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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. Road, recumbent and tandem bikes are the three most popular touring bicycles in use today. Each style of bike has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Learn about the different touring bikes and choose one according to your particular needs. A classic road-touring bicycle has 700C wheels. The wheel diameters are the same as racing bike wheels, but they have wider rims and better frame clearance. In recent years, manufacturers have modified the 26" mountain bike tires to provide better resistance and greater strength. Recumbent touring bicycles are unique in appearance due to the seat position. Riders sit on a reclined seat with the legs stretched out in front. The steering can be positioned above or below the seat level. Tandems are essentially meant to carry two riders, and are popular choices for couples wishing to travel long distances economically. However, these bikes can't carry any extra weight, so the riders often have to hitch a trailer. 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. Touring bikes have various attachment points for luggage, replacement gear, and those all-important water bottles. Some models even provide space to store spare parts. When space is limited, some touring cyclists choose to attach a trailer and tow their extra gear behind the bike. The low center of gravity is an added bonus to using a bike trailer. When you need a bike that can handle the elements and take you over long distances, look for a touring bicycle. With parts and a frame made of sturdy, long lasting materials, these bikes can handle fast ascents and descents, even when loaded down with gear. The usual caliper brakes found on racing bikes are replaced by lever-pulled or cantilever brakes, and some manufacturer use disc brakes to provide even better stopping power. What is gained in utility and ruggedness is often lost in speed, but it's a compromise that touring cyclists are willing to make. The combination of features and benefits make these bikes the ride of choice for adventurous tourists wanting an up close and personal view of the countryside. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
Contributor Celeste Izon enjoys writing articles for several web magazines, on leisure activity and recreation center subjects.
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