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Home | Recreation & Sports | Cycling Touring bicycles, as the name suggests, are used by cyclists wanting to travel while carrying supplies. These bicycles have racks mounted on the front and rear of the frame for carrying the extra gear like a change of clothes, food etc. They have mudguard mounting points, triple water bottle mounts, a large wheelbase and a suitable frameset 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. 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. 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. Also known as "bicycles built for tow", tandem touring bikes are perfect for a couple looking for an economical way to travel together. These bikes can't handle the additional weight of storage and gear, so the riders may want to hitch a trailer to bring their 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. 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. The added utility and ruggedness are usually gained at the expense of speed, but this is a compromise that touring cyclists are willing to make. The unique combination of features and benefits are what makes the touring bike the ride of choice for adventurous travelers who want an up close and personal view of the countryside. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
Columnist Celeste Izon is an author for a variety of web magazines, on sports recreation and travel and leisure subjects.
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