Originally Posted by
mstateglfr
Are you suggesting that the typical bike tourer in Europe uses an upright IGH bike and no helmet?
I look at the 5-6 major euro online bike retailers and the touring bikes and gear they sell doesnt match your narrative.
The CGOAB stories ive read of touring in Europe have all been on derailleur bikes of some sort- drop bar, trekking bar, or flat bar. But they are all road/touring/mtb setups.
It depends on the country you are in but generally, yes, most people will be on upright IGH bikes, particularly in northern Europe (SE, NO, FI, NL, DK, and northern DE). Aside from racers, people in lycra and helmets will largely be Americans (with a few Oz & Brits thrown in) and occasional Europeans. Bikes vary and you will see Europeans on hybrids like those in the photo but upright IGH still reigns. My guess is that the touring places you reference are those marketing to the English speaking world and so stock the bikes that their customer base thinks are best.