Cycling is a healthy, low-impact activity experienced by people of all ages, from young children to older adults. It is also fun, cheap and good for the environment. Riding to work or the shops is one of the most time-efficient ways to combine regular exercise with your everyday routine. An estimated one billion people ride bicycles every day – for transport, recreation and sport.
What Is a Touring Bike?
A touring bicycle is a bicycle designed or modified to handle bicycle touring. It is built for strength, comfort and stability as these bikes are meant to carry much heavier loads then just the rider. Select your touring bike based on your needs, your budget, as well as the following features -
- Frame Geometry
- Low Gear Ratios
- Frame Stiffness
- Wide Tyre & Fender Widths
- Kickstand Mounts
Here is a list of the best touring bikes 2020 to choose from:
#1 Cube Travel (€799)
This is probably the most under-rated touring bike you can buy. This bike is competent on a mix of surfaces and comes with lots of great features, including a rear rack, rear-mount kickstand, hydraulic brakes and a dynamo hub and lights. The frame is available in five sizes, and there are an additional three step-through frames for ease of getting on and off. This is one of the best touring bikes available in this price range.
#2 2020 Diamondback Haanjo EXP (US $1999)
If you are ready for packing light and travelling fast, you cannot ignore the Diamondback Haanjo EXP. This bike is under 10kg and will be good to support a 10-15kg load. The lowest gear is just 21 gear inches, so you will be able to ride up the steepest road gradients comfortably. While the frameset uses a modern lightweight carbon construction, Diamondback has kept the parts simple, fitting bar-end shifters, TRP cable disc brakes and a threaded bottom bracket shell to the bike. It is a little costly, but this bike is really value for money if you are planning for a long trip.
#3 2020 Surly Bridge Club (£1350)
The Surly Bridge Club is one of the most favourite dirt road touring bikes. It has an 18-gear inch climbing gear from the new SRAM SX 1X drivetrain, and it will clear 27.5 x 2.8″ tyres. For an all-round touring setup, you could fit some fat 2.4" Schwalbe Super Moto-X slicks and fenders, and this bike will be great on a dirt road tour too. The Bridge Club frameset has got all the braze-ons you can think of, including mounts for the Surly-8 and 24-Pack rando racks. If you are looking for an adventure that includes going off the conventional road, this is the best touring bicycle for you.
#4 2020 Canyon Pathlite AL 4 (€799)
The Pathlite AL 4 is a standout in value and reliability amongst trekking bikes. This rig's highlight is the coil-sprung suspension fork which is friendly and reliable and will add vital comfort and traction on dirt roads. The bike has an insanely low 17″ climbing gear from its 20-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain. Chuck a handlebar pack and rear panniers on this bike, and it will take you a really long way. This bike is your most perfect companion if you are planning a trek.
Final Statement
A vast number of options regarding best touring bikes are available on the Internet if you plan to buy a touring bike. It is easy to get confused if you are a novice, so this small list will surely help you choose. Select your bike according to your budget and needs. Happy touring!
