Touring Bikes
Image Source:Wikipedia
At some point in your life, the open road will call to you and you won't stop until you find the ocean at the end of your journey. An epic trip deserves and epic bike. A touring bike is just such a bike. Touring bikes are designed for maximum reliability, load carrying capacity and comfortable riding. They have a longer wheelbase than most bikes and typically lag behind other varieties in technology. They use the proven tech that won't break down when you're in a tight spot. And, if a touring bike will carry you to the ends of the earth, chances are it can handle your daily commute to work. The only problem is that you might just keep riding on past your workplace.
Touring bikes typically have 622mm by 40mm wheels, smooth tires with a water channeling tread to retain traction in the rain. Most also have the drop out handlebars found on cyclocross and road racing bikes. However, in recent years a new category of adventure touring bikes has emerged. They come from sturdy mountain bike stock, feature 26 inch wheels and flat handlebars while retaining touring gears and frame. The bike pictured above typifies this new breed. I do not currently own a touring bike, but here are a few that may make their way into my stable. Any of these would do well on the commute:
- Novara Safari Touring Bike: Adventure touring bike. $900.
- Surly Long Haul Trucker: Old school, high reliability. $900.
- Novara Randonnee: A very well respected touring bike. $949.
- Jamis Aurora: A very versatile and well priced touring bike. $885.