Touring Bikes

The classic touring cycle is the product of decades of evolution and literally millions of cycling miles. Over the years it has incorporated innovations and quality improvements in just about every area of component design, but at heart it remains the same - an classic bike for distance. Robustly constructed out of high quality steel or aluminium, tourers are designed for people who like to use their bike to travel.

Touring bikes are reliable platforms for carrying luggage, whilst smooth road tyres on large 700c wheels make them fairly swift. The classic English style of tourer also features racing style handlebars which allows for multiple riding positions, and these are set in a slightly more upright position than that found on road racing bikes, allowing for a much greater degree of comfort on longer rides. A more contemporary style features straight or slightly swept mountain bike style handlebars and 26" wheels, which makes it more suitable for expeditions over rough roads.

Steel or Aluminium?

Unlike most bikes, touring bikes are often still made of steel. We sell tourers made of both materials so you can take your pick. There are pros and cons to both...

Steel is real... say the purists, and steel bikes are only made out of high quality steel tubing such as Reynolds 525, 725 or 853. In some configurations the best of these steel alloys will better the lightness of quality aluminium alloys, and will certainly result in frames that are lighter than the cheapest aluminium frames. High quality steel bicycle tubing has an inherent springiness making for a comfy ride, as the frame will soak up all the small jolts and vibrations that one is likely to encounter on the roads. By comparison, a rigid aluminium frame may feel harsh and tiring on a long day's ride (which is one reason why so many aluminium bikes have suspension these days). Thus the logic of classic touring bikes begins with the steel frame. Because more compliant steel frames have their own element of suspension it is feasible to run thinner, higher pressure, tyres. Their low rolling resistance will more than compensate for the small weight penalty. The absence of suspension also delivers another advantage - simplicity. Simplicity is highly desireable if you are looking for a bike that will take you to far away places, or are planning extended trips away from home. This principle also extends to other aspects of touring bike design such as the gears.

On the other hand... aluminium doesn't have to be so stiff say Cannondale, who pioneered aluminium bicycle frame construction way back in the eighties. By careful design, the thickness of the walls of aluminium tubing can be manipulated to be stiff where necessary and a little more compliant where not. The result is a frame that is not only lighter, but also more responsive, they argue. Cannondale only has to point to the sales of their very own Touring Classic over the years in order to prove their point. We've sold plenty and had no complaints yet! Whether you go for steel or aluminium is entirely up to you. The advantage of buying from us however, is that you can test ride both types before you decide.

Good For…

Roads. Long distance cycling, day rides and longer commutes are all well suited to tourers. Racing style handlebars allow the rider to tuck in their arms and get their head down and go, whilst their fairly robust construction will allow them to put up with the long term abuse that these bikes will inevitably suffer in such pursuits.

Not ideal for…

Classic touring bikes are not great for off road. Although intrepid expedition cyclists have taken touring bikes to the ends of the earth over some truly dreadful trails, they are perhaps not best suited to off road riding. These tourers are certainly robust enough to cope with fireroads and smooth bridleways as part of a larger trip, but are not recommended if you actively seek out this kind of terrain to do most of your riding. If this is what you fancy then go for a 26" wheeled expedition bike; a sports hybrid with front suspension; or a mountain bike proper. Nevertheless, in a country which you can traverse without hardly touching a main road, tourers are probably the ideal vehicle to explore the great British countryside.

Key Features of Classic Touring Bikes

Fairly fast and rugged
Sporty but not aggressive riding position
Classically with steel frames
Partially equipped
Derailleur gears with touring ratios
Can handle some gentle offroad
Stable load carriers
Comfy for long distance than flat bar road bikes

Brands to consider

Ridgeback and Cannondale

Alternatives

If you fancy something lighter and faster - Road/Race Bikes
If you fancy something more upright - Comfort Hybrids