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Home | Recreation & Sports | Cycling As the name suggests, touring bicycles are used by cyclists who want to travel while carrying supplies. These bicycles feature storage racks mounted on the front and rear of the frame to carry extra gear like food, water and extra clothing. They also have mudguard mounting points, triple water bottle mounts, a large wheelbase and a frame suitable for wider tires. The three most popular touring bicycles in use today are road, recumbent and tandem bikes. Each of these bikes has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages, and should be purchased according to an individual's requirements. The classic style of road touring bicycle has 700C wheels. The diameter of the wheels is the same as a racing bike, but the rims are wider and there is more frame clearance. Manufacturers have recently begun to modify the 26-inch mountain bike tires, allowing them to provide more strength and better resistance. A recumbent touring bicycle has a unique appearance because of the position of the seat. The recumbent rider sits on a reclined seat, low to the ground, with legs outstretched in front. Steering is positioned above or below the seat level. Tandems are known as "bicycles built for two", and are essentially meant to carry two riders. These are popular choices for couples wishing to travel long distances economically. The drawback to these bikes is that they can't carry any extra weight, so riders have to hitch a trailer to bring supplies along for the ride. Most modern touring bikes are equipped with road handlebars, front and rear luggage racks and saddles designed for long distance comfort. These bikes also feature heavy-duty rims, 36-spoke wheels and rugged hubs to increase their reliability and stability over long trips. A longer wheelbase and stable steering arrangement adds to this enduring practicality. On many touring bikes, a longer chain stay helps to ensure that cyclists are able to ride longer distances without discomfort. There are various attachment points on touring bikes to keep luggage, fix fenders, and store those all-important water bottles. Some models even allow additional space to store spare parts. Attaching a trailer is another option, and pulling the extra gear behind the bike can provide a low center of gravity. Touring bicycles are born to ride and able to withstand elements and take the cyclist over long distances. The frame and parts are built with sturdy, long-lasting materials, allowing the bikes to handle fast climbs and descents while loaded down with gear. The normal caliper brakes used in racing bikes are replaced with cantilever or lever-pulled brakes. Some manufacturers have implemented disc brakes to provide excellent stopping power. What's gained in ruggedness and utility can be lost in speed, but it's a compromise that most touring cyclists are happy to make. With all of the available features and benefits of a touring bike, these are the obvious rides of choice for so many adventurous tourists looking for a new way to get up close and personal with the countryside. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
Columnist Celeste Izon is a writer for several popular web magazines, on sports recreation and recreation center subjects.
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