Touring - What kind of bike is preferable for long distance tours?

I am new with road cycling, but I am very enthusiastic about it. I'd like to make a journey accross Europe with a bike, but the problem is I am very confused with all these different kinds of bikes and I am not sure which one will be best for my purpose.

I am new with road cycling, but I am very enthusiastic about it. I'd like to make a journey accross Europe with a bike, but the problem is I am very confused with all these different kinds of bikes and I am not sure which one will be best for my purpose.


Most likely you want a "touring" bike, specifically designed to carry the heavy loads and rigors of touring. Certain kinds of basic mtn bikes can also be effective touring bikes.

It is not too likely that a traditional "road bike" will meet your touring needs very well.

Trek 520

I plan to make a tour of Europe, but I still dont have the bike. As far as things that I plan to take with me are concerned, I plan to have a sleeping bag, some little equipment for the bike, clothes and a tent. which kind of bike do you think will suit my needs? Is it better if I have a sports racing bike or it would be better if I get a cross with wider wheels for different kind of terrains?

How about a traditional touring bike? Those are generally ones with medium length chainstays, steel or titanium frame and fork, eyelets and provisions for mounting racks and fenders, 36-spoke heavy duty wheels, wide range gearing with triple chainrings and 700x35 or wider tyres.

Type of tour you plan, and whether supported (fully sagged, partly sagged or not
sagged), group or solo will have a bearing. Europe, outside the low countries is
"pretty hilly" so this will have a bearing. It might be best to get in the habit of riding
repetitive long miles as a conditioning exercise, and consider doing a US 'local'
tour. Many states have week long rides across the state starting in May and June
that are organized and would be a good way to get a trial of bike setup, type and
the day in day out mechanics of touring. Rivendell bikes make a good tourer but Trek,
Cannondale, Fuji et al all have bikes that can adapt to a touring bike. Then there
are such as BikeFriday, a bike that packs into its own suitcase, that is designed for
touring. Others make standard bikes that have frames that disassemble for transport
intended for touring. Steve

Comfort is more important than weight and aerodynamics here. Find something that makes you wanna sit on it for hours.

ok. can you tell me some examples of such kind of bikes?

ok. can you tell me some examples of such kind of bikes?
Could try the Bicycling Web site...They have a "Bike Finders" search function..Just indicate in their search that you are looking at touring bikes..
Another good source..Check out "Adventure Cycling" Magazine..Last issue or two had Touring bike reviews. I trust their reviewers. NOt so much a 'glossy Mag,' with ad sales in mind when doing their reviews. They are on line.Not sure their magazine is on line howerver.?
Some popular touring bikes that come to mind are Trek 520, Fuji( which is mine), Bianchi Volpe. SOme top of the line bikes are "Co-Motion,Bruce GOrdon, Waterford, Revendell..
Wish I had one of those...But I am happy with my Fuji...
Adventure Cyclist said the Fuji is a great buy for the money. They recommended it..I have been happy.
Because I splurged on my road bike, I skimped a little on my touring bike..

http://touring.anymouse.org/?Touring_Bikes
Check out this searchable database for production(ie noncustom) "touring" marketed bikes.Includes links to the touring(phred)list for comments on each bike.And as has been noted many have cheaply adapted mtn. bikes for loaded touring purposes.

It really depends on how much you want to spend and what level of rider you are, and how much you will ride after the trip. If you are going to be a little more serious and ride consistantly on your own or with friends, buy a nicer bike than a cheapie. There are a lot of touring bikes out there you can look at and get a feel for if you just go the various local bike shops and give it a go at it. I'm sure everyone will say that theirs is the one for you, but remember it's your appeal that matter. The way the bike looks, the color, the components, and the fit. One of the most important thing is the fit for the type of riding you will plan to pursue. It's one of those cliche not too big and not too small but just right. So get informed and get some ideas from the net, from friends, people who ride, and from differents shops. You just might find someone you can believe in and get pointed in the right direction.

I've done touring on a mod'ed mountain bike before, and I'd say it's doable. I will also say, though, that the reason I did it was because I already owned a really good mountain bike, so it was less expensive to alter it to touring purposes than it was to buy a good, new, decent touring bike. The 125 miles that I've gotten in on my new Trek 520 that I got a week ago have so far led me to believe that touring on the 520 is going to be a lot more enjoyable than it was on my mountain bike. I would say that if you're buying a bike for the purpose of touring, I think you'd be better off to buy a touring bike...

Speaking from a lot of experience, over 45 years of touring, I would tour with a recumbent. My first 16 years were on various touring bikes, the last 24 years on a recumbent. If you are touring on paved roads you can't beat a recumbent for comfort.

Jeff

there is are a few things I consider essential on a touring bike- ability to carry front panniers ( the bike is not nearly as stable as with rear panniers only), long wheelbase and fork rake ( typically touring bike are designed with this built in for a more comfortable, stable and less sporty ride), a gear combination with a smaller front chainring than the largest rear cog ( 28front/32 rear has worked weel for me) and a softer frame material like steel, I am riding aluminum right now and boy do I miss my old steel frame. Hope this helps !!!

http://www.coinet.com/~beckman/index.html

http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/touring/index.htm

http://www.sjscycles.com/thorn/26solobrochure2002/solop8.asp

http://www.kenkifer.com./

http://www.myra-simon.com/bike/tips.html

Try the above sites for interesting reading and some info on touring bikes. Those touring bikes are for the extremist, if you want a less expensive bike for touring the Trek 520 is a excellent value.