Looking for the Best Bikes for Long Distance Touring? You came to the right place!
As the world seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, many people have embraced cycling as means of transport. Due to the surge in cycling enthusiasts, the number of bicycles in the market has increased to meet the demand.
Although there are many bicycles capable of touring, long-distance touring requires a bike specially made for longer journeys. In today’s post, we will be taking a look at the best bikes for long distance touring. Shall we?
Best Bikes for Long Distance Touring
1) SAVADECK Warwinds3.0 Carbon Road Bike
If you are planning an adventure by bike the Savadeck road bike is what you need. With this bike, you will travel as far as your legs can take you.
As one of the best bikes for long distance touring, the Savadeck Carbon Road bike is specially created to offer a comfortable and practical ride for long-distance touring.
For smooth rides, the bike features an aerodynamic frame that reduces drag when cycling. The carbon frame is light further making maneuverability easy.
The bikes feature the renowned SHIMANO speed control that gives you full control when cycling. The speed control helps you shift gears smoothly to meet the demands of the road.
Specifications
- Wheel Size: 700 mm
- Frame Material: Carbon Fiber
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Number of Speeds: 18
Features
- A lightweight yet tough carbon fiber frame
- Both fork and seat post are made of carbon fiber
- Uses the SHIMANO speed control with a shift lever
- Wide tires for stable riding
- Tapered head tube for enhanced torsion rigidity and improved handling
- Aerodynamically contoured to enhance navigation
2) Giordano Libero 1.6 Men’s Road Bike-700c
Speed and performance best define the Giordano Libero Road Bike. It is another excellent choice for long-distance touring. It is fitted with advanced features to make your ride more exhilarating.
What makes the Libero Road bike one of the best bikes for long-distance touring is the high-quality construction and premium features packed in an affordable unit. You get a great touring bicycle without overpaying.
The bicycle’s frame is crafted from lightweight aluminum which makes navigation easier. Besides, aluminum is a tough metal and doesn’t rust which means your bike will stay in good shape for many years.
To ensure your bike lasts longer, maintenance is the key. For flexibility while on the road, the bike features Shimano Claris 16-speed drive train with STI shifters to smoothly change the gears. Reliable stops are achieved through the dual pivot side pull brakes. Ride faster and farther with the Giordano Libero Road bike.
Specifications
- Wheel Size: 29 inches
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Suspension Type: Dual
- Number of Speeds: 16
Features
- Aluminum frame
- Alloy dual-pivot brakes
- The fork is made of high-tensile steel
- Shimano Claris STI shifters give you complete control on the road
- 32 Hole double-wall alloy rim
- 700c x25mm tires
- Available in three sizes
- Perfect for beginners, intermediates, and avid riders
3) Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
Discover new places with the Schwinn Discover hybrid bikes. These hybrid bikes are known for excellent workmanship and outstanding performance. The versatility of these hybrids makes them stand out among the best bikes for long-distance touring.
Whether is touring the city or riding dirt trails, the hybrid bikes are up to the task. The bikes feature aluminum frames that are built to last.
The bikes feature a 21-speed trigger that facilitates effortless gear changes giving you full control of the ride. With just a twist, you can easily adapt to your terrain. When touring, you not only need speed but also safe and reliable stopping power.
Schwinn Discover hybrid bikes have front and rear alloy linear-pull brakes that offer precise and dependable stopping power. This instills confidence when touring in a variety of conditions.
Comfortable riding is the other characteristic that cements Discover hybrid bikes as the best bikes for long-distance touring. The seat post, seat, and grips are engineered to allow an upright riding position for optimal comfort when cruising through the plains.
The fenders protect the rider from splashes and grit and also add a vintage flair. There is a rear carrier to put your cargo. Ride comfortably and in style with the Discover hybrid bikes by Schwinn.
Specifications
- Wheel Size: 28 inches
- Frame Material: Alloy
- Suspension Type: Front
- Number of Speeds: 21
Features
- The upright riding position for optimal comfort
- 21-speed trigger shifter allows untroubled gear changes
- Front and rear alloy linear-pull brakes for reliable stops
- Rear carrier for added convenience
- Aluminum frame for durability
- 700c tires
- Ergonomic grips for added comfort
4) Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike
If you are looking for a budget-friendly touring bike, look no further. The Vilano R2 is a no-nonsense bike that hosts impressive features that make long-distance touring a breeze.
The simple construction is the main reason why it is easy on the pocket. It is also easy on the road and therefore touring with it is more fun and has fewer worries. As one of the best bikes for long-distance touring, the bike brings to the table the performance of a basic road bike with improved qualities.
The frame of the bicycle is made of lightweight aluminum. The material is tough and corrosion-proof so with proper maintenance the bike will serve for many years.
For convenience, while riding, the bike has thumb shifters that allow trouble-free gear changes. For those who love commuting, there is a water bottle cage mount to keep you hydrated on the road.
Specifications
- Wheel Size: 29 inches
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Number of Speeds: 21
Features
- A lightweight yet strong aluminum frame
- Urban commuter saddle and water bottle mount
- Shimano A050 thumb speed shifter for speed control
- Easy on the road and the pocket
- 700c double-walled alloy wheels
5) Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Bike
Now and then an epic adventure is encouraged. There is no better way to explore new and visit old places than with the EVRYjourney hybrid bike.
This bicycle is specially engineered with the long-distance cyclist in mind. It is fitted with impressive features that make cycling fun and a thing you look forward to.
First, it is one of the most comfortable bicycles. It features a unique frame design that allows upright riding so you don’t have to worry about your back hurting after a long-distance trip.
The 26-inch wheels are perfect for every surface and provide the stability to ensure rides go as smoothly as possible. While cycling, you get proper leg extension because the bike is lower to the ground. Coupling this to the upright riding posture delivers the plushest trips.
The seat is another highlight of the EVRYjourney hybrid bike. It is packed with foam for the ultimate softness and its extra-wide saddle cradles define coziness.
Comfort is where it matters the most, the handles. The synthetic leather grips are easy on the hands so you can take them easy on the roads. Truly the EVRYjourney is one of the best bikes for long distance touring for women.
Specifications
- Wheel Size: 26 inches
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Suspension Type: Rear
- Number of Speeds: 21
Features
- Suitable for paved surfaces and trails
- Frame made from aluminum
- The fork is made of high-tensile steel
- Revolutionary upright riding position
- Wide tires for more control on all kinds of terrains
- The seat redefines comfort
- Plush synthetic leather grips
6) Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
This is a high-end bike for long-distance touring. As one of the best bikes for long-distance touring, Tommaso Imola does a great job in all terrains. Whether you are taking your adventure to uphill places or riding on uneven surfaces, the bike will conquer. For cycling enthusiasts looking for a stylish, functional, and top performer on the road, look no further than the Tommaso Imola Road bike.
The bike shouts quality. Although an entry-level, it is much more when it comes to components. The frame is of excellent standard. It is made of aluminum which is contoured aerodynamically to the job perfectly. Aluminum is a light material and so the bike is not bulky ensuring trouble-free rides, especially when riding uphill. The frame is coming either in black, white, or burnt orange colors that add a stylish look to the bike.
The bike uses the Shimano Claris brake calipers to provide a precise and reliable stop. As a result, you stop when you need to. The manufacturer decided to stick with high-quality components and fitted the Shimano Claris gear shift. Alongside the derailleurs, you enjoy trouble-free gear transitions for utmost control when riding.
The wheels are designed to offer the most comfortable rides. Front-wheel has 20 spokes while the rear one has 24 spokes to hold your weight well. The width of the wheels is good for stability. The saddle and pedals are very comfortable and perfect for long rides. With 24 speeds, this bike can get you anywhere and ride on different terrains.
Specifications
- Wheel Size: 27 inches
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Number of Speeds: 24
Features
- Light 6061 aluminum frame
- A complete Shimano groupset
- The Shimano Claris shifters work smoothly
- Compact frame geometry for more relaxed riding
- Durably made to last you for many years
- Plush saddle and pedals for comfortable riding
- 24 speeds for different terrains and surfaces
7) Schwinn Volare Hybrid Road Bike
Schwinn Volare is one of the best bikes for long distance touring for people looking for a great way to commute to work or school and exercise while at it.
The bike has an ergonomic design that makes long rides more comfortable. The frame is engineered to give the rider a good posture for seamless riding no matter the distance. Contoured aerodynamically, the frame gives you the flexibility to cruise through the wind with minimal resistance.
The bike comes with lightweight aluminum drop-style handlebars that make riding more pleasurable. Drop bars have many advantages over flat bars as they allow for aerodynamic riding positions helping riders reach greater speeds.
More so, using drops gives you great control while cycling uphill as you can shift gears and apply brakes with more ease. Fitted on the bike are dual-pivot alloy caliper brakes that let you stop whenever you need to. Some situations call for an instant stop and the incredible stopping power of these brakes will have you covered.
With 14 different speeds, you get the necessary gear combinations to cruise through comfortably. Besides you can keep track of what gear work great in a particular situation which is hard to do with the 21-gear systems.
The standard wheels on this bike are reliable in all aspects of long-distance touring. With double-walled rims, the wheels are sturdy for trouble-free cycling on all kinds of surfaces. As one of the best bikes for long-distance touring, Schwinn Volare 1400 will take you anywhere comfortably.
Specifications
- Wheel Size: 28 inches
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Number of Speeds: 21
Features
- Rigid aluminum frame
- 14-speed configurations
- Gear and brake lever integrated for precise shifting
- Wide tires for fast and stable cycling
- Strong alloy double-wall rims for durability
- Aluminum handlebar for streamlined cycling
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What Makes a Great Long-Distance Touring Bike?
A great bike for long-distance riding should take you anywhere anytime smoothly. There are several attributes that a road bike should have to take on long distances. Firstly, the bike should be lightweight. Preferred materials for making bikes for long-distance touring are aluminum and carbon fiber. Frames made with these materials are less bulky which makes navigation with the bike effortless.
The other characteristic of a good touring bike is its aerodynamic design. Streamlined riding position helps a ride cruise through the air with minimal drag. A bike with drop bars is better suited for long-distance riding because its aerodynamics allow for more speed. The best bikes for long-distance touring highlighted above are engineered to offer cyclists streamlined positions while pedaling to increase efficiency.
You might be wondering why we have mentioned the pedals, saddle, and handles yet they are crucial parts of a bike. Well, they are and their quality plays important role in increasing riding efficiency. The handles should have grips that are soft to the touch and easy to hold. The seat should be plush and the pedals should be designed in a way that allows proper leg extension.
Speed is imperative when riding long distances. A great long-distance touring bike is one with geared drivetrain systems that allow smooth gear transitions. As you cruise around, you will be needed to change from one gear to another so the gear shifter on your bike should let you do that effortlessly. The other key feature of the best bikes for long-distance touring is incredible stopping power. The brake system on the bike should provide reliable stops all the time.
See Also
Choosing the Best Bikes for Long Distance Touring
When looking for a touring bike, there are important factors to keep in mind as they will help you land a bicycle that best fits your needs. Let’s have a look at important considerations.
Budget
When planning an adventure, a bicycle is considered a gear and your budget will dictate what you get. The notion that you must spend more to get a good bicycle for touring is wrong. If you ask people who already have touring bikes, you will be shocked to learn that some are guilty of investing in a bike with gear configurations they have never used.
The key to finding the best bikes for long distance touring is knowing the components you need in a bicycle. Entry-level bikes have all the essential components to enhance your riding efficiency. So, if you are on a small budget, you can consider such bikes. You can also opt for a second-hand model as it will cost you less.
Fully equipped brand touring bikes go for around $2,000. If you are high on budget, a brand-new model is the best choice. This will serve you for many years and you will be able to tour many places and create memories with your bike.
Terrain
Will your adventure entail riding on paved surfaces, uneven terrains, or gravel mud tracks? If you intend to take your adventure to developed parts where the roads have pavements, a basic touring bike with thin tires will suffice. However, if you intend to visit off-road regions, a bike with wide tires is what you need. Besides the bike needs to have a front suspension to cushion your hands and back.
If you are a person who believes in being limitless and want to experience both worlds, you will have to dig deeper into your wallet to get a bike that works well in both terrains. Bikes with hybris tires and front suspension will be a good place to start go-getter!
Destination of Your Tour
People tour different parts of the world. Your place of choice will be an important consideration because of the availability of quality spare parts. Finding spare parks in developed countries is not hard so if your bike breaks down, you will be able to find replacement parts effortlessly.
However, if you plan to take your tour to underdeveloped parts of the world, finding replacement parts can be difficult. To be safe, it is good to choose standard components in a bicycle as they are readily available anywhere in the world.
How Long will your Trip Take?
A tour can be a weekend getaway, can last you a few weeks and in the long-term, it can go for several months. Knowing the duration of your tour will play an important role when choosing the touring bike. If you plan on taking short tours any bike will be up to the task.
For those planning long-distance tours, investing in a quality bike made for such occasions is paramount. For starters, an entry-level bike will help you learn the dynamics of long-distance touring. Additionally, you will be able to know the components you would like to upgrade when you decide to stretch your limits and go farther.
Frame
Bikes for long distance touring have frames made of either aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber. Both carbon fiber and aluminum are lighter materials while steel is heavy. The choice will be determined by where you plan on riding and how much you are ready to spend. Bikes with aluminum frames are more expensive compared to bikes with steel frames. If you are touring remote areas, a steel frame is the best bet because if it cracks, finding a steel welder isn’t hard. Good luck finding an aluminum welder in small towns.
Conclusion
Touring on a bicycle is a thrilling activity. Any bicycle can be used for bike touring but long-distance tours need a bike specially designed to handle long trips. Touring bikes are designed to be more comfortable on your back, butt, hands, and neck.
The best bikes for long distance touring above are engineered to give you the smoothest long-riding experience. Go farther and explore new places.