the bike stable even when loaded with heaꦐvy luggage. Since they're designedꦏ to be cycled over long distances, they're equally designed to stay comfortable for as long as possible.
If you're a geometry nerd you may notice the trail is a little lower than you'd expect for a relaxed ride, but this is often done to counteract the slowing effect on the steering of a heavy front load to avoid the bike feeling like a 𓃲barge when laden.
Which gearing should a touring bike have?
Gearing-wise, what you should pick really depends on what type of riding you'll be doing. If you're taking on hills regularly, then you'll want a cassette with larger sprockets on the back. Some touring bikes offer a triple chainset too, with easier gearing on offer compared to a double chainset. The addition of extra gear combinations into the mix will🐻 add an extra component to maintain, so those on flatter terrain might prefer a single chainring at the front.
The majority of touring bikes offer standard external gear systems – the chainset, chain and cassette we're all used to. Some do have internal gearing though, with an enclosed rear gearbox which requires a lot less maintenance and is less prone to damage but is heavier and will cost you more. Belt drives are also available – this is a multi-tooth belt instead of a chain, so no regular cleaning or lubrication is required. Hub gears like th🍬e Rohloff system are favoured by riders taking on huge worldwide tours for their durability.
Should I look for rim brakes or disc brakes?
As with much of the cycling world, rim brakes and disc brakes are both available, with rim brakes found more often on lower🌞-end bikes. Rim brakes feature two pads grabbing onto the wheel rims to stop the bike, while disc brakes grip onto a separate rotor on the wheels instead.
Disc brakes feature better and more consistent braking performance, which is useful for a heavily laden bike, and are better in wet weather, though. Both adjustment and maintenance are far easier with rim br💛akes, however, with an Allen key and some new pads all you really need.
Rim brakes will wear dow♓n your rim eventually, prompting a rim swap and wheel rebuild or a new wheel. Whereas that's not an issue with disc brakes, and there's more leeway to keep riding with a 🐭buckled disc brake wheel or a broken spoke.
Hydraulic disc brakes are generally maintenance-free in operation, however, if you snag your brake hose on a t🌟ree in the middle of the Atlas Mountains, there's little chance of repair unless you packed a bleed kit and spare hose.
What should I look for in touring bike contact points?
Saddles are an important factor, being the main💫 point of contact with your body. Padded saddles may look more comfortable but looks can be deceiving, with thinner padding usually better for you on𒀰ce you've gotten used to it after a few rides. Saddles should support your sit bones, and additional padding can move the pressure elsewhere and rub more, making things more uncomfortable over time.
If you're planning a long trip and already have a saddle that you like, it may be worth swapping out the saddle that comes with the bike, if you're not sure how comfortable it will be for the long hau🍌l.
On a multi-day trip, 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:handlebars need to be comfortable as well. Some bars have a slight rea💛rward sweep, which can feel more natura🌃l when riding on the tops. A shallow drop is likely to be more comfortable to use as well.
Which pedals should I choose?
It's worth choosing pedals wisely too. While the 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:best road bike pedals give good power transfer, the 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:best cycling shoes that work with them are diff🧸icult to walk in, which could be an issue if touring or even for a trip to the shops.
On the other hand, 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:flat pedals may make it difficult to keep your feet well-positioned for longer rides. They will ℱallow you to use standard shoes, which are easier to walk in, but un🥃less the soles are relatively stiff, your pedalling will be less efficient and you may get foot ache after a long day riding without adequate support.
168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Gravel bike pedals are a good option, as they still let you clip in for more efficient riding, but the cleats are recessed on the sole of the shoes and so can be walked in much more easily. You'll need 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:gravel shoes to go with them that accept 𓆉two-bolt cleats. These will hav🔯e soles designed for efficient pedalling and foot support, but most are not too stiff to walk in comfortably.
Paul has been on two wheels since he was in his teens and he's spent much of the time since writing about bikes and the associated tech. He's a road cyclist at heart but his adventurous curiosity means Paul has been riding gravel since well before it was cool, adapting his cyclo-cross bike to ride all-day off-road epics and putting road kit to the ultimate test along the way. Paul has contributed to Cyclingnews' tech coverage for a few years, helping tꦐo maintain the freshness of our buying guides and deals content, as well as writing a number of our ౠvoucher code pages.
