Touring bicycles: 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, commuting, and hiking. The environmentally friendly mechanism allows not only to quickly cover long distances, but also makes it possible to take all the necessary tourist equipment with you on the road.

In order for traveling with a bike to bring only positive emotions, professional athletes recommend paying attention not only to collecting things, but also to choosing a two-wheeled companion. For 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 give up passive recreation on the seashore and prefer cycling. This event will not only become an excellent vacation while on vacation, but will also have the following positive effects on the body:

• normalization of body weight;
• fast burning of calories;
• increasing the level of resistance to stress and strengthening the central nervous system;
• normalization of the cardiovascular system;
• strengthening muscles;
• improving the functioning of the respiratory system;
• enrichment of the circulatory system with oxygen;
• prevention of vascular dystonia;
• increased visual acuity;
• normalization of sleep;
• prevention of depression.

The touring hiking bike is a mechanical device for cycling and cycling trips. This vehicle is designed for long tourist cycling trips on an asphalt and dirt road. The device is not designed to develop high speeds or overcome mountain slopes, its main task is to provide comfortable movement and transport a large amount 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 setting off on the road, novice travelers should understand that even the most reliable transport can fail during long-term operation, therefore, on a hike, you need to take the following set of tools:

• set of hexagons;
• squeezing the chain;
• pliers;
• nippers;
• key for connecting rods;
• Bicycle Pump;
• 2 spare cameras;
• 2 spare cables;
• butter dish;
• brake pads.

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

• mountain bike;
• niner;
• hybrid;
• cyclocrossser.

Like all other types of bicycles, two-wheeled touring vehicles have a number of essential elements.

• Frame - an element that manufacturers continue to make from chromium-molybdenum steel. This raw material is practically not used in the manufacture of other types 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 - plasticity, high strength rates, the ability to quickly eliminate breakdowns. The disadvantage is a large mass (carbon transport is much lighter). Particular attention should be paid to bicycles with a steel folding frame, which will allow it to be placed 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 physical costs of the traveler. The absence of shock-absorbing mechanisms significantly increases the amplitude of vibration, which can be reduced using grips - special gloves for cyclists with silicone anti-vibration inserts, as well as using the features of the handlebar, which has various grip options.

• Wheels Is a classic piece with a standard diameter of 28 inches. Some manufacturers produce special models with 26 "and 29" 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 an internal arrangement of stars and speed switches. Thanks to the closed housing, all elements of the system always remain protected from dirt and dust. Distinctive features - precise magnetic shifting and a high level of discreteness between gears, convenient starting from a place and a quick set of speeds.

• Brakes - classic rim mechanism, which has a continuous operating principle. Distinctive features - the presence of an increased mud gap, fast setting and instant response to pressing.The design feature of this braking system allows for quick troubleshooting with the help of primitive tools. Experts do not recommend using bicycles with hydraulic disc mechanisms and disc brakes for long journeys.

• Rubber - an important element that must have a size from 32 mm to 35 mm. The presence of reflective stripes will 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 make it possible to change the grips of the hands during a long ride.

All luggage used on the trip must be made of waterproof and sturdy fabric.

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

• wings - an irreplaceable detail, which should have extended wings;
• headlight - an important element that will allow you to move even in the dark;
• LED reflectors and tailgates - devices that help ensure maximum safety;
• bike computer - a useful device that will help control the speed, distance traveled and other important indicators;
• navigator - an irreplaceable device for planning a route, which can be fixed directly to the bicycle handle.

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

The most important requirements for touring transport:

• solid and solid frame;
• high quality and reliable construction details;
• straight steering wheel;
• triple crank system;
• wheel diameter not less than 26 inches;
• the maximum number of needles;
• an elongated wheelbase with a low center of gravity;
• comfortable and comfortable shape of the saddle.

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

The following brands are in the top of the most demanded brands.

Stels is a Russian company whose products are made taking into account all the requirements of buyers and are intended for roads of different quality. This manufacturer buys all component parts from Dutch firms.

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 travel speeds;
• Stels 700C Cross 130 Gent - model with rim brakes, Shimano attachments and 21 travel speeds.

Cube Is a German manufacturer whose products optimally combine price and quality. The most popular bike models include the following:

• Cube Nature Pro - a premium model that has a high price range, shockproof double section, low frame weight and 30 travel 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 products of which 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 need to choose BMW Touring Bike model, the frame of which is made using hydroforming. All component parts are manufactured using modern equipment, so breakdowns on the road are very rare. The vehicle has 27 speeds and several additional accessories for convenience.

Experts also recommend paying attention to the following brands:

• Smart;
• Head;
• Giant;
• Bulls;
• Pride.

Cycling is a sport that does not know age or gender restrictions. In order for the transport to be as practical and reliable as possible, experts recommend paying special attention to the choice of a bicycle. The following characteristics directly affect the quality of cycling:

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

On the sports equipment market, you can see a huge number of models of touring bikes from different manufacturers and price categories. Experts do not recommend buying very expensive models for novice tourists. For a comfortable trip, a proven budget transport is quite suitable. When choosing a manufacturer, preference should be given to well-known brands that produce quality goods and have positive reviews from customers. The technical parameters of the transport should correspond as much as possible to the functional purpose of the bike and the tasks that the athlete sets for himself on the road.

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

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

Distinctive features of women's bicycles:

• small size and weight of the mechanism;
• understated position of the upper frame bulkhead;
• rounded corners of the structure;
• shortened connecting rod;
• reduced handlebar width;
• the presence of a wide convex seat;
• less rigid springs;
• the presence of protection on the chain;
• bright colors and the presence of graphic decorations.

The above properties of female models significantly increase their cost, therefore men's transport is also in demand among girls.

An important parameter when choosing a vehicle is the height of the frame, which depends on the height 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 must also comply with all the characteristics of the child's body.

Cycling is not only a popular type of recreation, but also a state of mind. Overcoming long distances on a 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 cycling tourism, manufacturers have put the maximum amount of knowledge and effort into producing specialized touring models that make the trip as comfortable as possible.

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

For information on what touring bikes are, see the next video.