How much should a touring bike weigh? Long-range bicycle and what it is eaten with
Top 12 bikes on which you can take more cargo with you on long-distance tourist trips.
With its Diverge range of bikes, the company blurs the lines between endurance-oriented road bikes and touring bikes. The Diverge Sport A1 is an affordable entry-level cyclist looking for adventure. 
This model is equipped with an aluminum frame and a carbon fiber fork with Zertz vibration dampening inserts. The model is equipped with 30c Specialize Espoir Sport tires, but can also use tires with 35c tread. The compact Shimano Sora crankset, along with the 11-32 ratio cassette, offers a wide choice of speeds.
Price: 1 150 $
Information: specialized.com
Marin's Four Corners is one of the few touring bikes equipped with a simple 1x drivetrain, yet it's not afraid to climb uphill in a low 40x42t gear. The frame and forks feature Columbus Thron butt-mounted steel inserts, as well as thru-axle lugs, fender mounts and a low-slung boot.
The ability to hold three bottles allows you to drive long distances between water sources. Schwalbe's G-One Evo 40c tires have internal Kevlar puncture protection. When using WTB KOM i21 rims, tubeless tires can be installed. Rounding out this impressive set are SRAM Rivals that can be used wherever you go.
Price: 2 309 $
Information: marinbikes.com
Raleigh's Tamland bike is all you need for an easy ride off the beaten path. A smooth-riding Reynolds 631 frame and Clement X’Plor MSO 40c tires smooth out bumps in the road, while TRP Spyre disc brakes deliver powerful, controlled braking in any weather.
A 12-degree flared handlebar adds comfort and control when riding off-road. And if you take into account the cost of the bike, the presence of the Shimano Ultegra 6800 drivetrain is pleasantly impressive.
Price: 2400 $
Information: raleighusa.com
The Moots Routt bike has longer rear forks than the company's standard models. This gives increased stability and additional ground clearance when using tires up to 45c. The frame is made from stronger tubing than regular Moots cross-country and road bikes. The Enve CX Disc carbon fiber fork provides steering functionality and has thru-lugs for the hub axles.
Bicycle tourism is one of the types of tourism in which the bicycle is the main or only means of transportation.. So what should a cycling touring bike look like? It all depends on your requirements and wishes. For some, cycling is a ride for the whole day, but for someone it is a serious hike with overnight stays in the forest and songs by the fire.
And if in the first case you can do with relatively any bike and backpack, then in the second you can’t do without a specially prepared bike. Today we will talk about him.
Today we are talking about the following features of a touring bike:
Frame
The standard in cycling frames is the frame type hardtail i.e. without shock absorber. Such a frame does not eat up part of the effort when pedaling (which is critical on long distances) and the shock absorber in it will not suddenly die in some wild, distant wilderness. Plus, you can fit a bag in the front triangle of the frame.
The frame should be strong and light enough to support your weight and the weight of your bags. In this case, fasteners for the trunk must be provided on the frame.
frame material- an occasion for classic disputes on this topic.
Aluminum good in that it is light and durable, but if it breaks, it cannot be brewed in artisanal conditions, and it dampens vibrations from bumps not so well.
Steel or chromolybdenum they are good because they dampen vibrations perfectly and they can be repaired even in a small village, it is not so difficult to find a welding machine. But they weigh more than aluminum.
Titanium is good. And it dampens vibrations, and is durable and lightweight. Yes, but the price bites.
Not worth collecting touring bike based on road frames. They don’t have rack mounts, they don’t have a very comfortable fit for long hauls, and they won’t fit wheels that will allow you to pull off the road onto the dirt road.
Fork
Fork selection is the new stumbling block on the road to choosing the perfect touring bike.
suspension fork will be great to swallow bumps, but if you move on public roads, then there will be little use from it. Plus the fork requires periodic service, can you provide periodic service even if you are in the middle of nowhere? It is also not very clear whether it is worth taking an air fork or with a steel spring.
Air you can adjust for yourself and such a fork is lighter, which is preferable. But, it is quite possible that the weight of you with your bags will be higher than the load allowed by the manufacturer for such a fork, which will also not favorably affect its performance.
The good thing about a spring is that it can be found to be fairly stiff and will prevent the fork from folding under your weight. But the spring is heavy, and to drag overweight on a long journey - this is an extra burden.
Rigid fork - good weight, unpretentiousness and simplicity. Nothing to break, nothing to service. It absorbs bumps much worse, but this can be corrected by choosing a steel or titanium fork.
wheels
The wheels carry your weight, the weight of the luggage and the weight of the bike. So it must be strong and tough. This is the place where you do not need to save weight, but it is better to take something optimal. There is no need to take some unique wheels, on which spare parts cannot be found during the day with fire. It should be a set of average price segment parts for which you can find at any bike shop.
The golden mean will be two-layer rims, bushings on industrial bearings, 32 spokes with regular nipples.
Wheel diameter depends on the frame and your height. 27.5” or 29” wheels will allow you to put on a good country wheelset and be more off-road oriented. 28” (700C) will roll great on asphalt.
Transmission
Multispeed, if you have a fairly budget build, then it would be optimal here to choose a system with two stars in front and a cassette with 9/10/11 stars in the back. This will give you a wide range in gears and the bike will be able to go up as well as roll down well. The disadvantages of this choice are that the chain and stars need to be periodically lubricated and cleaned. The rollers are filled with dirt, and the switch can be torn off in an unsuccessful fall or caught on a tree.
planetary hub with belt drive- if you have money. Such a set guarantees you getting rid of frequent maintenance. The belt does not require lubrication. The planetary hub runs 1000-3000 km between t.
brakes
Here, in principle, everything is clear - it's just mechanics. Far from civilization, it is difficult to find brake fluid or hydraulic lines. Cable - always please, you can carry a spare with you, it takes up a minimum of space.
vibrakes- easy to find spare parts in any store, easy to set up or repair. The disadvantages are that they are not compatible with all modern "country" rims and with a not very good power reserve and lifespan. As always, if you put a figure-eight on the rim, the pad starts rubbing at the place of the figure-eight, which further slows you down. The rim is gradually worn out by the pads, which ultimately affects its strength.
Disc brakes- the pads last a very long time, the brakes brake perfectly, regardless of the condition and curvature of the rim. Minus, if the rotor is strongly bent, then it is almost impossible to align it, although this rarely happens.
Steering wheel
Depending on the orientation of your routes, you can take a "butterfly" steering wheel or a regular flat steering wheel.
Butterfly handlebars are kind of like a road handlebar, only with a lot of places to grip. You can lie down on it and ride with a flat back. This steering wheel is more suitable for traveling on paved roads.
If your route has rough terrain or frank country descents, then it would be best to take normal flat steering wheel. It is easy to install horns on it for convenience or hang a lantern and a trunk.
Saddle
The choice of saddle here, as with any choice of saddle, is also based on your anatomical features. The width of the saddle should not be less than the distance between the bones of the pelvis on which you sit. It is not difficult to measure it, you will need a ruler and a chair. Slide the ruler under you so that its edge touches one of the bones of the pelvis while you are sitting. Transfer the position of the second pelvic bone with your finger to the ruler. The resulting distance is the width of your pelvis.
The rest is just a flight of your imagination, choose a saddle so that it is convenient for you to twist on it all day.
Safety
Do not forget about security, a gentleman's set of protection is described in the article. At a minimum, you must wear a helmet while riding!
Outcome
An average touring bike would look like this:
- steel frame
- Rigid fork
- 29" wheels
- planetary hub
- Disc brakes
- flat steering wheel
- Comfort saddle
Such a set will allow you to travel far and with sufficient comfort. And we will talk about attachments and bags in future articles, stay tuned!
By cycling long distances, we force our lungs to work, which are enriched with oxygen. It enters the brain and all vital organs. Improving immunity, muscle tone and mood - it's all about cycling.
What features should a two-wheeled iron horse have for long-distance travel?
Trips around the city and a "march" for tens of kilometers differ from each other, so the bike must meet many important requirements. A vehicle used for long journeys must have the following features:
- Comfortable saddle. Despite the fact that professionals recommend using an exceptionally rigid saddle that keeps the pelvis and muscles in good shape. For hobbyists who make long trips from time to time, it is more convenient to use a soft seat.
- At least 7 speeds. Long distances always involve ups and downs, so having a wide speed range is very important.
- Fork with good shock absorption. Long rides can be uncomfortable and even dangerous if the damping is weak.
- Weight. You may need to lift or roll the bike up. It is not so easy to do this if he weighs 20 kg. If you go on a trip for the whole day, be sure to take a backpack with all the necessary things. The overall weight will be quite impressive, which can complicate the trip.
TOP 3 models for long trips
For these purposes, mountain bikes for amateurs or beginners will fit. They have everything you need for many kilometers of road: good suspension fork, reliable brakes, comfortable seat. Of the bicycles for sale, it is worth paying attention to three high-quality models.
Mountain bike 2015 release. The Russian manufacturer is well aware of how and with what it is necessary to equip a bicycle in order to meet all the needs of a modern raider. First of all, we pay attention to the saddle, which is created in accordance with all the anatomical features of a person. Very comfortable suspension fork, which will soften the process of movement on difficult sections of the road. The frame is light enough to handle comfortably (15kg). Its unique geometry prevents fatigue. There is a set of fenders and a footboard. The model is equipped with comfortable reflectors that will highlight you on the road at night. A long trip can end late at night, and reflectors provide an extra layer of safety.
Model Features:
- spring-elastomer fork Zoom 327;
- number of speeds: 21;
- Tires: Wanda
- brakes: V-break;
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney.
Great model for beginners 2014 release. Suitable for trails, parks, squares and rough terrain. The aluminum frame can withstand loads of different levels, so difficult areas over long distances are not terrible. Due to the lightness of the frame, you can develop the desired speed quickly enough. The spring fork provides softness of driving, uneven sites of the road are passed without problems. Rim brakes are a good choice for long trips. All components are reliable and easy to maintain. Uses a comfortable fork with preload adjustment. Mountain biking is great for long distances.
Model Features:
- alloy: 6061;
- number of speeds: 21;
- chain: Sun Race CNM54;
- fork: SR Suntour XCT 26";
- Derailleurs: Sun Race FDM56, Shimano Altus M310;
- brakes: Radius;
- YBT saddle.
A versatile 2015 model that you can rely on in any situation. It is suitable for any conditions: rough terrain, city, park, track. A real "fighter" on the road. Particular attention should be paid to the frame. It uses 6061 aluminum alloy, like the previous model. Frame rigidity is guaranteed. The light weight makes it easy to tackle high slopes with little effort. It uses a very comfortable Shimano Acera derailleur that works well, no matter the conditions. Powerful brakes will allow you to stop the bike in any bad weather. The braking process is smooth. Weight - only 15 kg. The model demonstrates perfect grip on the road.
Model Features:
- frame size: 16";
- wheel diameter: 26";
- number of speeds: 24;
- braking system: disc;
- Tires: Innova
- suspension fork: Suntour XCT;
- Switches: Shimano Acera.
All models have a good price / quality ratio and cost around 25 thousand rubles. For this price you can buy nice bike to overcome long sections of the road.
Cycling is very popular these days. There are certain rules for choosing bicycles, which we will share with you. You will learn and weight to get the most out of cycling and long journeys. Do not take these rules as something undeniable. It's more of a recommendation.
What are bicycles?
Bicycles can be divided into two large groups- road and mountain. The road ones are designed to drive exclusively on the roads, while the mountain ones are able to overcome difficult sections. It is much more convenient to adapt a mountain bike for tourism - not everywhere there are smooth good roads. In addition, they promote a more comfortable body position, they can be put on thick tires and they have low speeds for climbing. There are also special tourist models, but in our country, unfortunately, their choice is very small.
What are frames made of?
Before answering the question of how to choose a bike for height, you should learn about the features of frame materials. Frame material plays an important role in the performance of a bike. There are two materials for a touring bike - aluminum and steel. Expensive titanium frames are very rare - as a rule, these are tandems and ligerades. high class road bikes represented by carbon frames, which make the structure very light, but this material is not suitable for tourism due to its fragility. To the question: "Which is better: aluminum or steel?" there is no clear answer. Steel is heavier and more vulnerable to rust, but is thought to help maintain a smoother ride.
Tourism frame features
Before choosing a bike for height, you should learn about some of the features of tourist frames. A touring bike should have good handling under heavy loads, be able to install both front and rear racks, and a transmission you can trust. If the bike has eyelets (threaded holes) on the fork, saddle post and rear wheel seats, then it is intended as a touring bike. These eyelets allow you to quickly and easily install the racks. Loops are also needed to install the wings. If there are no necessary holes, do not despair - there are trunks with special mounts. Another indicator that the bike is a touring bike is the loops on the bottom tube of the frame - for attaching it to a water bottle.
Choosing a bike for height and weight
Do you have an idea of what a touring bike should be? It's time to start choosing the size of the frame - sizes. The range of standard sizes is from 16 to 24 inches, where the step is one inch. Most manufacturers use an odd metric - 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23. The size is indicated on the bicycle frame in the form of numbers or letters. It should be remembered that different manufacturers may have different correspondences between one another. Since the recommendations are very approximate, we will show you how to choose a bike according to your height. It's simple - you should be comfortable. And the gap between the top tube and the crotch should be at least 8 cm. All other parameters, such as the ratio of frame size to weight, are best determined by talking to a consultant in a sporting goods store.
Imagine climbing a hill for a whole day - or longer - on the same bike you ride on Sundays in the neighborhood and commute to work every day. That's the beauty of touring bikes. You just need to pick up speed - and a touring bike (in the common people "touring") will fulfill any of your whims, for which a bicycle is only possible in principle.
4 types of trips for which a touring bike is suitable:
Tourism
This is understandable, because this is the key word in its name. However, it's worth saying that if you want to ride every day and even camp overnight, a touring bike is the best and traditional bike for this purpose.
For a traditional tour, you would need a certain amount of things that provide comfort so that during your trip you can change into something suitable for the weather or go to a cafe, as well as a tent and other camping equipment.
The handles and frames of the touring bike are designed for a full load. You can attach panniers and a rack to a racing bike, but you'll almost certainly only make things worse. the backpack will hang too much over rear wheel, and the frame may sag under the weight. The extended back of the touring bike avoids this.
Overcoming the distance
While driving, it doesn't rain as often as you might think, however, you may experience discomfort on wet roads, even when it's not raining,but the advantage of a touring bike is that it has mudguards and fenders thatwell protected from splashes flying from under the wheels.
WITH The hard question is how to carry things more conveniently, and if you don't like to lug a 20-kilogram backpack on your shoulders, then you need baskets. In a touring bike, the feathers are specially elongated and you will not hit your heels on things and backpacks on your trunk, and the bike will not wag much from side to side.
shopping
Want to stock up on groceries for a few days? Pretty inconvenient to handle one backpack. A cargo bike would do, but where do you store it in a tiny city apartment? And again, a touring bike can come to the rescue if you attach a special backpack to its trunk or, as cyclists also call it, “pants”. This backpack will be able to hold a week's supply for a single person or a couple of days' supplies for a family. You can refuse shopping in megamarkets - but new opportunities are opening up for buying fresh fruits and vegetables in the market.
Everyday trips
A touring bike has a number of advantages over race-style bikes for circuits, although it is slightly slower on flat roads and on grades.
For beginners, even the fact of driving and enjoying the surrounding landscapes along the way is a joy. On next step there is a new feeling of riding pleasure on wider, lower pressure wheels than racing bikes, as well as the comfort of touring bike mudguards, especially if you've been soaking wet before.
Throw some essentials in the basket and you can have a picnic in a quiet, secluded place instead of overpaying for lunch at a cafe.
What is a touring bike?
So what exactly are the details that shape a touring bike's performance and versatility? Let's consider.
Load bearing capacity
Many characteristics of a touring bike mean that it can carry a lot of luggage. This means that at least a rear rack will be present in any touring bike, but it is better that there is also a front rack.
Body position while driving
A touring bike usually has a more upright seating position than most road bikes, because touring rides are more about exploring the surroundings, enjoying the scenery and smelling the flowers, rather than winding up miles at high speed. So you can go around the city. Sitting upright while keeping your hands on the brake means you can see at any moment if the driver of the car does something stupid and react in time.
Due to the fact that you will be sitting more upright, you may need a wider seat, because. rear load is higher. That's why Brooks leather seats are popular with backpackers: they're wide and of good quality.
Touring bike frames can be made from any material. Titanium is revered among touring cyclists for its strength and durability. Inexpensive touring bikes have frames made of aluminum, which have the rigidity necessary for loading luggage. And you can also meet steel frames quite often.
Whatever material the frame is made of, it will be stronger than in racing bikes. strength and durability are more important than weight.
In terms of geometry, the touring bike frame has a shorter top tube allowing for a more upright position, a lesser angle for stable handlebar control, and the ability to accommodate longer stays. The latter allow you to move the trunk mounts further from the heels of the cyclist.
A touring bike has plenty of attachment points for accessories. Fenders and racks are a must, and there's often room under the down tube for another bottle of water.
Tires
If you're looking for full load capability and a comfortable ride, wide tires are the way to go for your touring bike. The minimum you'll find is 32mm, but the new generation also comes with 45mm for muddy riding.
To drive on poor quality roads, tires must have a deep tread pattern. The puncture protection system in the form of special gels pumped into the chamber or under the tire will not interfere either.
brakes
Touring bikes always have either cantilever or disc brakes. Caliper brakes are almost never used, tk. they don't have the necessary girth for wide tires and fenders.
Disc brakes are becoming more and more common. the opportunities available to manufacturers are expanding. They are definitely suitable for touring bikes as they are separated from the rims and therefore the braking force is stronger and the rim will last longer.
Touring wheels
Forget about weight, touring bike wheels need to be strong. A large number of spokes (36 per wheel) as well as wide rims became standard. Many users of such bicycles end up buying wheels assembled specifically for them.
The trend towards wider rims over the past couple of years has improved features for touring bike riders - wheels are getting stronger and stiffer.
Transfer mechanism
Touring bike gearing: A combination of a mountain bike rear derailleur and a hybrid chain system.
When you carry a lot of luggage, you need to drive in low gear. Touring low gear is usually 1:1, and some still use triple chainring.
Touring bikes often contain components mountain bikes and hybrids to use as many gears as touring bikes need. Gearing systems can be 48/38/28 triple chainrings and 11-36 wide rear cassettes.
