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Sunday, April 26, 2009

Two Wheels for Touring

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One of the best ways to see the countryside and appreciate the beauty of the land is to travel by bicycle. All you need is a pack with the basic necessities, a good quality touring bike and a lot of energy, and you'll be on your way to seeing the world in a whole new way.

As the name suggests, touring bicycles are used by cyclists who want to travel while carrying supplies. These bicycles feature storage racks mounted on the front and rear of the frame to carry extra gear like food, water and extra clothing. They also have mudguard mounting points, triple water bottle mounts, a large wheelbase and a frame suitable 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.

A classic road-touring bicycle has 700C wheels. The wheel diameters are the same as racing bike wheels, but they have wider rims and better frame clearance. In recent years, manufacturers have modified the 26" mountain bike tires to provide better resistance and greater strength.

Recumbent touring bicycles have a unique appearance due to the seat position. On these bicycles, the rider sits on a reclined seat with the legs stretched out in front of the seat. The steering may be positioned above or below seat level.

Tandems are essentially meant to carry two riders, and are popular choices for couples wishing to travel long distances economically. However, these bikes can't carry any extra weight, so the riders often have to hitch a trailer.

Many modern touring bikes are equipped with front and rear luggage racks, road handlebars and specialized saddles to provide long distance comfort. These bikes also feature rugged hubs, heavy-duty rims and 36-spoke wheels to increase their stability and reliability. A long wheelbase and stable steering arrangement add to the ease of use and practicality. Many models feature longer chain stays to help cyclists ride longer distances with less 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.

Touring bicycles are born to ride and able to withstand elements and take the cyclist over long distances. The frame and parts are built with sturdy, long-lasting materials, allowing the bikes to handle fast climbs and descents while loaded down with gear. The normal caliper brakes used in racing bikes are replaced with cantilever or lever-pulled brakes. Some manufacturers have implemented disc brakes to provide excellent stopping power.

What's gained in ruggedness and utility can be lost in speed, but it's a compromise that most touring cyclists are happy to make. With all of the available features and benefits of a touring bike, these are the obvious rides of choice for so many adventurous tourists looking for a new way to get up close and personal with the countryside.

Celeste Izon
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