Touring bikes: description, types and selection

For many decades, a bicycle has been an integral part of the life of almost every person. This type of transport can be used for sports, travel to work, as well as for hiking. The environmentally friendly mechanism allows not only to quickly overcome long distances, but also makes it possible to take all the necessary tourist equipment with you on the road.

In order for a trip with a bicycle to bring only positive emotions, professional athletes recommend paying attention not only to collecting things, but also to choosing a two-wheeled satellite. To make multi-day trips, experts recommend choosing a special touring bike.

Cycling (touring) is a popular type of recreation, which is gaining more and more popularity every year. Many people refuse passive rest on the seashore and prefer cycling trips. This event will not only be an excellent vacation during the holidays, but will also have the following positive effect on the body:

• normalization of body weight;
• fast calorie burning;
• increasing stress resistance and strengthening the central nervous system;
• normalization of the cardiovascular system;
• muscle strengthening;
• improvement of the respiratory system;
• enrichment of the circulatory system with oxygen;
• prevention of vegetovascular dystonia;
• increased visual acuity;
• normalization of sleep;
• prevention of depression.

Touring hiking bike - a mechanical device for cycling and cycling. This vehicle is designed to make long tourist bike trips on asphalt and dirt roads. The device is not intended for the development of high speeds or overcoming mountain slopes, its main task is to ensure comfortable movement and transportation of large quantities of cargo. Due to the design features of the device, even the maximum level of workload does not affect its control and movement.

Basic requirements for a bicycle for tourism:

• ease;
• strength;
• availability of spare parts;
• maximum level of comfort and convenience;
• the presence of special mounts.

Before embarking on a journey, novice travelers should understand that even the most reliable transport during long-term operation can fail, Therefore, you must take the following set of tools with you:

• set of hexagons;
• squeeze the chain;
• pliers;
• nippers;
• key for connecting rods;
• Bicycle Pump;
• 2 spare chambers;
• 2 spare cables;
• oiler;
• brake pads.

If it is impossible to purchase a touring bike, you can go on a short trip with the following types of two-wheeled transport:

• mountain bike;
• Niner
• hybrid;
• cyclocrosser.

Like all other types of bicycles, two-wheeled touring transport has a number of mandatory elements.

• Frame - an element that manufacturers continue to make of chromium-molybdenum steel. This raw material is practically not used in the manufacture of other modes of transport and has been replaced by aluminum and carbon, but in the manufacture of tourist equipment the relevance of this material remains unchanged. Advantages - ductility, high strength indicators, the ability to quickly eliminate damage. The disadvantage is a large mass (carbon transport is much easier). Particular attention should be paid to bicycles with a steel folding frame, which will allow you to place it in the trunk of a car, if necessary.

• Rigid fork - a part that has a high level of rigidity, and its action is aimed at optimizing the traveler’s physical costs. The absence of shock-absorbing mechanisms significantly increases the amplitude of oscillations, which can be reduced with the help of grips - special gloves for cyclists with silicone anti-vibration inserts, as well as using the features of the steering wheel, which has various grip options.

• Wheels - A classic piece with a standard diameter of 28 inches. Some manufacturers produce special models with 26 and 29 inch wheels. A distinctive feature is the presence of stainless steel spokes and reinforced rims with a double or triple profile.

• Transmission - an element in which a planetary hub is provided with internal placement of stars and high-speed switches. Thanks to the closed case, all elements of the system always remain protected from dirt and dust. Distinctive features are precise magnetic switching and a high level of discreteness between gears, a convenient start from a place and a quick set of speeds.

• The brakes - A rim classic mechanism that has a conti-verse working principle. Distinctive features - the presence of an increased mud gap, quick tincture and instant response to pressing.The design feature of this brake system allows you to quickly troubleshoot using primitive tools. Experts do not recommend using bicycles with hydraulic disc mechanisms, as well as disc brakes for long trips.

• Rubber - an important element, which should have a size of 32 mm to 35 mm. The presence of reflective strips several times increase the level of safety when driving at night.

• Steering wheel - a part to be made in the form of a road ram. This form will give you the opportunity to change hand grips during a long ride.

All baggage used on the trip must be made of waterproof and strong fabric.

Quality bicycles for tourism should also be equipped with the following components:

• wings - an indispensable part that should have extended wings;
• headlamp - An important element that will allow you to move even in the dark;
• LED reflectors and rear dimensions - devices that help ensure maximum security;
• bike computer - a useful device that will help control the speed, distance traveled and other important indicators;
• navigator - an indispensable device for making a route, which can be fixed directly on the handle of the bicycle.

Due to the high level of travel complexity and their duration, tourists make high demands on two-wheeled transport, which should become a faithful companion for tens of kilometers in any climatic conditions.

The most important requirements for touring transport:

• strong and integral frame;
• high-quality and reliable construction details;
• direct steering wheel shape;
• triple crank system;
• wheel diameter not less than 26 inches;
• maximum number of knitting needles;
• elongated wheelbase with a low center of gravity;
• Convenient and comfortable saddle shape.

Before buying a tourist bike, professional athletes recommend carefully conduct a full review of the touring models, as well as take into account the rating of the most popular manufacturers.

In the top of the most sought after brands are the following brands.

Stels is a Russian company whose products are manufactured taking into account all the requirements of customers and is designed for roads of different quality. This manufacturer buys all components from Dutch companies.

Experts recommend paying attention to the following models of this brand and their characteristics:

• Stels 700C Cross 150 Gent - A model that is equipped with a disc brake system, Shimano attachments and 24 speeds;
• Stels 700C Cross 130 Gent - model with rim brakes, Shimano attachments and 21 speeds.

Cube - German manufacturer whose products optimally combines price and quality. The most popular bike models include the following:

• Cube Nature Pro - premium model, which has a high price range, shockproof double section, low frame weight and 30 speeds;
• Cube LTD CLS Pro - an inexpensive model, the frame of which is made of aluminum, and the number of speeds is 27.

BMW is a German company, all of whose products have the highest level of reliability and durability. Bicycles of this brand have a high price range and are in demand among professional athletes. For hiking you must choose model BMW Touring Bike, whose frame is made using hydroforming. All components are manufactured using modern equipment, so breakdowns on the road are very rare. The vehicle has 27 speeds and several optional accessories for convenience.

Specialists also recommend paying attention to the following brands:

• Smart
• Head
• Giant
• Bulls
• Pride.

Cycling is a sport that does not know age and gender restrictions. In order for the transport to be as practical and reliable as possible, experts recommend that special attention be paid to choosing a bicycle. The following characteristics have a direct impact on the quality of cycling:

• price range;
• trademark;
• model;
• specifications;
• quality of components;
• gender and height of the owner.

In the market of sports equipment you can see a huge number of models of touring bikes of various manufacturers and price categories. For beginners, experts do not recommend purchasing very expensive models. For a comfortable trip, proven budget transport is quite suitable. When choosing a manufacturer, preferences should be given to well-known brands that produce high-quality goods and have positive feedback from customers. The technical parameters of the transport should maximally correspond to the functional purpose of the bike and the tasks that the athlete sets himself on the road.

Particular attention must be paid to the quality of the component parts on which the integrity and serviceability of transport on the road depends. All parts must be made of durable and reliable material by well-known brands.

In order to choose the right vehicle for long-distance travel, you must also take into account the gender of the rider.

Distinctive features of women's bikes:

• small size and weight of the mechanism;
• understated location of the upper partition of the frame;
• rounded corners of the structure;
• shortened connecting rod;
• reduced steering wheel width;
• the presence of a wide convex seat;
• less rigid springs;
• the presence of protection on the circuit;
• bright colors and the presence of graphic decorations.

The above properties of female models significantly increase their cost, therefore male transport is in demand among girls.

An important parameter when choosing a transport is the height of the frame, which depends on the growth of the owner:

• 14 - height 130-150 cm;
• 16 - height 150-165 cm;
• 18 - height 165-178 cm;
• 20 - height 178-185 cm;
• 22 - height 185-195 cm;
• 24 - height from 190 cm.

If adults take children with them on a trip, then their vehicles should also correspond to all the features of the child's body.

Cycling is not only a popular form of relaxation, but also a state of mind. Overcoming long distances by bicycle not only improves the physical and emotional state, but also contributes to the unity of man with nature, which is especially important for urban residents. Knowing the ever-growing popularity of bicycle tourism, manufacturers made every effort to produce specialized touring models that make travel as comfortable as possible.

When choosing a vehicle, it is necessary to consider a large number of parameters that are of particular importance away from home. Before you go shopping, you must carefully study the technical characteristics of a good transport for cycling and the rules for its selection.

About what touring bikes are, see the next video.