long journey riding bike

Best touring bikes: Machines for old-school, long distance riding

The best touring bikes to load up for the long haul or just for local load-lugging

How to choose

The best touring bikes are designed to be loaded up for comfortable long-distance riding, but they're also a robust, reliable option for local riding with a load or just for commuting .

They're a bit old school now, with bikepacking being the trendy fast and light way to ride far, either on one of the best endurance bikes or the best gravel bikes . The availability and range of models reflect that trend, although touring bikes still offer a great way to see the world.

They're built strong, often with a steel frame and fork and have reliable wheels with plenty of spokes for strength, as well as a wide gear range, which may be via a triple chainset with a smaller range of "speeds" in the cassette or hub gear. Expect an upright ride position and comfortable touchpoints.

Luggage is normally carried in panniers and bags attached to a rear rack, often supplemented by a front rack, as well as a bar bag. Mudguards are also normal, making riding more comfortable in all weathers, while multiple bottle cages mean that you can keep hydrated even when you're far from a tap.

Below, you'll find our pick of the best touring bikes and below that is our buyer's guide to how to choose the best touring bike for you.

Best touring bikes: our picks

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This Genesis touring bike option comes fully loaded, with front and rear racks, lights and a bottle cage, while its 35mm wide tyres give a comfortable ride. There's a Shimano Tiagra triple chainset, which gives a total of thirty gear ratios, which head below 1:1 for loaded climbing.

Best touring bikes

1. genesis tour de fer 30, specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Genesis Tour De Fer is a great option in this category. It's a top all-round bike, featuring a solid steel frame, durable tyres, disc brakes and all the practicalities such as three bottle cages, front and rear racks, mudguards and dynamo-powered lights.

Simply put, this is a bike ready for whatever you need to do straight away, whether it's commuting, leisure riding or touring. The bike offers an easy, calm ride, and is comfortable enough to get on and go right away.

35mm Schwalbe Marathon tyres come as standard, with their puncture-proof reputation. The Shimano Tiagra triple groupset gives you plenty of range including a sub-1:1 ratio to haul your loaded bike up the hills. You might need that range, with the extra features adding significantly to the bike's weight though.

2. Surly Disc Trucker

Another do-anything bike, the Disc Trucker features a sturdy and good-looking steel frame and fork. It is, however, more suited to road riding than exploring gravel and mud, though it's not to say that you can't tackle gravel tracks with it. The rise to the bars, paired with a long head tube gives a comfortable all-day ride position.

Mounts for three bottles, a pump, and mudguards add to the practicality, while the tyre clearance will let you get some meaty rubber in there. Surly quotes 2.1" tyre clearance on 650b wheels and the smaller frame sizes come specced with this wheel size for better toe clearance.

A Shimano Alivio MTB triple groupset with Sora road shifters provides steady and reliable 9-speed shifting, although it's quite a low end spec. Like the Genesis and the Trek, the Disc Trucker relies on TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes for reliable, low-maintenance stopping power.

3. Giant Toughroad SLR 1

What do you get when you combine a mountain bike, a touring bike and a gravel bike? No, this isn't the start of one of your dad's jokes, you get the impressively capable Toughroad SLR 1. More suited to the offroad than any of the bikes we've looked at so far, Giant calls it a do-it-all bike capable of commuting, but make no mistake, it's built primarily for dirt and gravel.

There's no suspension fork, but the giant 50mm tyres are a dead giveaway. An 11-42 MTB cassette on the back will also help with tackling the steep stuff, although there's not the absolute range of the triple chainsets on the bikes above. Pannier racks front and back and three bottle cage mounting points mean you can pile on whatever you need to take with you.

There are plenty of modern features on the bike, including thru-axles, hydraulic brakes, and tubeless tyres. A reliable Giant wheelset and Shimano Deore groupset round off this bike. You might find the lack of variation in hand position with the flat bar configuration gets tiring on longer rides though.

4. Kona Sutra

The first thing to strike you about the Sutra is its retro features; the Brooks leather saddle and steel frame give a different look to many of the bikes we've looked at. Disc brakes and thru-axles remind you that this is a thoroughly modern bike, though.

It's another bike for touring and commuting on the road and on some gravel/dirt surfaces. Mudguards and front and rear pannier racks are included, while there are other bosses for more additions if needed.

The 10-speed Shimano GRX gravel groupset with Tiagra shifters gives plenty of range, although not as much as a triple like that specified on the Trek, while the hybrid hydraulic/cable-operated brakes should give a bit more stopping power than the TRP Spyre cable brakes specced elsewhere, they are more of a faff to maintain though. It's a classy-looking bike that can work well anywhere.

5. Salsa Marrakesh

A great-looking steel frame is the first thing to catch the eye on this bike, while the fat 42mm tyres give a signal as to its intentions. It's as comfortable off-road as on, whether you're touring, commuting or just riding for fun.

As with the bikes above, front and rear racks are included, though if you want to add mudguards, be warned that the wide tyres will need to go on a diet – down to a 40mm maximum.

It's a solid entry into the touring selection, even if it is a bit on the weighty side, however, though not so much that you'll be struggling under the weight. Components include a Shimano Alivio groupset with Microshift shifters as well as TRP Spyre-C disc brakes and wheels and tyres ready to be set up tubeless.

6. Marin Four Corners

The Marin Four Corners is part tourer, part gravel bike. It's got the clearance for really wide tyres on 650b wheels (which is the stock wheel size specced on smaller-sized frames), but you can also set it up for a more traditional touring configuration with 700c wheels.

The steel frame is bombproof while the long head tube gives an upright ride position so you've got plenty of visibility all around. There are mounts for a rack, mudguards and to lash extra kit to the fork legs, so you can load up to head into the unknown. It's a bike more geared to gravel than the road, unlike the more traditional tourers like the Kona and the Genesis.

7. Trek 520

Marketed as a bike for long-haul travel, the Trek 520 is the longest-running bike in Trek's stable, although its days look to be numbered. The 520 is no longer sold in the UK or US, but international buyers in some countries still have a choice of two specs on Trek's site, including the Sora/Alivio option above.

Like the Genesis, the Trek 520 comes with front and rear racks, although you'll have to add mudguards for all-weather use. Small updates include mechanical disc brakes with a thru-axle alloy fork, while the 9-speed Shimano Sora gearing provides massive range from its triple chainset, albeit with quite large jumps across the 11-36 tooth cassette.

It's also nice to see tubeless-ready wheels specced (although not the tyres), so you can set up tubeless, which should up dependability on long rides.

How to choose the best touring bike for you

Whether you're looking for a practical way to get to work, want that extra durability so that your bike will stand the test of time or want to travel to far-flung corners of the earth with nothing but a tent and a change of clothes, a touring bike a great addition to your stable of steeds.

You can still get around quickly – whether you're hitting the roads, gravel paths or other rough terrain – but plenty of space for mudguards and racks, as well as a more relaxed position, make a touring bike a better all-round option than a road bike, a hybrid or a mountain bike.

The relaxed geometry and more upright riding position are also handy for commuting, and the best touring bikes are often built with durable, easy-to-maintain components so they can be fixed when hundreds of miles away from a bike shop. This lends itself to fewer mechanicals and lower running costs. Steel frames also have a far better chance of being repaired all over the world compared to aluminium or carbon fibre if you're on a big trip.

What types of touring bike are there?

Touring bikes can range anywhere from predominantly road-going bikes with horizontal top tubes and 700c tyres, to rugged mountain bikes with knobbly mountain bike tyres.

What the best touring bikes tend to share, however, is a durable design, comfortable geometry and the ability to carry luggage. Some opt for bikepacking bags , which usually consist of frame bags and oversized saddle bags, whereas others opt for the traditional rack and pannier bag method of carrying luggage.

As with any bike purchase, consider the riding you plan to do with the bike. For those looking to travel far and wide, a bike with more luggage-carrying capacity will be preferred. For those who are looking to travel off-road, look for a bike that can handle the rough stuff. Live in the mountains? Look for a wide gear range.

What's different about touring bike geometry?

Touring bike frames feature a relaxed geometry , with a taller head tube and shorter top tube for a comfortable and more upright riding position compared to a racing road bike. In addition to this, they feature a longer wheelbase, which keeps the bike stable even when loaded with heavy luggage. Since they're designed to be cycled over long distances, they're equally designed to stay comfortable for as long as possible.

If you're a geometry nerd you may notice the trail is a little lower than you'd expect for a relaxed ride, but this is often done to counteract the slowing effect on the steering of a heavy front load to avoid the bike feeling like a barge when laden.

Which gearing should a touring bike have?

Gearing-wise, what you should pick really depends on what type of riding you'll be doing. If you're taking on hills regularly, then you'll want a cassette with larger sprockets on the back. Some touring bikes offer a triple chainset too, with easier gearing on offer compared to a double chainset. The addition of extra gear combinations into the mix will add an extra component to maintain, so those on flatter terrain might prefer a single chainring at the front.

The majority of touring bikes offer standard external gear systems – the chainset, chain and cassette we're all used to. Some do have internal gearing though, with an enclosed rear gearbox which requires a lot less maintenance and is less prone to damage but is heavier and will cost you more. Belt drives are also available – this is a multi-tooth belt instead of a chain, so no regular cleaning or lubrication is required. Hub gears like the Rohloff system are favoured by riders taking on huge worldwide tours for their durability.

Should I look for rim brakes or disc brakes?

As with much of the cycling world, rim brakes and disc brakes are both available, with rim brakes found more often on lower-end bikes. Rim brakes feature two pads grabbing onto the wheel rims to stop the bike, while disc brakes grip onto a separate rotor on the wheels instead.

Disc brakes feature better and more consistent braking performance, which is useful for a heavily laden bike, and are better in wet weather, though. Both adjustment and maintenance are far easier with rim brakes, however, with an Allen key and some new pads all you really need.

Rim brakes will wear down your rim eventually, prompting a rim swap and wheel rebuild or a new wheel. Whereas that's not an issue with disc brakes, and there's more leeway to keep riding with a buckled disc brake wheel or a broken spoke.

Hydraulic disc brakes are generally maintenance-free in operation, however, if you snag your brake hose on a tree in the middle of the Atlas Mountains, there's little chance of repair unless you packed a bleed kit and spare hose.

What should I look for in touring bike contact points?

Saddles are an important factor, being the main point of contact with your body. Padded saddles may look more comfortable but looks can be deceiving, with thinner padding usually better for you once you've gotten used to it after a few rides. Saddles should support your sit bones, and additional padding can move the pressure elsewhere and rub more, making things more uncomfortable over time.

If you're planning a long trip and already have a saddle that you like, it may be worth swapping out the saddle that comes with the bike, if you're not sure how comfortable it will be for the long haul.

On a multi-day trip, handlebars need to be comfortable as well. Some bars have a slight rearward sweep, which can feel more natural when riding on the tops. A shallow drop is likely to be more comfortable to use as well.

Which pedals should I choose?

It's worth choosing pedals wisely too. While the best road bike pedals give good power transfer, the best cycling shoes that work with them are difficult to walk in, which could be an issue if touring or even for a trip to the shops.

On the other hand, flat pedals may make it difficult to keep your feet well-positioned for longer rides. They will allow you to use standard shoes, which are easier to walk in, but unless the soles are relatively stiff, your pedalling will be less efficient and you may get foot ache after a long day riding without adequate support.

Gravel bike pedals are a good option, as they still let you clip in for more efficient riding, but the cleats are recessed on the sole of the shoes and so can be walked in much more easily. You'll need gravel shoes to go with them that accept two-bolt cleats. These will have soles designed for efficient pedalling and foot support, but most are not too stiff to walk in comfortably.

Alternatively, some of the best commuter cycling shoes also allow you to fit two-bolt cleats.

You can learn more about the pros and cons of two-bolt versus three-bolt pedals in our explainer.on Shimano SPD vs SPD-SL systems.

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Paul has been on two wheels since he was in his teens and he's spent much of the time since writing about bikes and the associated tech. He's a road cyclist at heart but his adventurous curiosity means Paul has been riding gravel since well before it was cool, adapting his cyclo-cross bike to ride all-day off-road epics and putting road kit to the ultimate test along the way. Paul has contributed to Cyclingnews' tech coverage for a few years, helping to maintain the freshness of our buying guides and deals content, as well as writing a number of our voucher code pages.

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Best Bikes For Long Distance

February 12, 2024

‍ Key Takeaways

Touring bikes should combine load-bearing capacity and comfort for long distances.
The type of touring bike you choose should correspond with your journey needs.
Proper selection involves personal preference, with a focus on bike features.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ Venture on epic journeys with the finest touring bikes tailored for long-distance adventures. Let’s explore the best models for your adventure.

The best touring bikes for long-distance journeys are the Trek 520, Surly Long Haul Trucker, Kona Sutra, Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1, Cannondale Topstone, Salsa Marrakesh, and Specialized AWOL. These models offer durability, comfort, and versatile features ideal for extended travel.

With years of firsthand experience and a deep passion for touring bikes, I've navigated countless long-distance journeys, testing and refining the top models. My expert insights and firsthand knowledge ensure you're equipped with the best advice for your next adventure.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Best Touring Bikes For Long Distance Journeys

Touring bikes are designed with the long haul in mind, built to handle both the weight of luggage and the demands of long-distance riding. They offer the stability and comfort necessary for travelers who are bound for adventure across varied terrains. While the search for the best touring bike is subjective and hinges on individual needs and preferences, certain characteristics are common in all great touring bikes, such as durability, comfort, and the ability to carry heavy loads with ease.

Selecting the ideal touring bike can seem daunting with the myriad options available. Expedition touring bikes are built sturdy to endure rough trails, whereas classic touring bikes cater well to paved roads and lighter loads. For those drawn to unpaved paths, off-road touring bikes offer the necessary robustness, while lightweight touring and adventure touring bikes strike a balance between performance and functionality for long-haul endeavors.

Here’s a table comparing the key features of the best touring bikes:

1. Trek 520

The Trek 520 stands as a testament to enduring design and functionality in the touring bike category. Recognized for its ability to handle heavy loads over long distances, this bike is tailored for the adventurous rider.

Specifications

Performance.

The Trek 520 is designed to deliver a comfortable ride under heavy load, making it ideal for long-term touring. The bike's steel frame and touring bike geometry contribute to its reliability and strength on diverse terrains.

What Sets It Apart

This touring bike distinguishes itself with a comfortable steel frame and classic touring design, designed for stability and endurance. Its ample tire clearance and ability to fit both front and rear racks, as well as bottle cages and mudguards, make it a versatile choice.

Recent Updates

The latest iteration of the Trek 520 has seen enhancements in tire clearance and the incorporation of a Trek 520 disc brake system, improving stopping power and performance in various weather conditions.

Puncture-resistant tires for fewer interruptions
Upright riding position enhances comfort
Robust steel frame for durability on long rides
Versatile frame geometry for stability with heavy loads
Heavier than carbon or aluminum frame bikes
Disc brakes may require additional maintenance

Who Should Buy It

If you're planning on embarking on long-term touring, the Trek 520 is tailored for you. Its ability to carry heavy loads coupled with its comfortable ride makes it a reliable companion.

Where To Buy It

For purchasing, the official Trek Bikes website offers the latest models.

2. Surly Long Haul Trucker

The Surly Long Haul Trucker stands as a top choice for long-distance touring, known for its exceptional frame durability and comfortable ride. This bike is built to handle heavy loads and offers great value for money, making it popular among marathon cyclists who prioritize self-sufficiency on the road.

Frame Materials:

4130 Chromoly steel
Double-butted main triangle
Extended for stability
Comes in both rim and cable disc brake options

The bike's long wheelbase contributes to a stable and comfortable ride, especially under a heavy load. The frame stiffness is fine-tuned to absorb road vibrations, ensuring comfort during long hours of riding.

Unlike many touring bikes, the Surly Long Haul Trucker offers a balance of durability and comfort. It's highly acclaimed for self-sufficiency with ample braze-ons for spare parts and pannier racks.

Recent versions of the bike, including the Surly Disc Trucker, have introduced disc brakes for improved stopping power and tire clearance for different riding conditions.

Made for the long haul
Suitable for various touring conditions
Designed to carry whatever you need for the journey
Heavier than some other touring bike options
Not the fastest bike due to its robust construction

If you're gearing up for long-distance touring where reliability, comfort, and the ability to carry a heavy load are crucial, the Surly Long Haul Trucker is a bike worth considering.

The Surly Long Haul Trucker and its variants are available through official Surly dealers , offering different build and customization options.

3. Kona Sutra

When it comes to versatile long-distance touring bikes, the Kona Sutra stands out for its robust construction and readiness for adventure. Designed to handle a heavy load with ease, this bike promises a reliable ride across diverse terrains.

Frame Material: Cromoly steel
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
Wheel Size: 700c
Tire Clearance: Up to 50mm
Gear Range: Wide range for challenging inclines
Pannier Racks: Included, front and rear

With its cromoly steel frame, the Kona Sutra delivers strength and a smooth ride over bumpy roads. The hydraulic disc brakes provide you with consistent stopping power, giving you confidence even when fully loaded.

Unlike some touring bikes, the Kona Sutra is equipped with fenders and pannier racks, making it tour-ready straight off the sales floor. The durability and comfort of this bike make it suitable for both on-road and off-road use.

The latest models come with improved puncture-resistant tires and hydraulic brakes for better performance under load. Moreover, the introduction of the Kona Sutra SE brings even more versatility to the range.

A sturdy frame supports heavy loads
Comes with essential accessories like fenders and pannier racks
Hydraulic disc brakes ensure reliable performance
Heavier than some other materials, which may affect speed
Chromoly steel frames can be less forgiving on extremely rough terrain

If you're planning multi-day journeys and need a bike that can closely follow your ambitious spirit, the Kona Sutra is for you. Its design caters to both the devoted tourer and the weekend warrior.

For a secure purchase, you should consider reputable bike shops or the official Kona website . Online marketplaces like Amazon often stock the Kona Sutra, providing convenience and buyer protection.

4. Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1

When you're gearing up for a long-distance journey, the Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 stands out as a robust option for adventurers. Throughout this section, we'll examine its specifications, on-road performance, unique features, and more to understand why it might be your next touring companion.

Frame Material: Aluminum
Gearing Type: 3x10 speed
Brake Type: Hydraulic disc brakes
Weight: Approximately 30 pounds
Suspension: None

The Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 is designed to provide a stable and comfortable ride. Its cable-actuated hydraulic disc brakes ensure effective stopping power in various weather conditions, while the 30-gear system offers versatility for different inclines.

What makes the ADV 1.1 a standout is its capacity to carry heavy gear loads without compromising the bike's handling. Its durable aluminum frame can withstand the rigors of long-distance touring, which is critical for solo travelers who need reliability.

In recent iterations, the ADV 1.1 has seen improvements in comfort and functionality. These include enhanced brake systems and more ergonomic handlebar designs, ensuring that riders have a more enjoyable experience on their tours.

Durable construction handles demanding tours
The versatile gear range is well-suited for varying terrains
Hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power
At around 30 pounds, it is not the lightest touring bike
Lack of suspension might affect ride comfort on rough terrains

If you're an avid cyclist craving adventure across different landscapes, the Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 is tailored for you. Ideal for solo expeditions, it's built to support you and your gear mile after mile.

For the latest Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1, head over to the official REI website where you can purchase it directly. This ensures you receive the manufacturer's warranty and support.

5. Cannondale Topstone

When considering a bike for long distances, the Cannondale Topstone is a standout choice, designed for the ultimate adventure cycling experience. Below, I’ll provide an in-depth look at what makes it a top contender in the touring bike category.

Frame: Aluminum
Fork: Full Carbon
Gears: 1x and 2x drivetrain options
Tires: 700c, various widths available
Brakes: Hydraulic disc

The Cannondale Topstone is a bike that's ready to take on a variety of terrains. You’ll appreciate the smoothness of the ride, whether tackling gravel paths or paved roads. It's geared for reliability, providing consistent performance mile after mile.

What distinguishes Topstone from other touring bikes is its focus on comfort and adaptability. Its frame geometry is designed for long hours in the saddle, without sacrificing efficiency or control.

Cannondale has revamped its Topstone models to include updated alloy versions and the introduction of a carbon fork, which brings down the weight and increases vibration dampening for a smoother ride.

Enhanced comfort for long rides
Versatile gearing for various inclines
Durable construction
Heavier compared to race-oriented bikes
May require customization for ultra-endurance rides

If you’re the adventurous type looking to embark on multi-terrain rides, the Cannondale Topstone is tailored for you. Its balanced setup makes it ideal for both new touring cyclists and seasoned riders.

To purchase the Cannondale Topstone, you can find it available on platforms like Rei , where a range of options and price points are offered.

6. Salsa Marrakesh

The Salsa Marrakesh is built for the long haul, offering a sturdy and comfortable ride for adventurers.

The Salsa Marrakesh handles beautifully on diverse terrains, providing a smooth ride quality. Gear shifting is seamless, making it ideal for variable inclines.

Unique to the Marrakesh are the Alternator Dropouts, which allow for easy adjustments and finer tuning of the bike’s geometry.

The latest models feature updated color schemes and compatibility with modern bikepacking gear.

Reliable across multiple terrains
Durable steel frame construction
Heavier than some touring bikes
Limited color options

If you thirst for long-distance cycling adventures with no compromise on gear load, the Marrakesh is for you.

The Salsa Marrakesh is available for purchase directly through the official Salsa Cycles website or selected retailers, including options to buy complete setups or just the frameset.

7. Specialized AWOL

The Specialized AWOL series represents sturdy and reliable companions for your long-distance touring adventures. With a focus on comfort and versatility, the AWOL is engineered to handle a variety of terrains while fully loaded with gear.

Frame : Premium Steel
Fork: Steel, with eyelets for racks and fenders
Gearing: Wide-range gearing system
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes for consistent stopping power
Wheelset: Robust rims paired with multi-surface tires
Weight : Balanced to support heavy loads without compromising handling

You'll find the Specialized AWOL is a heavy-duty workhorse ready to take on long treks. With endurance-optimized geometry, you can expect stability and control even when the bike is burdened by full panniers and weighty handlebar bags.

The AWOL stands apart with its exceptional steel frame that absorbs road vibrations, coupled with a thoughtful component mix, it's a bike that's designed for comfort on extended journeys.

Specialized's commitment to innovation keeps the AWOL line fresh. Recent models have upgraded drivetrains for greater reliability and include mounting points for bike-packing and touring essentials.

Steel frame construction ensures longevity
Capable of handling a mix of terrains
On the heavier side compared to lightweight touring options
Not designed for those seeking a race-ready bike

If you're gearing up for cross-country trips or lengthy bikepacking adventures, the AWOL has the ruggedness you're looking for. It's built for riders who prioritize durability and versatility over speed.

To get your hands on a Specialized AWOL, check the official Specialized website for availability and competitive pricing.

How To Choose The Best Touring Bike For You

Embarking on the journey of selecting the ideal touring bike requires thoughtful consideration of various factors tailored to your individual preferences and riding needs.

Consider Your Riding Style

Your riding style greatly influences your choice. Are you a fast-paced road cyclist or an adventurous off-roader? Choose a bike that matches your preferred terrain and riding speed.

Frame Material Matters

Steel frames offer durability and absorb road vibrations, ideal for long-distance comfort. Aluminum frames provide lightweight options suitable for speed and agility. Consider your priorities when selecting frame material.

Gear Range and Components

A wide gear range ensures versatility across various terrains. Opt for bikes with ample gears, accommodating both uphill climbs and speedy descents. Quality components enhance performance and reliability on extended journeys.

Tire Clearance and Size

Tire clearance determines the width of tires your bike can accommodate. Choose models with sufficient clearance for your desired tire size, balancing comfort, traction, and stability on different surfaces.

Comfort and Fit

Prioritize comfort and fit to avoid discomfort during long rides. Look for features like ergonomic handlebars, adjustable saddle positions, and frame geometry optimized for touring to ensure a comfortable and efficient riding experience.

Budget Considerations

Set a budget that aligns with your needs and priorities. While higher-priced bikes may offer advanced features and materials, there are also quality options available at lower price points. Evaluate the features and benefits against your budget to make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right touring bike for long-distance journeys can be overwhelming, but knowing the right questions to ask can simplify the process. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, understanding the differences between touring bike features and their benefits is key to making an informed decision.

What should a beginner look for in a touring bike intended for long-distance travel?

When you're starting, look for a touring bike with a comfortable geometry that allows for long hours in the saddle without strain. Durability in components is crucial for enduring the rigors of extended travel. Additionally, opt for a bike with multiple mounting points for carrying gear.

How does a touring motorcycle differ from a standard motorcycle in terms of features?

Touring motorcycles are built for the long haul, featuring a larger fuel tank, comfortable riding position, and ample luggage space. They often have fairings and screens for wind and weather protection, which is not always the case with standard motorcycles.

What are some affordable touring bikes suitable for extended trips?

For budget-conscious riders, there are affordable touring bikes that don't skimp on quality. Look for models with robust frames, reliable gearing systems, and the capability to carry luggage. Many brands offer entry-level options that are well-suited for extended trips.

What characteristics have made some touring bicycles stand out as the greatest of all time?

Bikes that have withstood the test of time typically boast exceptional durability, versatile gearing, and comfortable, yet efficient, frame geometries. The ability to customize the bike to fit the rider's needs and preferences is also a hallmark of top touring bicycles.

Can you explain the difference between a touring bike and a trekking bike?

Touring bikes are designed for long-distance rides carrying heavy loads, with an emphasis on comfort and durability. Trekking bikes, while similar, cater more to recreational riding and commuting, often featuring accessories like lights and fenders for daily practicality.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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About PedalChef

PedalChef is a blog on all things cycling. We are a group of people who love bikes, and we want to share the joy that comes with the experience. You can read more about us here .

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How to prepare for long distance cycling: tips, training, what to eat + more

If you’re planning some long distance riding for the first time, then this article is for you.

Cycling for a long distance requires preparation; you’ll want to do some training, get set up properly and think about practical matters like food, hydration and where you’re going to ride!

From how to set goals and put a training plan in place, to how to prepare your bike for a long ride, the kit you’ll need and what to wear, it’s all detailed right here. The tips you’ll read for preparing for long distance bike riding are based on the hard-won knowledge we’ve gained over our years of riding, cycling abroad and taking part in long distance events.

Read on so you can be all set for the long distance cycling challenges that await!

1. Define your long-distance cycling goal

The first of our long bike ride tips is to set a goal. Like all objectives, it’s best if this is SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. Where exactly do you want your riding to be and when? Is this realistic? How will you measure your progress along the way?

What long distance means to you

When we talk about cycling and distance, what qualifies as long distance? To someone just starting their cycling journey, 20 miles may seem like an average cycling distance for beginners to aim for. An intermediate cyclist might cope with 50 miles, while a more experienced cyclist may manage 100 miles without too much trouble.

Cycling sportives tend to range between 50 and 150 miles. So you’ll need to be an intermediate or advanced level cyclist to cope with one of these. If this is your long distance cycling goal, then you may need to work towards achieving this fitness level.

You may also have heard of ultra distance cycling. We tend to think of this as a ride of over 100 miles, or a century, but the World Ultracycling Association – cite a longer distance of 125 miles or more. Probably best to work up to riding ultras!

Choose somewhere inspiring

Of course, we’re biased, but choosing an awesome location or event for your big ride can really help with motivation while you’re training and preparing. Our inspiration or destinations pages make a great start.

How are you going to achieve your goal?

Do you need to add in some intermediate objectives on the way? It can help to write your goal down, tell your friends and family or even commit to achieving it with someone else. These things can make it more likely you’ll actually do what you say you’re going to do.

Will you need help to achieve your objective? What time have you got to dedicate to it? Do you need any equipment like a power meter ( more on power meters here )? Might you need a professional to guide you – a coach who can help you create a training plan perhaps ( more on coaching in this article )? These are some of the things to think about when planning out the “how” part of achieving your objective – read on for more.

2. Train for long distance cycling

Having a training plan is a top tip for having a long distance cycling objective that succeeds.

Following a structured plan that works towards the goal already set ensures you’ll get the most out of your more prolonged rides.

If you have a plan in place when preparing for a long bike ride, your overall level of fitness will improve. You’ll be able to ride more quickly and efficiently while maximising your chances of performing well. This all means you can enjoy your sportive or cycling holiday to the full too.

We’ve got so much to say on the subject of training for long distance rides, that we’ve written this separate article on the subject of long distance training . Enjoy!

3. Check your bike is suitable for long-distance cycling (with a good saddle!)

Get a bike fitting.

Another of the key cycling tips for long rides concerns your comfort. An uncomfortable ride is never pleasant. Any discomfort is also likely to hamper your performance and may even lead to injury.

If you’re preparing for long distance cycling events, it’s a great time to get a bike fitting. Arranging one can pay dividends. You can be sure of riding the right size bike – and sitting on the most comfortable saddle possible.

A professional bike fitting can ensure the best size bike, and tailoring your position to suit how you ride. It can also improve your power output, and even reduce your risk of injury.

Having a bike fitting at the early stages of your long distance training also means you have more time to adjust to any changes – in advance of tackling any long distance cycling events you have planned.

Picking out a comfortable, supportive saddle is paramount when it comes to how to bike a long distance successfully. Though it’s very much a matter of personal preference, ideally the saddle should feel like a natural extension of your body.

A professional saddle fitting can form part of a general bike fitting.

Things to look for include the shape of the saddle. An endurance saddle is typically V-shaped, with a shorter nose than the average road bike saddle, and rounded edges.

Finding a gender-specific fit can play a part. Women’s saddles are typically shorter in the nose than those of their male counterparts. Any channel or cutout will be shaped to fit the male or female anatomy.

Finding the right shape and level of padding can also be subject to a bit of trial and error. So buying a good saddle in advance of your challenge gives you plenty of time to get it right if you do feel that improvements could be made!

If you’ve been training towards a big ride, the last thing you want is for your bike to suffer a mechanical which means you can’t complete it. It’s a good idea to schedule in a service a few weeks before your goal ride/event.

4. Wear the right clothes

Clothing is another thing to think about when planning long distance cycling. What to wear will vary depending on whether you’ll be riding in spring , summer, autumn or winter. Items you may not have thought of, for example, could include a neck warming buff, arm warmers, a gilet and windproof items such as jerseys or gloves.

Where you’ll be going for your cycling holiday or taking part in a sportive will also play a huge part in what to wear. You’re going to need different clothing for the French Alps than for a tropical island, for example!

Weather forecast

Which brings us neatly onto the weather forecast. What are the skies likely to have in store? This will depend again on the destination – and the season. One of the key factors when planning how to ride long distance cycling is to dress appropriately and be prepared for inclement conditions. (We share our favourite weather forecast app in this article !)

Cycling shorts are classic riding apparel for a reason. A good pad is key to an enjoyable long ride. Shorts reduce friction when in the saddle, and the streamlined shape makes the rider more aerodynamic. Cycling shorts are also very flexible, and can even help to keep the muscles compressed.

Chamois cream

Chamois cream can be applied directly to the skin, or to the inside of your cycling shorts. It’s applied to the areas that come into contact with the saddle to reduce friction. This turn will improve comfort, which for a long ride is even more important! It’s certainly one to consider for your list of long distance cycling essentials.

Wearing the right cycling shoes can really enhance your comfort level on the bike. Not to mention improving your performance. Whether to go for velcro straps, laces or dual dial fastenings is personal, but we’d say always invest in the best cycling shoes your budget will stretch to.

Go for the best quality and fit you can

Our advice for long distance cycling is not to skimp when it comes to clothing and accessories. A good fit and technical fabrics can make a world of difference, wicking away moisture and ensuring continued comfort. We love the Stolen Goat range and always recommend it.

Know your kit

No one we’ve ever met would advise riding a long way in a brand new, untested piece of kit. So if you’re planning on an upgrade, do it well before the big ride!

5. Bring the right kit

Once your big day gets closer, it’s time to think about your long distance cycling checklist for packing . What you’ll take along depends on whether you’re taking your own bike, or hiring one.

The clothing you’ll pack depends on how long you’ll be away and the climate. You’ll also need casual wear for when you’re off the bike. Plus any personal items, electronics and documents for your trip.

Water bottle(s)

How many water bottles will you need and how big should they be? You should be taking a few sips every 10 to 15 minutes.

For a long ride, you’ll certainly want two water bottles with you. If it’s going to be hot, it’s also worth finding out in advance where you can refill these along the way. Size-wise, you need enough to keep you hydrated between refill points – but not overly heavy bottles that will weigh you down. We tend to do long rides with two 750ml bottles.

There are certain tools you’ll need to take along on long distance cycling trips. Rear pockets in your jersey and/or a saddlebag are the best places to carry these – which you choose is a question of personal preference. Some people hate riding with full pockets. Others hate the look of a saddlebag and are happy to put up with bulging pockets instead!

Items to include are repair patches and inner tubes, a pump, lightweight plastic tyre levers, a quick release chain link and a multitool.

If you’re riding in a group, don’t be the one that relies on everyone else to bring the tools they need. Trust me, they’re never popular!

Phone (and apps)

Make sure your phone is fully charged before setting off. If you use the GPS, this will use a lot of battery life, so you may need a power pack too – or get a cycling computer instead so you don’t use your phone for GPS.

In case of emergencies, protect your phone from the elements and add an emergency contact number.

Don’t forget to load/reload any cycling apps you might want to use, in advance of your epic ride.

How are you going to plan your route? If you’re using GPS, do be aware that this will drain your phone’s battery very quickly. A paper map is always a good back-up in any case. It could get you out of trouble if technology fails!

You might need cash or a card for a cafe stop, a full meal or even a taxi ride if you do get stuck, so don’t go without packing some cash and/or a card!

6. Get your nutrition right

While one of the benefits of long distance cycling can be weight control, it’s also critical to eat and drink properly. We’ve got a whole article dedicated to nutrition, but here are a few of the main points to consider.

What you eat and drink

Drinking regularly as mentioned above is important – and in advance of the long ride too.

You don’t have to load up on carbs in advance of the ride. Light protein such as fish or chicken plus rice, pasta or potatoes makes a perfect meal. A breakfast of porridge or omelette is also ideal.

While you’re on the road you’ll also need to take in nutrition. Gels and bars are ideally suited to on the go refuelling. We suggest taking along a mix of types, such as natural, sugary, protein-packed or caffeinated snacks (read this article for the low down on the best snacks for cycling ). You’re riding a long way; eat good stuff, it will fuel you for your ride and it’ll have benefits for your mind-game too (more on that below).

When you eat and drink it

There are lots of different strategies for when you eat. Some people like to program exactly when they’re going to eat. Some like to wait until they are a bit hungry.

If you opt for the latter, just don’t wait until you’re too hungry – it might be too late and you’ll already be well on the way to running out of juice!

Most cyclists agree that it’s best to eat a little and often. But again, this is another thing to practice in training.

7. Ride well

Completing a challenge ride is not just about raw fitness. Things like pedal stroke and pacing make a big difference too.

Pedal efficiently

Once you’ve had that bike fitting, another of the pro long ride cycling tips is to perfect your pedalling. It’s all about the position. Your knee should be above the ball of your foot when the pedal is at three o’clock, with the knee slightly bent when it passes the six o’clock mark.

Pace yourself

Like long distance running, long distance road cycling requires you to pace yourself. Practice makes perfect here, so working on this is something to add to your training schedule. Don’t go off too hard!

Be effortless

The French call it “souplesse”, the Italians call it “sprezzatura”. The nearest English-equivalent is probably elegance. Your aim should be to be smooth, graceful and effortless on the bike. Not only will it mean you don’t waste energy, but you’ll look good too!

Don’t waste time

Don’t get me wrong, photos and coffee stops are important, but if you’re on a long ride, you should always have one mind on the clock. If you’re riding an event, know when your cut-off times are; know when dusk is going to fall and how far it is to where you’re staying that night. Don’t waste time faffing around, queuing unnecessarily or taking your millionth photo if you don’t have time and you’ll regret it later. Remember the bigger objective!

8. Use your brain

Cycling is both a physical and a mental game. Often a cyclist’s head will give up before their legs do. So a bit of self-belief and a good dollop of determination go a long way.

Half way through your first mega ride, you might start to wonder why you embarked on this crazy plan at all. “Remind me, why are we doing this anyway?!” It would be surprising if you didn’t have that thought at some stage!

If you’ve picked right, your ride will be hard, you will get tired, you will get hungry. But if you can accept and deal with that, then it’s all part of what will make your ride the incredible adventure and challenge you were looking for.

Play mental games

Good preparation can be a big part of winning the mental game. If you know your route really well, if you know your elevations, where you’re going to stop, where you’ll be able to rest your legs on a long downhill – and so on – this can really help you feel you’re going to be able to complete the challenge ahead of you.

Some cyclists like to break up a long ride into chunks. Perhaps based on where they’re planning to stop for a break or food. This can make what seemed like a huge distance at the start of the day, much more manageable.

Another good tip if you’re feeling negative is to think about all the hard rides that you’ve completed previously and all the training you’ve done to be on this ride. This can be a major motivator.

Benefits of long bike rides

It can also be helpful to remember the physical benefits of long bike rides!

Cycling is typically a good idea for your body. The exercise strengthens your heart and other muscles, reduces fat levels within the blood and lowers your resting heart rate. Cycling can also improve coordination and balance.

Long distance cycling on a bike can build on this. Endurance riding can also make for a more efficient aerobic energy system as your fitness levels improve. This enhances your chances of completing a race – and performing well.

Other long distance cycling benefits include improved mental health, effective weight control, a stronger immune system, better brain power, and more satisfying sleep.

Keep thinking while you’re riding

When the going gets tough, don’t switch off your brain. It can be worth having a regular check through a list of points to ensure you haven’t zoned out of the important things that will let your body keep going. For example

Am I hungry? Am I thirsty?
How far have I gone? How far have I got to go?
Does anything hurt?
Am I going too fast? Could I go faster?

9. Other practical long distance cycling tips

Boring but true – don’t forget to check the rules of the road for wherever you’re riding.

And if you’re going abroad to ride, check current government advice for the country you’re going to. Also make sure you have insurance cover , and take a look at the weather forecast before booking.

For more tips on how to plan an overseas holiday, read our full article on planning a cycle holiday .

Preparation for long distance cycling is key to success. Getting your clothing, kit and bike just right can be every bit as important as putting a training and nutrition plan in place.

But with a little forward planning, preparing for a long cycle ride doesn’t have to be difficult. It can even be fun!

We hope this article has inspired your long distance ride preparations. Do share your tips below!

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Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels – and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they’re there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

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Long Ride Checklist: What You Need Before You Roll Out

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When preparing for a longer race, like a half or full Ironman, long rides are an essential part of the training plan. But the longer the ride, the more potential for things to go wrong: flat tires , getting lost, bonking, heat exhaustion… dozens of variables can make the difference between nailing that mega session and hailing a Uber for you and your bike from the middle of nowhere. But fear not – a little preparation can go a long way. By crossing things off of a long ride checklist and stashing the right gear on your bike and in your jersey pockets, you’ll be able to ride on (and on, and on, and on…).

Long Ride Checklist: On Your Body

Jersey Shorts Shoes Sunglasses Helmet

Before you put any clothing on your body, cover your skin in sunscreen – experts recommend an SPF rating of 30 or higher, and applying a shot-glass sized amount from head to toe 15 minutes before outside activity.

Chamois cream can quite literally save your rear end on long rides. Avoid chafing and saddle sores by applying the cream to the undercarriage and inner thighs just before sliding into your bike shorts.

Bonus Stash: Some cyclists find that carrying a small tube of lip balm keeps wind-chapped lips from becoming a painful distraction in the final miles.

Pro Tip: Sunscreen wears off two hours – even faster when a person is sweating profusely. UPF gear , however, has serious staying power. Consider investing in arm sleeves, which will keep you sun-safe, no matter how long you’re riding.

Long Ride Checklist: Under the Seat

Under-saddle bag Two spare tubes Emergency patches Tire lever C02 and Dispenser (or hand pump)

Bonus Stash: Carry a small multi-tool , too. They come in handy for everything from mid-ride seat adjustments to tightening loose bolts on a bumpy route.

Pro Tip: If you don’t know how to change or patch a flat tire, get to your local bike shop, STAT – many offer tire-changing clinics.

Long Ride Checklist: On the Bars

The night before your ride, plug in any electronic components you’ll need, which may include a bike computer, head and tail lights, GPS watch, or electronic shifters.

Bonus Stash: Don’t forget to charge up your cell phone , too. Nothing’s worse than being stranded with a broken bike and a dead cell phone (It happens. A lot. And it’s really not fun).

Pro tip: If you’re prone to forgetting these items, place a brightly-colored sticky note on the handlebars to serve as a visual reminder to get connected before rolling out.

Long Ride Checklist: On the Frame

Hydration (traditional bottles or aero) Always plan ahead for your hydration needs. Calculate how much fluid you need to drink per hour; if you can’t carry the total amount on your bike, plot out a route where you can refill your water bottles at regular intervals, either at home, a public water fountain, or a gas station.

If you use a powder or tablet for electrolytes , be sure to mix your bottles pre-ride and carry extra to mix in for refills. Though any powders are available in individual-serving packets, a more affordable (and environmentally-friendly) option is to reuse a pill bottle: scoop one serving into the bottle, then mark the level with a permanent marker. Add additional servings as necessary, marking the level on the bottle each time for easy measurement when dispersing.

Bonus Stash: Keep a $20 bill somewhere on the bike, like your under-seat bag. If you make an unpleasant detour to Bonk City mid-ride, you’ll be glad for the ability to purchase an emergency bottle of cola.

Pro Tip: For super-hot summer rides, fill your water bottles halfway with your water-electrolyte mix, then freeze overnight. On the morning of your ride, fill the rest of the way. The ice will melt over the miles, keeping your drink cool without diluting your electrolytes.

Long Ride Checklist: In the Jersey Pocket

Calories are critical on a long ride! Some opt to take their calories in liquid form, but for many, some kind of fuel – be it gels, chews, bars, or real-food sources – is a must. A good rule of thumb is to carry enough calories for every hour of riding, plus a “just-in-case” serving. In other words, carry the gels you know you’ll eat, but keep a bar or waffle in the pocket, too, just in case gels suddenly sound disgusting or you take a wrong turn somewhere and have to ride for longer than planned.

Bonus Stash: Most bike jerseys and triathlon kits have ample pocket space to carry nutrition. But if your super-sleek aero suit is lacking in stash space, consider installing a bento box on the top tube. This aero addition keeps food within easy reach without adding drag to your bike.

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What is a Long Bike Ride? Exploring the Essentials and Benefits

June 18, 2023
No comments
9 minute read
Andrew Hampsten

Defining a long bike ride, fitness level, physical training, bike maintenance, nutrition and hydration plan, protective gear, local clubs and organizations, online sources, how long should a beginner bike ride, what distance is ideal for weight loss through cycling, what is the average time to complete a 25-mile bike ride, how many calories are burned during a 40-mile bike ride, what is the average cycling distance in kilometers, what’s considered a long bike ride in terms of hours or miles.

The concept of a long bike ride can vary significantly depending on an individual’s experience, fitness level, and personal goals. Cycling enthusiasts often have different opinions on what constitutes a long ride, making it essential to consider various factors when determining the appropriate distance for each cyclist.

For an average person with a moderate fitness level, a long bike ride might be around 20 miles. However, this distance may not seem as challenging for an intermediate cyclist, who may consider a 40-60 mile ride to be lengthy. Advanced riders, on the other hand, could view cycling 70-100 miles or more as an extended journey. Various environmental factors, such as terrain and weather, can also influence the perception of a long ride. Ultimately, determining what constitutes a long bike ride largely depends on an individual’s cycling experience and physical health.

A long bike ride can be a subjective term, as it depends on an individual’s experience, skill level, and physical fitness. For some, a 15-mile ride may seem lengthy, while others may consider anything over 70 miles as a long journey. The key to understanding what constitutes a long bike ride is to examine various factors that contribute to the different perceptions.

For people of average fitness, a long bike ride typically covers about 20 miles . This distance can be challenging for beginners, as it requires a decent level of physical endurance and cycling experience. More casual or occasional cyclists may find an hour or 10 to 15 miles to be a long ride.

Intermediate cyclists, who are used to more regular riding and have built up endurance, may consider 40 to 60 miles as a long ride. These cyclists often participate in group rides or events that demand a higher level of stamina and skill.

Advanced cyclists, on the other hand, may define a long bike ride as 70 to 100+ miles . These individuals often partake in ultra-distance events and have trained for many years to achieve impressive endurance levels. Such cyclists are accustomed to spending hours on the saddle and tackling various terrains, making this range of distance a more appropriate definition of a long ride.

The type of bike used can also influence perceptions of a long ride. For example, a road bike with drop handlebars and lightweight frame allows for more speed and distance, while a mountain bike with wider tires and suspension is suited to shorter, off-road rides. Therefore, a long bike ride may vary based on the cyclist’s choice of equipment.

In conclusion, what is considered a long bike ride depends on various factors, including an individual’s fitness level, cycling experience, and the type of bike used. Ultimately, it’s important to understand that each cyclist’s definition of a long ride is unique to their capabilities and preferences.

Essential Factors to Consider

When determining what constitutes a long bike ride, there are several essential factors to consider. These factors include the rider’s fitness level, the terrain, and the distance.

The rider’s fitness level plays a significant role in deciding what is considered a long bike ride for them. For beginner cyclists, a ride of 20 miles may be considered long, whereas more experienced and fitter riders may not find it challenging. It’s crucial to assess your endurance and physical abilities before embarking on a long ride, and gradually increase mileage and intensity to avoid overexertion and potential injury.

Another essential factor to consider is the terrain of the ride. Hilly and more challenging routes can make a bike ride feel significantly longer, even if the total distance covered is relatively shorter. For example, a 50-mile ride on a hilly terrain can feel as exhausting as a 100-mile ride on a flat course. When planning a long ride, it’s important to take into account the elevation gains, road surface, and other environmental factors that may impact the ride’s difficulty.

Finally, the actual distance of the bike ride is an obvious factor when determining what is considered a long ride. While opinions on this may vary, some general benchmarks can be used as a basis for what is considered a “long” bike ride:

25 miles: A moderate cycling distance for most enthusiasts.
40 miles: A relatively challenging ride for the average cyclist.
100 miles: Known as a century ride, this is a significant milestone for many cyclists and often considered a long ride.

It’s essential to remember that these distances are subjective, and what may be considered a long ride for one cyclist can be different for another. The main goal should be focusing on personal growth, challenge, and enjoyment during your cycling journey.

Preparing for a Long Bike Ride

When preparing for a long bike ride, it’s essential to gradually increase your miles and intensity. Start by building endurance through shorter rides and gradually increasing the distance over time Reid Bikes . It is also important to incorporate interval training two to three times per week to improve aerobic capacity. For example, ride hard for three minutes and rest for three minutes Livestrong .

Before heading out on a long ride, make sure your bike is in its best condition. This includes checking your tires, brakes, and gears. Also, remember to plug in and charge any electronic components you’ll be using during the ride, such as a bike computer, head and tail lights, and electronic shifters Triathlete .

For optimal performance during a long bike ride, it’s vital to have a nutrition and hydration plan in place. Ensure you have enough water and electrolytes to keep yourself hydrated. In addition, pack energy-dense food items, such as energy bars and bananas, to consume throughout the ride. Maintaining a balanced and sufficient intake of nutrients will help support your body’s energy demands and prevent fatigue.

Safety Measures

Cycling is an enjoyable and healthy activity, but it’s essential to prioritize safety measures when considering a long bike ride. In this section, we’ll discuss the importance of wearing protective gear, carrying first aid supplies, and navigating your route safely, ensuring an enjoyable and secure cycling experience.

Wearing proper safety gear while cycling is essential for all riders, regardless of age and experience. In particular, your head and hands need reliable protection during a long bike ride. The most important accessory to wear is a helmet . Helmets reduce the risk of head injuries, and they should fit securely and comfortably.

In addition to a helmet, other protective gear such as gloves, padded shorts, and cycling shoes can help minimize injuries and discomfort during the ride. When selecting your gear, make sure to choose appropriate clothing for the weather conditions to avoid overexertion or overheating.

Preparing a compact first aid kit for long bike rides is vital for dealing with unexpected injuries. Your first aid kit should include essentials such as band-aids, adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptic wipes, and an elastic bandage. Pain relievers, sunscreen, and insect repellent are also useful additions if you expect exposure to environmental factors.

In case of an emergency, be familiar with basic first aid procedures and be prepared to use your kit effectively. It’s recommended that cyclists take a first aid course or refresh their first aid skills periodically to stay prepared.

Navigating your route accurately and securely is essential to avoid getting lost during a long bike ride. Plan your route in advance and familiarize yourself with the landmarks and directions. Using a bike-specific GPS device , smartphone navigation app or a traditional map is an excellent way to assist with navigation.

Moreover, be aware of traffic rules , signage, and any potential hazards that may exist along your planned route. Prioritize routes with designated bike lanes, well-maintained trails, or less traveled roads to ensure a safer journey.

By paying attention to these safety measures, you can better enjoy your long bike ride and reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.

Finding Long Bike Rides

One effective way to discover long bike rides is by connecting with local clubs and organizations. Many cycling clubs arrange group rides of varying distances to accommodate riders with different skill levels and preferences. By joining a club, you can benefit from the experience of fellow cyclists, who will likely be familiar with good routes for lengthy rides in your area. Additionally, participating in organized events, such as charity rides and sportives, offers opportunities for tackling longer distances with the support of route markings, rest stops, and mechanical assistance.

In addition to local clubs, there are numerous online resources available for finding long bike rides. Websites like RideWithGPS and Strava provide extensive databases of user-generated routes, making it easy to search for rides of a specific length in your area. These platforms offer helpful tools such as route planning, elevation profiles, and downloadable GPS files for convenient navigation. Furthermore, social media groups and forums dedicated to cycling often share information about upcoming events and recommended long bike routes, providing valuable insights from the cycling community. By exploring both local and online resources, you’ll be well-equipped to find a long bike ride suited to your abilities and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

A beginner’s bike ride length depends on one’s fitness level and comfort on a bike. It’s generally recommended that a beginner starts with rides of 30 minutes to an hour, gradually increasing the distance as they gain more experience and confidence. The primary focus should be on getting comfortable with the bike and maintaining a consistent pace.

Weight loss through cycling can be achieved with consistent rides of moderate intensity. It is essential to combine cycling with a healthy diet for effective weight loss. An ideal distance for weight loss varies depending on the individual’s fitness level, but a good starting point is around 30 minutes to an hour of cycling per day, gradually increasing the distance and intensity as fitness improves.

The average time to complete a 25-mile bike ride varies depending on the riders’ skill level, the terrain, and weather conditions. On flat terrain, a recreational cyclist with an average speed of 12 to 14 miles per hour can expect to complete a 25-mile bike ride in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.

The number of calories burned during a 40-mile bike ride depends on factors such as the rider’s weight, the intensity of the ride, and the riding terrain. On average, a person weighing 150 lbs can burn around 1,100 to 1,500 calories during a 40-mile bike ride, with heavier riders burning more calories.

Cycling distances vary greatly depending on the purpose of the ride, the rider’s fitness level, and the terrain. It’s essential to consider the individual’s goals and abilities when determining an average cycling distance. For recreational riders, an average cycling distance could be anywhere from 15 to 40 kilometers, while more experienced cyclists may cover distances of 50 kilometers or more in a single ride.

A long bike ride is subjective and depends on the rider’s experience and fitness level. For some, a long bike ride may be anything over 20 miles, while others may consider rides of 30 to 40 miles or more to be long bike rides source . In terms of hours, a long bike ride could range from 2 to 6 hours or more, depending on factors such as the rider’s pace, terrain, and rest stops.

In summary, determining what is considered a long bike ride depends on several factors, such as an individual’s experience, skill level, and physical fitness. Some people might find 25 miles to be a long ride, while others might only consider distances of 40 or 100 miles long.

As a rider’s fitness and experience increase, their perception of what constitutes a long bike ride may change. It is essential to gradually build the distance and intensity of rides to develop the necessary endurance for longer distances.

There is no one-size-fits-all definition for a long bike ride. Ultimately, it is up to the individual cyclist to determine what they consider as a long ride based on their level of fitness and experience . It is crucial to listen to one’s body and adjust the ride length accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling experience.

Andrew is a passionate bike enthusiast who has been cycling for over a decade. With a deep love for exploring the outdoors, he spends most of his free time on two wheels, discovering new trails and pushing his limits. When he's not cycling, John works as a freelance writer and shares his cycling experiences through his writing, inspiring others to hit the road and explore the world on a bike.

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How to ride longer distances

Riding longer distances is a true feat of endurance but it takes time, energy and preparation. we spoke to two canyon riders who know all about it: emily chappell and james hayden..

Every rider remembers their first 100 km and initiatives like the Rapha Women’s 100 have encouraged many cyclists to take on the annual challenge. Knowing your legs and bold determination have carried you such a long distance gives a sense of accomplishment that is unmatched. If you’re yet to spend longer than a few hours in the saddle, you needn’t be put off. Long distance cycling requires not only fitness but also tactics and planning.

Long distance bike rides require high levels of endurance built up over a period of weeks, months or even years for ultra-distance rides. The best method of increasing your endurance is the one that works for you. Everybody’s different, so you’d be wise to figure out what works for you and go at your own pace.

If there are two people that know more than most about riding long distances, it’s Emily Chappell and James Hayden. Both riders have won the Transcontinental Bike Race which is a 4000 km ride across Europe. While Emily continues predominantly with long distance road cycling, James has jumped into the world of long distance mountain biking and gravel racing , too. We asked both of them for their tips for getting on your bike to ride longer distances.

What is long distance cycling?

The definition of what actually constitutes a long-distance bike ride is open to discussion. What’s categorised as long distance for one person can be considered relatively short for the next. For the purposes of this article, we’ll be referring to rides longer than 100 km.

How to increase your distance:

Nobody goes from 0-100 km+ overnight. Like most other things, it takes practice, trial and error, and time. Emily Chappell’s odometer means she is a real expert in this field so she’s given us a few of her long distance cycling tips that have enabled her to conquer her cycling dreams.

The most ambitious projects start small and long distance cycling is one of them. If you know you’re capable of comfortably riding 70 km then try adding 10 km to that distance over the course of a couple of weeks.

“I always try to stretch further and further from home seeing more wonderful locations and routes,” says James Hayden who is applying this exact mentality to his new home roads in Girona, Spain.

After the winter months, you’ll want to ease yourself into it to get a feel for your current fitness. As daylight increases and the mercury rises, it becomes easier to ride for longer. Sign up for cycling events including sportives and races or even scout out your local audax or randonneuring club. Randonneuring is a form of ultra-distance cycling - a discipline steeped in history and tradition around the world.

“A super randonneur award (200 km, 300 km, 400 km, 600 km in one season or year) is a good way of creating stepping stones throughout the season,” says Emily. “I also like to book in visits with friends and family who live a requisite distance away.”

One of the easiest mistakes is to be a little too over excited at the very start of your ride and blow up halfway around because the pace was just a little too spicy for you. We’ve all learned the hard way, but you can avoid making this mistake from the moment you set off.

If you’re planning to ride for 8 hours, make sure you save some energy for later on in the day. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of others at the start of an event but if you focus on yourself and ride well within your comfort zone at least for the first half, you can push on for the final part of your route when you know you’re getting closer to home.

“I’ve discovered (over many years and thousands of miles) that I ride best in the morning, slow down in the afternoon then perk up again after sunset,” reveals Emily though she confesses that it’s easier when riding alone when you don’t have others to whom you invariably end up comparing yourself. “Try taking a longer view and think about how much progress you make daily rather than whether you’re falling behind in any particular moment,” she adds.

Riding long distances means you’re out and about for hours or days at a time. Some people prefer to ride alone but for others the motivation and company of fellow riders can help a great deal in persevering when the going gets tough.

“It makes a huge difference knowing that you have a cohort of people who get it,” concludes Emily. She points out that these people can exist both in real life or within your mind, the latter she explains: “I call this my invisible peloton and when a ride gets really hard, I sometimes imagine they’re riding around me or ahead of me to take me in the wind. This is one of the reasons why social media can be such a lifeline on long rides - it helps you feel less alone.”

Finding someone else who has the same goals as you will work wonders for helping you reach your long distance targets.

When riding long distances, you’re likely to ride into territory you won’t have covered before but this is no bad thing. “I find that riding through new areas makes some rides go faster as my senses are overloaded,” explains James, referring to the constant buzz of discovering new people and places. “Do your research before the ride: look for new, interesting areas and also determine the terrain, services available and potential weather,” he advises.

Emily echoes many of his sentiments but highlights the different types of events will dictate your route. “If it’s a race, you’ll want the shortest, flattest route between A and B. If you’re out for an adventure, I’d recommend giving yourself as much time as possible to allow for detours and quieter roads,” she suggests. “My favourite discoveries have always been the ones I wasn’t expecting!”

Apps like Strava , Ride With GPS, Komoot and Epic Ride Weather are essential for people planning their next great escape.

What to eat during a long bike ride

It’ll come as no surprise that riding long distances also requires adequate fuel to get around. If you don’t provide your body with enough energy, you will “hit the wall” so to speak. This occurs when your body is hypoglycemic (low in blood sugar).

The most important aspect of fuelling is figuring out what works for you. No two people are the same and what works for one person may not work for you. Eating while cycling for hours at a time can put your body under a lot of stress, so it’s important to try different foods at different times of the ride.

Carbohydrates, fats and proteins all have their place in the human diet, however there’s a lot to be said for eating what you crave while riding long distances. Importantly, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Not only is this vital for your health but it also keeps you more alert when you’re tired.

What to wear on a long distance ride

Comfort should be high on your list of priorities when riding your bike a long way. If you’re not comfortable on your bike then things will turn sour pretty quickly. Kit can sometimes take quite a while to break in and it also takes time to figure out which items work best for you.

“Research and advice will only get you so far because everyone’s anatomy and riding style is different,” explains Emily. She acknowledges that indoor training can work wonders on your fitness but for kit, there’s good reasons to venture outdoors. “You need to put your kit through all the horrible conditions you might experience during your challenge. As a general rule, I set myself the deadline of making no new kit decisions within a month of the event,” she insists.

Important pieces of kit to test for long distance cycling include cycling shoes, bib shorts, gloves and upper body layers such as jerseys, base layers, gilets and jackets. Find out what’s comfortable for you regarding the kit combinations that will survive rain, sun and everything in between.

What to take on a long distance bike ride

Just like any other bike ride, you should take a repair kit that includes one or two spare tubes, a pump and tyre levers. If your ride ventures into more remote territory, a spare derailleur hanger and a couple of spokes won’t weigh you down and could save your bike ride from disaster. You’ll need a multitool and a spoke key for any roadside repairs. Another useful tool is a chainbreaker (sometimes included on many multitools) and a couple of quicklinks. Broken chains are fairly common especially off-road, so don’t be caught out.

If you’re out for a whole day or longer, a battery pack and the relevant cables are useful for charging lights, a GPS computer and your phone. The last thing you want is to be lost in the dark with no phone battery! You can easily stash these essentials in a frame bag for easy access but it’s good to keep your electricals in a waterproof dry bag just in case the weather turns unexpectedly.

Finally, a credit card can be useful for getting yourself out of unfortunate situations. Keep it separate to your other money in case you lose your wallet or it gets stolen.

Best bikes for long distance rides

Depending on the terrain, the best bike is also the most comfortable. Typically, the geometry of endurance bikes is more relaxed and less aggressive than other road bikes. Bikes like our Endurace are designed for going the distance on the road thanks to a lightweight frame and an ergonomic riding position.

For long distance off-road exploits, the Grizl is a clear winner for multi-terrain gravel riding over hundreds of kilometres. It’s set up for carrying all your gear and is the reliable friend when you’re seeking off-grid adventures.

James Hayden rides an Exceed mountain bike for long distance rides across harsh, rocky terrain like the Silk Road Mountain Race, Atlas Mountain Race and in training.

Where will your bike take you?

Now you’re equipped with everything you need to know, it’s time for you to ride off into the sunset. Which long-distance adventure will you take on? Make sure you tag us in your photos on Instagram!

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How to Prepare for Your First Long-Distance Bike Ride

Planning for your first long ride is exciting. Knowing what to bring and how to prepare your bike will give you more confidence going into your first long ride. As long as you know that you are prepared to fix minor problems, you can focus on enjoying – and finishing – the ride rather than worrying about things that could go wrong.

In this article, we’ll take a look at items you’ll want to bring on a long ride and how to prepare your bike and yourself for the ride. We’ll tell you how to pack them, too. And lastly, we’ll take a look at some extra items if you’re planning on an ultra-long ride. Let’s get started.

How Long is a Long Bike Ride?

The answer depends on how experienced you are as a cyclist. If you just got started cycling, maybe 50 km or 30 miles is hard and you might need to bring snacks for the ride. For experienced cyclists, a 100 km or 60-mile ride might not be too hard so they only bring two bidons and some cash with them.

It also depends on how far away you are going. If you ride 100 km within the city, you won’t probably need to bring spare tubes and a pump with you since you can go home easily. If you ride 50 km to a remote area, you definitely want to bring extra supplies with you.

Basically, if it’s outside of your comfort zone, you will want to be extra prepared. And it’s better to be overprepared than not.

What to Bring on a Long Ride

How to Pack Your Gear

Additional List for an Ultra-Distance Ride
How to Prepare Your Bike
How to Prepare Your Body

What to Bring on Your Long Bike Ride

If you’re going for a long ride, you’ll definitely want to bring along the following items.

Two bidons . Never ride without hydration! You should be drinking 1 to 2 bidons per hour, so if you ride more than two hours, plan some stops in your ride to refill them. You can also fill one of your bottles with plain water and the other with electrolytes.

Some people prefer having one large bidon and using the other bottle cage for storage. That’s okay too, but if you have a small bike frame it can be difficult to take and put the bidon back in the cage when you’re on the road.

Tubeless tire plugs . Tubeless tires will reseal if you get a small puncture. For a large puncture, though, you’ll need some tubeless tire plugs. They come in small packages that are easy to pack on your bike or in your jersey pockets.

Spare inner tubes . Even if you run tubeless, bringing spare inner tubes is a good idea because sometimes they can fail to seal the hole. If you use clinchers, make sure you bring more than one tube. Using TPU inner tubes can save some space, but they can be tricky to install.

Tire patch kit . Patch kits are useful if you run out of spare tubes. They take up almost no room, so always bring some of those along. Self-adhesive patches are the easiest to apply when you’re out on the road.

Three tire levers . Even if you can take off your tire at home without them, it’s still a good idea to bring tire levers on the road because your hands might be tired from the ride. You need at least two levers, but if your tire is new or hard to take off, bring three tire levers in case you break one of them.

Tire boot . A tire boot is a heavy piece of paper or cotton that goes inside your tire if it gets a long slice. If you leave the hole open, the inner tube will get pinched and blow. Some people use dollar bills, duct tape, snack packaging, or dry leaves as a tire boot in a pinch.

Mini pump or CO2 pump . A high-quality mini pump is a valuable asset on a long ride. Cheaper versions will work, but you might spend all day pumping up your tire! You can choose to attach it to your frame or fit it inside your saddle bag. Many people prefer to use a CO2 inflator, if you’re one of them, bring along a nozzle and a couple of mini CO2 canisters. If you’re not experienced in using CO2, bring more canisters.

Multitool with chain splitter . Always bring your multitool, even if you don’t know how to use it. If you have a mechanical, you might be able to fix it with your multitool – or flag down a passing cyclist who can. Even if you don’t have a mechanical, you might need some minor adjustments to your seat or bars if you have pain on your ride.

Choose a multitool that has a chain splitter on it. If your chain breaks, this will make it possible to fix it on the road.

Chain quick link . The chain splitter is useless if you don’t bring a quick link with you. Some multitools have hidden storage for quick links, but I personally don’t use them. Make sure your chain links are stored in waterproof storage because they get rusted very easily.

Energy gels or bars . To fuel your ride, you should be taking in 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour, which is around 120 to 240 calories. So make sure you pack enough energy gels or bars for your entire ride.

Sunscreen . If you’re going to be gone for a few hours or more, you’ll need to bring along some sunscreen so you can reapply it to protect yourself from sunburn and skin cancer. Most sunscreens last up to two hours, or less if you sweat a lot.

You can also bring sun protection clothing if you prefer to reapply sunscreen multiple times.

Warm and waterproof layers . The weather during spring and autumn can be totally unpredictable, so you’ll want to pack (or wear) some extra layers if it’s cool. Consider wool for warmth and a packable raincoat to keep you dry.

Headlight and taillight . You should always have these with you, not just for long bike rides. A headlight and taillight will make you more visible to passing motorists, helping you to stay safe on the road. If you plan to ride at night, make sure to have at least 600 lumens on your front light, or brighter if you’re outside the city.

Cash and mobile phone . So bring along some cash in case you need food, water, or other items. And don’t forget to pack your cell phone so you can call for help or an Uber or just take pictures for bragging rights.

You’re probably wondering how to pack all of these goodies on the bike. Here are a few ideas to help you safely stash everything you need.

In jersey pockets: A jersey with good pockets is a great place to pack some of your most essential items: your mobile phone, money, ID, keys, and energy gels. Also, if you need to, you can stash your mini pump in a jersey pocket, especially if it can’t be mounted on your bike frame or packed in your bags.

Saddle bag: A good saddlebag can fit a lot of items. It’s a good spot for your spare tubes, patch kit, tubeless plugs, tire levers, tire boot, multitool, and quick link. Pack your items carefully so that nothing rubs or puts a hole in your tubes.

Handlebar or top tube bag: These are my favorite bags to stash food, sunscreen, and your spare clothes. A small top tube bag makes it easy to reach your treats and eat them on the go.

If your bags aren’t big enough for the rest, bring panniers or put your tools and tubes in a spare bottle.

In terms of aero drag, a saddle bag is better than a top tube bag, and a handlebar bag is the worst. So, if you only bring the most essential items, use a saddle bag unless you want them to be accessible while riding the bike, then a handlebar or top tube back might be best.

What to Pack for Ultra-Distance and Multi-Day Rides

You’ll want to consider some additional items if you’re going on ultra-long rides. If you’re going to be on an all-day ride or a multi-day ride, bring along some of these:

Chain lube . A squeaky chain can be really annoying over the course of a long ride, it’ll make you slower, and it can cause damage to your drive train. If the weather is wet, your lube will be washed off faster than you think. A little bottle of chain lube can help.

Spare tire . Tire boots are for emergency situations only. If you plan for an ultra-long ride, you will need a spare tire in case you get a big tear. New tires usually came folded nicely, but if you pack an old tire, here’s a video on how to fold them .

Zip ties and duct tape . A little bit of duct tape and some zip ties can fix a multitude of problems. You can attach a broken derailleur hanger, wrangle a wayward spoke, or attach a broken bag strap with these.

You don’t have to bring a whole roll of duct tape. Instead, make 10-30 cm strips and wrap them on your seatpost or seatstay. Make sure to clean the surface first.

Extra jersey, bibs, and socks . If the weather is cold and wet, you could suffer from hypothermia. Extreme heat or rain can cause chafing and saddle sores. Extra bike clothes can be a massive help for long rides.

First aid kit . We hope you never need it, but it’s good to bring it along just in case. You can create your own or find specialized cycling first aid kits that fit in a jersey pocket.

Chamois cream . Prevent chafing and saddle sores with some extra chamois cream mid-ride. One application can last up to 3 hours.

Power bank . If you have one of those bike computers that connect to your phone via Bluetooth, you’ll realize that your phone battery will drop very quickly even when you don’t actively use them. Pack a power bank so you can recharge while you ride.

Wet wipes or compressed towels . If you need to clean your hands after a mechanical, wipe up to eat, or clean your equipment, some compressed towels or wet wipes will help you out. Bring a small pack in your jersey pocket or saddle bag.

Tent and/or sleeping bag . If you plan on sleeping outside.

Spare electronic groupset battery . The biggest downside of an electronic groupset is that if you run out of battery there’s nothing you can do in the middle of the road. Bring a spare battery or two for an ultra-distance and don’t forget to bring the charger too.

If you’re riding with your mates, you can divide up who brings what items. For example, you’ll each need your own cycling clothes, snacks, bidons, and chamois cream, but you could decide who will bring a multi-tool, a first aid kit, and even spare tires if you need to lighten your loads.

Getting Your Bike Ready for a Long Ride

It’s important to make sure your bike is ready for the challenge. There are a few things you can do to get it in shape for the big ride.

Here’s what to prepare at least one week before the long ride:

Clean up and lube your bike . Before you embark on the ride, it’s important to give your bike a good deep cleaning. This includes removing dirt and grime from the frame and components as well as lubing the chain with a lubricant of your choice. Cleaning your bike will help ensure it performs optimally during your long-distance ride. If you have a creaking sound, find the source and fix it.

Properly index the groupset . Hearing ticking noise and getting chain skips during a long ride is super annoying. Make sure your groupset is perfectly tuned.

Check for wear and tear . Check if your tires, chain, cassette, cables, and brake pads, are in usable shape. If not, replace them immediately, and don’t wait until one or two days before the ride day.

It’s not a good idea to replace drivetrain components too close to the long ride because you might not have enough time if something goes wrong. If the chain, cassette, or chainring is slightly worn out but still usable for a few hundred kilometers, it’s probably best not to replace it just before a long ride.

Stop adjusting your bike fit . If you need a bike fit, do it no sooner than one week before the big ride. Your body needs to adapt to the new position, and doing it too late might do more harm than good.

Don’t change contact point components . For the same reason as bike fit, don’t get new handlebar, saddle, pedal, and shoes one week before the ride.

Check your tubeless sealant . If you use tubeless and haven’t refilled the sealant for months, make sure it’s not dry. To check, move the valve to the bottom and open it, then insert a small stick and see if it’s still wet.

Try your new bags . If this will be the first time you ride with bike bags, give it a try with all the gears packed. You need to get used to how it feels riding with bags, and it might not be that easy if you pack heavy.

And here’s what to do the day before and just before the long ride:

Charge your power meter, bike computer, lights, and electronic groupset
Check for tire pressure
Re-lube your chain if you ride a lot in the last week
Make sure your lights and brakes work
Slightly lift and drop your bike to check if there’s an abnormal rattling sound

How to Prepare Yourself for a Long Bike Ride

Our final type of preparation is how to get yourself ready for the long ride, mentally and physically. This will probably take the longest time if you account for the total time you need to train. But if you have a good endurance base already, the rest is just a matter of fueling and knowing what to do during the ride.

How to fuel correctly for a long ride . It’s a long topic on its own so we have a separate article talking specifically about cycling nutrition and how to fuel yourself during a long ride. Give it a read . In a nutshell, you need to eat 30-60 grams of carbohydrates every hour of your ride and 1-2 bidons of water or electrolyte per hour.

Ride in zone 1 and 2 . The most common mistake for beginners is going all-in at the start of their first long ride. Your ride shouldn’t feel hard at all, at least for the first 50-70% of it, unless you’re trying to win a race. If you have weeks to train for an endurance event, increase your distance gradually over the weeks.

If you ride in a big event, your heart rate monitor might not accurately show your zones during the first few hours because of nervousness and your heart rate will be higher than normal. It’s a good idea to learn how it feels to ride in zone 2 if you don’t have a power meter.

Get your body used to your bike . Believe it or not, the biggest challenge for many first-timers to finish a long ride is not the aerobic endurance itself, but the soreness they feel in the upper body – shoulders, neck, lower back, and hands – because they are not used to sitting on a bike for a long time. Even with a proper bike fit, your upper body is bound to get sore if you’re not used to it. Increase your duration on the bike gradually over the weeks.

Don’t race other people . On a mass start event, you will likely be riding with people stronger than you and it’s easy to get pulled along with them. Staying on someone’s slipstream is a good way to save energy, but make sure you don’t go outside your endurance zone just to stay on their wheels.

Remember that you can’t recover your muscle during a ride, so if you’re going too hard at the start, no amount of fueling can fix the fatigue you will get on the second half of the ride.

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Tried and Tested Useful Tips on How to Prepare for a Long Bike Ride for Beginners

Is it your first time planning a long-distance biking trip ? You cannot just pack your bags and hop on a bike if you are a beginner. You need to consider so many factors to be fully prepared for what’s to come in your travel. This guide covers everything you need to know for a fulfilling biking experience, even if you are a beginner. We have prepared a complete checklist for you to keep in your mind before setting your foot outside. Read on!

If you’re planning a long ride, check out Global Cycling Network tips on Youtube on how to prepare and finish it in style! Check their video out!

Do Your Research

Whenever you plan for a long-distance ride , this question always pops into your head, what to do? And the answer to this question is research. Research where you’re planning to go. Know everything about the place, trail, elevation, time, etc. The best way to do that is by downloading any beginner-friendly mobile app on your phone. There are so many beginner-friendly android and iOS apps like Starve, Bikemap, Google Maps, Ride with GPS , and MapMyRide that make your research easy and breezy. Make sure you’re taking full advantage of them before starting your journey. Don’t just download these apps on your phone to use later. Use them NOW to know how they’re working!

Know Your Stopovers

The next thing to consider is your stopovers. On long journeys, you have to make a list of all the places where you will be stopping for a nap or drink or just resting for a while. It’s equally important to plan your itinerary and study your route as well. For example, if the average cycling distance for beginners is 12 km, you should aim for an 8mph speed. Therefore, the distance between two stops should be 12km for you ideally. We suggest spending some time checking the locations where you will be going on Google Maps. In case you plan on setting up camp, ensure you know all the details about the surrounding areas to avoid any problems.

Bring All the Essentials

If you have no idea what essentials to bring along with you, watch some youtube videos on what stuff to pack for the travel. Keep your stuff to a minimum, though. Any useless items will only add to your load. While you may not feel it when you start the journey, bringing along a lot of items can actually slow down your speed. In case you are traveling alone, bring a cooking set gear, a stove, and a lightweight tent. Similarly, a GPS training watch is one of the essentials. It can help you monitor heart rate, and work as a compass as well as a barometer to stay on the right track. Besides, never go out without a waterproof cycling jacket . You never know when it might rain, and shades aren’t always available.

Prepare Yourself – Mentally & Physically

Long bike rides can be physically taxing. Think about all the pain you might have to go through on the road. Are you capable of enduring all the hardships that come with a long-distance ride? Experts say setting out on a bike ride is 70 percent mental and 30 percent physical, and we fully agree. If your mind isn’t ready and you doubt your physical health, you will carry all the anxiety with you. As a result, you won’t be able to fully enjoy your ride. It’s best to prepare yourself physically and mentally with a cycling schedule before you start your journey. Getting yourself checked by a physician is also a good option to be mentally satisfied with your good health.

Build up the endurance

When you are planning for a long trip, assess yourself. If you think you can jump from an hour ride to six-hour without any physical injury, you are wrong. Before taking a big jump, one has to start with baby steps. So, you have to work on your endurance and build it up gradually.

So, the best thing is to add time to your workout slowly. For instance, if you ride one hour a week, add half an hour to it. This technique will help in the building of your stamina. Keep adding hours to your riding, and eventually, you will have the stamina to ride for 6 hours. Your aerobic capacity will develop during this time.

While training, you can keep a power meter to count your lactate threshold. The lactate threshold is a measure of your anaerobic activity. Cyclists achieve the lactate threshold at 95 percent, close to their maximum heart rate.

For building muscle endurance, you have to do strength-building exercises. Squats and lunges can help you in it. Stretch after every workout to develop stiffness and strength.

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Know Your Food in Long Distance Rides

Food is another important consideration. The human body has the capacity to absorb 60-90 g of carbohydrates in an hour, whereas water requirement depends on the temperature and activity. The body utilizes the energy derived from carbohydrates as fuel.

When riding, you require a good amount of energy. You can add this energy to your body in the form of nutritional supplements such as gums, gels, bars, juices, cereals, jellies, candies, or even liquids. It is of least concern that in what form you are taking them, keep up your stock so that you will not be out of energy during riding.

You can store a good quantity of food on your cycle. However, if you remain on cycle for the whole day, at one point, your stock will eventually end.

Thus , be aware of the food available in the area and what you eat. When planning to have a dine-out, make sure you are not having anything unhealthy. Get yourself used too of eating energy-rich food that may not even taste good to your buds. Any stomach issues will result in delays, can prolong your journey, or even abort it altogether. When you ride, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Drink as soon as your body tells you it’s thirsty. Delaying can weaken your body. Also, bring a hydrate along with you. During long-distance rides, you’re burning a lot of salts and sugar. Therefore a hydrate can help keep your essential body nutrients in optimum amount.

Prepare your cycle for the long journey!

As it is a famous saying: ‘one who fails to plan, plans to fail.’ So if you are not planning well before going on your cycling journey, you are actually failing. There is always a chance of any fault in the equipment going wrong, so prepare well before going.

Ensure that everything is working in the proper order. Check the health of the tires so that there is no tearing. Make sure that the chain doesn’t need replacement, and that the gears are absolutely fine.

Keep the spare parts with you that you might need on the ride. Pack some spare brake pads, gear cable, and chainlinks with you. They will aid you if any unfortunate circumstance occurs on the way.

Plan to adventure in a Pack

Although it is exciting to go on a solo adventure, if this is your first experience and you are not very sure about it, I recommend you go with the other riders. A pack of riders will keep you motivated, and your chances of success will significantly increase.

Group riding is also beneficial in a way that you will not face any navigation-related issues. If your bike meets any problem, there are people with you to help you out.

Value your body over your mind!

When you are riding, consider the signals your body is giving you. If your body is telling you that now you need rest, abruptly take rest as it may impact your health in the long run.

Sometimes your brain may deceive you and wants to give up even before your body gets tired. In such a situation, you have to motivate yourself slightly and give yourself small targets.

A Good Bike

Finally, the most important gear is your bike. Make sure you have a good mountain bike if you are hiking on a mountainous trail. Train yourself for the long ride by taking multiple small rides every once in a while. Never go with a bike you aren’t already familiar with. You don’t want it to break down in the middle of the road and end your journey abruptly.

Comfort should be your first priority. With a comfortable bike, you can cover long distances with ease and convenience. Many adventure and bikepacking bikes come with multiple sections where you can store your stuff easily. Likewise, tourism bikes have racks and water bottle cages to make sure you have all the supplies you need for the ride.

Steel Vs. Aluminum Bikes

Do people often wonder whether to go for a steel frame bike or an aluminum bike on long trips? We suggest steel bikes over aluminum ones because:

Steel bikes are stronger
Steel bikes are also cheaper
Steel bikes are less likely to bend, deform or warp under your weight
Steel bikes can carry more load
Steel bikes are better at absorbing any road vibrations
Steel bikes are more durable

Bike Components to Consider For a Long Ride

Final thoughts.

So, that’s pretty much all the helpful cycling tips for long-distance biking for beginners. While your rides will mostly be smooth, bad things can happen at any time on long rides. Therefore, you should always hope for the best and plan for the worst. We hope you know how to prepare for a long bike ride with these tips, and you are well prepared if something goes wrong along the way. Besides all the items we suggested above, you should always keep your ID, documents, and some extra cash stashed somewhere apart from your money. That’s all for now. Thank you for reading!

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a map of available bike routes from Portland Oregon to Boise Idaho

Gear for long bike rides

A summary of the gear I used to ride my bike 675k in three days

This summer I rode from Portland, Oregon to Boise, Idaho (around 675 kilometers or 420 miles) in three days. This is a run through some of the gear that I used. The way I did this ride, and the way that I always do long bike rides, I model after the way most people, myself included, do short rides in the 20-50 mile range.

I ride 200 miles with the same setup as I ride 20 miles.

I do this because it allows me to review gear in the way that people generally use it but taken to an extreme. It’s also something I do because I’m not opposed to letting style take the lead. Even if there might be an easier way to do things. That means I don’t carry any bags on the bike, I don’t use aero bars, and I don’t adjust my fitment.

No luggage on the bike.

Every time I leave my house on a bike I carry a Silca pocket impero . This ride was no different. It fits in my jersey pocket and is no worse for wear despite three years of heavy use. I also carry a small Rapha essentials case . This is a piece I’ve been using for a few years. It’s my favorite way to carry what would otherwise be in a frame bag.

My Rapha essentials case carries everything I need.

In it, you’ll find tire levers, a multi tool, a tube, latex gloves, batteries for my power pedals, some cash, tube patches, pieces of a product called Dynaderm which I use for saddle sores if I have them, my identification, credit card, and on longer rides I usually have some GU electrolyte capsules .

four images combined into one showing dynaderm, a silca pocket impero bike pump, cycling nutrition gear, and a rapha essentials case with flat repair.

My approach to food on the bike might not work for everyone but it works well for me.

For food I have found that I can’t handle real food on long rides. After a while, my digestion shuts down, and my stomach can only tolerate things that are easily digested. I carry a combination of stroopwaffles and gels, and I eat one thing per hour. I’ve used a variety of gels but only stroopwaffles from Honeystinger and GU , with my preference, for both, being GU. Some people complain about how thick GU brand gels are. I actually prefer this. If you prefer different then I would definitely check Science in Sport brand products.

I do make slight changes to the food I bring depending on the type of riding I am doing.

SiS have a thin consistency that’s easy to eat while riding, and they do not require water to accompany them. For long endurance rides, the stroopwafels actually have a nutritional profile that makes more sense. They include more fat, but I tend to still carry more gels since they are smaller.

If I am hammering then it’s SiS gels but long distance means stroopwaffles and GU brand gels.

I use plain water in my bottles, but I will occasionally stop for a Red Bull if I’m needing something different. In the US, you are almost guaranteed to find Red Bull and I find the mix of sugar and caffeine without much carbonation to be perfect.

The most important thing you can do, related to clothing, is plan well.

For clothing, the most important thing I did was plan for a time that I was almost guaranteed good weather. Carrying clothing to cover a wide range of temperature would make things more difficult. That makes it important to know what to expect. This trip was early summer, and I expected hot, but not sweltering, weather. As it turns out, when I left my house in Portland, I did encounter some light rain.

three images showing cycling socks and an emergency cycling jacket.

The only extra piece of gear I carry is the Sportful Hotpack ultralight jacket and it was perfect for the brief rain. It’s also great for long, cold, descents. I did not end up needing it for the rest of the trip, but it packs so small that it was well worth it in case. The kit I wore consisted of the Castelli Aero Race 4 bibs , the Assos Equip RS Aero jersey, and the Skinfoil SS Summer base layer . You can check my review of this years Assos summer bibs, jersey, and base layer but you’ll find me saying nothing but good things. The same is true of the Castelli gear which I’ve already reviewed. So why the mix and match?

Back view of the Assos Equip RS aero jersey with an out of focus background

The bibs from Castelli and Assos have some different approaches, and for me, the Castelli bibs work a bit better. I would have then paired the Castelli jersey with the bibs, but the Assos jersey has bigger pockets. In both cases, there were things from the other brand I would have appreciated.

Each brand offered things I would have liked but I had to make choices.

The longer sleeves of the Castelli Aero Race 6 jersey would have been nice for sun protection, and the Assos S9 Equip RS bibs do a better job in their handling of seams on the upper thigh, but I made the choices that work best for me. Socks came from Handlebar Mustache as I strongly believe in sock doping, and they are some of the best out there.

#sockdoping brings a bit of fun and style to every ride.

The shoes I used were the Giro Prolight techlace . They continue to be, far and away, my favorite cycling shoe for both long and short distances. They are more than stiff enough while still being exceptionally comfortable.

For my helmet, I had to think hard, but I went for aero with the Smith Ignite . Trying to decide if I wanted the lightest helmet or the most aero was a tough decision. In the end, I decided I could handle a bit of extra weight if it meant less time on the bike.

Despite hitting the pavement at 20mph the glasses held up.

The last piece of kit I carried were my glasses, and for those, it was the Adidas Zonyk Aero Pro with LST Vario Lenses. They represent one of only two cycling glasses on the market that have both photochromic and mirrored lenses. No matter if it’s full sun or a cloudy day, I can carry one set of glasses with one lens.

My glasses did have the distinction of being the only piece of gear worse for wear after the trip, but it’s actually a testament to how well they built they are. Near the end of the second day, a bee hit the lens, and as I brushed it off, I managed to fling my glasses to the ground. Despite hitting the pavement at over 20 miles per hour, there are only a few small scratches. Given the circumstances they held up exceptionally well.

My bike was an ultralight climbers bike.

I never actually reviewed the frame I used on this ride. The Fuji SL 1.1 is very stiff, ultralight, climbers bike. Shortly before I was going to talk about this frame a new parent company acquired Fuji. That company then went out of business not long after. Once again Fuji is under new ownership and is back to making great frames, but my frame is a 2016 model.

side view of a Campagnolo Super Record EPS v3 carbon crank

The Fuji frame is paired with Campagnolo Super Record v3 . The groupset never missed a shift and only used 15% of its battery over the three days. The wheels I chose for this trip were the Campagnolo Bullet Ultra wheels . Over the long distance I felt like aero wheels were more appropriate than climbers wheels. I spent about 9 hours a day in the saddle and my Berk Lupina saddle without any issue. Upfront, I did rewrap the bars with a new bar tape from Silca called Nastro Fiore. It’s a 2.5mm thick bar tape that feels like a 3.2mm tape.

Silca Nastro Fiore bar tape was a $44 nod to comfort.

Honestly, I’m not sure exactly how to evaluate that claim. I’ve ridden around 650 miles on it, without gloves, and I’ve found it to be tacky, and comfortable. Long days with no gloves can mean a fair bit of fatigue in my hands. When I need a break I can move my hands to the flats and let the Silca tape soak up the bumps. The Fuji frame isn’t designed for comfort or shock absorption and the Nastro Fiore bar tape is a welcome bit of comfort.

three pictures of black cycling handlebar tape.

I also found it forgiving when wrapping. I was able to rewrap the bars multiple times until I got it right. The included brake clamp cover is wider than typical, which again helps it to be forgiving, and the aluminum, expanding, end plugs are a nice touch.

Somehow I always seem to end up rewrapping my bars at least twice per side.

My favorite little touch of class is actually the included finishing tape with a Silca logo pattern. I said earlier that I don’t make changes to my bike setup for these kinds of rides, but for $44, the Silca Nastro Fiore bar tape is a great way to add a bit of comfort, and style, without much effort.

The Bontrager Flare RT was a very important part of my gear.

On top of all the usual stuff, there were a couple of unique additions for this trip. Because I knew I’d be on rural roads, sometimes without a shoulder, I added a Bontrager Flare RT rear light. I never reviewed this piece because I wasn’t sure I’d be able to say much about it. When my wife passed me in the car on day three, I asked her about the light.

Bontrager Flare RT bike light turned on with an out of focus background.

She reported she could see the light well before she could see me, and the battery lasted from start to finish each day. That’s as much as I could hope for in a light. I don’t know for sure it helped with other traffic, but it feels safer to me, and sometimes that’s worth a purchase.

black and white image of bike handlebars with a GPS cycling computer.

My bike had three items which required nightly charging. The Bontrager Flare RT, my Elemnt Bolt , and my phone. I also like to have the option of mid-ride charging on long rides. As an additional complication my phone uses a USB-C connection. I handled this mix of charging needs with an Innens hybrid battery and wall charger .

The last piece of gear I used on this trip is the Castelli Race Rain Bag. Last winter, after racing through heavy rain and mud, and eventually abandoning, I looked around for the right gear bag. I previously wrote about finding bags for travelling, and riding, when not racing . There is a time and a place though for a dedicated gear bag.

Sometimes even when you aren’t racing it’s nice to use a race day bag.

For this trip, I wasn’t racing, but I knew I’d be driving home in a cramped car with a cycling kit I wore for three days straight without washing. I wanted a way to keep the car from smelling as bad as the kit did. For this use the Castelli bag fit the bill perfectly. There’s space for a helmet, a separate—and removable—space for shoes, and mesh pockets perfect for wet— and/or smelly—clothing.

six images showing different views of the Castelli Race Rain Bag sitting on a bench with an out of focus background

There are also some side pockets that I found worked well for my headunit and everything in my jersey pockets. A bag like this is definitely a bit of luxury, but for $80, it organizes my cycling gear. Keeping the car clean and free of mud, or in this case smelling fresh, is sometimes worth a bit of expenditure.

It’s a luxury but for $80 the Castelli Race Rain Bag might make sense.

I was riding fast and minimal on this ride. Part of my ability to pull that off comes from having the right gear, and this is what I used. I’m not opposed to using brand new, untested, gear on long rides. In this case though, most of what I used was well used and tested.

Quality gear and quality training left me feeling like I could have done more.

In retrospect, there’s nothing I would have done differently. I can confidently stand behind the reviews I wrote about everything I brought along. I do my best to cover the best gear and describe it as accurately as possible. Every now and then, there’s something more I have to say after finishing an article but nothing cropped up after this ride. The items I used are well designed and work for 12 hour rides as well as 2 hour rides.

What kind of bike is best for a century ride?

Two cyclists riding bikes on a paved path near a river.

Thinking about tackling a century ride? Kudos to you for setting your sights on this epic cycling milestone! A century ride, which spans 100 miles, is a challenge that requires endurance, preparation, and undoubtedly, the right type of bike. It’s important that the bike you choose can carry you through the entire journey with comfort and reliability.

Overview of a century ride

A century ride is a significant achievement in the cycling world , often seen as a rite of passage for serious cyclists. It requires not just physical readiness but mental fortitude as well. As you pedal through those 100 miles, your bike becomes your companion, so choosing the appropriate steed is crucial.

Factors to consider when choosing a bike for a century ride

Focus on comfort and efficiency. The ideal bike has a comfortable geometry that prevents strain on your back, neck, and wrists during long hours of riding. It should also be lightweight enough to not add unnecessary effort to your ride and have a reliable, smooth-shifting drivetrain to handle varied terrains. Consider endurance road bikes , which are specifically designed for long distances; they provide a mix of performance and comfort, keeping you efficient on the road while helping to reduce fatigue.

Make sure to get a proper bike fit, this cannot be emphasized enough, a bike that’s tailored to your body will minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of injuries . Opt for a model with reliable components from reputable brands – you don’t want to deal with mechanical issues mid-ride. Also look for bikes that allow for wider tires, which can offer better comfort and grip, especially on mixed surfaces.

Invest in quality where it counts, such as the saddle and handlebars, since these are your main contact points with the bike. Your saddle should support your sit bones adequately without causing pressure points, and ergonomic handlebars can prevent numbness in your hands and arms.

Remember, the best bike for a century ride is one that feels like an extension of yourself – comfortable, reliable, and ready to go the distance. Take your time testing out different models and setup configurations to find your perfect match for this incredible endurance challenge.

Benefits of Road Bikes for Century Rides

When it comes to tackling a century ride, choosing the right bike is crucial. Road bikes are well-suited for this endurance challenge and offer several benefits that can enhance your riding experience.

Efficiency: Road bikes are designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic, allowing you to maintain a faster pace with less effort. This efficiency becomes even more crucial when covering long distances, ensuring that you conserve energy throughout the ride.
Comfort: Road bikes feature a geometry specifically tailored for long rides. With a more relaxed riding position, they reduce strain on your back, neck, and wrists. This comfort is essential in preventing discomfort and fatigue as you pedal through those 100 miles.
Speed: Road bikes are built for speed and agility. With their narrow tires and lightweight frames, they allow you to quickly accelerate and maintain higher speeds. This makes them ideal for covering long distances in a shorter amount of time.

Key Features to Look for in a Road Bike

Frame Material: Look for a road bike with a lightweight frame made from materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, or steel. Each material offers its own unique blend of strength, stiffness, and weight.
Groupset: The groupset, which includes the gears, brakes, and drivetrain components, should be reliable and efficient. Opt for reputable brands like Shimano or SRAM, and consider the number of gears based on the terrain you’ll be riding on.
Tires: For a century ride, it’s essential to have tires that strike a balance between speed and comfort. Choose wider tires with good traction to handle different road conditions and provide a smoother ride.
Saddle and Handlebars: Your comfort during a long ride heavily relies on the saddle and handlebars. Look for a saddle that is wide enough to support your sit bones and handlebars that allow for multiple hand positions to reduce fatigue and numbness.

Remember, when choosing a road bike for a century ride, it’s important to consider factors like efficiency, comfort, and speed. Finding the right bike that suits your body and riding style will greatly enhance your experience and increase your chances of successfully completing this incredible endurance challenge. So, take the time to test out different road bikes and find the perfect one that will carry you through those 100 miles with comfort and reliability.

Endurance Bikes

Advantages of endurance bikes for century rides.

When it comes to taking on a challenging century ride , finding the right bike is crucial. Endurance bikes are specifically designed to provide comfort, stability, and performance, making them an excellent choice for this endurance challenge. Here are some advantages of using endurance bikes for century rides.

Comfort: Endurance bikes are built with features that prioritize rider comfort. They typically have a more relaxed geometry, which means a more upright riding position and less strain on your back, neck, and wrists. With extra padding on the saddle and shock-absorbing components, endurance bikes help reduce discomfort or fatigue during those long miles.
Stability: Endurance bikes are known for their stability, thanks to a longer wheelbase and a more balanced weight distribution. This makes them ideal for maintaining control and confidence, especially when navigating challenging terrain or descending at high speeds.
Smooth Ride: Endurance bikes often come equipped with advanced frame technology, such as carbon fiber or vibration-dampening materials, which absorb road vibrations and provide a smoother ride. This helps to reduce fatigue and allows you to power through the distance more efficiently.

Noteworthy Features of Endurance Bikes

When selecting an endurance bike for a century ride, there are a few key features to consider:

Frame Material: Look for a lightweight frame made of materials like carbon fiber or aluminum. These materials offer a good balance of strength, durability, and weight, ensuring a responsive and efficient ride .
Tire Clearance: Endurance bikes often have wider tire clearance, allowing you to run tires with larger volumes. This provides added comfort and stability, especially on rough or uneven roads.
Disc Brakes: Consider opting for a bike with disc brakes , as they provide superior braking performance , especially in wet conditions. This enhances your safety and control during the ride.
Storage and Mounting Points: Look for endurance bikes that offer ample storage options, such as additional bottle cage mounts or compatibility with bikepacking accessories. These features can be invaluable for carrying essential gear and supplies during a long-distance ride.

Remember, finding the best bike for a century ride ultimately depends on your individual preferences and goals. Take the time to test out different endurance bikes, consider your riding style and body dimensions, and consult with a knowledgeable bike specialist to ensure you find the perfect ride for your century adventure.

Gravel Bikes

Reasons to consider gravel bikes for century rides.

When it comes to selecting the best bike for a century ride, gravel bikes are definitely worth considering. These versatile machines offer a range of features that can enhance your experience and performance over long distances. Here are some reasons why gravel bikes are a great option for century rides:

Versatility: Gravel bikes are designed to handle a variety of terrains, from smooth pavement to gravel roads and even light trails. This versatility makes them perfect for century rides that may involve different types of surfaces. You can confidently tackle any road condition without sacrificing speed or comfort.
Comfort: Century rides can be demanding on your body, but gravel bikes are built with features that prioritize rider comfort. They typically have a more relaxed geometry, offering a more upright riding position that reduces strain on your back, neck, and wrists. Additionally, the wider tires and increased tire clearance absorb road vibrations, providing a smoother ride and reducing fatigue.
Durability: Gravel bikes are built tough to withstand rough terrain and long-distance rides. They feature sturdy frames and components that can handle the demands of century rides. This durability ensures that your bike remains reliable and can endure the stresses of long hours on the road.

Important Components of Gravel Bikes

When choosing a gravel bike for a century ride, consider the following components that can greatly enhance your comfort and performance:

Tire Clearance: Look for a gravel bike with wider tire clearance, allowing you to use larger volume tires . This provides added cushioning and stability, especially on rough or uneven roads.
Disc Brakes: Opt for gravel bikes equipped with disc brakes. These brakes offer superior stopping power, especially in wet conditions, ensuring your safety and control during the ride.
Frame Material: Consider a gravel bike with a lightweight frame made of materials like carbon fiber or aluminum. These materials offer a balance of strength, durability, and weight, allowing for a responsive and efficient ride.
Mounting Points: Look for gravel bikes that offer multiple mounting points for accessories such as racks, water bottle cages, and bikepacking bags. Having these options allows you to carry essential gear and supplies for your century ride.

Choosing the right bike for a century ride is a personal decision that depends on your preferences and goals. Gravel bikes provide the versatility, comfort, and durability needed to conquer the challenges of a century ride. Make sure to test different gravel bikes, consider your riding style and body dimensions, and consult with knowledgeable experts to find the perfect bike for your century adventure.

Hybrid Bikes

Benefits of hybrid bikes for century rides.

If you’re considering participating in a century ride, finding the best bike to tackle the long distance and varied terrain is crucial. Hybrid bikes are a fantastic option that offers numerous benefits for century rides. Here are some reasons why hybrid bikes are worth considering for your century adventure:

Versatility: Hybrid bikes are designed to handle a mix of road and off-road surfaces, making them the perfect choice for century rides that may involve both paved roads and gravel paths . These bikes feature a combination of road and mountain bike features, allowing you to confidently tackle any terrain without sacrificing speed or comfort.
Comfort: Century rides can be demanding on your body, but hybrid bikes prioritize rider comfort. They typically have a more relaxed geometry, offering an upright riding position that reduces strain on your back, neck, and wrists. The wider tires absorb road vibrations, providing a smoother ride and decreasing fatigue.
Efficiency: Hybrid bikes offer the perfect balance between speed and comfort. They have thinner tires compared to mountain bikes, allowing you to maintain a good pace on paved roads. The lightweight frames and efficient drivetrains ensure a responsive ride, helping you conquer long distances more efficiently.

Characteristics to Consider in a Hybrid Bike

When choosing a hybrid bike for a century ride, there are a few key characteristics to keep in mind:

Tire Size: Look for a hybrid bike with wider tires for added stability and comfort. Larger volume tires provide more cushioning, especially when encountering rough road surfaces.
Frame Material: Consider a hybrid bike with a lightweight frame made of materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. These materials offer a perfect balance of strength, durability, and weight, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride.
Brakes: Opt for hybrid bikes equipped with reliable disc brakes. Disc brakes provide superior stopping power, particularly in wet conditions, ensuring your safety during your century ride.
Accessories: Ensure that the hybrid bike has mounting points for accessories such as racks and water bottle cages. These attachments allow you to carry essential gear and hydration for your long journey.

Choosing the right bike for a century ride can greatly enhance your experience and performance. Hybrid bikes offer the versatility, comfort, and efficiency needed to conquer the challenges of a century ride. Take the time to test different models, consider your riding preferences, and consult with knowledgeable experts to find the perfect hybrid bike for your century adventure.

Frame Materials

Different frame materials suitable for century rides.

When choosing a bike for a century ride, one of the key considerations is the frame material. The frame plays a crucial role in determining the bike’s weight, strength, comfort, and overall performance. Here are some common frame materials used in century ride bikes:

Aluminum: Aluminum frames are lightweight and are often the preferred choice for century rides. They offer a great balance between strength and affordability. Aluminum frames are known for their stiffness, providing excellent power transfer and responsiveness. However, they may not absorb vibrations as well as other materials, leading to a slightly harsher ride.
Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber frames have become increasingly popular among century riders due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. They are lightweight, dampen road vibrations effectively , and provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Carbon frames are known for their stiffness, making them an excellent choice for riders seeking maximum power transfer. However, carbon fiber frames tend to be more expensive than other materials.
Steel: Steel frames offer durability, comfort, and a classic aesthetic appeal. They provide a more forgiving ride by absorbing road vibrations, making them a popular choice for long-distance rides. Steel frames can be heavier compared to aluminum or carbon fiber, but they offer a smooth and stable ride on varying terrains.
Titanium: Titanium frames are known for their strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. They offer a comfortable ride, similar to steel frames, while being lighter in weight. Titanium frames are highly sought after for their unique aesthetics and long-lasting performance. However, they tend to be more expensive than other materials.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of Each Material

Aluminum frames: Lightweight, affordable, stiff, but may transmit more vibrations.
Carbon fiber frames: Lightweight, strong, dampen vibrations, but more expensive.
Steel frames: Durable, comfortable, forgiving ride, but can be heavier.
Titanium frames: Strong, durable, corrosion-resistant, lightweight, but more expensive.

Choosing the right frame material for your century ride bike depends on your personal preferences and budget. Consider factors such as weight, comfort, stiffness, and cost when making your decision. Visit reputable bike shops, consult with experts, and test ride different bikes before making a final choice. Ensure that you select a frame material that suits your riding style and enhances your performance during the challenging journey of a century ride.

The Importance of Proper Bike Fit for a Century Ride

When preparing for a century ride, one of the essential factors to consider is the fit of your bike. A proper bike fit can significantly impact your comfort, endurance, and overall performance during the challenging journey. Here, we will highlight the importance of a proper bike fit for a century ride and the differences between professional bike fitting and DIY fitting.

A proper bike fit is crucial because it ensures that your body is in the optimal position while riding. This not only maximizes your pedaling efficiency but also reduces the risk of injuries and discomfort. A well-fitted bike can help prevent common issues such as numbness, lower back pain, and knee problems that may arise from riding long distances.

Professional bike fitting involves working with an experienced bike fitter who will assess your anatomy, flexibility, and riding style to determine the ideal bike dimensions and adjustments for your body. They take into account aspects like saddle height, reach, handlebar position, and cleat alignment. By tailoring the bike to your specific needs, a professional fitting can greatly enhance your comfort and performance during a century ride.

On the other hand, DIY bike fitting involves making adjustments to your bike based on general guidelines and your own observations. While it may save you money, it is crucial to note that DIY fitting does not provide the same level of expertise as a professional fitting. Without proper knowledge and experience, you may end up with suboptimal positioning, leading to discomfort and decreased performance.

In conclusion, for a century ride, investing in a proper bike fit is highly recommended. It helps you achieve the optimal riding position, enhance comfort, and reduce the risk of injuries. While DIY fitting can be an option for those on a budget, professional bike fitting provides a more comprehensive and personalized approach. Consult with experienced bike fitters to ensure that your bike is adjusted to fit you perfectly, allowing you to conquer the challenges and enjoy the incredible experience of a century ride.

Essential Accessories

Must-have accessories for a century ride.

When preparing for a century ride, it’s important to ensure you have the right accessories to enhance your cycling experience. Here are some must-have accessories that will make your century ride more comfortable and enjoyable:

Bike Lights: Since century rides often start early in the morning or continue into the evening, having reliable bike lights is essential. They not only help you see the road ahead but also make you more visible to other riders and vehicles.
Cycling Shorts : Investing in a good pair of cycling shorts with built-in padding is crucial for long-distance rides. The padding provides extra cushioning and support for your sit bones, reducing the risk of saddle sores and discomfort.
Water Bottle and Hydration Pack: Staying hydrated is key during a century ride. Carry a water bottle or use a hydration pack to ensure you can access water easily and stay hydrated throughout the journey.
Clipless Pedals and Cycling Shoes: Clipless pedals and compatible cycling shoes are worth considering for a century ride. They allow you to efficiently transfer power to the pedals, improve pedaling efficiency, and reduce the strain on your feet.
Cycling Gloves: Cycling gloves provide grip, protect your hands from vibrations, and offer padding to reduce numbness and discomfort during long rides.

How these Accessories Enhance Your Cycling Experience

These essential accessories enhance your cycling experience in several ways. Bike lights ensure your safety by improving visibility, especially during low-light conditions. Cycling shorts with padding provide comfort and reduce the risk of chafing and pain. Water bottles and hydration packs enable you to stay hydrated, allowing you to maintain your energy levels throughout the ride. Clipless pedals and cycling shoes improve your pedaling efficiency, making it easier to tackle long distances. Finally, cycling gloves protect your hands and provide a better grip, enhancing your overall control and comfort while riding.

By investing in these must-have accessories, you can make your century ride more enjoyable, comfortable, and safe. Remember, preparation is key, and having the right accessories will help you conquer the challenges and fully enjoy the incredible experience of a century ride.

After exploring the essential accessories for a century ride and understanding how they enhance your cycling experience, it’s time to consider the best bike options for this challenging journey. Selecting the right bike can make a significant difference in your comfort, performance, and overall enjoyment during a century ride. Here is a summary of the best bike options to consider:

Summary of the Best Bike Options for a Century Ride

Road Bikes: Road bikes are specifically designed for speed and efficiency on paved roads. They feature lightweight frames, narrow tires, and drop handlebars, allowing you to maintain a more aerodynamic position. Road bikes provide a smooth and responsive ride, making them an excellent choice for century rides.
Endurance Bikes: Endurance bikes are a variation of road bikes that prioritize comfort over pure speed. They usually have a more relaxed geometry, providing a more upright riding position that reduces strain on your back and neck. Endurance bikes are designed for long-distance rides, making them well-suited for century rides.
Gravel Bikes: Gravel bikes are versatile and can handle a variety of terrains, including paved roads and gravel paths. They feature wider tires with more grip and stability, making them suitable for rougher surfaces. Gravel bikes offer a comfortable ride and the ability to explore different routes during your century ride.
Hybrid Bikes: Hybrid bikes are a combination of road bikes and mountain bikes, offering a balance between speed and versatility. They have a more upright riding position and wider tires compared to road bikes, providing comfort and stability for long rides. Hybrid bikes are suitable for those looking for a versatile option for both on-road and off-road sections of their century ride.

Final Considerations and Tips for a Successful Century Ride Journey

When choosing a bike for a century ride, consider factors such as your fitness level, preferred riding style, and the type of terrain you will encounter. It’s important to ensure that the bike you select is properly fitted to your body measurements for optimal comfort and performance.

Additionally, don’t forget to invest in accessories such as a comfortable saddle , bike fit adjustments, and proper clothing to further enhance your century ride experience . Lastly, make sure to train and prepare adequately, gradually increasing your mileage to build endurance and ensure a successful journey.

Remember, a well-suited bike coupled with proper training and preparation will make your century ride more enjoyable, allowing you to fully appreciate the challenge and accomplishment of completing such a significant cycling milestone. So, gear up, choose the right bike, and embark on an unforgettable century ride adventure!

About The Author

Vinson Lozano

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Best Electric Touring Bikes for Your Next Adventure

Bicycle touring has been around for hundreds of years, with some of the earliest records dating back to the 1800s.

Long before cars and motorbikes were invented, people would use bicycles to tour long distances, sometimes across entire continents. Typically, this was done on slow, old steel-framed bikes and required a high degree of patience and fitness.

Nowadays, with recent improvements in electric bicycle (eBike) technology, a new wave of touring eBikes has emerged.

What Are Electric Touring Bicycles?

E-Touring bikes can take you to desired locations with way smaller effort. Like any other electric bike, a touring/trekking eBike features a rechargeable battery and an electric motor connected to the rear hub or crankset.

Best Touring Bikes in 2024 for Multi-Day Cycle Adventures

While many touring bike purists might balk at the idea of having electrical assistance, for some people it’s a necessity due to injury, old age, or poor fitness.

In most cases, the electric motor doesn’t fully propel the bicycle like on a motorbike but rather provides pedal assistance, making it easier to pedal and taking pressure off the knees.

In the case of touring, where heavy loads are usually involved, or long century rides , this little bit of assistance can make a huge difference.

They may not be the best choice for long cycling expeditions, such as riding the Cairo to Cape Town route , but they are handy for shorter adventures.

Best Electric Touring Bikes in 2024

#1 santa cruz skitch cc apex.

A class 3 e-bike for gravel riding and touring

Price: $6,300

The Santa Cruz Skitch is a mid-drive electric bike that saddles the gap between gravel and touring.

The combination of 45 mm tires, stable geometry, and common touring features like fender and bottle mounts give this bike its versatile capability.

With speeds of up to 28 mph, it’s the perfect touring eBike for the more adventurous riders out there. If you are looking for the best electric bike for camping and long-distance touring, the rigid-frame Santa Cruz Skitch might be the answer to your needs.

The Skitch boasts a lightweight Fazua Ride 60 motor combined with a 430 Wh battery that provides a 60-mile average range.

Schwalbe G-One 700c x 45 mm tires

Wide, treaded tires like these give the Skitch an off-road capability that exceeds most other touring eBikes. It is considerably more comfortable on rough surfaces and super efficient over long distances. Schwalbe tires are famous in off-road biking for their durable qualities and high performance.

Carbon frame

The Current features a carbon frame with internal cable routing for a clean appearance and better protection. The fork is built from the same durable material and has thru-axles. The integrated 430 Wh battery conceals neatly into the downtube and contributes to the clean look.

SRAM Apex Eagle 12-speed

The wide-range SRAM Apex Eagle 12-speed is geared towards long-distance and loaded touring, providing easy pedaling on most gradients. As a gravel-focused gearset, it provides smooth, reliable shifting without locking up or dropping out.

SRAM Apex hydraulic brakes

A popular choice amongst all manufacturers, the ever-reliable SRAM Apex hydraulic brakes won’t let you down, come rain or shine. With 160mm rotors, they stop with excellent power and reliability.

Buy on MikesBikes.com

#2 Cannondale – Treadwell Neo 2 EQ

Best electric bike for short tours and commutes

Price: $2,175

The Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 EQ is an electric bike with a frame perfectly suited to touring. With thick-treaded 47mm tires, this bike is clearly intended for mixed-terrain riding.

250W Hydrive MRC-250

The 250W Hydrive MRC-250 motor is situated at the rear hub, providing 40Nm of torque into the drivetrain while you pedal. As a Class 1 pedal-assist motor, it can take you up to 20 mph, making it ideal as a light touring bike.

250Wh lithium-ion battery

The modest 250Wh battery will provide up to 47 miles of pedal-assist power on a single charge. Pop the battery on charge and it will be full in five hours. This battery makes the Treadwell an excellent commuter or light electric touring bike.

Aluminum frame

Unlike most standard bicycle frames, touring bikes and electric bikes require a more robust design built from stronger materials. The Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 EQ is formed from SmartForm C3 Alloy with a tapered head tube and internal cable routing.

Hydraulic disc brakes

Any experienced cycle tourist will tell you that decent brakes are a necessity not to be overlooked. When hurtling down a steep descent packed with all your life’s possessions, the last thing you need is your brakes failing you. Tektro’s HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes are a tried and tested staple in the eBike industry, trusted by thousands of manufacturers for their consistent reliability.

Buy on REI.com

#3 Gazelle – Ultimate C380 Plus

Women’s electric commuter bike for touring

Price: $4,749

The Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus is an electric city bike with a difference – it uses a Gates belt drive system, which means no chains, no cogs, no grease, and extremely low maintenance. For bicycle touring, this is a great addition as it means far less hassle, fewer cleaning requirements, and less chance of breakdowns.

Bike weight: 54.6 lbs

Weighing in at a moderate 54.6lbs, the Gazelle Ultimate C380 is lighter than it looks. Despite a long-range battery and powerful motor, Gazelle manages to keep things light with an aluminum frame.

500 Wh, 13.4 Ah battery

The 500Wh battery balances a fine line between weight saving and capacity, providing power for up to 70 miles on Eco mode. If you need a bit more punch, it also has Tour, Sport, and Turbo mode.

Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus 3.0 (50Nm)

The Bosch Performance Line 3.0 mid-drive motor pushes out 65Nm of torque, slightly more than the standard found on most Class 1 eBikes. This gives the Gazelle a bit of edge over the competition, especially when climbing hills fully laden with luggage.

28″ wheels

Another unique feature of the Gazelle Ultimate C8 is the 28″ wheels, an uncommon size description in the cycle touring community. This size measures the same as 700c or 29″ wheels. They’re wrapped in Schwalbe’s eBike specific Energizer Plus puncture-resistant tires.

Buy from Mike's Bikes

#4 Trek Allant+ 7

Best city touring e-bike

Price: $3,800

The Trek Allant+ 7 is no ordinary eBike – equipped with everything you need for city riding or bike touring, you can just charge it, start riding, and get anywhere you need to be. If you plan on touring on roads and light gravel roads, the Allant+ 7 e-bike will get you there and then some.

The 250W Bosch Performance CX mid-drive motor delivers huge power and combines with a 500 Wh battery that lasts up to around 80 miles. Y ou can pull your luggage easily on this bike as it comes with a sturdy rear rack.

Naturally, you’re going to need some serious stopping power on an ebike designed for touring long distances, which is why the Trek Allant+ 7 comes with hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes won’t let you down come rain or shine.

Trek has also included a reliable 9-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain, fenders, and front and rear lights to round out the build.

Buy from Trek Bikes

#5 Quietkat – Ranger

Off-road touring bike with an integrated rack and huge power

MSRP: $3,499

The Ranger e-bike by Quietkat is a highly versatile bike built for long-haul adventuring off-road and everything you need for commuting.

Each of the components has been carefully selected to ensure a high-quality ride experience on harsh terrain along with comfort and power over long distances.

Aluminum 6061 Frame

QuietKat frames are built using 6061 aluminum alloy. Due to rigorous testing, this frame perfectly balances strength and stiffness with high-end durability while keeping costs down.

750W or 1000W Geared Hub Motor

This motor delivers tons of power and torque to make hill climbing and pulling a full payload seem easy. This type of motor is the best you can get before upgrading to mid-drive motors.

614Wh Battery

The Ranger uses a medium-size battery to deliver max ranges of around 48 miles on one charge. This battery could be a little bigger to support longer days spent touring.

7-Speed Drivetrain

This bike has a reliable SRAM drivetrain which allows you to maximize your battery and get the longest range possible by having enough gear options for uphill and downhill riding. It also has fast and accurate shifting.

Tektro Mechanical Brakes

Riders of the Ranger can have trust in the powerful 203mm rotor mechanical disc brakes by renowned manufacturer Tektro. This system provides smooth braking with a very fast response time, rapid heat dissipation, and automatic motor power-off function upon braking. This significantly reduces braking distance.

Buy from Quietkat.com

#6 Benno – RemiDemi 10D Sport

Price: $3,699

The Benno RemiDemi 9D Sport is a cargo electric bike that would make a solid eTouring option for those who want to carry huge loads over diverse terrains. This is a quality bike throughout, from the Bosch Performance Sport motor to the 3.6″ fat tires.

Coming in at 65lbs, the Benno RemiDemi is by no means the lightest bike on the market but feels comfortable as a touring eBike. This sturdy build is necessary to support the huge payload capacity of 400lbs.

The aluminum frame uses a convenient step-thru design for easy mounting without sacrificing strength and rigidity. The shock-absorbent characteristics of the aluminum provide extra comfort and durability.

The RemiDemi 9D Sport is capable on roads or off-road terrains with huge fat tires. These tires provide plenty of comfort, traction, and durability on any surface you encounter, including snow, sand, and mud.

As a class 3 pedal-assist bike, the 250W Bosch Performance Sport motor is limited to a maximum speed of 28mph. This is supported by a 400Wh Bosch battery and a Shimano Sora 9-speed drivetrain.

#7 Lectric ONE

PRICE: $1,999 – 2,199

The Lectric ONE isn’t officially an eTouring Bike, but it provides an affordable alternative with the capability to transform into a touring bike.

It’s supported by an aluminum alloy frame and powered by a 750W rear hub motor and a 500Wh or 672 Wh battery, making it ideal for medium to long-distance tours.

The Lectric ONE is impressive because it features a Pinion C1.6i smart shifting gearbox that changes gears automatically, as well as a Gates Carbon Belt drive. All of that for just $2,000.

This electric bike has a strong aluminum alloy frame. The frame comes in one size only that fits riders between 5’2” – 6’4” tall, though the handlebar position is adjustable, so you can easily find the right riding position.

Hydraulic disc brakes are another excellent addition to such a well-priced bike. They provide solid stopping power in any weather conditions, which is a necessity on an electric touring bike.

Buy on Lectricebikes.com

#8 Tern – GSD S10

Price: $5,399

The Tern GSD S10 is an electric bike built for hauling large cargo loads on long-distance rides across varied terrain. Loaded with a long rear rack, fenders, and lights, it’s perfect for adventures.

Aluminum alloy frame and 70mm suspension fork

The solid frame is built from aluminum alloy, the perfect combination of strength, responsiveness, and comfort without adding extra costs. You also get a 70mm travel fork for smoothing out bumps on the road and light trails.

Shimano Deore 10-speed

Gearing consists of Shimano’s Deore drivetrain with a 10-speed cassette. This setup offers a wide range of gears, but with help from the Bosch Cargo Line 85Nm motor, you’ll hardly need them.

Magura MT5 Hydraulic discs

To complete the groupset, you also get Magura MT5 hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes will ensure you won’t have any trouble stopping even in wet weather.

Bosch 85Nm motor

The Bosch Cargo Line 85Nm motor is one of the most powerful you’ll find in the 250W category. It’s well-known for being tough and durable. With 85Nm of torque, it performs adequately on steep ascents and will power you along at up to 20mph on flats.

Buy from REI.com Buy from TernBicycles.com

What defines an electric touring bicycle?

Long-distance electric bike = E-Touring Bike? – Not true. Long-distance eBikes are generally bicycled with an estimated range of 60mi and over. Touring bikes on the other hand are characterized by the accessibility to add racks and panniers to the bike. Therefore, a long-range electric bicycle can also be an electric road bike .

Technically, there is no specific set of conditions required to call a bicycle a touring bike. Although some manufacturers make touring-specific bikes, any bike that somebody chooses to tour on is, by default, a touring bike. However, there are certain features that you will commonly find on most touring bikes that make them comfortable and strong enough for long-distance riding.

For extra strength, many touring cyclists choose a steel frame with lots of mount points and a comfortable upright seating position. These are usually similar to road bike frames although some bikepacking bikes use MTB style frames. For steep hill climbs and strong stopping power on descents, touring bikes usually have a wide gear range and powerful disc brakes. Handlebars can either be dropped or straight but the more hand positions the better.

Other common extras include pannier racks, mudguards, lights, dynamos, and thick puncture-resistant tires.

Are gravel eBikes the same as e-touring bikes?

Gravel bikes are closely related to touring bikes but lack the comfort factor that one would expect from a touring bike.

Gravel vs. Cyclocross vs. Touring Bikes — Differences Explained

Are touring bikes good for commuting.

Many people use commuting bikes for touring and vice versa since they usually have many of the same qualities. If you already own a touring bike, it would make an ideal commuter since it’s strong, comfortable, and likely has the racks, mudguards, and lights. However, it wouldn’t make sense to buy a touring bike specifically for commuting as they are usually more expensive than regular commuter bikes.

EBike Classifications – Throttle vs Pedal-Assist

Electric bikes are classified into three classes

Class 1 eBike – Pedal-assisted electric bikes. Motor limited up to 750W, speed to 20mph.
Class 2 eBike – Electric bikes with a throttle. Motor power limited up to 750W, max assisted speed of 20mph.
Class 3 eBike – Pedal-assisted, and optional throttle options available. Motor power limited to 750W, speed limited to 28mph.
Class 4 eBike – An electric bike with pedals. Either the motor power is 750W or over, or the assisted speed exceeds 28mph.

Is it worth buying an eBike?

For many people with injured or weak knees, an eBike is the only option if they wish to keep cycling. In this sense, eBikes are certainly worth it for people who may not be able to continue cycling otherwise.

In recent years, eBikes have dropped in price drastically due to improvements in technology. Additionally, they now benefit from longer-life batteries, lighter frames, and stronger motors. For this reason, modern eBikes offer excellent value for money as they are long-lasting, durable, and affordable.

Do electric bikes charge when you pedal?

No, despite a widespread belief that they do, electric bikes don’t actually charge while you pedal. The resistance required in the pedals to create enough charge would negate any additional benefit provided by the motor.

However, some electric bikes do have regenerative braking which uses continuous forward motion when braking to feed charge back into the battery. With this system, you could feed quite a lot of energy back into the battery if you were going down a long descent.

How long does the battery last on an electric bike?

The batteries on electric bikes vary greatly between models and the length they last depend on how hard and how frequently you pedal. Most batteries will take you between 40-60 miles (64-96 km) on a single charge – enough to last a whole day riding.

Batteries will need to be replaced after a few thousand cycles (recharges) depending on the type of battery. Lithium batteries are the best, with up to 1000 cycles, with nickel and lead batteries giving only half that or less.

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About the Author

Mark Hartley

2 thoughts on “ best electric touring bikes for your next adventure ”.

Trust me when I say that if you want to do extended rides on an ebike… touring, bike camping, weekenders, carrying enough gear to be comfortable, consecutive century rides, etc., you want more than 2, 3, or even 400W motors. The second thing you want is a Rohloff Speedhub so you can actually use all the gears with that additional power and not shred the gears and chain. Mid-drives love a nice clean straight chain line. For anyone that is going to carry panniers the racks (plural – a front rack is more important than the rear) need to be able to easily handle 40+ lbs. and be durable over years of riding. It’s not difficult to ride a eTouring setup with 80 to 150 lbs. of gear on the frame and another 80 to 100 lbs. in a trailer… at least when you have a “proper” motor (750 to 1000W). All the things that go into making a superior eTouring bike combine to make the best possible all-around daily commuter, grocery-getter, ride to get your Covid shot, take the pet to the vet ebike.

When you own an ebike you will find that you not only ride further but more often, even daily after you see how much you enjoy it. With that increased usage comes necessary maintainance, by a quality mech and by you. There is also a learning curve on getting the most out of the batteries and why a single large (2000+Wh) battery is better than 2 or even 3 smaller packs. You can buy a POS ebike on Amazon for $1K dollars but if you want to ride an ebike and not just own an ebike it’s best to remember that you get what you pay for.

The caveat here is “Best… to order online”, if you want to actually bike tour on an ebike not one of these bikes comes close.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ADgC6oyPM2gyrCq27

25 Jul 20 – Mowich Lake https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qkd2LGdKv https://photos.app.goo.gl/hRSTYZ8UjzdpuQ7n8

26 Jul 20 – Rain Forest trail https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvyDGe2W4q https://photos.app.goo.gl/WcoVAreB4TUdAiPF7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwwdaVg4Y5M https://prnt.sc/tsxt5p

Everyone stay safe.

Got a wild hair up my… about trekking across the US on an ebike. Doing a lot of research. In your opinion, if not any of these bikes, what ebike would you suggest? What do you ride?

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5 Bikes That Are Perfect For Long-Distance Rides

By Carandbike Team

2 mins read

Published on May 30, 2022

Touring bikes need to offer great levels of comfort.
They also need to be very reliable.
Many such options are available in India.

There are two main reasons why people seek motorcycles in India. One is to help them in their daily commutes and the other is so they can take long cross-country trips to unexplored places and satisfy their wanderlust in the best way possible. If you fall in the second category, we've prepared for you a list of the best bikes you can buy for long-distance travel in India. All of them will ensure that you get exactly the kind of reliability, power, and comfort that you need on long trips. That said, let's get going with the list.

Royal Enfield Himalayan

The Himalayan differs heavily from Royal Enfield's Modern Classic kind of approach towards design. It's got a half-duplex split cradle frame and comes with telescopic suspension at the front. The rear gets monoshock suspension and this combination provides comfort to the rider. The bike was designed specifically for touring and that explains why it has a luggage carrier on its rear and multiple mounts across its body.

KTM 390 Adventure

This bike has got adventure in its name itself. It gets an ultra-light yet incredibly stable trellis frame and even a removable trellis sub-frame for a pillion rider or luggage. And apart from a strong engine, it even gets a killer electronics package, which includes traction control, riding modes, Quickshifter+, and cornering ABS. All this stuff makes the KTM 390 Adventure an excellent ally for those who desire to go on long motorcycle journeys.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

This one's an absolute roadster. It is able to deliver 47 hp at 7,150 rpm and a peak torque of 52 Nm at 5,250 rpm. It's got a vintage design but the technologies it espouses are nothing but modern. You get dual-channel ABS with this motorbike, among other things. Another great part about the Interceptor 650 is that it can be customised using the company's app before you buy it.

Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise

The Avenger 220 Cruise is an ideal choice for those looking for a touring bike at a low price. It's got an iconic cruiser design and an easy riding stance with a low-slung seat. Single channel ABS with a front disc brake and a 220cc engine provides enough safety and power needed for long journeys across India.

BMW G 310 R

More than anything, this bike is about the boasting rights of owning a BMW without emptying your bank account. But there's, of course, much more to it than that. It is the complete package that has everything you need from your motorcycle. This includes easy manoeuvrability, smooth handling, and sporty riding dynamics.

So, if you're planning a Ladakh adventure, a North Eastern chronicle, or a South Indian escapade, choose any of these five bikes and rest assured that your journey will be worth it.

Last Updated on June 22, 2022

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So You Want to Plan a Cycling Vacation?

There are more cyclists on the road than ever before. here’s what you need to know before you roll..

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The Biking Boom

As we cycled through a year of pandemic living, one silver lining emerged: the freedom two wheels provided..

Sure, we might’ve been stuck in a world without travel, but a bike could offer fresh air, social distancing, and much-needed endorphins to ward off the pandemic blues (some of them, anyway). Suddenly, it seemed, everyone was buying a bike. Bike sales increased 200 percent in just the first few months of the pandemic, with “anything under $600 . . . just flying out,” Outside reported in January 2021. (Even more than a year after the first shelter-in-place orders were initiated, bikes, and bike parts, are still in short supply.) As we begin to emerge from our collective cocoons, interest in taking those bikes on longer journeys is also spiking—outfitters we interviewed are reporting record increases in cycling trips (and hiking trips, natch), especially U.S.- based routes.

This boom comes on the heels of more than three decades of investment in rails-to-trails throughout the United States, which means there are more possibilities than ever for multiday trips, whether you want to tackle a short overnight or a months-long, cross-country trail. Wondering where to start? You don’t have to be a spandex-clad, Tour de France type to enjoy the freedom of the open road. Here, everything to know about planning a cycling trip, whether you want to plan your own or turn over the reins, whether you’re a first-timer who wants to crash in cushy hotels or an experienced bike-packer looking for a new challenge.

How to Prep

Photo by David Marcu/Unsplash

First step? Just get out there.

It’s easy to fall into a rabbit hole of route planning and gear buying when it comes to bike touring. One thing all the experts agree on? Don’t overthink it.

You want to be adequately prepared—see below—and have a general sense of what you might encounter along the way, but “just taking that first multiday trip or even really long one-day ride will open up so much opportunity,” says Ted King , a retired pro cyclist. “It is a fun adventure just waiting to happen and you’re going to learn so quickly. Just start doing it.”

How do I decide on the trip and route that are right for me?

First, decide if you want to plan your own trip or if you’d like to join a guided trip. (If you’re interested in the latter, check out our guide to the best cycling outfitters .) If you want to go your own way, consider your fitness and experience levels, as well as the season and amount of time you want to devote to the trip.

Never done a multiday ride before? Start super small. Book a hotel or an Airbnb in a destination 10 to 20 miles away, pack a small bag, and cycle to your overnight .

Interested in camping—and therefore carrying the necessary gear (also known also bike-packing)? Or would you prefer to pack a little lighter and stay in hotels, inns, and Airbnbs along the way? If you’re not a camper, or don’t want to deal with carrying so much gear, choose a route that passes through more civilization. The Eastern Seaboard is a great place for this—especially Maine and Vermont—given the density, you can’t throw a bike shoe without hitting a cute little town with all the amenities you need. Socially inclined cyclists can also check out Warmshowers , a community of touring cyclists who act as hosts to other touring cyclists.

Rest days are crucial when bike-touring.

Photo by Sunrise Hunter/Shutterstock

How many miles a day should I ride?

Daily mileage depends on many factors, including your fitness and experience levels, the terrain (are there mad hills, or is it relatively flat?), and how much weight you’re carrying. If you’re new to bike touring, even if you’re a fairly experienced cyclist, consider trips that average no more than 30 to 40 miles per day so as to preserve your most critical resource: your body.

And don’t forget to take rest days! This is vacation, after all. In addition to giving your body—especially your legs—a break, rest days offer time to explore your destination, rather than just pedal past it. Park yourself in a campsite or hotel for a day or two and explore the city or town or take shorter daily rides.

“Distance is not as important as the journey,” says Analise Cleopatra, a filmmaker and relatively new mountain biker who made a documentary of her first bike-packing trip in 2019. “You don’t need to compete—just make sure you’re with people who are on the same wavelength and, you know, explore!”

How do I get my bike there?

Getting wheels where they need to go boils down to three options.

RENTING A BIKE This works well for first-timers, those who aren’t picky about their bikes, and/or those who choose a route in a cycling center such as Colorado or Northern California where there are high-end bike shops with decent rentals. It’s easier, too (no need to break down, ship, and rebuild your bike) though it can be more expensive. Rates vary, but a road bike rental can run you anywhere from $300 to $600 (or more) for a week in popular cycling states like California, Colorado, and Vermont.

SHIPPING YOUR BIKE This is the most popular option, currently, among cyclists we interviewed. BikeFlights has become the go-to company for all bikes, including e-bikes. Rates vary widely based on box size, weight, distance, and shipping speed, but if you shipped your bike from San Francisco to New York City, for example, in one of BikeFlights’ medium boxes, which fit most road and gravel bikes, you’d likely pay $83, excluding protection. (The company recommends buying protection to cover the market value of your bike.) You can also ship through Overnight Bikes , ShipBikes , as well as directly through FedEx and UPS, though you will likely pay more booking directly through the latter two.

The main challenge? You need to plan for this as it can take up to six days to ship a bike cross-country , though BikeFlights recommends building in extra time in the COVID era. Plus, you need to have somewhere to ship it. The pros recommend shipping your wheels to a bike shop in your destination (make sure you call to let them know in advance) and paying them to build your bike for you. Expect to pay at least $50 for this service. You can also take your wheels to a local bike shop and have them disassemble and pack it—BikeFlights can pick up directly from the shop.

FLYING WITH YOUR BIKE Alaska and Delta are among the most bike-friendly airlines. Alaska waives the oversize baggage fee and allows bikes to be checked as standard baggage . Delta also counts bikes as standard baggage . Southwest and United, however, charge higher fees: Southwest charges a bike fee of $75 each way , while JetBlue charges $100 each way, and United charges a flat bike fee of $150 each way for domestic flights. Keep in mind that e-bikes, which are powered by lithium batteries, are prohibited on all airlines.

Photo by Coen van de Broek/Unsplash

How should I train?

It depends on the length and nature of your trip. If you’re doing a short trip (less than three days) through terrain that’s not hugely demanding, there’s no need to map out an arduous training plan, pretrip. In fact, if you’re cycling regularly—at least two or three days a week—and can ride for an hour or more, you’re ready for a low-mileage overnight trip. In addition to building endurance, the most important thing to do is “condition” your butt to prevent saddle sore.

If you’re ramping up for a multiweek or multimonth trip that doesn’t take place on extreme terrain—and have been riding your bike regularly—you can use your trip to train, says Dan Meyer, deputy editor for Adventure Cyclist magazine. For example, ride 10 to 20 miles the first day and see how you feel. Ride 30 miles the next day and 35 to 40 the following day. “That requires some planning ahead of time to make sure that you have facilities and campsites and hotels that are at those distances along the way, ” Meyer says, “but it helps you get in shape more, instead of trying to go 80 miles on the first day and wearing yourself out.” (If you’re tackling an intense trail or just want more structure, Adventure Cycling has put together a 12-week training program .)

The more critical part of preparation is to understand how your bike handles when you’re carrying gear.

“A lot of people get to the start of their big route—this bike trip they’ve been dreaming of doing for years and they start pedaling and they’re like, ‘Holy crap, I’ve never ridden my bike with all this weight on it before,’ ” Meyer says.

He recommends practicing packing your bike , to make sure you’re packing efficiently, that the weight is balanced, and you can get to essential things (maps, food, water, etc.) quickly. Once you’ve done that, “take it out for a quick little 5- to 10-mile ride and just get used to how it handles, because it will handle quite a bit differently,” he says.

Essential Gear

Photo by Skylines/Shutterstock

Bike camping gear

Big Agnes Tiger Wall Bikepacking Tent The Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent is designed for bike-packing. Weighing in at just under three pounds, it’s super lightweight yet still provides protection and warmth when you’re out in the elements. The tent also includes tent poles that are shorter (12 inches) than normal, which makes them easier to attach to your handlebars, frame, or elsewhere on your bike. The stuff sack includes straps that are technically designed to attach to your handlebar bag, though using the recommended setup can be a little cramped on narrower, designed-for-women handlebars—most women should be able to move the poles to their frame.

It also includes loops to hang wet clothes on the outer rainfly, a generous vestibule area, and lots of pockets so you don’t have to sleep on top of your bike bags. Lastly, Big Agnes uses an ecofriendly dye process to reduce the amount of water that goes into making these tents.

>>>Buy now: $450 (two people), backcountry.com ; $499 (three people), backcountry.com

Snow Peak LiteMax Stove You have to pack light while bike-packing, which is why the compact, 1.9 ounce, Snow Peak LiteMax Stove is one of the best options for your bike-camping kitchen kit. It’s tiny but mighty and will last for years. Pair with an MSR Alpine StowAway pot (the stove fits inside even the smallest pot), a good knife, fuel, and a spork to complete your kit.

>>>Buy now: $60, amazon.com

Cotopaxi’s Bataan is an affordable fanny pack option.

Photo courtesy of Cotopaxi

Bags and carrying

Outer Shell bags The bike-obsessed team behind Outer Shell makes a variety of high-quality bike bags—handmade in San Francisco—for all types of cycling adventures, whether you’re roughing it on a backcountry gravel ride or trying to cart a bottle of pinot noir back to your hotel room after a day of riding in Napa. Almost all of its bags are designed to expand for optimal versatility and are either waterproof or water resistant.

For shorter rides, or for those who are embarking on a supported ride and don’t need to carry a lot, the Stem Caddy ($60) is a great choice. It can comfortably fit your phone, wallet, and all your essentials, or an entire bottle of wine. For longer rides or if you just want more space, Outer Shell’s seatpacks ($145–$150) can fit just about everything you’d need for an overnight. They’re also a nice alternative to panniers, since they won’t create an imbalance and can fit on any bike, no bike rack required.

>>>Buy now: Stem caddy, ($60 outershell.com ); Seatpacks ($145-$150, outershell.com )

Fanny/hip bag Skip the backpack (it’ll make you sweat like crazy) and, instead, use a fanny/hip bag while you ride (all the cool kids are doing it). Outer Shell has an excellent waterproof and expandable one, but I also like the compact Axis bag by Mission Workshop ($130, missionworkshop.com ), which was made with cyclists in mind. Cotopaxi’s Bataan ($30, cotopaxi.com ) is another, more affordable option, packed with organizational features and made from fabric remnants.

>>>Buy now: Cotopaxi Battan, ($30 cotopaxi.com ); Axis bag ($130, missionworkshop.com )

Photo courtesy of Velocio

Bike shorts by Velocio Padded bike shorts are essential on any long bike ride, but bike bibs—which are essentially padded, bike short “overalls” that don’t cut into your waist the way regular shorts would—are extra comfortable. There are tons of great brands in the world of cycling clothing, but Velocio is an AFAR favorite. Not only does it excel at making high-quality bike clothes with simple-yet-stylish designs, but its bike bibs also come with one crucial, lady-friendly feature: Its patent- pending FlyFree design means their bike bibs are stretchy enough to pull down for a pee-break, without having to remove your jersey, helmet, glasses . . . basically getting naked.

>>>Buy now: Signature Bike Short, $229, velocio.cc

Other great brands to check out for bike shorts, jerseys, and jackets include Machines for Freedom (ladies only), Castelli , and Rapha .

A bike computer is an essential part of a bike-touring.

A bike computer is an essential part of a bike-touring kit.

Photo by fotoliza/Shutterstock

Tools and other bike essentials

Paceline Products Chamois Butt’r Her’ There’s no way around it: If you’re spending several long days in the saddle, you need to take care of your butt. A good bike seat and shorts are the foundation of butt-on-bike-comfort, but consider packing some chamois cream, which soothes chaffed or irritated skin, as well. We like Butt’r Her’, a non-greasy formula made from natural ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter and designed and pH-balanced with female cyclists in mind.

>>>Buy now: $18, rei.com

Wahoo Elemnt Bolt bike computer One word: reliable. The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is GPS-powered and can display maps for directions along with helpful data like the gradient of the road and weather and wind conditions. It has all the features to connect to your heart monitor and power meter, and it can sync with tracking apps like Strava so you can monitor your performance as well.

>>>Buy now: $230, backcountry.com

Bike tools (and skills) You’ll want to carry some basic tools and know how to change a tire and how to adjust your brakes. Park Tool makes a great hex wrench set and offers detailed videos on everything from how to change a tire to how to adjust your shifting.

>>>Buy now: Park hex wrench set, $24, backcountry.com

Bike pump When it comes to portable bike pumps, cyclists were once limited to CO2 or hand pumps. A CO2 pump is small, fast, and compact, but single use. (It uses a cartridge attached to the head of a small nozzle to quickly inflate a tire.) Though reliable and reusable, hand pumps can be a 15-minute arm workout as your friends wait impatiently for you, and they’re not as compact. But what about a hand pump that can also use a CO2 cartridge, offering both speed and reliability? Well, it’s 2021 and that now exists with a few brands.

>>>Buy now: Silca Tattico Mini Pump ($65, competitivecyclist.com ); PDW Ninja pump ($35, ridepdw.com )

Bike lights Although you may not be doing much riding after dark, lights can help you see and be seen—whether it’s on a foggy morning or helping drivers spot you as you move in and out of shadows. For lights, you want 500+ lumens for front and 50–100 lumens in the rear. Different blink patterns are a plus as well to help drivers see you.

>>>Buy now: Vis 360 Pro Helmet light by Light & Motion ($130, lightandmotion.com , rei.com ); Vis 1000 Trooper handlebar light by Light & Motion ($90, lightandmotion.com , amazon.com )

Snacks! A lot of new cyclists forget: You have to eat to avoid “bonking,” (the sudden loss of energy that can occur following a long ride). Pack an RX bar or two, or even a plain ol’ banana, to keep your energy up for several hours on the road.

Products we write about are independently vetted and recommended by our editors. AFAR may earn a commission if you buy through our links, which helps support our independent publication.

U.S. Routes

Great Divide photo by Jacinta Creten/Adventure Cycling Association

There are thousands upon thousands of bike trails in the United States with more, it seems, being added each year.

One big route in the works: The Great American Rail-Trail , which when completed, will stretch 3,700 miles from coast to coast. This list is by no means extensive—but it is a place to begin. For a look at more U.S. long-distance routes, check out the interactive map from Adventure Cycling Association, the 45-year-old organization responsible for some of the country’s greatest routes.

The Olympic Discovery Trail , Washington 130 miles

Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is the stuff of legends: Just west of Seattle, the stretch of land (home to Olympic National Park) offers quaint seaside towns, ethereal rain forest, waterfalls, and at the far western edge, the wild Pacific Ocean. On the 130-mile Olympic Discovery Trail—half of which is a dedicated multiuse path—cyclists can see, smell, and hear it all. The route begins in Port Townsend at the northeastern tip of the peninsula and ends at the coastal town of La Push. Camp or stay in lodges and hotels along the way.

Natchez Trace Parkway , Mississippi and Tennessee 444 miles

This National Park Service–designated trail stretches from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, roughly tracing a 10,000-year-old route originally used by Native Americans ( the path once connected the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez tribes ). Travelers will pass through forests and farmland, witnessing creeks and numerous historical markers along the way. While cyclists do share the road with cars, speeds are low and traffic is relatively light. The route is great for cyclists looking for relatively flat terrain and cozy inns, but there are also more than a dozen campgrounds along the route, for those who prefer the freedom of a tent.

The Underground Railroad , Alabama to Ontario, Canada 1,997 miles

Beginning in Mobile, Alabama, and ending in Owen Sound, Ontario, the Underground Railroad follows the eponymous route used by freedom seekers from the late 18th century until the Civil War. Cyclists can tackle sections of the route or the entire length . The route traces rivers, winds through sleepy towns, and passes by numerous historical markers and sites that honor Black Americans’ struggles for freedom.

The Great Divide , Canada to New Mexico 2,696 miles

Don’t be alarmed by the sheer mileage of this route, which traces the Continental Divide and takes place primarily on dirt or gravel roads and trails—a playground for mountain bikers. Most cyclists tackle sections of the Great Divide, with the 700-mile Montana section among the most popular. Expect solitude, wildlife, and epic runs through pristine forest. Although the trail does pass through small towns, it’s best for those who are interested in camping for at least part of the route.

The East Coast Greenway , Maine to Florida 3,000 miles

Once the entire 3,000-mile route is completed, you’ll be able to hike or bike on protected paths through 15 states and 450 cities and towns, which is the entire point: to connect the nation’s “most populated corridor.” Launched by the nonprofit East Coast Greenway Alliance in 1991, the corridor is 35 percent complete , with 1,000 miles of protected paths between Maine and Florida. The remainder of the trail is on-road (so yes, you could complete the entire route now ). Some campgrounds are available, but the route is best for those who want to crash in hotels, motels, or in homes via Warmshowers.

The Southern Tier , California to Florida 3,022 miles

Tour the entirety of the southern section of the United States—passing through such states as Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida—or just tackle a section of the fascinating route. The Southern Tier begins in San Diego, winding through desert and the Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area, and ends in the 400-year-old town of St. Augustine, Florida. Ideal for those who prefer motels and hotels to camping.

Guided Trips

Photos courtesy of Backroads and Lamar Sellers/Shutterstock

For those who want the thrill of the open road without the headache of planning their own trip—and hauling their own gear—here are some of AFAR’s favorite cycling outfitters.

Many of these companies now offer e-bikes, making cycling tours more accessible

BACKROADS Berkeley-based Backroads has been leading fantastic small-group hiking, cycling, and other adventure-oriented tours since 1979. Cycling trips take place on custom-built titanium bikes, lodging ranges from small luxury ships (imagine cycling beside and sailing down the Danube ) to five-star hotels, and the food is as finely crafted as the routes. This year, watch for new U.S.-based trips like a five-day cycling tour of the Hudson River Valley, as well as weekend or long weekend getaways in Aspen’s glacial valleys and Texas Hill Country .

ADVENTURE CYCLING ASSOCIATION Long known for its stellar long-distance routes, the nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association , which began in 1976, is responsible for mapping out some of the country’s quintessential bike routes, including the 4,218-mile TransAmerica Trail . During the pandemic, the organization launched its Short Trips Initiative , a series of shorter guided trips in eight metropolitan areas, including Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, and Atlanta. Adventure Cycling expects to release route maps for self-guided versions of the tours in summer 2021.

VBT BICYCLING VACATIONS A two-time AFAR Travelers’ Awards winner , Vermont-based VBT Bicycling Vacations has crafted cycling trips for more than 50 years that include accommodations, luggage transfer, and most meals. It also offers self-guided trips. Pick from one of many New England–based tours or VBT’s national park tours, including a six-day Grand Teton and Yellowstone route .

WOMANTOURS Run by women and geared toward women, WomanTours has been leading cycling trips since 1995. Accommodations focus on smaller inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and in national parks, cabins and lodges. New U.S. routes include an eight-day tour of Alaska’s Inside Passage and a six-day tour of Oregon’s Roses, Rivers, and Rail Trails . Also new for 2021: a 25-day ride along section three (Kansas to Kentucky) of the cross-county TransAmerica route.

DUVINE With its focus on luxury and tapping into the local flavor of a destination, DuVine takes travelers into the heart of a place. The company’s trips range from those geared to avid cyclists looking for a new adventure to family-friendly to rides tailored to all ages. And, like many other outfitters, it offers several new domestic adventures, including a five-day art- and food-focused cycling tour of Santa Fe and Taos .

REI ADVENTURES Another AFAR Travelers’ Awards winner , REI Adventures recently discontinued its international trips to focus on building U.S.-based itineraries. No surprise, then, that the company will offer a bevy of national park trips with varied activities: rafting, kayaking, hiking, and yes, cycling. Cyclists, check out the new Joshua Tree weekend trip or a seven-day tour of Moab, Arches, and Grand Junction .

Notes From the Road

A little inspiration to hit the road, from those who have been there..

We spoke to variety of cyclists—from a relative newbie to people who make their living on two wheels—to share the wonders of exploring the world via your own power.

Photos by Alisa Geiser

Analise Cleopatra on the thrill of her first-ever bike-packing trip

“I’ve never done anything like that—I’d never even camped before that trip [along the Three Sisters, Three Rivers route in Oregon]. Just being out in the woods and open . . . you’re definitely at the mercy of the elements. But being there with Dej’uanae [Toliver], who I had known for a while, and Brooklyn [Bell, a pro mountain biker] who I had just met, definitely made a difference. I was anxious about ‘completing’ the ride, which is not something that I felt like I needed to do, but it felt like to some people the value of the ride was how far you could go. Later, I realized I’m not this person, I just want to bike and see these waterfalls and paint pictures and get to know these girls , you know? There’s so much elitism in the sport, but I think there’s definitely space for people who just want to explore and yes, challenge and push our bodies, but the point is not the pain.

“The terrain was very, very diverse the first couple of days. In the beginning, where we started near Caldera [Springs], it was very redwood-y with mulchy ground, but once we went past Suttle Lodge , it got really arid and there were a lot of dead trees. And then it got really lush around Big Lake. . . . Then it got very, very sandy. Once we got through the desert-like part, once we got to the Mackenzie River Trail it was so beautiful, just riverside the whole time. There were so many waterfalls. We [followed the Mackenzie River Trail] until we got to Oakridge and then there was a lot of climbing. That felt more hardcore: The last couple of days it was very rainy so it was pretty wet and muddy, which was fine—it was just a little cold and a little scary going downhill.

“[I have so much] gratitude for the opportunity to enter this world, because people don’t knowwhat they are missing out on. Hopefully the film inspires people who, like me, never would have gone camping by themselves. Find a buddy to go with and enter this world because it’s incredibly nourishing and healing just to be able to go out in nature to learn what your body is capable of and see the stars in their full capacity.”

Analise Cleopatra is a Florida-based filmmaker who made a documentary, Pedal Through, of her first-ever bike-packing trip in 2019 to inspire other newcomers to pick up a bike. Her next trip? The backroads of Georgia.

Photo by Mike Dicken/Adventure Cycling Association

Adventure Cycling Association’s Dan Meyer on the wildness of the Great Divide

“I’ve been dying to ride the entire Great Divide route for a while now, and I still hope to do it soon. A couple of years ago, I rode a [Montana] section of the Great Divide from Whitefish to Missoula. I did it by myself—it was a quick three-day thing. My now-wife and I had done a weekend loop north of Whitefish, and then she had to get back to work. She left me in Whitefish and I just rode myself back to Missoula. It was everything I was hoping for. It was gorgeous, it was quiet, there was nobody around. It’s just such beautiful terrain up there.

“You ride through a lot of dense forest on these rocky dirt roads—motorized vehicles are allowed but you don’t really see them for the most part. It’s just you spinning along, catching glimpses of wildlife. You get that nice, piney, fresh mountain air, you see a lot of alpine lakes and snow-covered peaks. I was going southbound and I did run into a few people riding northbound, but it was less than a handful. It’s the route for people who want to experience solitude in nature. There are other routes you can do where you’ll get to meet a lot of new people and have a lot of social interaction, but the Great Divide route, for the most part, is not going to be like that. It does pass through small towns and you’ll get to meet people in grocery stores and markets and campgrounds, but when you’re out on the road, it’s probably going to be just you, which I really enjoyed.”

Utah-based Dan Meyer, an avid mountain biker, is deputy editor of Adventure Cyclist magazine , published nine times a year as part of the nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association.

Photos by Rolf_52/Shutterstock and courtesy of Pete Stetina

Pro cyclist Pete Stetina on the beauty of Sonoma County’s endless backroads

“Sonoma County has a pretty storied cycling history. This is a place that a lot of the pro teams would have their early season camps in the earlier days. It’s unique because there are so many little backroads that twist and turn and snake—for every main artery that a lot of people drive to commute, there are four or five alternative options.

“As a pro, when I am here training, preparing for the world’s biggest races, I can pick and choose any direction pretty much and always keep it fresh. There are hundreds of thousands of possibilities. I can hit those rolling pastureland Petaluma hills toward the south and hit the coast. In West County you’re talking Jurassic Park–size redwood trees and ferns and just deep woods, moist redwood forest groves and then [you’ll reach] the coast. Up north, you even start to get into Lake County and that’s more like a dry alpine feeling, almost a Colorado feeling, with a lot more pine trees. Then you have all the vineyards and you have a whole big mountain range called the Mayacamas that borders Sonoma and Napa County [and it has] a bunch of huge climbs.

“If you are an advanced enough rider, one quintessential rugged Sonoma County route is the West County Highlight. It’s a very hard ride that includes some very tough climbs, [but also] some amazing vistas, some rugged backroads. You’re gonna hit every microclimate you can think of in one four- to five-hour ride. I’m talking urban and then redwoods and then riverfront and then coastal and then redwoods again and then oak forest, all of that. If you’re passing through the vineyards, a lot of the time, you’ll smell the fermentation, you’re going to smell the grapes being crushed and a little bit of that alcoholic perfume in the air and then you’re going to get into the redwoods and that deep mossy moist air. The coast is real stinky in a good way. And then there are all these little eclectic artist communities that have bakeries and coffee shops.

“There’s not a lot of fake [in Sonoma County]. Everyone’s kind of content doing them and you’re doing you and we’re a part of this community together, which is really nice. It’s definitely the people and the extracurricular possibilities outside of cycling that have kept me there and kept me happy. It’s one of the easiest places in the world to do my job.”

Pete Stetina is a pro cyclist based in Sonoma County who switched to gravel and adventure racing in 2019. In March 2021, he partnered with the Sonoma-based Piazza Hospitality to offer cycling packages to hotel guests at Hotel Healdsburg , h2hotel , and Harmon Guest House that range from customized routes to the Pro Cycling Experience package , which includes a private, guided ride with Pete. For each package booking, the partnership will provide a bicycle, helmet, lock, and (when they’re happening again) a bike camp adventure to an at-risk kid through the B-Rad Foundation , a Sonoma-based nonprofit.

Photo by Felix Lipov/Shutterstock

Pro cyclist Ted King on Vermont’s picturesque 200-on-100 route

“I’m in Vermont and there’s a cool route called the 200-on-100 and that refers to the 200 miles that spans the length of Vermont, from Canada to Massachusetts, and the route is entirely on Route 100. A lot of people will do it in one day . That said, it would also make for a really nice two-day trip or stretch it out and make it a three-day trip.

“At the beginning, you are literally at the Canadian border and that portion of Vermont is called the Northeast Kingdom. It’s just out there, it is rural, it is rolling pastureland, you can see mountains in the distance. The route is entirely paved and sort of inadvertently becomes a tour of Vermont’s ski towns. You’re going to go through Stowe and you go by Sugarbush and Mad River and you go right by Killington, you go by Mount Snow. It’s a relatively rolling route. There are no real extended climbs, except two, but over the course of a 200-mile ride they are relatively spread out.

“Detour off the route and find an Airbnb or a restaurant or brewery, all the things Vermont is well known for. . . . You’ll go directly by Lassen’s Finest Liquids in the town of Waitsfield, Vermont. Among beer nerds, their stuff is extraordinary. They’re a cycling friendly brewery and brewhouse—they just came out with Single Sip, [which is] absolutely delicious, and their double IPA is called Sip of Sunshine. It’s relatively early in the ride, so you might not want to have too much of that. But as you’re dividing [the route] up into a multiday trip, it might work out perfectly.”

Ted King is a retired pro cyclist who loves Vermont’s ubiquitous gravel roads. So much so that in 2019, he launched Rooted Vermont , a two-course (pick between 45 and 85 miles) ride, which is taking place for the second year from July 30 to August 1, 2021.

Jessie Beck contributed to the reporting of this story.

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10 Best Motorcycles for Long Distance Riding

There are a lot of ways to go for a long distance tour. These days, offerings are plentiful when choosing a steed to gallop your way across the country. There are even a few liter bikes that come equipped with cruise control, if you’re into that sort of thing. From dedicated six-cylinder sport tourers, to Dakar inspired adventure bikes, there has probably never been a better time to choose a touring motorcycle.

We’ve put together a list of the 10 best motorcycles for long distance riding. If you think we’ve left anything out, which is bound to happen when choosing only 10, leave them in the comments section below.

1.) KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

KTM’s lineup of what the company categorizes as Travel consists of the 690 Enduro R, 1090 Adventure R, 1290 Super Adventure S, and 1290 Super Adventure R. The two 1290s are equally set up for touring though we opted to include the R version in this list to differentiate it as not only a touring bike for long distances, but a motorcycle that will take you further than the pavement allows.

With its off-road focused 21 x 18-inch wheel combination, there are plenty of tires from street-biased to pure knobbies that you can fit onto the big Katoom. When it comes to eating up miles, the Adventure can hang with the best of them, on or off-road, with its neutral seating position and laundry list of touring features including a 6.1-gallon gas tank, adjustable windscreen, cornering LED headlight, big ‘ol TFT display from which you can view plenty of trip info, connect to your phone, and use the KTM My Ride feature, and of course, cruise control. You’d be a fool not to consider this bike for your next transcontinental excursion, unless you’re just not comfortable with a 35-inch seat height.

2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R Review: First Ride

2.) BMW K1600GTL

Lux touring at its finest. The BMW K1600GTL exudes luxury sport touring while feeling like a precisely engineered German machine. The star of the show, the 1,649cc inline-Six, is smooth and ready to deliver a claimed 160 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque at the twist of a wrist. The GTL is equally adept on twisty canyon roads as it is gobbling up miles down the highway. The electronically adjustable suspension soaks up road irregularities with ease, providing one of the most compliant and cush rides we have experienced, all the while allowing the ride to be tailored to the pilot’s preference at the push of a button, er, wheel in the BMW’s case. Navigating through the plethora of adjustments and information is mostly done with a rolling wheel interface on the left-hand switchgear. The K1600GTL dethroned the Gold Wing in our last big touring shot, and it’s pretty easy to see why.

2014 BMW K1600GTL Exclusive Review – First Ride

3.) Honda Gold Wing

Ah, the Honda Gold Wing. A juggernaut in the touring market since its inception in 1975. The Gold Wing has long been held as the gold standard in touring motorcycles, providing its riders with the utmost comfort and wind protection while offering Honda’s exceptional engineering to keep the behemoth feeling much lighter than it should. Now in its newest iteration, the Gold Wing can be had with Honda’s automatic transmission, known as DCT which is particularly convenient for touring. Evans Brasfield and our dearly departed (from MO ) Sean Alexander spent quite a bit of time on the new Gold Wing, Alexander at the press launch two-up with his wife, and Brasfield on the Nuclear Tour bringing the Wing home from Texas. As Evans states in the dual-story write-up: “impressions of the Gold Wing Tour stand out as remarkably positive”. The only flack the new Wing seems to be getting is for the reduction in storage space, an odd choice for a touring bike until you consider Honda shrunk the entire machine.

2018 Honda Gold Wing Tour Review

4.) Yamaha Venture Transcontinental

Having spent a fair amount of time both solo and two-up on the Yamaha Eluder – basically the Venture sans trunk and a few features – I would be happy riding either model for months on end, of course the extra storage and backrest would be preferred for a passenger. The 1,854cc beating heart of the Yamaha Venture is addicting. The low rumbling bass coming from the exhaust is unmistakably V-twin, yet in a class of its own. The massive torque delivered smoothly through the belt drive is more than enough to pull you and your passenger up winding roads in to Yosemite or the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Though the front of this bad boy looks like a `60s muscle car, modern niceties can be found behind that monstrous nostalgic fairing in the way of a large central screen giving access to navigation, Bluetooth, trip info, Sirius XM and all sorts of other information. Also found on the big touring machine are two alternators delivering 750 watts, heated everything, four speakers with dual-zone audio control, storage cubbies all over the place, fog lights, and a security system. If you fancy yourself some V-twin touring, this is the most high tech way of doing it.

2018 Yamaha Star Venture First Ride

5.) Harley-Davidson Electra Glide/Touring line

Nothing will make you feel more American than rambling down a lone highway with a pulsing Harley-Davidson V-Twin rumbling beneath you. H-D’s new Milwaukee Eight can be found in 107 cu in and 114 cu in variants and provide ultra-smooth torque synonymous with the brand. The classic Harley Electra Glide has been a staple of American motorcycle touring for decades. Companies like EagleRider Motorcycle Tours & Rentals have sculpted their business around the world’s interest in riding American motorcycles in America, and it’s no surprise. I’ve never owned a Harley, yet I still get excited to ride one any time I get the chance. It’s an experience of its own.

2017 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited First Ride Review

Harley-Davidson Fairing Comparison: Ultra Touring Glide-Off

6.) Kawasaki H2 SX SE

Not really a touring guy? More interested in sport, than sport touring? The Kawi H2 SX SE might be the perfect blend of supercharged performance with touring accouterments. It’s a touring bike with a supercharger, launch control, and a quick shifter, or maybe it’s a sport bike with a larger windscreen, LED cornering lights, comfortable seat, heated grips, and centerstand. If your idea of touring involves warp speed, the H2 SX SE will have you doing so luxuriously.

2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE First Ride Review

7.) Ducati Multistrada 1260

The Multistrada is Ducati’s answer for those Ducatisti looking to travel in comfort with all the raucous performance that the unrelenting Italian manufacturer has built into its bikes since the beginning. As you first flick the Multi 1260 onto its side through a corner, you’ll be amazed that a motorcycle the size of this could possibly handle so closely to its sportier counterparts – and don’t get me started on the engine. It has performance for days with torque to make it all practical or at the very least to launch you out of the tightest hairpin corners with ease. The ability to adjust the engine character and suspension coupled with the laundry list of acronyms used to describe all of the tech crammed into the Multistrada make this truly the Swiss (Italian?) army knife of Ducatis.

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 First Ride Review + Video

8.) Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS

The Turismo Veloce is another long-legged Italian stunner in the touring realm. It’s the lightest, most agile touring bike on this list and the Turismo also comes in with the least cubic centimeters, though if you’re a fan of Italian sportbikes and intoxicating exhaust notes, the MV is worth a look. We included the all new Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS because it is the company’s top-of-the-line touring model – equipped with luggage, heated grips, electronic suspension, and adjustable ride modes among other touring bits.

What also makes the Lusso intriguing is that little red circle visible through the lexan clutch cover. For the first time ever we see the American company, Rekluse who is well known in the off-road segment, team up with a manufacturer to develop the Smart Clutch System (SCS) found on the Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS.

2018 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS First Ride Review

9.) Indian Roadmaster

For a long time, if you wanted an American touring bike, you had one option. Ever since Indian burst back onto the scene in its most recent iteration, the company has been producing great bikes with even better motors. Backed with the R&D department only a large company could provide (Polaris), Indian has produced two fantastic motors and built a model range around those two to rival its competitors. The Roadmaster is an undoubtedly big touring machine, but it will eat up a thousand miles for dinner and go back for seconds, all the while having the latest and greatest available for sound, ride and bike information, and navigation all available in the fairing mounted screen. Going two-up? There’s a big cushy seat for your passenger, too.

2017 Indian Roadmaster Classic Review: First Ride

10.) Triumph Tiger 1200

I’ve spent hundreds of miles on the Tiger touring two-up to solo riding through Jeep trails and I’ve come away very happy with the Tiger 1200. The 2018 XCa model is certainly one of the more road-biased adventure bikes, and that’s just fine because you can adjust power modes and suspension for touring or sport on road, then flip to off-road setting when the pavement ends. It’s an adjustable steed with a fantastic Triple engine and relatively maintenance-free shaft drive. The model we rode came equipped with heated seats fore and aft, heated grips, fog lights, skid plate, and a beautiful TFT display from which to read all sorts of information. One of my few gripes is the small-ish (in relation to other ADV bikes in the category) gas tank. It’s so comfortable, you could definitely keep riding further than the tank will allow.

2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa Review

Riding The Triumph Tiger 1200 To And Fro

Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.

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Riding Folding Bikes on Long Distances: Myth Vs Reality

Due to their collapsible nature and unique construction, folding bikes can feel quite different to ride than regular bikes. They’re designed for slower rides on city streets, with narrow tires and small wheels. While these attributes can make them unsuitable for certain types of riding, they don’t affect your ability to ride long distances at all.

Are Folding bikes good for long distances? Folding bikes are good for long distances if the roads are properly paved and efficiency and speed are not essential. They can be especially useful if multimodal transportation or storing the bike securely is a priority. They are not good for fast rides and on very technical off-road tracks.

Here’s a breakdown of what types of riding you can do on a folding bike, when you should consider a full-sized bicycle, and whether or not folding bikes are good for long-distance.

Folding Bikes For Long Distance

Today’s folding bikes are great for city rides. While folding bikes don’t do very well off-roading and they tend to get a bit wobbly at higher speeds, they’re perfectly well suited for long rides on paved surfaces.

In fact, folding bikes can be better than some road bikes for long-distance riding. Most folding bikes have tall handlebars, keeping the rider in an upright position while they ride. This position is less aerodynamic.

You’ll go slower than if you bent down low over your bike, but it’s a lot more comfortable for riding long distances. Many touring cyclists and bikepackers deliberately set up their bicycles so that they can stay as upright as possible while they ride.

Folding Bikes For Long Distance Journeys

Many folding bike owners go on very long rides with their folding bikes, but there are definitely some pros and cons to this decision.

Not only do folding bikes keep the rider upright and improve comfort over long rides, they also fold. This means that you can hop on a bus or store your bike in a bag with ease, giving you a lot more flexibility with your non-biking activities during your journey.

As far as downsides go, folding bikes are definitely limited in their ability to tackle anything other than smooth pavement. Bumps in the road can be unpleasant due to the small wheels and narrow tires.

Some folding bikes can handle uneven surfaces better than others, but you’ll still feel a lot more bumps than you would on a bike with big wheels and suspension.

Additionally, folding bikes tend to feel very unstable at higher speeds . They’re quite nimble and controllable, but you’ll probably find yourself using the brakes to keep yourself at a stable speed on long downhill sections.

If your ride is mostly downhill or you like to go fast, you’ll probably want to use a full-sized bicycle.

Finally, folding bikes are heavier than you might expect . The extra equipment needed for the bike to collapse down to a small size adds weight to the bike, and the frame needs to be sturdier in certain places to compensate for the folding mechanism.

This means that folding bikes can actually be heavier than some road bikes, depending on how you’ve got both bikes kitted out.

When SHOULDN’T You Use A Folding Bike?

Typical folding bikes have small wheels, narrow tires, and no suspension. On poorly paved roads, this can be a bit of a problem. On dirt trails, this can be disastrous. The small wheels transmit the force from every bump and rock to the rider, while the lack of ground clearance means that you can damage your bike on an uneven surface.

Folding bikes are often more comfortable than dedicated road bikes, especially over long rides. This is because road bikes are designed with speed and sport performance in mind, not the comfort of the rider. If those are your goals, you’ll probably be dissatisfied with a folding bike.

You technically can set speed records and challenge your athleticism on a folding bike (and it can even be fun to do so), but you’ll struggle to maintain an aerodynamic riding position, get an optimal range of motion out of your pedals , or, in some cases, reach gear ratios high enough to give you a leg workout.

Folding bikes tend to have very limited gearing and it’s usually concentrated around the easy-to-pedal-while-climbing-hills side of the spectrum, preventing you from blasting downhills at full power

Modern mountain bikes have been pushing bigger and bigger wheels so that riders feel stable at high speed. Folding bikes are at the opposite end of the spectrum. Not only do you feel less stable balancing the bike, you’ll also find that the bike responds differently to handlebar inputs, especially at higher speeds.

Mixed Transportation Makes Folding Bikes Amazing

The biggest advantage of folding bikes is how easily they can be transported or stored . This attribute allows you to take a bus, train, boat, plane, or Uber for a leg of your journey.

In other words, the distance you can go with your folding bike is nearly limitless. Unlike a traditional full-sized bike, where you’re very limited without a bike rack on your car or a big trunk, you can effortlessly take advantage of public transportation and for-hire vehicles with your folding bike.

Bikers will put their bikes into airplane carryons, stow them next to their train seat, carry them on buses and ferries, and more. If your long-distance city ride has an opportunity to leverage public transportation, you’ll really appreciate the ability to choose a folding bike to give you more options and simplify your journey.

Final Thoughts

The comfortable, upright position of a folding bike makes long rides very relaxing, and while you won’t want to go super fast, the fact that you’re not compelled to pedal all-out all day can save you stamina and make your journey easier.

Most importantly, however, your folding bike can easily be taken on all sorts of public transportation, keeping your options open during your entire journey.

If you do a lot of riding in a city, you shouldn’t rule out a folding bicycle, even if you do long-distance rides. These innovative machines can really change how you commute by giving you a source of reliable human-powered transportable transportation.

Sam Benkoczy

Hi, I'm Sam. I own and maintain 6 e-bikes, 15 regular bikes (road bikes, folding bikes, hybrid bikes, city bikes among others). I learned about bikes from my local bike mechanic as well as from bike maintenance courses. I love being out there in the saddle, and using my bike as a practical means of transportation. You can also find me on my YouTube channel at youtube.com/bikecommuterhero Say hi to me at [email protected].

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List of top 10 popular bikes for long road trips in India

The Bridge Desk

Biking has its fun and craze especially amongst the youngsters in India. Every year thousands of bikers leave for long road trips and rides in the hilly terrain. These riders look for the most popular bikes that offer great mileage, are affordable, and are low maintenance.

For long trip lovers, here are the top 10 popular bikes for long trips in India :

1. Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220

Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 stole the heart of the riders ever since it was launched in India. It is:

Laidback cruiser for comfort.
Priced between Rs.1.22 lakhs.
Self-start enabled bike that runs on petrol and has a BS 6 compliant engine.
5-speed gearbox with single-channel ABS.
Available in two colors Moon White and Auburn Black.
A single-cylinder bike with a 220cc engine that produces 19bhp and 17.5Nm of torque.

2. KTM 390 Duke

KTM 390 Duke, a commuter bike is available in 1 variant in India. You can buy it for Rs.2.58 lakhs. Other features of the bike that can fascinate you include:

A 6-speed manual gearbox, 373.2cc engine that produces 42.9bhp and 37Nm of torque.
Made in two colors, KTM 390 Duke comes with ABS, both rear and front disc brakes.
Color TFT screen that can be connected with the rider’s smartphone through Bluetooth.

3. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350

A heartthrob of thousands of riders and a cruiser on the road, Royal Enfield Thunderbird is a perfect choice for a long drive. You can choose the bike as:

The price starts from Rs.1.56 lakhs that is worth the pay for.
It offers a mileage of 30 km per liter.
The bike has a powerful engine of 346 cc that produces 19.8 bhp and 28Nm torque.

You may also like: This woman biker traveled from Kanyakumari to Leh in just 129 hrs

4. Harley Davidson SuperLow

Harley Davidson SuperLow is the dream bike for many. A robust bike with sharp edges and bold design can make for a choice because:

This 17-liter fuel storage capacity bike offers 20 km per liter of mileage.
It has a powerful engine of 883 cc that produces 50 bhp power and 69Nm Torque.
The price of the bike starts at Rs.5.60 lakhs only.

5. Bajaj Dominar 400

Bajaj Dominar 400 is a cruiser bike in India which is perfectly fine for long drives on the Indian roads. Bajaj Dominar 400 has:

27 cc engine capacity that generates 39.42 bhp of power and 35nm of torque.
The 6-speed manual gearbox simplifies the driving fun.
The affordable price range starts from Rs.1,97,438/-.

A Bengaluru based female biker Candida Louis has covered 34,000 KMs in a solo bike trip from India to Australia using a Bajaj Dominar 400

6. Royal Enfield Himalayan .

Royal Enfield Himalayan is the bike for adventure lovers in India. Perfect and suitable to drive in the hilly terrains, Royal Enfield is the touring bike. Other features of this bike include:

Single-cylinder and four-stroke engine with 411 cc displacement.
The bike offers you a fuel economy of 30 to 36.26 km per liter.
The price range of the bike is Rs.1.87 lakhs to Rs.1.91 lakhs.
About 10 color variants are available to choose from.

7. Jawa Perak

The large and tamper-proof Jawa Perak is a strong and top-heavy bike that goes steady for long drives in India. The favorable features of Jawa Perak include:

The price starts at Rs.1,96,941.
It generates 30 bhp of power and 32.74 Nm Torque from a 334 cc engine.
The single-cylinder engine of Jawa Perak comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

8. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 gives you a smooth ride. This bike is powered by an air/oil-cooled engine. The seats are comfortable not just for the driver but also for the pillion rider. You can choose the bike because:

It has a parallel twin 649 cc engine that produces 47bhp and 52Nm of torque.
The price range of the bike starts from Rs.2.5 lakhs- Rs.2.88 lakhs.
The bike offers a mileage of 25 km/liter.
It has dual-channel ABS for safety.

This bike is so popular that Arunachal CM had kicked off a bike trip on RE Interceptor to promote adventure sports in the state .

9. Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT

Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT has a powerful double cylinder engine that can give you a smooth ride for long distances.

The bike has a 6-speed manual gearbox for a smooth ride.
The engine displacement of the bike is 645 cc that produces 71bhp power and 62Nm torque.
You get a mileage of 26.46 km per liter.
It will cost you Rs.7,46,000/-.

10. Mahindra Mojo XT 300

Mahindra Mojo XT 300, is available in two colors: volcano red and ocean blue. The bike receives the power from a 300 cc liquid-cooled EFI engine.

The well-built bike is available in the price range of Rs.1,63,000/- to Rs.1,89,000/-.
The engine produces 27.19 bhp of power and 30 Nm torque.
The fuel tank capacity is 21 liter that will help you go 25 km per liter.

So are you planning to buy one such bike and disappear on the roads? we feel you! But please take the following things with you for a safe trip: Bike documents and driving license, a good helmet with proper riding gears, backpacks with all the ropes and knots, some snacks, a small bike repair kit, fluorescent tapes, flashlights, and most importantly insurance . And yes! Do not forget to get these things checked before starting the journey: Tires, Fuel, Wheel Alignment, Brakes, Chain/Belt, and Engine.

Why insurance is the most important thing to have before any bike trip:

Long drives can be fun but not without an insurance policy. Make sure you buy or renew your bike insurance policy before you start your journey. The bike insurance policy will save you from accidents, theft, fire, natural disasters, personal accidents, and third-party losses.

Other than this, a bike insurance policy can be useful in a bike trip because:

Roadside Assistance: Long trips may call for some unexpected challenges like bike breakdown. You cannot trust all motor garages to get your bike fixed as they may mislead you with the issues. Better is having insurance because then you can have assistance arranged by the insurer. They will make arrangements or guide you for a hassle-free repair.
Cashless Repair Facility: Only if you have insurance, you can get the benefit of the cashless repair at the network garages. You might not want to spend extravagantly when on a long trip. Hence, the cashless facility will be a benefit for you.
Quick claim process: When you have an online two-wheeler insurance policy, you can easily file the claim through your mobile phone. You can be on your trip, get the bike repaired, and still file a claim. And the claim process is completely online and super quick. It is paperless and some insurance companies say that their claim process takes a few minutes! Super Simple!

Gone are the days when you have go to the insurance office or talk to an agent to buy a bike insurance. These days buying insurance online is safer and better because it:

Will help you save time to purchase the policy. All the terms and conditions can be read online.
Allows you to choose the cover and add-on cover without bias.
Help you save premium because there are no middlemen involved when you buy the policy online.
Makes Quick policy receiving possible as soon as you deposit the premium.
Aids you compare the quotes online before making the final purchase of the policy.

Wander With Alex

Pedal-Powered Journeys: How E-Bikes Can Enhance Your Travel Experience

Posted: July 28, 2023 | Last updated: July 28, 2023

We explore how e-bikes can make your travels more enjoyable, practical, and memorable, with a particular focus on the best tandem electric bikes.

Revolutionizing Travel: The Power and Potential of E-Bikes

And when it comes to cycling, electric bikes (e-bikes) are fast becoming a favorite for many travelers. Here, we explore how e-bikes can make your travels more enjoyable, practical, and memorable, with a particular focus on the best tandem electric bikes for those wishing to share the journey.

The increasing prominence of electric bikes in the world of travel is more than a passing trend. E-bikes have emerged as a transformative mode of transportation that seamlessly blend physical activity with the convenience of motorized assistance.

They are redefining how we explore familiar locales and unfamiliar terrains and leading a revolution in sustainable, active travel. And a pleasant one, as well.

<p>One of the most compelling advantages of electric bikes lies in their power-assisted pedaling system. Traditional bicycles can sometimes be restrictive, turning daunting hills and long-distance rides into strenuous tasks. E-bikes break down these barriers with their ability to provide that extra push when needed.</p> <ul> <li>Conquer Steep Terrains: With an e-bike, hills and steep inclines are no longer intimidating obstacles. The motorized assistance can make pedaling uphill feel like riding on a flat surface, making hilly destinations more accessible and enjoyable.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Long-Distance Comfort: If your journey spans several miles, an e-bike can help you maintain stamina and prevent fatigue. You can cover impressive distances without feeling drained, ensuring you have the energy to enjoy your destination once you arrive.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Adjustable Assistance: E-bikes often come with adjustable power levels, allowing you to tailor the amount of assistance you receive. This means you can opt for more help on challenging stretches and less when you fancy a bit more of a workout.</li> </ul>

Taking the Edge Off Effort: The Comfort of E-Bikes

One of the most compelling advantages of electric bikes lies in their power-assisted pedaling system. Traditional bicycles can sometimes be restrictive, turning daunting hills and long-distance rides into strenuous tasks. E-bikes break down these barriers with their ability to provide that extra push when needed.

Conquer Steep Terrains: With an e-bike, hills and steep inclines are no longer intimidating obstacles. The motorized assistance can make pedaling uphill feel like riding on a flat surface, making hilly destinations more accessible and enjoyable.
Long-Distance Comfort: If your journey spans several miles, an e-bike can help you maintain stamina and prevent fatigue. You can cover impressive distances without feeling drained, ensuring you have the energy to enjoy your destination once you arrive.
Adjustable Assistance: E-bikes often come with adjustable power levels, allowing you to tailor the amount of assistance you receive. This means you can opt for more help on challenging stretches and less when you fancy a bit more of a workout.

<p>In a world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our actions, e-bikes offer an <a href="https://blueandgreentomorrow.com/energy/impact-electric-bikes-on-environment/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">earth-friendly alternative</a> to traditional, fuel-guzzling forms of transportation. More than that, they offer a thrilling and engaging way to explore new places.</p> <ul> <li>Green Travel: E-bikes use electricity, a much cleaner energy source than the gasoline or diesel used by most motor vehicles. By riding an e-bike, you’re significantly reducing your carbon footprint and preserving the natural beauty we all love to explore.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Immersive Exploration: With their quiet motors and ability to access paths where cars can’t go, e-bikes provide an intimate connection with the surroundings. You can enjoy your environment’s sights, sounds, and smells without the barrier of a car window.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Fun Factor: There’s no denying it – e-bikes are fun! The thrill of effortlessly gliding up a hill, the wind in your hair, and the feeling of freedom make e-biking an exciting and adventurous addition to any travel experience.</li> </ul>

A Sustainable and Joyful Journey: The Environmental and Fun Factor of E-Bikes

In a world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our actions, e-bikes offer an earth-friendly alternative to traditional, fuel-guzzling forms of transportation. More than that, they offer a thrilling and engaging way to explore new places.

Green Travel: E-bikes use electricity, a much cleaner energy source than the gasoline or diesel used by most motor vehicles. By riding an e-bike, you’re significantly reducing your carbon footprint and preserving the natural beauty we all love to explore.
Immersive Exploration: With their quiet motors and ability to access paths where cars can’t go, e-bikes provide an intimate connection with the surroundings. You can enjoy your environment’s sights, sounds, and smells without the barrier of a car window.
Fun Factor: There’s no denying it – e-bikes are fun! The thrill of effortlessly gliding up a hill, the wind in your hair, and the feeling of freedom make e-biking an exciting and adventurous addition to any travel experience.

Unleashing New Possibilities: E-Bikes as a Gateway to Diverse Travel Experiences

Electric bikes act as catalysts of adventure, opening up a plethora of travel experiences hitherto limited by traditional modes of transport.

With their motor-assisted pedaling, e-bikes allow you to venture beyond typical tourist trails, penetrate remote locales, and unearth hidden gems, offering an unmatched exploratory experience.

Embracing the Wild: Off-Road Adventures with E-Bikes

Electric mountain bikes, with their robust build, powerful motors, and high-quality suspension, are your tickets to off-road escapades.

They facilitate seamless navigation through less-trodden paths, be it dense forest trails, mountainous topography, or meandering desert tracks.

Forest Exploration: Picture yourself pedaling down serene, leaf-strewn paths, the air echoing with bird calls and sunlight streaming through the canopy. E-bikes can handle uneven terrain, making them perfect for woodland adventures.
Mountain Trails: With the assisted power of an e-bike, steep inclines become surmountable. Experience the thrill of scaling heights and the reward of panoramic vistas that come with it.
Desert Landscapes: Traversing desert trails on an e-bike can be an exhilarating experience. The electric assistance helps manage sandy terrains, allowing you to explore these unique ecosystems easily.

With an e-bike, you’re not just a spectator but an active participant in the adventure, enhancing your connection with the environment around you.

<p>For urban explorers, e-bikes offer a swift, flexible, and efficient mode of transport that beats city traffic and takes the pain out of parking. With their ergonomic design and ease of use, electric city bikes turn city navigation into a breeze.</p> <ul> <li>Beating Traffic: E-bikes allow you to bypass congested routes, saving you time and energy. You’ll get to your destination faster and fresher, ready to dive into the day’s adventures.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Easy Parking: With an e-bike, you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot. Their compact size allows you to park virtually anywhere, freeing up more time for exploration.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Covering More Ground: E-bikes help you cover large distances quickly and comfortably, letting you see more of the city in less time.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Sneak Peek into Local Life: Traveling at a slower pace on bike lanes or through neighborhood streets provides a unique insight into local life. You’ll discover hidden cafes, quaint bookshops, and local markets that you might have missed otherwise.</li> </ul> <p>Whether your travel backdrop is an urban landscape or untamed nature, e-bikes enrich your exploratory experience by offering a harmonious blend of adventure, fitness, and <a href="https://wanderwithalex.com/sustainable-tourism/">environmental sustainability.</a></p>

Urban Wonders: E-Bikes for Efficient City Exploration

For urban explorers, e-bikes offer a swift, flexible, and efficient mode of transport that beats city traffic and takes the pain out of parking. With their ergonomic design and ease of use, electric city bikes turn city navigation into a breeze.

Beating Traffic: E-bikes allow you to bypass congested routes, saving you time and energy. You’ll get to your destination faster and fresher, ready to dive into the day’s adventures.
Easy Parking: With an e-bike, you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot. Their compact size allows you to park virtually anywhere, freeing up more time for exploration.
Covering More Ground: E-bikes help you cover large distances quickly and comfortably, letting you see more of the city in less time.
Sneak Peek into Local Life: Traveling at a slower pace on bike lanes or through neighborhood streets provides a unique insight into local life. You’ll discover hidden cafes, quaint bookshops, and local markets that you might have missed otherwise.

Whether your travel backdrop is an urban landscape or untamed nature, e-bikes enrich your exploratory experience by offering a harmonious blend of adventure, fitness, and environmental sustainability.

<p>Travel is about shared experiences, and what better way to amplify this than with a <a href="https://easyebiking.com/are-there-any-good-electric-tandem-bikes/" rel="noreferrer noopener">tandem electric bike</a>? Built to comfortably accommodate two riders, these innovative bicycles invite you to double the joy of your cycling adventures. </p> <p>Ideal for couples, friends, or family members, tandem e-bikes foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork while providing the same benefits of individual e-bikes.</p>

Double the Delight with Tandem Electric Bikes: A Unique Way to Share the Adventure

Travel is about shared experiences, and what better way to amplify this than with a tandem electric bike ? Built to comfortably accommodate two riders, these innovative bicycles invite you to double the joy of your cycling adventures.

Ideal for couples, friends, or family members, tandem e-bikes foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork while providing the same benefits of individual e-bikes.

<p>The market for tandem e-bikes is brimming with options that cater to different needs and preferences. When selecting a tandem e-bike for your journeys, prioritize comfort, power, and stability to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.</p> <ul> <li>Pedego Tandem Cruiser: Renowned for its comfortable seating and robust motor, this model guarantees a seamless ride. Its user-friendly design caters to both seasoned cyclists and beginners, making it a top pick for any duo.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Micargi Tahiti NX3: Known for its stability and timeless design, the Micargi Tahiti NX3 promises a secure and stylish ride. Its sturdy build and responsive controls ensure it can easily handle various terrains.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Bintelli Tandem Electric Bicycle: A combination of durability, power, and comfort makes this bike an excellent choice. It boasts a powerful 750-watt motor and comes equipped with a comfortable seat, making it perfect for long-distance rides.</li> </ul> <p>Each of these options brings its unique blend of features to the table, enabling you to choose one that best aligns with your travel plans and cycling proficiency.</p>

Top Picks: Best Tandem Electric Bikes for Your Travel Adventures

The market for tandem e-bikes is brimming with options that cater to different needs and preferences. When selecting a tandem e-bike for your journeys, prioritize comfort, power, and stability to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Pedego Tandem Cruiser: Renowned for its comfortable seating and robust motor, this model guarantees a seamless ride. Its user-friendly design caters to both seasoned cyclists and beginners, making it a top pick for any duo.
Micargi Tahiti NX3: Known for its stability and timeless design, the Micargi Tahiti NX3 promises a secure and stylish ride. Its sturdy build and responsive controls ensure it can easily handle various terrains.
Bintelli Tandem Electric Bicycle: A combination of durability, power, and comfort makes this bike an excellent choice. It boasts a powerful 750-watt motor and comes equipped with a comfortable seat, making it perfect for long-distance rides.

Each of these options brings its unique blend of features to the table, enabling you to choose one that best aligns with your travel plans and cycling proficiency.

<p>A tandem e-bike experience offers far more than a novel way to get from point A to B. It allows two people to share the physical effort, making it feasible to traverse greater distances and tackle more challenging terrains. But the advantages go beyond the practical.</p> <ul> <li>Bonding Opportunity: Riding a tandem e-bike necessitates communication and cooperation, forging a unique bond between the riders. Whether it’s a couple, a parent and child, or two friends, the shared experience can <a href="https://www.mass.gov/service-details/defining-healthy-relationships" rel="noopener">strengthen relationships</a>.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Shared Memories: The shared experience of navigating a route together, the conversations along the way, and the shared triumph of reaching your destination create lasting memories.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Enhanced Accessibility: For those who may be less confident or able to cycle, a tandem e-bike allows them to be part of the adventure. They can contribute as much or as little as they feel comfortable, ensuring an inclusive experience.</li> </ul> <p>In essence, tandem e-bikes share not only the workload, but also the joy, challenges, and triumphs of the journey, creating a truly shared adventure.</p>

Sharing the Ride: The Benefits of a Tandem E-Bike Experience

A tandem e-bike experience offers far more than a novel way to get from point A to B. It allows two people to share the physical effort, making it feasible to traverse greater distances and tackle more challenging terrains. But the advantages go beyond the practical.

Bonding Opportunity: Riding a tandem e-bike necessitates communication and cooperation, forging a unique bond between the riders. Whether it’s a couple, a parent and child, or two friends, the shared experience can strengthen relationships .
Shared Memories: The shared experience of navigating a route together, the conversations along the way, and the shared triumph of reaching your destination create lasting memories.
Enhanced Accessibility: For those who may be less confident or able to cycle, a tandem e-bike allows them to be part of the adventure. They can contribute as much or as little as they feel comfortable, ensuring an inclusive experience.

In essence, tandem e-bikes share not only the workload, but also the joy, challenges, and triumphs of the journey, creating a truly shared adventure.

<p>Electric bikes, with their blend of ease, fun, and sustainability, have transformed the way we can experience travel. They allow us to connect more deeply with our surroundings, venture into unexplored territories, and create more sustainable tourism practices. </p> <p>The addition of tandem e-bikes to the mix has made the joy of e-biking more shareable than ever before. Whether it’s a serene bike ride along a secluded beach, a thrilling off-road trail in the mountains, or a leisurely exploration of a city’s <a href="https://wanderwithalex.com/famous-landmarks-around-the-world/">cultural landmarks</a>, e-bikes are paving the way for unforgettable, pedal-powered journeys. </p> <p>So, when planning your next adventure, consider integrating an electric bike into your plans - it could add an exciting new dimension to your travel experiences.</p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://wanderwithalex.com">Wander With Alex</a>. </em></p> <h2 class="simplefeed_msnslideshows_more_article">More Articles From Wander With Alex</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://wanderwithalex.com/things-to-do-in-paris-france/">Lovely Things to Do in Paris, France on Your Vacation</a></li> <li><a href="https://wanderwithalex.com/visit-central-italy/">Central Italy: 10 Great Places For Your Italian Vacation</a></li> <li><a href="https://wanderwithalex.com/aruba-vacation-faqs/">Caribbean Getaway: Your Aruba Vacation FAQs Answered</a></li> </ul>

Final Thoughts on E-Bike Travel

Electric bikes, with their blend of ease, fun, and sustainability, have transformed the way we can experience travel. They allow us to connect more deeply with our surroundings, venture into unexplored territories, and create more sustainable tourism practices.

The addition of tandem e-bikes to the mix has made the joy of e-biking more shareable than ever before. Whether it’s a serene bike ride along a secluded beach, a thrilling off-road trail in the mountains, or a leisurely exploration of a city’s cultural landmarks , e-bikes are paving the way for unforgettable, pedal-powered journeys.

So, when planning your next adventure, consider integrating an electric bike into your plans - it could add an exciting new dimension to your travel experiences.

This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex .

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This Cyclist Bike Tours Whenever and Wherever She Can—and Brings Her Family Along for the Ride

“I can’t imagine my life without cycling—it has been a source of inspiration to lead a creative, unusual life.”

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

I first got serious about cycling in 1980 when I was dating Keith Morical—in 2020, he set a Guinness World Record for biking the 48 contiguous states in a month. At the time, he was into touring and we went on a three-day bikepacking trip . I was hooked.

Keith and I didn’t last, but my love of bike touring has never ended. I did several other local unsupported tours, got a new touring bike, and then a job at a bike shop in Chicago. I bike-commuted to work there even in the winter.

In 1986, armed with the latest in bike-touring equipment (Eclipse panniers!) I convinced my fiancée that our honeymoon should be eight months of biking and camping through Europe . Then, in 1991, we biked through Italy, riding from Rome to Florence and back.

Back in Chicago, I had a really good off-road bike (a Klein) and did one race, winning my category despite doing a header into a stream. Then a month later, I was pregnant and gave up racing but kept cycling.

Despite having little ones and limited resources, my husband and I kept squeezing in small tours—a weekend here, a five-day trip there. We just added a burley cart, a trail-a-bike, bike seats, and kids bikes to our equipment. In 2008, we took our 15- and 8-year-old on a three-week bike trip in Italy.

When the kids were grown, and I was working full-time as a potter at 59, I realized I was out of shape. My husband I were spending some winter months in Merida, Mexico, and started exploring the region on bikes. During that time, I also began to slowly regain my fitness and stamina over several years.

Upon turning 60 in 2019, my goal was to ride 60 miles in one day—which I did during a four-day bike trip! However, in 2020, I found out that I had an aortic aneurysm and the doctor thought I might need open-heart surgery. I needed to keep my blood pressure down, and so I buckled down on diet and exercise and at my last check-up in 2023, my heart looked really healthy and the aneurysm had not gotten any worse, so it was not necessary to operate.

In 2023, my husband and I traveled to Italy for two months to ride and had a wonderful experience. After that we did a few more bikepacking trips—I love the self-reliance, freedom, challenge, and being outdoors all day. Plus, I am fortunate that my husband and bike-partner is so supportive and willing to go on this journey with me.

I currently cycle first thing in the morning when I’m in Merida. My bike in Merida is a 24” wheel women’s bike but I take it on rocks, gravel , shopping, city riding, long distance , and just for whatever I need. Back in Minnesota, I try to bike three to four times a week.

Physically, I am sure I would be grossly overweight by now if I didn’t cycle. I’ve fought that all my life, but I’ve come to realize that I have almost always been fit because of my habit and love of cycling. I’m proud that I brought up both my children to be good cyclists.

Emotionally, cycling has always been a source of deep happiness for me. I can’t imagine my life without cycling—it has been a source of inspiration to lead a creative, unusual life.

These tips have made my cycling journey a success:

1. get a comfortable bike fit and seat.

I’m 5’3 and when I started biking , I couldn’t find a frame that was small enough. Recently, I bought a 51cm XS Giant. The fit made a huge difference in my comfort and power.

2. Build riding into any and everything you do

Traveling? Bring, rent, or borrow a bike, even if it’s just for a day. Groceries, commuting, meeting for coffee? Get good bags and save the gas money. Add a biking element to any trip! When I do art fairs in other cities, I bring along a bike. In 2016, I did a bike-share in Paris to get around. In 2020, we rented bikes several times in Italy. It’s a wonderful way to see any place.

3. Get your children riding with you

Keep it fun for the kids . They’ll thank you later. If it feels unsafe, get a bike rack, drive to a bike trail, and bring treats for after. You are building their health and the next generation of cyclists. Teach them good habits and safety.

4. Be adaptable as you age

As health gets more fragile, don’t give up! Adapt how you exercise and be creative with it. Do whatever it takes to keep going—maybe that’s reducing mileage or getting a different kind of bike. Set realistic goals and even then, be flexible with those, but don’t give up.

Glynnis’s Must-Have Gear

→ Peak Design Magnetic Phone Holder : I needed a very secure but easy way to access my phone to film while biking. This is a fantastic, durable, dependable mount.

→ TransIt Ragster SPD Cycling Sandals : I love these because they are super comfortable sandals, and I can ride well in them.

→ Po Campo Orchard Grocery Pannier : A friend gave me one and I used it for shopping. The attachment system is super simple yet works really well. It’s durable and holds a lot.

→ Shimano PD-ED500 Road Touring Pedals : I got my first ones in 1991—they changed my life.

We want to hear how cycling changed you! Send your story and submit your photos to us via this web form . We’ll pick one each week to highlight on the site.

Emily Shiffer is a freelance health and wellness writer living in Pennsylvania.

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.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} How Cycling Changed Me

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5 Of The Top Honda Motorcycles For Long-Distance Cruising

Honda has long been associated with the growth and success of cruiser bikes — from its early ventures into the cruiser industry, to the iconic status of bikes like the Rebel and Shadow. In fact, some models even belong to the best motorcycles for long-distance riding of all time. Historically, Honda's approach to developing bikes suitable for long-distance touring has been marked by a desire to experiment and, on occasion, take the road less traveled.

Unlike its competitors, Honda frequently experimented with new engine layouts and designs that deviated from the standard V-twin layout preferred by American manufacturers. The flat engines on some of the company's most iconic cruisers are a good example. While Harley-Davidson has dominated with a focus on heritage and legendary V-twin engines, Honda has carved itself a niche by offering diversity, ranging from the high-powered Magna models to the more affordable Rebel series. This flexibility enabled Honda to appeal to a wide range of riders.

Since Honda makes a lot of cruisers and touring bikes, what's the best? The ultimate long-distance cruising motorbikes combine comfort, reliability, power, and style. These bikes are designed for long miles of road, with a smooth ride that minimizes tiredness. A comfortable seating posture, enough wind protection, ample storage, and a powerful engine capable of handling highway speeds with another gear and a passenger are what we look for. Here's what we think are the best Honda Motorcycles for long-distance cruising.

Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Honda Gold Wing has been one of the go-to long-distance cruising motorcycles since the GL1000 was introduced in 1975. Originally launched with a 999cc flat-four engine, the Gold Wing has undergone many transformations over the years.

With the introduction of the 1,833cc, 24-valve SOHC Flat-6 engine in the latest models, the Gold Wing Tour makes sure you have enough performance tailored for the long haul: 101 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. This is complemented by a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, hence the DCT title. Its 42 mpg combined fuel consumption is a bonus.

As a tour bike, the Gold Wing's ergonomics are designed for long-term comfort, with a spacious seat and adjustable windscreen. The trunk capacity has been increased to 61 liters, capable of storing two full-sized helmets. You also get some neat tech like a 7-inch full-color TFT display, navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an upgraded audio system to make sure you are all set when it comes to entertainment on long-distance rides.

Safety features are a highlight as well. The Gold Wing Tour DCT is equipped with an industry-first airbag system and dual LED fog lights. Interestingly, the bike has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which adds an extra layer of safety for even the longest cruises. Priced at $28,700 for the base 2024 model, the Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT is pretty premium compared to other motorcycles.

Honda VTX 1300

The VTX series, inspired by the Honda Zodia concept initially shown at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, was introduced in 2003 and designed to be a great cruiser. Unsurprisingly, it quickly became popular among fans. When it comes to performance, the VTX 1300 has a 1312cc liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-twin engine that is known to produce excellent low-end and mid-range torque — good news for long-distance cruisers. This engine generates 74 horsepower and 91 pound-feet torque.

Cruising comfort is something the VTX 1300 is good at — wide ergonomics and a well-padded seat. The suspension system, which includes a 41mm front fork and dual rear shocks with preload adjustability should also absorb bumps and be stable over long distances. The bike's heavy weight often means a smooth ride, but it can be difficult to handle on twistier roads, as some owners have mentioned. You get some practical features that improve its long-distance traveling capabilities, too; including a 4.8-gallon gas tank for increased range, and low-maintenance features like automatic cam-chain tensioners and "maintenance-free" batteries.

That being said, the VTX 1300 is not without its downsides. The unlinked braking system is adequate, but it falls short of other competitors' more complex systems, according to some reviews . Also, the standard setup may disappoint those looking for cutting-edge tech and the lightest possible ride. Since 2009 was its last year of production, you can find a used bike anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000 on sites like Cycle Trader .

[Featured image by Mrswampy via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 4.0 ]

Honda Rebel 1100

The Rebel 1100 is Honda's modern cruiser that has great things going for it, especially for its starting price point of around $9,500. It's not quite as cheap as finding a used VTX 1300, but cheap enough to make it to our list of " 5 Honda Motorcycles You Can Likely Afford " for those looking for something brand new.

The Rebel 1100's heart is its high-performance 1,084cc parallel-twin engine, which is based on the engine from the Africa Twin adventure bike. This configuration packs a punch, with 86 horsepower and 72 pound-feet of torque. The engine's design has a unicam valve train and a 270-degree crankshaft, which is meant to improve efficiency and torque delivery — decent specs for those extended journeys.

The Honda Rebel 1100 is offered in both manual and DCT configurations, as well. The DCT, in particular, is a noteworthy feature for reducing rider strain on lengthy travels. In fact, the 1100 DCT is one of the best automatic transmission motorcycles you can buy right now . The motorcycle also comes with cruise control to help relax your throttle hand.

For those planning long rides, this motorcycle features an ergonomically designed seat and a smart handlebar-seat-foot peg triangle for max comfort. Storage is great, too, with options like saddlebags on the touring (T) model that has 35 liters of secure storage for personal things. Despite its many advantages, the bike's lower saddle height of 27.5 inches and unusual control configuration may not be everyone's cup of tea, especially for taller riders.

Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L

This Honda motorcycle is perfect for off-road adventures , but that doesn't mean it's not great for long-distance rides as well. The CRF1100 was introduced in 2016 after a long line of Africa Twins, but it's the more recent upgrade that enthusiasts really like — it now sports a 1084 cc engine. The updated engine offers 100.6 horsepower and 77.4 pound-feet of torque. This increase in performance also comes with an improved throttle-by-wire system and, like the Gold Wing Tour, offers a DCT.

The bike also has a suite of advanced electronics. Notably, its 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) ensures precise handling by adjusting ABS, traction control, and other systems according to real-time conditions. Its ergonomic design and thoughtful features make the Africa Twin, particularly the Adventure Sports version, suited for long-distance cruising. It has a large fuel capacity of 24.8 liters. However, some owners have complained about the seats not being as comfortable.

With options for both aluminum and plastic pannier cases, riders can have enough storage should they need it for extended trips. However, it's reliability that you look for when it comes to long-distance tours. Fortunately, the Africa Twin's reliability is backed by its sturdy build quality, as noted in owner reviews on MCN . The price point of the CRF1100, as of 2024, comes in at $14,800. All things considered, this is one of those unique adventure motorcycles that might tempt you to trade in your cruiser .

Honda Valkyrie F6C

The Valkyrie, which debuted in 1996 and was previously known as the Honda F6C outside of the United States, basically grew out of the Honda Gold Wing. The Valkyrie's 1,520cc liquid-cooled flat-six engine produces an impressive 100 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque, while the bike's motor and five-speed manual transmission — which includes a reverse gear only in Japan — should provide a smooth ride no matter where you choose to go.

The bike was initially available in many varieties, including a separate touring version with a big windscreen and lockable saddlebags for storage space. These models had a larger gasoline tank and an extra fairing for better wind protection. The Valkyrie's suspension system, huge brakes, and solid construction should also interest long-distance travelers. While the bike's fuel efficiency is not the best (about 33 miles per gallon), it is pretty respectable given the performance potential.

However, some cruiser enthusiasts may be turned off by the lack of a V-twin engine and classic rumbling. Its bulk may make it less maneuverable in congested urban areas or meandering rural roads, too, although it performs well on highways and straightaways. In terms of cost, the Valkyrie — while no longer in production — still has a high resale value, particularly for well-maintained machines and those fitted with touring kits. You can find this motorcycle anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 on Cycle Trader , depending on the year and condition.

Cyclist reconsiders crossing Nullabor Plain for charity mid-journey after Eyre Highway death

Female cyclist in a helmet, sunglasses, smiling.

Charissa Hanrahan gives one last push against the pedals and punches the air.

After weeks on the road, the 43-year-old has finally completed her mission of cycling 1,186 kilometres to raise money for child cancer research.

But the final route was far different to what she had imagined when she set out from Ceduna in South Australia to cycle across the Nullarbor.

Her message to anyone thinking of doing the same: "Rethink".

Woman punches the air and stands near her bike at the Esperance foreshore on a sunny day

'Really quite scary'

Ms Hanrahan wanted to raise money for child cancer research after a close friend's daughter, Lucy Galvin, who is now in remission, was diagnosed with cancer.

With her wife and two daughters following along in a support vehicle, she set off to cycle the Nullarbor from Ceduna on March 17, 2024.

But she was startled by the traffic's intensity.

Woman stands by her bike and a sign saying 'Nullarbor Plain, eastern end of treeless plain'

"It's incredible but frightening at the same time," Ms Hanrahan said.

"Every minute road trains were coming past.

"And the wind they throw off is really quite scary."

Less than a week into the journey, Ms Hanrahan was cycling towards Eucla when devastating news came through her UHF radio.

A cyclist, 62-year-old Chris Barker , who was taking part in the epic Indian Pacific Wheel Ride, had been hit by a truck and killed only slightly further west along the Eyre Highway.

Less than two hours later, another cyclist taking part in the same event was also hit by a vehicle and seriously injured.

A tough call

Ms Hanrahan pulled into Eucla that day at the same time as other Indian Pacific Wheel Ride participants, which she said was "quite confronting and emotional".

When she saw them putting their bikes on the back of a motorhome the next day, she questioned her plan.

The two adults and two children stand near the bike and a motorhome with a 'charity cyclist' sign on the back

"I thought to myself, if that's what they're doing, maybe I need to have a good, long, hard think about what I'm doing," Ms Hanrahan said.

After having a conversation with a truck driver about just how vulnerable cyclists and people in slow-moving support vehicles were, she finally made the call to stop her Nullarbor crossing.

"It was very difficult," Ms Hanrahan said.

"I did cry. There were a lot of emotions."

A selfie where she has sunscreen on her lips and two pairs of glasses on

Safety in the spotlight

The first person to cycle across the Nullarbor was Arthur Richardson, who spent 28 days picking his way across rough tracks and sand dunes in 1896.

But these days, the biggest threat to cyclists is the traffic.

Recent flood damage to the Trans-Australian Railway, forcing freight onto the road, has left the remote highway particularly busy.

Western Roads Federation chief executive Cam Dumesny said the trucking industry was horrified by Mr Barker's death and met with peak cycling bodies this week to discuss ways to make the road safer.

From the trucking perspective, Mr Dumesny said they needed to be informed when large numbers of cyclists were expected.

He also said cyclists should know how difficult it was for a truck to suddenly swing around them.

"Cyclists are entitled to use the road, as are trucks," Mr Dumesny said.

"We've just got to be more respectful of each other.

"Our road toll continues to rise. We've got to do something."

A 'heartwarming' experience

Not all Nullarbor cycling experiences are negative.

Man with cycle stands beneath sign saying it's Australia's longest straight road

Nicolai Bangsgaard is an extremely experienced long-distance adventurer, having cycled and scootered around 140,000 kilometres over the past 18 years across 87 different countries.

In March, the 47-year-old tackled the Nullarbor on a kick-scooter .

"Among long distance cyclists, it's in the top 10 or 20 crossings to do in the world," Mr Bangsgaard said.

He said the Eyre Highway was not busy when he went across in early March — possibly due to a flood closure — and he said he felt safe "almost 100 per cent of the time".

"I was positively surprised by the road trains," Mr Bangsgaard said.

"They gave me a wide berth all the time."

Man with bike loaded up with equipment sits by the roadside

His extensive experience also helped, saying he always moved well off the road when two road trains were passing at the same time, and "held his line" when one was coming past.

His advice to any other cyclists or scooter-riders thinking of tackling the road: Get a rear-view mirror.

"I would never travel without a rear-view mirror," Mr Bangsgaard said.

"[That way] I'm in control."

He described the journey as having "a lot of monotony, nothingness and outback bushland".

Mr Bangsgaard said he recommended the journey, simply so others could experience the "heartwarming hospitality" of the people he met.

Finding a new path

Although Ms Hanrahan left the Nullarbor behind, she never abandoned her goal of cycling 1,186 kilometres.

She rounds a corner on her bike, it is sunny, a Landcruiser is parked nearby

She simply relocated, cycling lap after lap of the Esperance foreshore on a dedicated path to make up the remaining 612 kilometres.

"I'm just absolutely stoked to be finished," Ms Hanrahan said, pulling up on April 2.

After leaving the Nullarbor, she initially "felt like she'd failed".

But in hindsight, she is proud to have made what she believed was the right call for her safety and her family.

"It [opened my eyes] as to the way the family can operate as a team," Ms Hanrahan said.

She still achieved her goal too, with the adventure bringing in more than $15,000 in fundraising for child cancer research.

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Cycling (Lifestyle and Leisure)

IMAGES

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Choosing A Bicycle For Long Journey (4
Man Riding A Bike Uphill Against Sunset Sky
Man Riding Bike on Path Picture
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COMMENTS

What to Pack for a Long Bike Ride, According to Cyclists
To sleep: two tents, warm sleeping bags, and mattresses. To cook: one multifuel stove, two pans, one saucepan, six plates. To dress (each): three T-shirts, one long-sleeve T-shirt, two cycling ...
Best touring bikes: Machines for old-school, long distance riding
Best flat bar tourer. Giant Tough road SLR 1. Check Amazon. The Giant Toughroad takes a slightly different tack from most touring bikes, with flat bars, an alloy frame and carbon fork. Its 50mm ...
Best Bikes For Long Rides
‍ Let's embark on an epic journey with the best bikes for long rides. These bikes will ensure comfort and performance as you explore new horizons. The best bikes for long rides are the Genesis Tour De Fer 30, Surly Disc Trucker, Giant Toughroad SLR 1, Kona Sutra, Salsa Marrakesh, Marin Four Corners, Co-op Cycles ADV 4.2, and Trek 520.
Demystifying Long Bike Rides: Understanding Duration and Tips for Success
To further enhance your long bike ride journey, we recommend seeking professional advice, connecting with cycling communities, and continuously learning and adapting as you gain more experience. Long bike rides offer an opportunity for personal growth, self-reflection, and exploration of new landscapes and cultures.
Best Bikes For Long Distance
The best touring bikes for long-distance journeys are the Trek 520, Surly Long Haul Trucker, Kona Sutra, Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1, Cannondale Topstone, Salsa Marrakesh, and Specialized AWOL. These models offer durability, comfort, and versatile features ideal for extended travel. With years of firsthand experience and a deep passion for touring ...
How to prepare for long distance cycling: tips, training, food + more
The tips you'll read for preparing for long distance bike riding are based on the hard-won knowledge we've gained over our years of riding, cycling abroad and taking part in long distance events. ... To someone just starting their cycling journey, 20 miles may seem like an average cycling distance for beginners to aim for. An intermediate ...
Long Ride Checklist: What You Need Before You Roll Out
Long Ride Checklist: Under the Seat. Under-saddle bag. Two spare tubes. Emergency patches. Tire lever. C02 and Dispenser (or hand pump) Bonus Stash: Carry a small multi-tool, too. They come in handy for everything from mid-ride seat adjustments to tightening loose bolts on a bumpy route. Pro Tip: If you don't know how to change or patch a ...
What is a Long Bike Ride? Exploring the Essentials and Benefits
Defining a Long Bike Ride. A long bike ride can be a subjective term, as it depends on an individual's experience, skill level, and physical fitness. For some, a 15-mile ride may seem lengthy, while others may consider anything over 70 miles as a long journey.
Long distance cycling: tips for long rides
Both riders have won the Transcontinental Bike Race which is a 4000 km ride across Europe. While Emily continues predominantly with long distance road cycling, James has jumped into the world of long distance mountain biking and gravel racing, too. We asked both of them for their tips for getting on your bike to ride longer distances.
How to Prepare for Your First Long-Distance Bike Ride
Charge your power meter, bike computer, lights, and electronic groupset. Check for tire pressure. Re-lube your chain if you ride a lot in the last week. Make sure your lights and brakes work. Slightly lift and drop your bike to check if there's an abnormal rattling sound.
How to Prepare for a Long Bike Ride: 7 Secrets of Success
Hydrate and Fuel Up. Proper nutrition and hydration are key for maintaining energy levels during long bike rides. Ideally, you'll want to begin by drinking enough water well before your ride and continue to drink water throughout. Add an electrolyte tab to the bottle if it's a warm day, and you will likely sweat.
Tried and Tested Useful Tips on How to Prepare for a Long Bike Ride for
Bike Rack A Bike rack helps you bring your stuff along. With a bike rack, you don't have to carry a backpack with you all the time. Imagine carrying a backpack for more than 6 hours. It can give you back pain along with should cramps. A bike rack can help make your long ride much smoother and more comfortable as you become free from load.
The right Gear for long bike rides
A summary of the gear I used to ride my bike 675k in three days. This summer I rode from Portland, Oregon to Boise, Idaho (around 675 kilometers or 420 miles) in three days. ... The way I did this ride, and the way that I always do long bike rides, I model after the way most people, myself included, do short rides in the 20-50 mile range. I ...
What kind of bike is best for a century ride?
Tires: For a century ride, it's essential to have tires that strike a balance between speed and comfort. Choose wider tires with good traction to handle different road conditions and provide a smoother ride. Saddle and Handlebars: Your comfort during a long ride heavily relies on the saddle and handlebars. Look for a saddle that is wide enough to support your sit bones and handlebars that ...
Ultra distance cycling: 5 tips to survive long rides
Lastly, super-long rides are all about the slow twitch muscle fibres, which have more endurance. So try to avoid hard accelerations and surges whilst you ride, as these will use up your precious ...
8 Best Electric Touring Bikes for Long-Distance Riding in 2024
A class 3 e-bike for gravel riding and touring. Price: $6,300. The Santa Cruz Skitch is a mid-drive electric bike that saddles the gap between gravel and touring. The combination of 45 mm tires, stable geometry, and common touring features like fender and bottle mounts give this bike its versatile capability.
13 Best Bikes for Long Rides In India [2024 Updated]
List of the best bikes for long rides. Top 13 and Best Bikes for Long Rides in India. 1. Hero Xpulse 200 4V (Price: Rs. 1.34 Lakh Onwards) 2. Honda CB200X (Price: Rs. 1.49 Lakh Onwards) 3. Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 (Price: Rs. Rs. 2.15 Lakh Onwards) 4.
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Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise. The Avenger 220 Cruise is an ideal choice for those looking for a touring bike at a low price. It's got an iconic cruiser design and an easy riding stance with a low-slung seat. Single channel ABS with a front disc brake and a 220cc engine provides enough safety and power needed for long journeys across India.
How to Plan a Long Bike Tour or Bike-packing Trip.
Park yourself in a campsite or hotel for a day or two and explore the city or town or take shorter daily rides. "Distance is not as important as the journey," says Analise Cleopatra, a filmmaker and relatively new mountain biker who made a documentary of her first bike-packing trip in 2019.
10 Best Motorcycles for Long Distance Riding
2.) BMW K1600GTL. Lux touring at its finest. The BMW K1600GTL exudes luxury sport touring while feeling like a precisely engineered German machine. The star of the show, the 1,649cc inline-Six, is smooth and ready to deliver a claimed 160 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque at the twist of a wrist.
Riding Folding Bikes on Long Distances: Myth Vs Reality
Mixed Transportation Makes Folding Bikes Amazing. The biggest advantage of folding bikes is how easily they can be transported or stored. This attribute allows you to take a bus, train, boat, plane, or Uber for a leg of your journey. In other words, the distance you can go with your folding bike is nearly limitless.
The Long Ride
The long ride started as a couple of best friends & cycling buddies from high school wanting to embark on an adventure as old farts. Chapter 1 of the ride came to and end and Kevin decided to journey home, but all is well, and I will be continuing on as far as I can! I am documenting all the adventures, lessons and learnings along the way, and ...
List of top 10 popular bikes for long road trips in India
Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT has a powerful double cylinder engine that can give you a smooth ride for long distances. The bike has a 6-speed manual gearbox for a smooth ride. The engine displacement of the bike is 645 cc that produces 71bhp power and 62Nm torque. You get a mileage of 26.46 km per liter. It will cost you Rs.7,46,000/-. 10. Mahindra ...
The 12 Best Beginner Motorcycles For Long Road Trips
This bike won't be able to hold saddlebags, but the Sixty2 makes a great road trip bike for someone who won't spend more than three days riding in a row and wants a good in-town motorcycle the ...
Best Bikes For Long Rides in India
Here is a list of the best bikes for long rides in India. Check out these top-ranked bikes for long drives including prices, specifications, features, variants, and more. 1 . Bajaj Avenger Cruise ...
Just How Much Money Can You Save Riding An E-Bike Versus Driving ...
A detailed account from a Colorado resident shows just how affordable e-bikes are to run and maintain on a long-term basis. ... that riding a bike - be it electric or otherwise - will return ...
Pedal-Powered Journeys: How E-Bikes Can Enhance Your Travel ...
Long-Distance Comfort: If your journey spans several miles, an e-bike can help you maintain stamina and prevent fatigue. ... Whether it's a serene bike ride along a secluded beach, a thrilling ...
How Cycling Changed Me, Glynnis Lessing, Bicycling
These tips have made my cycling journey a success: 1. Get a comfortable bike fit and seat. I'm 5'3 and when I started biking, I couldn't find a frame that was small enough.Recently, I bought ...
5 Of The Top Honda Motorcycles For Long-Distance Cruising
Honda. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Honda Gold Wing has been one of the go-to long-distance cruising motorcycles since the GL1000 was introduced in 1975. Originally launched with a 999cc flat-four ...
Cyclist reconsiders crossing Nullabor Plain for charity mid-journey
Nicolai Bangsgaard is an extremely experienced long-distance adventurer, having cycled and scootered around 140,000 kilometres over the past 18 years across 87 different countries.