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14 Best Bike Rides in the World: The Ultimate Cycling Journeys

Estimated reading time: 22 minutes

In this guide, we explore some of the best bike rides in the world. Together, we’ll discover breathtaking landscapes on unforgettable routes.

Cycling offers an unparalleled experience, where you can feel the wind on your face, connect with stunning landscapes, and embrace the freedom of the open road. It’s a journey that goes beyond the physical act of riding; it’s about immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the world around you. As you journey through picturesque routes, you’ll witness the captivating transformation of scenery, from rolling hills to majestic mountains, and from tranquil riversides to serene ocean views. It’s a testament to the incredible diversity of our world. The rhythmic motion of the pedals becomes a meditative experience, clearing your mind and awakening your senses. So, get ready to pedal your way through an extraordinary expedition as we unveil the best bike rides in the world.

Table of Contents

Best bike rides in europe, best bike rides in asia, best bike rides in the americas, best bike rides in africa, best bike rides in oceania, finding joy in the journey: embracing the best bike rides in the world, summary of best bike rides in the world, canterbury to rome.

Length: 2,000 kilometers (1.255 miles) Difficulty: Medium-Hard

The Canterbury to Rome cycling path, also known as Via Francigena, is a 1,000-year-old pilgrimage route, and offers not just a physical journey but a soul-stirring adventure that immerses you in the tapestry of European culture and heritage.

The adventure commences in Canterbury, UK, where you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral , a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Christian pilgrimage. As you venture into mainland Europe, the path takes you through the French countryside, revealing vineyards, sunflower fields, and centuries-old chateaux. To reach mainland Europe, you’ll embark on a ferry ride or train journey to France.

Crossing into Switzerland, you’ll encounter alpine views with pristine lakes, snowy peaks, and lovely Swiss villages. Continuing southward, the route leads through the stunning Italian Dolomites, a mountain range renowned for its dramatic beauty and rugged terrain. Here, you will be tested with winding roads and steep ascents, but the sweeping panoramas make every effort worthwhile.

As you progress, you’ll ride through the rolling hills and fertile valleys of Tuscany. Don’t miss the chance to explore the famous cities of Florence and Siena with their historic landmarks. Finally, the path arrives in Rome, where ancient history and modern life come together in perfect harmony.

While the route offers stunning and diverse scenery, it also brings forth several challenges for cyclists. It presents varying terrains, hilly sections, and long distances to cover. Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of flat roads, hills, and more demanding mountainous regions, particularly in countries like Switzerland and the Italian Alps. These mountainous sections can be physically demanding, requiring proper fitness and endurance. Additionally, the journey’s length, taking around 4 to 6 weeks to complete, demands a reasonable level of stamina and dedication from you to sustain daily rides over extended periods. The ideal seasons to enjoy the trip are spring and autumn, but temperatures are manageable even in summer. Just avoid cycling during the hottest hours, especially on the plains.

Romantic Road, Germany

Length: 460 kilometers (263 miles) Difficulty: Easy-Medium

Founded in 1950, the Romantic Road cycling path is filled with historic wonders and memorable scenery. Your adventure begins in the scenic town of Würzburg, in Germany’s Bavaria region, following the well-marked route. As you pedal through the Franconian wine country, you’ll see vineyards, ancient castles, and quaint villages, providing a glimpse into the rich history and winemaking traditions of the area.

Continuing south, you’ll ride through the heart of the Bavarian countryside, with lush meadows, enchanting forests, and clear lakes. The picturesque towns with lovely houses and blooming flowers create a fairytale-like atmosphere.

For many the best part of this path is the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Its preserved city walls and cobblestone streets take you back to the Middle Ages. The beautiful town square, with centuries-old buildings, is perfect for savoring local delicacies and soaking in the historic ambiance. As the route progresses, you encounter more captivating Bavarian cities and towns such as Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, and Augsburg which is one of Germany’s oldest cities .

The Romantic Road cycling path ends in the Bavarian Alps, just north of the Austrian border. The landscape of green hills, alpine valleys, and majestic peaks creates a spectacular backdrop for the final part of your journey.

Cycling the entire Romantic Road from Würzburg to Füssen typically takes around 7 to 10 days, depending on the pace and the number of stops and detours along the way. This is one of the best bike rides in the world and mainly follows well-maintained and flat to gently rolling terrains, making it accessible for most recreational cyclists. However, there may be some short hilly sections along the way, particularly as you approach certain towns or villages, which may require a moderate level of fitness. For the best experience, it’s recommended to plan your journey between May to October. Visiting during the fall will also provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local festivals that are often held along the route.

Passau to Vienna

Length: 309 kilometers (201 miles) Difficulty: Easy

The Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Vienna is a cycling adventure that takes you on a ride alongside the iconic blue Danube. The journey begins in Passau, a beautiful German city situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, right on the Austrian border. As you venture along this scenic route, the Austrian landscape treats you to stunning views of the rivers, beautiful villages, and lush vineyards. Along this historic route, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the Romans, the Nibelungs, and even emperors who have all trodden this path throughout history.

The Danube Cycle Path showcases some of the most beautiful landscapes in Austria. You can make stopovers in the charming cities of Linz, Marchland, and Wachau. Prepare to be enchanted by the diverse sights, from the grandeur of Baroque vibes to the idyllic river landscapes that grace the region.

As you continue, you’ll be guided by permanent signposts and the iconic Danube river, your faithful companion throughout the adventure. Even if you lose your way, worry not, for the river will lead you safely to the metropolis of Vienna, Austria’s capital.

The Danube Cycle Path is a delightful, traffic-free route that takes about 6 days on average to complete. The well-marked and paved path is suitable for riders of all levels, providing a mix of flat or gently downhill terrain, as it follows the Danube downstream. With over eight stages, this cycling adventure offers numerous opportunities for rest and recovery in between. The best time to visit is from near the end of March through to October, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenic beauty and pleasant weather along the way.

The Silk Road

Length: 12,975 kilometers (1242 miles) Difficulty: Hard

The historic Silk Road, once the lifeline of global trade, connects the East to the West. This legendary route facilitated the exchange of silk, fostering cultural and political development across Asian and European civilizations. Stretching an impressive length from Beijing to Istanbul, the Silk Road traverses a captivating landscape that encompasses China, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Turkey.

Undertaking this monumental journey, you’ll face one of the world’s longest, toughest, hottest, and coldest cycling challenges, taking around four to five months to complete. However, the rewards are unparalleled, as you’ll be immersed in natural beauty, various cultures and encounter unique architectural marvels along the way.

The Silk Road also offers flexibility, with some cyclists tackling the entire route, while others opt for specific sections. For instance, you can take on the 1,340 kilometers (832 miles) Great Wall stretch, starting in Beijing and ending in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, which spans diverse landscapes from the Chinese countryside to the vast Gobi desert.

For a truly enriching experience, consider the Persian Silk Road, a favorite among travelers, covering approximately 1,620 kilometers (1,006 miles) and taking around 21 days. Beginning in Tabriz, Iran, and concluding in Robat-e Sharaf, you’ll be surrounded by exquisite Persian architecture, retracing the footsteps of the famed explorer Marco Polo, who chronicled his travels on this path within Iran.

You can also venture along the northern side of the Silk Road and enjoy the Pamir Highway, often regarded as one of the world’s most scenic mountain chains. Stretching over 1,200 kilometers (745 miles), this road presents the breathtaking Pamir Mountains, guiding you through Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, revealing an incredible panorama of nature’s grandeur.

Another awe-inspiring route awaits from Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, to Sary Tash and Irkeshtam in Kyrgyzstan, spanning 475 kilometers (295 miles) of unforgettable mountain vistas and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Though Silk Road cycling offers flexibility and diverse landscapes, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Undoubtedly, this expedition requires physical and mental fortitude. Proper training and preparation are essential as you’ll spend long hours on your bike, often covering 100 kilometers a day. First aid skills and basic bike repair knowledge are invaluable for handling any emergencies along the way. For this journey spanning thousands of kilometers, it’s challenging to time the best weather. However, consider traveling in May to October for a more favorable experience.

Additionally, navigating multiple countries demands awareness of varying documentation requirements , so thorough research is vital to stay informed of updated regulations. Vaccinations are also a crucial aspect of preparation, and it’s essential to ensure you have all the necessary immunizations.

Bangkok to Phuket

Length: 840 kilometers (522 miles) Difficulty: Medium-Hard

Cycling from Bangkok to Phuket is an incredible adventure that promises the perfect blend of culture, nature, and coastal beauty. These two must-visit destinations in Thailand hold their own unique charm, and the journey between them by bike offers a memorable time through rice fields and beach towns.

Starting from Bangkok, your journey begins by heading southwards, taking you through picturesque countryside and small villages. As you venture further, the route leads you to the beautiful beaches and coastal towns that Thailand is famous for.

Along the way, the cycling path meanders through virgin forests, inviting you to explore the wonders of nature in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and Kui Buri National Park . Take a break from pedaling and immerse yourself in thrilling jungle safaris, spot exotic wildlife, or simply relish the serenity of these natural gems.

Continuing south, the route takes you along the Andaman Sea coast, with its breathtaking views of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Finally, your cycling adventure concludes in Phuket, Thailand’s largest island known for its lively nightlife, luxurious resorts, and stunning sunsets. Take some time to relax on the beaches, visit the old town’s colonial architecture, or go island-hopping to nearby paradisiacal islands.

The Bangkok to Phuket cycling route is likely to be moderately difficult due to its long distance, coastal terrain, and the need to cover diverse landscapes. However, with proper preparation and a leisurely pace, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience that takes around 10 days to complete. For the best weather, consider traveling to Thailand between November and February, when you can enjoy dry, sunny days.

East Coast Park, Singapore

Length: 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) Difficulty: Easy

If you are in search of the best bike tours in Asia, the East Coast Park trail provides a delightful experience. It is a unique city trail that offers the best of both worlds – the convenience of urban life and the beauty of coastal scenery. Unlike grueling challenges, this route embraces a relaxed and leisurely atmosphere, making it perfect for beginners and those seeking a laid-back cycling experience.

Starting your journey at East Coast Park, a stunning man-made beach, you’ll pedal along the scenic coastal stretch, a popular spot for both locals and travelers. The entire route is built on reclaimed land, ensuring smooth and even terrain, ideal for a comfortable ride. Along the way, you’ll find attractions like skate parks, beaches, and waterparks, offering plenty of opportunities for breaks and enjoyment.

The leisurely ride concludes at Changi Village, where a culinary delight awaits you. With an array of food hawkers and food halls, you can indulge in a well-deserved meal after 4-5 hours of riding. Don’t miss the Changi Village Hawker Centre, where a fantastic selection of street food stalls awaits, satisfying your cravings and concluding your cycling journey on a delicious note. The best time to visit Singapore is from December to June, offering pleasant weather for your cycling adventure.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, U.S.

Length: 80 kilometers (49 miles) Difficulty: Hard

The Going-to-the-Sun Road cycling path in Montana is an exhilarating route that showcases the beauty of Glacier National Park and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States.

Starting at the park’s western entrance, you’ll be amazed by the majestic Rockies surrounding you. The path leads you eastwards, tracing the shoreline of the picturesque Lake McDonald before meandering towards the Creek and the Loop. The road goes up the mountains, giving you incredible panoramic views of the rugged terrain and the massive glaciers that give the park its name.

One of the best parts of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is the Logan Pass, which sits 2025 meters above sea level. Keep an eye out as you go up because you might spot amazing wildlife like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears. The road’s engineering is also impressive, with exciting hairpin turns and jaw-dropping cliffs that add a sense of thrill to your adventure.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road cycling path is open from late June to mid-September exclusively to bikers and walkers (no cars). During this time, the park’s wildflowers are in full bloom, enhancing the already picturesque landscape with vibrant colors. The route has steep ascents and descents, narrow sections, and winding curves, which require cyclists to have good bike handling skills and confidence in navigating varied terrains. Considering the challenging terrain and elevation gain, cyclists often complete the route in a full day of riding, typically taking around 6 to 8 hours. However, some cyclists may choose to split the journey over two days, allowing for a more leisurely and enjoyable experience.

Rio Grande Trail, Colorado, U.S.

Length: 67 kilometers (41 miles) Difficulty: Easy-Medium

The Rio Grande Trail in Colorado is a cycling paradise, offering a journey along a converted rail corridor that stretches from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, tracing the scenic Roaring Fork River Valley. Originally named after the Rio Grande Western Railroad, which once traveled these tracks until the 1990s, this rails-to-trails route is the longest of its kind in Colorado.

From the outset in Glenwood, where the Roaring Fork River converges with the Colorado River, the environment is quite dry, resembling a desert. As you pedal further along the path, the gorgeous town of Carbondale invites you to take a leisurely break, offering a blend of small-town charm and artistic flair. Continuing your journey, Basalt greets you with its riverside charm and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an excellent spot to rejuvenate by the water’s edge.

As you draw closer to the famed Aspen, the landscape transforms, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering peaks and lush alpine meadows. Aspen, renowned for its world-class skiing and luxury resorts, offers a touch of sophistication amidst nature’s grandeur. Take a ride through its elegant streets, lined with upscale shops and restaurants, and soak in the cosmopolitan atmosphere blended harmoniously with the beauty of the Rockies.

One of the features of this trail is the quality of its surface. Throughout almost the entire Rio Grande Trail, you’ll enjoy a smooth and well-maintained paved path, making your cycling experience an absolute pleasure. On average, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to complete the entire trail, depending on your riding speed and how much time you spend exploring and enjoying the scenic views and attractions along the route. Keep in mind that to protect wintering wildlife, the Rio Grande Trail between Rock Bottom Ranch and Catherine Bridge closes seasonally from November 30 to April 30.

The Lachine Canal Bike Path, Montreal, Canada

Length: 80 kilometers (49 miles) Difficulty: Easy

The Lachine Canal Bike Path in Montreal is a delightful and scenic route that follows the historic Lachine Canal, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Starting at the Old Port of Montreal , you’ll be surrounded by the city’s unique atmosphere and historic buildings. As you pedal along the canal, the urban landscape transforms into a peaceful oasis, with lovely views of the waterway, green parks, and nature.

You’ll pass by interesting places like the iconic Silo No. 5 , an industrial relic that stands as a reminder of Montreal’s industrial past. Continuing on, you pass through quaint neighborhoods, such as Griffintown and Saint-Henri, each offering a glimpse into the city’s cultural diversity and charm.

A highlight of the path is the Atwater Market , a beloved spot where you can take a break, enjoy local produce, and try tasty treats. The market’s lively vibe makes it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

The Lachine Canal Bike Path is undeniably one of the best bike rides in the world. The path is paved and traffic-free, making it ideal for leisurely rides and family outings. The flat terrain and gentle gradients also make it accessible for beginners and cyclists of all ages.

Porto Alegre to Salvador, Brazil

Length: 3,000 kilometers (1864 miles) Difficulty: Easy-Medium

This long route stretches all the way from the southern regions of Brazil to the northeast, traversing some of the country’s most captivating landscapes. Beginning in the industrial city of Porto Alegre, cyclists set off on an adventure that takes them through the heart of Brazil.

The southern part of the route offers a pleasant mix of flat terrains and gentle slopes, making it suitable for cyclists of different skill levels. As the path continues northward, it passes through Florianopolis city, renowned for its stunning beaches, before reaching the vibrant cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Here, you’ll be treated to ocean views, golden beaches, and coastal atmosphere. The cycling path through these cities is well-maintained, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride for cyclists of different levels.

As your journey concludes in Salvador, the bustling capital of Bahia, the landscape takes on a more tropical and exotic feel. Be captivated by its vibrant energy, rich Afro-Brazilian heritage, and stunning coastal views. The city’s lively markets, impressive churches, and lively music scene invite you to celebrate the end of your journey.

This route presents a safe yet challenging adventure, making it ideal for experienced cyclists, particularly those accustomed to cycling alongside traffic. If you’re well-prepared and skilled, you can anticipate spending approximately 20 to 30 days to complete the journey from Porto Alegre to Salvador. Also, except for the winter months in Brazil (May and September), the rest of the year provides an ideal cycling experience.

Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Length: 350 kilometers (217 miles) Difficulty: Medium-Hard

This extraordinary bike route offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife.

Beginning at the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, you’ll pedal through the lush greenery of the surrounding foothills. Passing through Maasai villages, you can connect with the local culture and witness their traditional way of life.

As you venture further, you’ll be enchanted by the ever-present sights of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, which provide a breathtaking backdrop to your journey. Cycling through the Great Rift Valley, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes that unfold before you.

The next leg of the route takes you to the shores of Lake Manyara, where you can catch your breath and marvel at the beauty of this lake. The area is known for its abundant birdlife offering a unique wildlife encounter.

Continuing on, you’ll venture into the World Heritage landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area , a wildlife haven teeming with an abundance of African wildlife. As you ride along the crater’s edge, keep an eye out for elephants, lions, zebras, and a myriad of other fascinating species that roam freely within this natural sanctuary.

This bike route is not for the faint of heart, as it presents various challenges along the way. From steep ascents to rocky trails, it demands a reasonable level of fitness and endurance. However, the sense of accomplishment and the rewards of witnessing Tanzania’s unparalleled beauty make every effort worthwhile. Keep in mind that Tanzania has a tropical climate that varies by region and altitude. In general, the best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season from July to October. With experienced guides to lead the way and ensure your safety, this cycling expedition is a unique opportunity to experience Africa in a whole new way.

Garden Route, South Africa

Length: 300 kilometers (186 miles) Difficulty: Easy

Garden Route in South Africa is a picturesque and tourist-friendly region that promises a nice experience. Starting in the small town of Mossel Bay, you’ll be immersed in the coastal charm and warm atmosphere that characterizes the Garden Route.

Pedaling your way through the heart of the Garden Route, you’ll find George, a bustling city that serves as the region’s central hub. The surrounding landscape is a blend of lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches, making each moment on the bike a visual delight. Be sure to try the region’s famous craft beer, a unique and delicious treat that captures the spirit of the area.

The route continues through the tranquil town of Wilderness, where you can admire serene lakes and pristine beaches. Pedaling further, you’ll reach Knysna town, nestled on the shores of a stunning lagoon. In this picturesque town, you’ll have the chance to explore the renowned Knysna Heads—a captivating pair of sandstone cliffs that divide the Knysna Lagoon from the vast sea beyond. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor delectable seafood while enjoying the scenic waterfront ambiance. The route then meanders through the lush forests of Tsitsikamma National Park , providing an enchanting experience surrounded by nature’s wonders.

Continuing eastward, the Garden Route treats you to more coastal beauty as you pass through Plettenberg Bay, renowned for its golden beaches and scenic cliffs. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy exciting outdoor activities, such as hiking, bungee jumping, and whale watching during the migration season. Your cycling journey culminates in Jeffreys Bay, a renowned surfing destination famous for its world-class waves.

The route is well-suited for cyclists of various skill levels, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced riders. The Garden Route’s moderate terrain and well-maintained paths offer a comfortable and enjoyable cycling experience, allowing you to savor every moment of this unforgettable journey along the South African coast. March is considered the best time to bike the Garden Route, providing favorable weather conditions and adding to the overall enjoyment of the trip.

West Coast Wilderness Trail, New Zealand

Length: 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) Difficulty: Easy-Medium

The West Coast Wilderness Trail in New Zealand is one of the most scenic bike rides in the region, taking you on a cycling journey from Greymouth to Ross, retracing the historic paths once taken by pioneering packhorses, trams, and trains. This picturesque trail weaves through diverse landscapes, granting cyclists spectacular vistas of dense rainforests, glacial rivers, serene lakes, and enchanting wetlands. With the snow-capped Southern Alps on one side and the wild Tasman Sea on the other, the scenery is truly magical.

Setting off from Greymouth, you can enjoy a leisurely ride along the Tasman Sea coast, passing by dunes and lagoons that create a mesmerizing coastal view. The trail then continues along a former tram line, guiding cyclists through regenerating bush and charming farmlands until reaching Kumara, home to the beautifully restored Theatre Royal Hotel . This hotel holds a unique distinction as the West Coast’s only fully restored gold miners’ hotel and once world-renowned theater.

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is thoughtfully divided into four sections, making it ideal for easy day rides or an immersive experience over several days. Cyclists have the option to begin their adventure at either end of the trail – either from Greymouth in the north or Ross in the south. Each section typically takes around 3 to 5 hours to complete, offering flexibility in exploring the trail at a comfortable pace.

The beauty of this ride lies in its accessibility to a wide range of cyclists. The majority of the trail features flat, wide, and smooth paths, ensuring a pleasant cycling experience. However, the Kawhaka Pass section involves a reasonably challenging climb. Yet, with the option to dismount and walk, riders can fully appreciate the views that accompany this section.

The West Coast region enjoys a mild climate with plenty of sunshine, even during Autumn and Winter months. This makes it an inviting destination for cycling enthusiasts year-round.

Tasmanian East Coast, Australia

Length: 480 kilometers (298 miles) Difficulty: Easy-Medium

The Tasmanian East Coast cycling path is known as the “ Tasmanian Trail ,” and it is a multi-day cycling route that spans the eastern coast of Tasmania. The trail is designed to be ridden from north to south, starting at Devonport in the north and ending at Dover in the south.

As you make your way southward, you’ll pass through breathtaking national parks like the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park , known for its rugged wilderness and stunning alpine scenery. The trail also weaves through enchanting state forests, such as the Weldborough Pass State Reserve, immersing you in lush greenery and the beauty of the Tasmanian countryside.

Throughout the Tasmanian Trail, you’ll have the chance to explore small towns like Scottsdale and St Helens. Consider a detour to Freycinet Peninsula, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, adding even more natural beauty to your journey.

Continuing southwards, the path takes you through the historic Tasman Peninsula, home to sites like Port Arthur Historic Site , offering a glimpse into Tasmania’s convict past. Cycle through the picturesque landscapes of the Huon Valley, where you can savor fresh produce and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

As you approach the southern terminus in Dover, you’ll be treated to scenic views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the majestic Huon River, completing your ride that showcases the best of Tasmania’s East Coast.

The Tasmanian Trail is divided into 16 sections, each of which is designed to be an easy day’s ride. However, experienced cyclists can complete two sections in a day. Generally, this region enjoys a mild climate, with the most stable weather usually occurring in February and March. Cycling the Tasmanian Trail is considered to be a moderately challenging experience, making it ideal for experienced cyclists or those seeking a bit of adventure. 

With countless landscapes and thrilling routes, the paths mentioned above offer some of the best bike rides in the world. No matter if you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner seeking new challenges, there’s a ride perfectly suited for you. Remember to prioritize safety by wearing appropriate gear, staying hydrated, and adhering to local traffic rules. Research each route beforehand, check for any necessary permits or visas when crossing borders, and ensure you have the recommended vaccinations if needed. As you plan your cycling expeditions, keep in mind that while some paths may present challenges, the key is to strike a balance between pushing yourself and savoring the experience. It’s essential to listen to your body and not overexert yourself, as the ultimate goal is to enjoy the journey and make memories that will last.

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure?  Book a stylish Blacklane chauffeur service to get into these charming locations.

1.       Canterbury to Rome

2.       Romantic Road, Germany

3.       Passau to Vienna

4.       The Silk Road

5.       Bangkok to Phuket

6.       East Coast Park, Singapore

7.       Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, U.S.

8.       Rio Grande Trail, Colorado, U.S.

9.       The Lachine Canal Bike Path, Montreal, Canada

10.   Porto Alegre to Salvador, Brazil

11.   Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

12.   Garden Route, South Africa

13.   West Coast Wilderness Trail, New Zealand

14.   Tasmanian East Coast, Australia

Ellie Smith

Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.

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Team Wanderlust | 06 May 2019

Best cycling trips: 14 amazing two-wheeled adventures from around the world.

Cycling is a brilliant way to travel. Moving at a slower pace, you can engage more deeply with your destination. Whether you want a challenge or to mosey along the flat, here are our top cycling trips...

1. Cycle through watercolour landscapes in China

Cycling in Yangshuo, Guangxi (Shutterstock)

Cycle through the karst limestone landscapes that have inspired Chinese painters and poets for centuries on this hiking and biking adventure through China with World Expeditions.

After exploring the country’s most famous attractions, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta soldier of Xian, you’ll hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge (one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in the world) and visit the ancient World Heritage town of Lijang.

The best, however, is saved until last, when you cycle through the picture book landscape of Yangshuo, weaving your way through towers of limestone, as you ride from Guilin to the ancient town of Xingping.

Trip: Hike & Bike China

Who: World Expeditions

When: Departures Mar to Nov

How long:  Nine days

How much: From 2,390 (exc. flights)

2. Pedal the Pan Am in Central America

Cyclists outside Las Terrazas (Intrepid)

See Central America's top spots with Intrepid on this exhilarating cycle tour, that will see you pedal along parts of the iconic Pan America Highway through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.  

Cross Lake Nicaragua and journey through the lush countryside until you reach Costa Rica's highest volcano, Irazú, stopping at San Jose. You'll cycle past sugarcane plantations, and raft downriver through the land of the Cabecar indigenous tribe to the Caribbean islands. In Panama, snorkel the crystal clear waters, cycle the highland tracks and explore Panama City.  

Trip: Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama

Who: Intrepid

When: Departures Aug to Apr

How long: 16 days

How much: £2,165 (exc. flights)

3. Mountain bike the Himalaya in Nepal

Cycling in the Annapurna region (Shutterstock)

Nepal is recognised to be one of the world's great mountain biking destinations and this superb cross-country bike ride with KE Adventure Travel is a great way to experience it.  

Starting in Pokhara, you’ll enjoy a couple of days biking the area's classic routes, including the Kali Horseshoe, with superb views of the Annapurna Massif, before riding eastwards, via the Marshyangdi River, to the ridge-top town of Gorkha. From here, a testing, mile-high, climb to the Kathmandu Valley rim awaits, before an entertaining downhill blast back to bustling Kathmandu.

Stunning scenery and great cycling across diverse terrain, together with the friendliness of the local people, makes this an unforgettable experience.

Trip: Pokhara to Kathmandu Mountain Biking

Who:   KE Adventure Travel

When: Oct to Jan & Apr

How long: 12 days

How much: From £1,295 (exc. flights)

4. Bike the Baltics: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

Cycling through the Lithuanian countryside (Shutterstock)

The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania   are perfect for biking, offering a beguiling mix of fairy tale towns and wild, untouched nature. This 11-day cycle tour with Intrepid will take you from the medieval spires of Tallinn and the funky bars of Riga to the endless dunes and stunning beaches of Lithuania's Curonian Spit National Park.

Along the way you’ll cycle through Tallinn’s quaint Old Town, and cycle the famous Route 10, which cuts quite literally across the Baltic Sea, surrounded on both sides by water. You’ll stay in a quaint farmhouse in the Estonian countryside, ride through bird-filled forests and past glittering lakes and explore the Latvian city of Jurmala’s 33-kilometre stretch of beautiful white sand beach.

Trip: Cycle the Baltics

When: Departures May to Sept

How long: 11 days

How much: From £1,360 (exc. flights)

5. Cycle the Cape in South Africa

Stellenbosch in South Africa (Shutterstock)

Following a section of Route 62, KE Adventure Travels' Cape Town and Winelands cycle tour   starts in the Stellenbosch vineyards with wine tasting in some of South Africa’s best wineries. You’ll traverse the semi-arid Karoo desert and the orchards of the Koo Valley, and explore the Dutch village of Barrydale.  

You’re heading for the sea: to watch whales from Hermanus and to follow the coast to the Cape of Good Hope, dropping by to visit the famous Boulders penguin colony and following a part of the annual Cape Argus race route.

Trip: Cape Town and Winelands Cycle Tour

Who: KE Adventure Travel

When: Departures Sept to Jan & Apr

How much: From £1,695 (exc. flights)

6. Ride through temple-dotted jungles in Burma

Cyclists outside the White Pagoda (Intrepid)

Get to know enigmatic Myanmar the two-wheeled way on this cycling tour from Yangon up to Mandalay and Inle Lake with Intrepid.

With its softly rolling terrain, quiet roads, abundance of outdoor attractions and idyllic rural countryside, Myanmar is the perfect place to get to know by bike. After a couple of days checking out Yangon's attractions, head north to the ancient city of Bagan – a landscape defined by thousands of ornate ochre-coloured temples.

Cycle through toddy tree forests to Mount Popa, the reputed home of the country's spirits, watch fishermen working their trade on Inle Lake and creep through limestone caves stocked with Buddha effigies. Exploring Myanmar and its provincial backroads by bike opens up the country's essence in myriad ways.

Trip: Cycle Myanmar (Burma)

When: Departures Aug to Mar

How long: 13 days

How much: From £1,503 (exc. flights)

7. Cycle the south of New Zealand

Cycling the Otago Rail Trail (Intrepid)

Is there a better country to cycle through than New Zealand? This is a land known for its natural beauty, welcoming people and delicious wine, and this cycling trip through New Zealand’s beautiful South Island takes in the best of it.  

Kick things off in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the country, then cycle the famous Central Otago Rail Trail through small gold-mining towns like Alexandra, Omakau, Wedderburn and Hyde. Meander through the open plains with pristine rivers, enjoy some proper Southern hospitality at local taverns and rediscover the joy of pedalling through one of the most gorgeous areas in the entire country.

Trip: Cycle New Zealand South Island  

When: Departures Nov to Apr

How much: From £1,602 (exc. flights)

8. Pedal the path less taken in Peru

Cyclists in the Peruvian mountains (Intrepid)

Ride through classic Peru, hike the Inca Trail and visit South America's stunning ancient Inca sites on this cycling adventure along the Inca Trail with Intrepid.

Kick things off on the streets of Lima, pedalling through fishermen and artist hangouts, clocking beautiful views of the Pacific coastline. Fly to Cusco and hit the single-track to explore a veritable treasure trove of Inca archaeological sites. Ride a mountain bike across the lush countryside of the Sacred Valley, a world of colourful Andean communities and phenomenal landscapes shaped by lost civilisations.  

Finally, swap your cycling shoes for hiking boots and walk the legendary Inca Trail. Finish with a tour of mighty Machu Picchu, one of South America’s must-see draw cards.

Trip: Cycle Peru with Inca Trail

When: Departures Jun, Sep & Oct

How long: 11 nights

How much: From £1,544 (exc. flights)

9. Get in the saddle on the Silk Road in Kazakhstan

Cycling near Tien Shan (Shutterstock)

Cycle the fabled Silk Road and discover the magic of Central Asia on this mountain biking holiday through the south-eastern corner of Kazakhstan with KE Adventure Travels.

Starting with a week in the northern foothills of the Tian Shan, you’ll cycle on a mix of surfaced and gravel roads that cut through the open grassland or ‘steppe’ of several picturesque valleys. There, you'll visit isolated farming villages and encounter camps of nomadic Kazakh shepherds, who come to these upland valleys in summer with their flocks of sheep and herds of horses.

After visiting the spectacular Charyn Canyon, you’ll follow a route that dates back to the Silk Road to the Kegen Plateau and Lake Tuzkol. Your journey ends in the desert landscapes of Altyn-Emel National Park, where you’ll cycle between outrageously colourful sandstone formations and hiking to the top of the 120m high ‘Singing Sand Dune’.  

Trip: Cycling in Kazakhstan

When: Departures Jun, Aug & Sep

How much: £1,645 (exc. flights)

10. Tackle tough trails in Vietnam & Laos

Cycling in Vietnam (KE Adventure Travel)

KE Adventure Travel’s Hanoi to Laos Mountain Bike Epic is what it says on the tin. This challenging backroad adventure leads from north-west Vietnam into Laos, traversing the Tram Ton Pass, the highest road pass in Vietnam.

Pedal among hill tribes in the Sapa region, along steeply-terraced valleys, and on trails that hardly see tourists – staying in traditional villages en route. Finish amid the French-colonial charm of Luang Prabang, frequently voted by Wanderlust readers as the World’s Top City.

Trip: Hanoi to Laos Mountain Bike Epic

When: Departures Oct to Mar

How much: From £2,395 (exc. flights)

11. Make a pedal pilgrimage through Spain

Cycling the Camino de Santiago (Shutterstock)

Complete a classic pilgrimage by bike with Intrepid’s Cycle the Camino de Santiago trip. This self-guided ride follows the UNESCO World Heritage trail for over 250km, condensing the highlights into a faster-paced tour, and staying at small rural hotels.  

Cross the Castilian plains, weave through El Bierzo’s ancient wine valley, admire lush countryside and tuck into tapas, before finishing at the iconic cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Trade stories, break bread and drink wine with people all over the world on a pilgrimage ride over mountains and through the gorgeous Galician countryside.

Trip: Cycle the Camino de Santiago  

When: Departures Apr to Jun & Aug to Oct

How long:  Eight days

How much: From £1,505 (exc. flights)

12. Lap lovely lakes in Central Europe

Reichenau Island on Lake Constance (Shutterstock)

Hop on an e-bike to glide past postcard-pretty villages, fairy tale castles, cherry orchards and gothic cathedrals with ease.

B’Spoke Tours’ self-guided Lake Constance Cycling tour ticks off three countries – Austria, Switzerland, Germany – as well as some of Europe’s most breathtaking mountain scenery, observed from traffic-free, low-stress, lakeside cycle paths.

Trip: Constance: Three countries on three wheels

Who: B’Spoke Tours

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long:  Seven days

How much: From £715 (exc. flights)

13. Hit highlights and backroads in Cambodia

Cycling around Angkor Wat (Shutterstock)

Combine slow travel through rural countryside with headline sights on KE Adventures’ well-paced Backroads of Cambodia tour, a cycling holiday that will take you from Angkor Wat to the Cardamom Mountains.

This trip is a chance to visit must-sees such as the sandy southern beaches, bustling Phnom Penh and spectacular Angkor Wat, as well as pedalling amid rice paddies, temple ruins, lush national parks and ornate palaces. A highlight is navigating the Angkor complex on two wheels – it’s the best way to explore the spread-out ruins and get away from the crowds.

Trip: Backroads of Cambodia (Bike)

When: Departures Feb to Mar & Oct to Dec

How long: 14 days

How much: From £1,375 (exc. flights)

14. Ride the Kasbah in Morocco

Cycling in Morocco (Shutterstock)

Ride from the snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas to the epic sand dunes of the Sahara on this classic adventure cycling holiday in Morocco's arid Jebel Sahro region with KE Adventure Travel.

The climate of the Jebel Sahro is the perfect for cycling outside the summer months. Starting in Todra Gorge, you’ll ascend on tarmac and hard-pack jeep roads to a remote mountain area with nomadic Berber shepherds and views of the Atlas peaks. You’ll cross the Tamtattouchte Pass (2615m), drop down into the beautiful Dades Valley, the so-called 'Valley of the 1000 Kasbahs’, and then on to Boumalne Dades and the oasis town of Zagora on the very edge of the Sahara.

This is a great biking adventure, perfect for anyone looking to make a winter escape to Morocco and the pink and ochre mountains of the Jebel Sahro.

Trip: Ride the Kasbah

How much: From £775 (exc. flights)

More cycling adventures:

The beginner's guide to cycle touring, 4 cycle trip itineraries to suit your interests, the uk’s 5 best wild cycle rides, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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• Travel Tips

The 11 Best Bike Touring Destinations In The World (According To Long-Distance Travellers)

Table of Contents

The 11 best bicycle touring destinations in the world, 6. australia, 5. kyrgyzstan, 4. tajikistan, 3. argentina, 2. united states of america, check out the 159 best bike touring destinations infographic here.

I recently posted an infographic outlining the favourite bike touring destinations of over 50 long distance bicycle travellers. Many of the people surveyed are extremely well-travelled, having crossed continents and experienced dozens of countries by bike. In total, 159 destinations around the world were recommended (view the infographic  HERE ).

When I tallied up all of the information, I found that 66 different countries and regions were represented. Nearly a quarter of all people mentioned the most popular country in this list! Can you guess where it is?

I thought it would be a good idea to run a countdown with the top-11 countries, and find out the reasons  why these destinations are so popular for bicycle touring. My hope is that this resource will help you determine where to ride next! 😊

India is a place with a unique character. You can start by immersing yourself in the colours, smells and excitement for life that Indian cities are renowned for. The rough roads in the breathtaking mountainous regions are popular amongst bike travellers – discover quiet roads, hill tribes, clifftop monasteries and Buddhist/Hindu cultures. For a real challenge, ride at 5359m on the highest ‘motorable’ road in the world.

Where in India*? North East (Nagaland), North West (Shimla, Ladakh, Leh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Zanskar)

*Equal with Australia, Turkey, Norway, China, France.

The French cycling culture is ripe for discovery. With amazing mountain roads, spectacular landscapes, small preserved villages, world-class food and great cycling infrastructure – bike touring in France is a real delight. For cycling fans, a highlight is timing your trip to watch a handful of Tour de France stages. It’s hard to find the same crowd energy and excitement anywhere else!

Where in France*? Alps, Luberon Valley, Cannes, Lyon.

*Equal with Australia, Turkey, Norway, China, India.

The middle and western regions of China tend to be very polarising, but perhaps this part of the world is just a little misunderstood. The culture in China is unique and foreign to even the well-travelled, but should you take your trip by the horns and accept the potential adversity (yep, it’ll be a challenge), you’ll discover some wildly curious people who live in a country that operates very differently to your own. On your bike and you’ll find the views near Tibet to be otherworldly and the mountain roads around Sichuan to be simply breathtaking. Turquoise lakes and prayer flags will constantly add splashes of colour to the vistas. Are you up to it?

Where in China*? Western China, Tibetan Plateau (G219), Sichuan Province.

*Equal with Australia, Turkey, Norway, France, India.

Norway has achieved bike touring notoriety through its pristine mountainous environment and smooth winding roads. You can camp anywhere, discover wild animals and food (berries) everywhere and challenge yourself on the testing terrain. With the perpetual daylight of summer, having to stop every day is probably the hardest bit!

Where in Norway*? Trondheim, Narvic, Mo i Rana.

*Equal with Australia, Turkey, China, France, India.

Turkey is a dream destination that offers the complete package. The warm and welcoming Turkish people offer extreme kindness to bike travellers as they invite you over to share çai (tea), food and maybe even a place to stay. In addition, Turkey has a rich history, interesting culture, amazing food and a great climate for bike travel. The Turkish landscapes are diverse too – you’ll find authentic towns and villages to stay almost everywhere.

Where in Turkey*? Istanbul, Izmir, Cappadocia, Iran Border, North East, Anatolia.

*Equal with Australia, Norway, China, France, India.

Australia is where you go to find solitude. The burning red centre offers never-ending dirt tracks, open horizons and a warm climate. Along the coastal areas, you’ll find a variety of landscapes including alpine regions with snow, never-ending beaches, coral reefs and lush rainforests. There are lots of little historic towns along the way, and if you walk into any of the pubs you’ll discover the unique Australians that frequent them!

Where in Australia*? The Great Dividing Range, Buntine Highway, the Outback.

*Equal with Turkey, Norway, China, France, India.

Kyrgyzstan looks like a Windows desktop image. You’ll be camping in some of the most picturesque parts of the world next to the grassy hills and mountain peaks of the western Himalayas. Locals will welcome you into their yurts to experience the nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz people. Make sure to get off the main roads to enjoy some adventures in the more remote, less-travelled parts of the country.

Where in Kyrgyzstan*? Central region, Tosor Pass, Torkent to Kochkor.

*Equal with Tajikistan.

Tajikistan and the Pamir Highway, in particular, are a bike touring favourite. Although a superhighway of bike tourers in the summer months, the route is still rough and testing of you and your equipment. Ride along rollercoaster sections of road, past rusting tanks and crumbling watchtowers, next to turquoise lakes and parallel to unexplored mountains.

Where in Tajikistan*? Pamir Mountains, Wakhan Corridor.

*Equal with Kyrgyzstan.

Argentina offers a truly unique high altitude landscape. The harsh environment combined with the low traffic volumes and perfect gravel roads results in the overwhelming feeling of isolation. Argentina is wild camping galore and you’ll find mountain passes for days along the Chilean border!

Where in Argentina? San Pedro de Atacama to Cachi, Patagonia, Paso de Agua Negra, Paso de San Francisco, North West.

The USA is an incredibly rich network of stunning landscapes. The environment is everything from rock formations to vast desert expanses to redwood forests. There are enough low-traffic roads to keep to yourself, or alternatively, you can pick popular bike routes such as the Pacific Coast to bump into like-minded bike tourers. The climate is always mild somewhere in the USA and you’ll find lots of infrastructure (eg. campsites and food stores) for bike travellers.

Where in the USA? The Great Divide, Mojave Desert, Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, Pacific Coast, Mississippi River Trail, Dalton Highway (Northern Alaska), Redwoods, Vermont.

This is a place where nature rules. Chile will throw wild weather at you as you ride along quiet gravel roads, through forests, past giant lakes, across mountain passes, through desert landscapes and next to snowy mountain ranges. But that doesn’t matter because Chile is wild camping nirvana in unbelievable scenery and it’s isolation at its best. Visit Chile and you’ll never feel more alive.

Where in Chile? Patagonia, Lake District, Sico Pass, Carretera Austral, Puna de Atacama.

• infographic

15 comments

Poland, greenvelo.pl ?

Hi Alee, the link beneath the Argentina photo should be: http://www.bicycle-junkies.com maybe you can correct this? Thanks!

Amended! I love that photo so much! (And I’m a little jealous that you’ve been to Argentina and I haven’t. 😉 )

Yeah, I love the photo too.. brings back some great memories (and a lot of very windy ones in this part of Argentina! 😉 ) You should go, it’s beautiful!

Not to be pedantic but…there are no pine forests in Chile. In fact, there are no pine forests south of Honduras, which is the southern limit of the range of the genus Pinus. There are pine plantations in Chile, but those are non-natives such as Monterey pine (a narrow endemic in California) that have replaced native forests. There are some native conifers in Chile, and Chileans may refer to all conifers as “pinos,” but those rarely dense forests. The most notable are the stands of alerce (“false larch”), found in Argentina and Chile, which in some ways resemble the California redwoods; and the Araucarias (“monkey-puzzle trees”), also found in both countries.

And where is Canada?! 😉

Hola Alee, gracias por poner a Chile en 1º lugar, de hecho soy Chileno, soy un ciclista novato y me estoy armando una bicicleta para “touring”, yo vivo en Puerto Montt, Region de los Lagos, y recomiendo la carretera Austral, que tiene su origen en mi ciudad, mi sueño es recorrerla al igual que la ruta 40 en Argentina, tambien es interesante la ruta hacia la region de los Lagos (“Lake District”) y los Rios (desde Puerto Varas a Valdivia hay paisajes espectaculares pero por las carreteras mas pequeñas, no pavimentadas que unen los Lagos , hay enormes formaciones volcanicas, rios abundante agua y bosques de Alerces y Araucarias. En fin , te felicito por tu pagina , siempre estoy consultando los detalles tecnicos para poder armarme una bicicleta de cicloturismo (“touring bike”) gracias por todo y saludos desde el fin del mundo.

p.d : Tambien es recomendable par los mas extremos el paso villa O higgins- El chalten (Chile- Agentina, zona sur de la carretera austral) y Tierra del fuego (Chile – Argentina , Cordillera de Darwin , Ushuaia, Yende Gaia Puerto Williams, Wulaia)

p.d. 2: soy muy malo para escribir en ingles asi que escribi en español , por favor aplique traductor de Google para leer en ingles con mas comodidad

un abrazo y saludos!! Carlos

Well, be careful, riding a bike in Chile you have many possibilities to have a big accident, cars and drivers don’t respect at all cyclist

Hi Alee, we referenced this blog post in our recent post: Patagonia: Everything you Need to Know.

http://tdaglobalcycling.com/2016/10/cycling-patagonia-everything-you-need-to-know/

I have been in 102 countries cycling since 2001. Even I am part of the Infographic as Alvaro Neil, the biciclown, the final list of Top destinations for World touring cannot be more inexact. Just saying USA great nat parks but you pay for that instead Mongolia, big wild free camping. Cuba is also a cycling paradise despite the fact you cannot do free camping. And Africa? the hospitality continent should be there somehow. And Norway? Well have a look what happend to me in Norway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw_zqi0XudI&t=19s Regards

Dear Alvaro Neil, “The Biciclown” Being a Norwegian myself, I was deeply ashamed when I saw the way you were treated in Norway. I can assure you that this woman’s behavior is not typical in this country. Please give me a line if you are ever in the Oslo area, and I will be pleased to offer you a beer and let you camp in our garden (or in our house if you prefer). Jorn

I’m glad to see my country, the United States,on here. But I’m going to be honest with you, as much as I love it, there are large chunks of it that are not great for cycling.

Chile!!!!! Es muy bello. 100% recomendable.

Comments are closed.

10 best places for a cycling vacation in 2022

Jan 19, 2022 • 6 min read

The rolling hills and cypress-lined roads of Tuscany around Siena are sublime for cycling © SimonSkafar/Getty Images

Some of the most beautiful places on earth are best explored on two wheels. You can go at your own pace and stray far from the tourist trail. After a good pedal, local dishes taste so much better. Here are some of the best places to go on a cycling vacation in 2022.

1. Siena, Italy

In the cycling world, Siena is famous for the Strade Bianche , an early-season race that twists and turns over the surrounding region’s hilly, white gravel roads, before arriving at the finish on the Piazza del Campo . Riding those same roads at an easier clip is about as fun as cycling gets. It’s like being on a cypress-lined rollercoaster through vineyards and olive groves. You will want a bike with wider tires, so you can enjoy the views and worry less about keeping the rubber on the dirt. After exploring the countryside, enjoy a hearty Tuscan meal and a few glasses of Brunello.

2. Vancouver

Vancouver ’s North Shore is a legendary place to ride mountain bikes. Situated a short drive from the city center, steep tracks twist down through old-growth red cedars, aided by a range of man-made bridges and teeter-totters (see-saws). The riding there will leave you giddy with laughter if your skills are up to it. Mt Fromme and Mt Seymour are home to the most renowned and difficult trails. For those looking for gentler rides, don’t worry; there are lots of cross-country trails about as well.

3. Yorkshire, England

The likes of Bradley Wiggins, Lizzie Deignan and Chris Froome have inspired hundreds of thousands of Brits to take up cycling over the past decade. The UK still isn’t well known as a cycling destination though. That should change soon. Quiet country lanes in places like Yorkshire are as enjoyable for riding as Europe’s more famous roads. Up in the Dales, the hills might not be as long as grand tour cols, but they are as steep as heck and come one after the other. After an hour or two, you will want to stop for tea and scones. The spa town of Harrogate, which hosted the 2019 world championships, is a great place to stay.

4. Stavanger, Norway

Riding amid Norway ’s rocky, windswept mountains, waterfalls, forests and cavernous fjords will leave you humbled by nature’s sheer scale and power. Perhaps that is why Norwegians are so friendly. Stavanger , a prosperous mid-sized city located on the southwest coast, is a great place to start a Norwegian cycling adventure. The surrounding countryside is magnificent. From its tidy harbor, lined with colorful wooden buildings, you can even take a ferry to the bottom of Lysebotn, a wonderful switchbacked climb that rises for 9km from the sea up onto a rugged plateau. From there, it is about a 120km loop around the fjord back to the city.

Moving mountains: Norway’s top 9 hikes

5. Girona, Spain

Good year-round weather, quiet roads, nearby mountains, not far from the Mediterranean coast – it’s no wonder so many professional cyclists call Girona home. The colorful Catalan city sometimes feels as if it's a cycling resort; there are so many top-notch bike shops, tour companies and cafes that cater specifically to cyclists in town, not to mention the grand tour riders who will race past you on climbs such as Els Angels and Rocacorba. There is a tonne of local heritage to discover as well though. After your rides, go for a walk around the old city walls, visit the cathedral or one of the museums or have a soak in the Roman baths, before heading out for a good meal and night on the town.

6. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Visit Amsterdam , and you’ll be stunned by the number of bikes you see on the streets. Bankers in expensive suits, clattering over the Dam square on rusty rattletraps; students carrying crates of beer on their handlebars and girlfriends on their rear racks; grandmas doing their shopping on e-bikes; whole families traveling together on cargo bikes – every day, hundreds of thousands of Amsterdammers pedal wherever they want to go. Join them. A day touring the canals and Vondelpark , perhaps visiting a couple of the city’s excellent art museums and then cycling from restaurant to bar (or coffee shop) will give you a respectable number of kilometers. Stay sharp though. Navigating Amsterdam’s busy bike paths can be like riding in a peloton.

How to spend a perfect weekend in Amsterdam

7. Athens, USA

A southern college town with one of the best music scenes in the United States , Athens, Georgia is nestled at the center of an awesome array of roads, which get even better when you stray onto dirt. The local cycling community is as friendly and welcoming as can be. Keen riders head there in December, January and February to enjoy the pleasant weather and build fitness for spring. Join them for a segment or two of the Winter Bike League , a series of Saturday group rides that take in the best routes and gas-station stops in the region. Or just head out and enjoy the beautiful countryside at your own pace.

8. Cape Breton, Canada

Circling Cape Breton Island , off Canada’s Atlantic coast, the Cabot Trail passes through fishing villages where Gaelic is still spoken, Miꞌkmaq reserves and Acadian towns. It winds through old-growth forest to the edge of rust-colored bluffs, before dropping hundreds of meters to sandy beaches and picturesque ports, where the locals sell fresh lobster and chowder. Whether you do the 300km loop in a day or a week, the Cabot Trail is one of the best bike rides in North America . Go in the spring or fall. It can get very busy in summer, and winter is, well, winter in Canada .

On Québec’s Route Verte, not knowing what I was getting myself into was the best part

9. Boulder, USA

Locals call it the People’s Republic of Boulder . In many ways, it is a place unto itself. Located 50km northwest of Denver , in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains , the home of the University of Colorado is a haven for tech types, academic hippies and Bobo athletes. On its bike paths, you’ll come across Olympians and Ironman champions, though you likely won’t be able to distinguish them from the other locals, as Boulderites are about the fittest people on the planet. Pros and faux pros alike have been coming to the city for decades for its altitude and college-town vibe. For a real challenge, take on the Fearsome Foursome, climbing Flagstaff, Sugarloaf, Magnolia and Sunshine for 2600m of climbing in 80km. There is plenty of pleasant riding around too.

A beginner's guide to hiking in Boulder

10. Chihuahua

If you want to experience the real Wild West, head to Chihuahua, Mexico. Cowboys on horseback outnumber bike riders by far in the rugged, mountainous state. Nevertheless, it is a spectacular place for a cycling adventure. Long climbs rise past scrubby pines and desert to well over 2000m, before plunging down switchbacks and back into forests. Make sure you visit Copper Canyon , which is larger and deeper than America’s Grand Canyon, and sample all of the street food when you do come across a town or village.

Related articles: In Iceland’s remote Westfjords region, a new bicycle route takes shape These are the world's best cities for cycling    The best cycling tours in India

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before  traveling during Covid-19 .

This article was first published December 2019 and updated January 2022

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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

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

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. 

Read more below

Another steel-framed tourer with many of the extras you'll need already there. The Kona Sutra has a high ride position and is equipped with a Brooks leather saddle for a retro touring vibe, although the disc brakes and wide gear range keep it up to date.

Yet another steel-framed option with front and rear racks and an upright ride, the Salsa Marrakesh has 3x9-speed gearing and mechanical disc brakes. Its 42mm Teravail tyres should provide comfort and grip wherever you travel.

Another long-haul steel model, the Disc Trucker has a very upright ride position thanks to its riser stem and yet more rise to its bars. A triple chainset that goes as low as a 26x34t ratio helps with long rides over steep roads.

With 42mm WTB Resolute tyres, the Marin Four Corners is a bike that can handle poor road conditions. The steel frame and fork are robust, while the triple chainset, nine-speed gearing and mechanical disc brakes should prove reliable. 

The Giant Toughroad takes a slightly different tack from most touring bikes, with flat bars, an alloy frame and carbon fork. Its 50mm wide tyres and very wide gear range equip it for off-road adventures.

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 touring bikes 2024: tourers for adventures on two wheels

Although there are many bikes capable of cycle trips, the best touring bikes remain the optimal tool for longer journeys

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Our pick of the best touring bikes

What to look for in a touring bike.

The allure of the open road is one of cycling’s enduring themes. Touring by bicycle allows for this on a grand scale, travelling for several days, often in far-flung places with all your kit strapped to the bike. Of course, micro-adventures closer to home can be just as much fun and still keep the spirit of adventure alive.

Whether you’re planning an expedition abroad or fancy exploring more local roads in far greater detail, a touring bike is the ideal tool for the job. Designed for cycling long distances in comfort, the bikes should be both stable and reliable in their handling, as well as providing all the mounts you need for pannier racks and bags and mudguards . Self-sufficiency is one of the tenets of cycling touring, so the bikes are usually designed with ease of maintenance in mind, too.

The good news for touring cyclists is that the range of bikes available to cater for their needs has grown substantially in the last few years.

In this guide, we've rounded up the more traditional options. If you're thinking of going off-road, perhaps investigate gravel orientated options in our buying guide here , and if you plan to go quick and travel light, see endurance road bikes here .

There's more on what to look for in a touring bike below - but first, here are our top picks of the best touring bikes.

Genesis Tour de Fer 30 touring bike

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

This is a bike that's been created exclusively to provide a comfortable and practical ride for a touring cyclist. The Reynolds 725 Heat-Treated Chromoly frame promises a springy ride and an incredibly strong base.

The 160mm rotor mechanical disc brakes are a more modern introduction with a nod to practicality, especially in the wet. Although we’ve found mechanical TRP Spyre brake calipers aren’t quite as powerful or as easy to modulate as a hydraulic brakeset, they are easy to adjust and highly reliable – perfect for a long-distance tour.

A 10-speed Shimano Tiagra drivetrain is about right for a bike at this price point, but in our experience, a 50/39/30 crankset provides gears that are just a bit too big for cycle touring – particularly over hilly terrain. 

But you can always swap this out for a smaller ringed option down the line. We find that with a cassette of 11-34t, going for a granny ring of 26t is generally a good bet.

We’ve always found Schwalbe’s Marathon tyres to be highly puncture resistant and with a good wear rate. In 35c, these are capable of traversing broken roads and tamer gravel, but if you’re planning on spending a large amount of time off road you would want something a bit plumper.

Handily, this bike come with many of the accessories we think are a must. Firstly, mudguards, but also dynamo powered front and rear lights, bottle cages and the Tubus pannier racks front and rear.

Surly Disc Trucker

A spin-off of Surly's much-revered Long Haul Trucker, the Disc Trucker keeps many of the much-loved versatility and can-do attitude, but this time with the addition of mechanical disc brakes and thru-axles – unlike the Genesis Tour de Fer 30 which has disc brakes and QR axles.

Opinion is a little split on thru-axles for touring – if you have any catastrophic issues with your hubs in more remote countries, you're unlikely to be able to find a replacement locally. That said, those kind of hub issues are quite rare and if it does happen you can always get a replacement sent out. For the improved alignment between the rotor and the caliper, we think the benefits outweigh the negatives.

A multitude of braze-on mount means the Disc Trucker is capable of running front and rear bags, full-coverage fenders, two water bottles, a spare spoke and even a pump peg. However, in not coming with these accessories, you will have to factor these into the cost, making the value for money a little less than the Genesis Tour de Fer 30 or the Kona Sutra.

With both 26" and 700c wheel build options available, the Disc Trucker can be as adventurous as you choose. The 26" (in sizes 42-58cm) is capable of taking up to 2.1" tires, while the 700c version (in sizes 56-64cm) has room for up to 42mm tires — both with fenders.

Although touring bikes generally do have a more relaxed position than a typical road bike, designed as they are for comfortably covering long distances, the Disc Trucker does have a particularly high front end. This isn't necessarily a problem, but if you are coming from a road cycling background, you may find just such an elevated position a little uncomfortable 

Made from a CroMoly Steel, the Disc Trucker comes equipped with a Shimano Alivio/Sora drivetrain, with the 48/36/26 triple Alivio crankset and 11-34 9-speed Shimano cassette provides a gearing range we find to be a great balance between top-end speed and low-end winching – particularly if you’re planning on maxing out the rider and kit weight limit of 161kg (355lb).

Kona Sutra All Road touring bike

The gloss black Sutra is made from Kona 's Cromoly steel frame and is kitted out with smooth-rolling Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 700x40c tires on WTB STi23 rims, which are now tubeless-compatible.

The current model has replaced the previous Shimano Deore 3x10 drivetrain with 2x10 chainset from Shimano's GRX gravel range. It's a move that's unlikely to please the touring purists. The 46/30t chainrings are matched with a 11-36t cassette, which sees the bike's gearing range reduced. It should still see you up the steep climbs, just perhaps not in as much comfort as before.

Gone too are the bar-end shifters, replaced with Shimano 10-speed Tiagra road shifters. Again it's quite the change, moving the Sutra from a traditional tourer into a far more modern interpretation. It reduces some of the bike's previous mechanical simplicity, which is appealing if your tours are long and overseas. That said the move to STI levers will appeal if you're used to riding a regular bike.

Another nod to modernity are the TRP disc brakes, which are blend of mechanical and hydraulic, and the frame's thru-axles.

With a Brooks B17 leather saddle, mudguards and a front pannier rack finishing off this tourer, this good-looking bike oozes style.

The leather Brooks saddle does require a bit more care than what you might be used to – it need to be kept covered from heavy rain and needs a semi regular application of cream to keep the leather supple. But by functioning essentially as a hammock, it is exceptionally comfortable and only gets better over time as it moulds to your shape – it wears in, rather than out..

Ridgeback Voyage

Classic styling never goes out of date - and the vintage-looking Voyage has got it by the bucket load, though a redesign means that modern tech has not been overlooked.

The Ridgeback Voyage uses Reynolds 520 tubing for the frame, with a CroMoly steel fork. A rack and full mudguards (fenders) come as standard. 

The Shimano 48/36/26t triple chainset paired with an 11-34 cassette offers a good range of gearing although with relatively large jumps between the gears due to having just nine gears at the rear. 

We don’t find this to be too much of an issue when taking it steady on a cycle tour but would prefer something a little tighter if multiple very high mileage days are planned.

Shifting and braking is taken care of by Shimano's reliable Sora levers and Tektro cantilever rim brakes. The latter certainly help make the Voyage a maintenance-friendly machine - easy to maintain and find replaces for, even in remote locations - although disc brakes may be a preferred choice for all-weather tourers.

Alex rims with a high spoke count are pretty dependable, even if not the flashiest and fitted with 32c Continental Contact tyres, they can handle a little off road, but are best suited to the tarmac.  

Trek 520 disc touring bike

Constructed from Trek's CroMoly steel, the frame has been designed around disc brakes and fitted with a rack and fenders mounts.

The Bontrager Affinity rims are tubeless-ready, which might be worth setting up if you want a bit of a faster ride when commuting. But for long-term touring it’s generally best to stick with inner tubes so as to avoid the added complication of sealant drying out. Bontrager’s 38c H1 hard-case Ultimate tyres offer good puncture resistance themselves.

The drivetrain is a mixture of Shimano parts with Sora shifters. The crankset is a triple, with 48/36/26 tooth chainrings, and the cassette is an 11-36 so you'll have ample gears when the road goes up. TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc mechanical discs look after stopping.

However, with only nine sprockets on the cassette, the jumps between the gears are a little large, as with the Ridgeback Voyage. But if this does cause you an issue, and if you find yourself not using all of the gears, you could fit a tighter range cassette for smaller jumps.

Like the Genesis Tour de Fer 30, the wheel axles are QR, which can make getting the rotor and caliper aligned properly a little more difficult than with a thru-axle system

The overall weight comes in at 14.26 kg / 31.4 lbs in a size 57, which is lighter than some of the more traditional options.

Cube Travel Pro Trapeze touring bike

Cube offers its Travel Pro tourer in both a traditional crossbar and step-through frame design, with the latter making mounting and dismounting this robust, aluminum bike easy and convenient.

The convenience theme is carried through much of the bike. It's equipped with a Shimano Nexus internal hub gear system and a Gates CDN Belt Drive system which offers super low maintenance compared with a more traditional chain and derailleur system.

With this eight-speed hub, the jumps between the gears is a little larger and the overall range a little lower than you can get with a derailleur system, and it's not quite as efficient. But that said, if you're planning on taking it steady on your cycle tour, those points are pretty immaterial compared to the benefit of much lower maintenance.  

There's plenty of clearance for extra-wide tires and the wheels are currently wrapped in Schwalbe's Marathon Almotion 29x2.15in rubber.

Finishing off this functional tourer are full-length fenders, an adjustable CUBE stand Pro kickstand, a Knog Oi bell, lights (front and rear), and a semi-integrated carrier for pannier bags; these features will have you covered for any adventure.

Salsa Marrakesh

The Marrakesh is designed to take you touring wherever you wish — including a trip around the world if necessary. The frame is built from 4130 CroMoly tubing and has a serious array of mounts. There's room for up to five bottle cages thanks to extra fork mounts plus it comes fitted with front and rear racks. There's even a mount to carry a spare spoke.

Elsewhere there are bar-end shifters and a 3x9-speed Shimano Alivio groupset. The gearing range is designed to get you up the steep stuff even when fully loaded thanks to 48/36/36 triple chainring paired with an 11-36t cassette. The shifters also make roadside maintenance a little easier.

Its world-touring credentials are further aided by its generous tire clearance - 700 x 40mm even with mudguards (fenders), and comes stock with Maxxis Roamer 42mm tires. This means you should eat up the miles in comfort even when the road gets rough.

It's difficult to lay out specific criteria when it comes to choosing a touring bike because the beauty of touring is that it can be whatever you want it to be – there is no single best touring bike for everyone, what is best for you depends on the type of tours you want to go on. However, there are key elements to consider when selecting your two-wheeled riding buddy, which will enable you to get the best touring bike for you.

Touring bike frame

If you're planning a longer trip, and intend the bike to be used primarily for such adventures, then the resilience and comfort of steel is a sensible choice. As such, most of the best touring bikes will feature this metal. The amount you're willing to invest will dictate the weight, strength and character of the steel you end up with.

When looking at steel touring bikes, expect to see the word 'Chromoly' a lot. This is a form of low alloy steel that is used when strength is particularly important. It takes its name from two of the primary alloying (mixing of metals) elements used: “chromium” and “molybdenum”.

If you're planning on using the bike for touring and other duties: club runs, commutes, shorter rides where speed might be more in your interest, consider aluminum or carbon .

Bikes suitable for touring will have a relaxed geometry: a shorter top tube and taller stack to put the rider in a more relaxed position. The wheelbase will be longer, to create a feeling of stability. You'll also notice that the chainstays are longer - this means panniers can be mounted without a chance of clipping your heels and it allows for better distribution when panniers are full.

Touring bike wheels

Elsewhere in the cycling world, we talk about low weight and aerodynamics when it comes to bicycle wheels. And sure, if you're aiming to break a world record on your cycle tour then those are probably still very important areas to consider.

However, if you mainly want to get to somewhere rather far away, and you'd like to arrive there with a wheel that's still true and contains the same number of spokes you left with, then a strong wheel is what you desire. Look for a higher spoke count that you might opt for on a speedy road bike.

The best touring bikes will generally have at least 36 spokes per wheel, tandem touring bike can even go as high as 48. 

Touring bike tyres

It's incredible how much difference a set of tyres can make to a bike. The frame can be designed with comfort top of the agenda, but put on some narrow rubber shoes and pump them up to the wrong tyre pressure and you'll be bumping about all over the road.

Most touring cyclists will want to go for wider tyres - 28mm+, when compared with their road racing cousins. The further off the beaten track you want to go, the wider they should be. If you plan on tackling some light trails, look for 32mm+.

Touring bike brakes

Traditionally, touring bikes had rim brakes and these will certainly do the job for most road-based tours. However, disc brakes do provide far superior stopping power, especially in the wet, and they are now more common than rim brake on the best touring bikes

Since disc brakes don't rely upon the rim to bring the bike to a halt, they also reduce the risk of the rims becoming worn through debris building up on the pads.

Add in that many touring cyclists are carrying luggage, therefore adding to the overall load, powerful brakes that work in all weathers do seem like a sensible addition. However, not everyone likes the appearance of disc brakes on a traditional steel machine and the pads are a tiny bit harder to replace and set up, which is worth considering if you're maintaining your bike on the road.

Luggage and Lights on a touring bike

A purpose-built touring bike will come with pannier racks fitted, as well as fenders and perhaps even built-in lights. These all add to the overall weight, but if the intended purpose requires them, it's no bother.

If you plan to use the bike for other purposes, like group rides, then you may want to look for a bike that comes with eyelets for guards and racks, so that you can remove and fit them as and when.

There's a lot of clever luggage solutions around these days, such as frame bags and oversized saddlebags , that allow you to do away with panniers if you'd rather distribute weight differently.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.

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Looking for the best bike rides in the world ?

Then you're in the right place!

This page features some of the most worthwhile and scenic bike rides on the planet.

Explore stunning bike trails in Italy , go downhill mountain biking in Colorado , enjoy a leisurely bike ride over the George Washington Bridge , take a bike tour in Croatia , and partake in some of the best bike tours in the world, to name a few incredible cycling experiences.

On that note, let's start planning your next bike trip.

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Looking to go biking in New York ? You'll love these trail guides!

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Best Bike Rides In The USA

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Best Bike Rides In South America

Check out some great bike trips in South America .

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Best Bike Rides In India

Check out these incredible bike rides in India .

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Looking for cycling routes in Asia ? These guides can help!

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Best Bike Rides In The World FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about the topic of the best cycling routes in the world .

Q: What are some of the best bike rides in the world?

A few of the world's best cycling routes include:

• Great Divide Mountain Bike Route in North America (from Jasper, Alberta, Canada and Antelope Wells, New Mexico, USA)
• Rim Drive in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA
• Rude Rock Track in Queenstown, New Zealand
• Vista Bike Trail in Forrest, Australia, along the Great Ocean Road
• Cape Town City Bowl in South Africa
• Tai Mo Shan Downhill Mountain Bike Route in Hong Kong
• The Death Road Bike Route in Bolivia, South America

These are just a few of many incredible bike trips around the world!

Q: What are some of the best easy bike rides in the world?

Some of the world's best easy and flat bike rides include:

• Bass Coast Rail Trail in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
• Danube Cycle Path in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary
• Stanley Park Seawall, a budget-friendly experience in Vancouver , British Columbia
• Cherry Creek Bike Path, one of my personal favorite things to do in Denver, Colorado
• Route Of The Hiawatha Trail in Idaho
• East Bay Bike Path in Rhode Island
• Over the George Washington Bridge, a great place to go cycling in New York

Q: What are some of the best mountain bike rides in the world?

Some of the world's best mountain bike trails include:

• Death Road in La Paz, Bolivia
• Heaphy Mountain Biking Track in New Zealand
• Rollercoaster Trail in Finale Ligure, an excellent option for biking in Italy
• Seven Summits Trail in Rossland, British Columbia
• Great Divide Mountain Bike Route in the USA & Canada
• Medicine Bow Rail Trail near Owen Lake in Wyoming

Q: What are the best long bike rides in the world?

If you're looking for great long bike rides, check out:

• Going-To-The-Sun Road (50 miles); if you love riding in National Parks, this stunning route is in Glacier!
• The Jordan Trail in Jordan (373 miles)
• North Sea Cycle Route, which goes across eight countries in Europe (3,692 miles)
• Tour du Mont Blanc, which goes through Switzerland, Italy, and France (106 miles)
• West Coast Wilderness Trail in New Zealand (84 miles)
• La Ruta de los Conquistadores in Costa Rica (250 miles)
• The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island (47 miles), a great experience is you're taking a trip to Victoria BC
• The Suncoast Trail (42 miles), a must when you visit Pasco, Florida

Q: What are the best bike riding destinations in South India?

Visit Kerala if you want a great biking destination in Southern India . Here, you can cycle through Vagamon (known as the "Scotland of Asia"), the fragrant Cardamom Trail , and along the culturally-rich Canal Route , to name a few cycling spots.

Q: Which is the best bike for long rides?

When choosing a bike for long rides, consider how you ride, including how you're most comfortable on a bike, and use that to narrow down your options. Always choose a sturdy and durable bike, since you'll need it to last.

What would you add to this list of best bike rides in the world?

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Cycle Travel Overload

Bikepacking & Adventure Cycling

13 Best Touring Bikes For Worldwide Travel 2024

Looking for top-tier traditional touring bikes? You’re in the right place. As the cycling industry evolves, particularly in the gravel and bikepacking realms, the landscape of adventure cycling has changed dramatically. Yet, traditional touring bikes, once the go-to for adventure, remain as relevant as ever for fully loaded, long-distance journeys.

What Are The Best Touring Bikes – Our Recommendations

Panorama forillon, koga worldtraveller.

• Tout Terrain Silkroad

Bombtrack Arise Tour

• Falken Jagd Hoplit +

Surly Disc Trucker

Decathlon riverside touring 900, vivente gibb, salsa marrakesh, genesis tour de fer, co-op cycles adv 1.1.

While gravel bikes gain popularity for their versatility, traditional touring bikes continue to be the definitive choice for extensive touring on paved roads and beyond, including off-road expeditions. Today’s variety of touring bikes, catering to a wide spectrum of adventures and terrains, can seem daunting.

This article aims to simplify your decision-making process by focusing on the type of adventures you’re planning. We’ve curated a diverse collection of modern, capable touring bikes suitable for everything from month-long trips to lightweight, credit card-style touring. Here, you’ll find a touring bike for every cyclist, regardless of your preferred style or destination.

Light Touring or Gravel Touring Bikes

Kona sutra se.

(A Classic All-Road Touring Bike with Modern Touches)

Price: $2,199 USD (about $3,446 AUD)

Bomb proof, rock solid, smooth and comfortable ride. with traditional touring bike components; Brooks Saddle, bar-end shifters and Deore groupset

Weight :  14kg (30.86 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Frame – Kona Cromoly Butted . Fork –  Kona Project Two Cromoly Disc Touring

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Deore, 26/36/48t crank and Shimano Deore 11-36t 10spd cassette

Gear Ratios :  19.90″ to 120.50″ (0.72 to 4.36 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.56 chainstay 445mm – wheelbase 1,073mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.5 deg – trail 71mm – Fork offset/rake 50mm. Bottom bracket drop 72mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  700c x 40mm With a max tire clearance 29×2.3″ (Check clearance with racks)

• Many mounting options
• Comfy, smooth and rock solid bike
• Clearance for 29×2.3″ tires
• Able to ride MTB sections
• Traditional bar-end shifters
• Rides well loaded or light
• A little sluggish when you need that extra speed for endurance bikepacking events
• Breaks have been known to freeze during winter
• Derailleur hanger is known to break slightly easier then others
• Have had issues with paint quality overtime

The Kona Sutra, my personal bike of choice, embodies the essence of a traditional touring bike while incorporating a 1x gravel drivetrain, a unique twist on the classic design. While the SE model maintains the frame of the Sutra LTD but stands out with its more versatile gear range. An especially notable feature is the stock Brooks saddle, a hallmark of comfort and quality.

On my own Kona Sutra LTD, I’ve managed to fit tires as large as 29×2.3″ without fenders, suggesting the potential for even broader options beyond the standard 700x40c Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires that it usually sports.

The detailed specifications below are tailored to the touring bike variant of the Kona Sutra. However, if you’re intrigued by the prospect of a build more suited to off-road adventures, I highly recommend reading our review of the Kona Sutra LTD .

This bike is astonishingly versatile. I frequently use mine on challenging mountain bike trails , and it’s proven its worth time and again, effortlessly handling jumps and rugged terrain. Its performance as a commuter is equally impressive, proving itself capable of handling a diverse range of conditions.

In comparison to its peers, like the Trek 520 and Surly LHT, the Kona Sutra boasts superior specifications on paper. It features a full Deore groupset and includes bar-end shifters, which add a touch of traditional touring aesthetic.

A bombproof, fun machine that can take you anywhere. Offering a smooth and comfortable ride, it stands out as a rock-solid choice for both enthusiasts and serious cyclists alike.

(A true Swiss Army knife for on-the-go travel bike)

Price: $2,399 CAD (about $2,747 AUD)

Weight :  13.15 kg (29 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Frame – REYNOLDS 525  Steel Fork –  CUSTOM CR-MO 4130 Steel

Groupset & Drivetrain :  2×11 microSHIFT XLE, FSA – FSA OMEGA 2X MEGAEXO, 46/30T crank and MICROSHIFT XLE 11-42T cassette

Gear Ratios :  19.85″ to 111.81″ (0.71 to 4.18 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.55 chainstay 455mm – wheelbase 1,050mm – (steering) headtube angle 71.8 deg – trail 67mm – Fork offset/rake 50mm. Bottom bracket drop 76mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  700c x 44mm With a max tire clearance 700c x 50

The Forillon by Panorama Cycles is a steel all-road touring bike that combines a mid-component range with a budget-friendly price, making it an ideal choice for adventurers looking to explore the world. This bike is designed for efficient riding across various road types and maintains stability and ease of handling even when fully loaded with luggage.

At its core, the Forillon is a testament to strength and reliability, a theme that is evident in its choice of components. It features 36 spoke double-walled rims with reinforced eyelets, paired with robust 700x50mm tires, ensuring durability and stability on diverse terrains. The frame and fork of the Forillon are constructed from high-quality materials, including Reynolds 525 steel tubeset and 4130 steel, known for their resilience and long-lasting performance.

The Forillon stands out with its integrated kickstand plate and a plethora of mounting options, which include front and rear racks, fenders, and triple cage mounts on the fork and under the downtube. These features make it an excellent choice for riders who require a bike that can carry substantial gear on extended tours.

Other noteworthy aspects of the Forillon include its low bottom bracket, long chainstays, and a 2×11 drivetrain, all contributing to a comfortable and stable ride.

The bike also boasts mechanical BB7 brakes and bar-end shifters as part of its well-rounded build kit. Additionally, the frame and fork are treated with an anti-corrosion internal ED coating, enhancing the bike’s durability.

The Forillon is not just about functionality; it also has an aesthetic appeal. The frame graphics, inspired by topographic maps and created by Vancouver-based artists Pellvetica, add a unique touch to the bike’s design.

Offered in three sizes and weighing 29 pounds for the medium build, the Forillon is available at a retail price of $2,149 CAD (approximately $1,675 USD) through PanoramaCycles.com. This bike is a reliable, versatile, and stylish choice for those looking to embark on long-distance, all-road touring adventures around the globe.

(The Ultimate Expedition Touring Bike)

Price: Approx $6,000

Weight :  17.5 kg (38.6 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Aluminium Build

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Deore XT groupset or Rohloff drive belt

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.57 chainstay 477 mm – wheelbase 1,170 mm – (steering) headtube angle 69.5 deg – trail 82.4 mm – Fork offset/rake 50 mm. Bottom bracket drop 60 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) : Possibility to mount tires up to 72mm wide

• Can be packed up to 120 kg
• Super stiff for touring
• Built for durability & serviceability
• Includes mini-kick stand on the front rack and other accessories
• Life time warranty on the frame
• More standard touring equipment then most bikes
• Top of the line components
• Dynamo hub and lighting system as standard.
• Not the lightest touring bike on the block
• Quite expensive then most

The KOGA Worldtraveller series, recognized for its robust and versatile trekking bikes, is an ideal choice for all kinds of cycling trips. These bikes are designed to comfortably carry all your essentials, whether you’re gliding over smooth asphalt or tackling rugged gravel roads.

A notable aspect of the series is its unique alloy build. Despite the current popularity of steel touring bikes, the alloy construction of the Worldtraveller provides a solid and reliable alternative.

This bike remains stable and performs smoothly under a touring load, even when outfitted with sensible width tires. This combination of strength and smooth ride quality sets the Worldtraveller apart in the realm of long-distance touring bikes.

The series has been recently updated, with the new WorldTraveller model featuring a total load capacity of 180 kg. It can accommodate tires up to 72mm wide, enhancing its suitability for various terrains. The integrated rear carrier and new frame design contribute to improved rigidity and cycling performance.

For those interested in an electric version, the E-WorldTraveller includes the Bosch Smart System and a 750Wh battery. Customization is a key feature of the range, offered through the KOGA Signature programme.

The Worldtraveller range comprises several models:

• The standard WorldTraveller, a versatile trekking bike with numerous attachment points for luggage.
• The E-WorldTraveller, an electric variant with a Bosch motor and 750Wh battery.
• The E-WorldTraveller Suspension model, featuring a suspension fork with 100mm travel.
• The Worldtraveller Classic, a proven model known for its reliability.
• The Worldtraveller-S, offering choices in front forks, groupsets, and drive belts.

KOGA also offers extensive customization options through their Signature programme, allowing riders to tailor their bike to their preferences. Test rides are available to prospective buyers, showcasing the bike’s capabilities.

Tout Terrain Silkroad II 275

(A Steel Expedition Dream!)

Price: From €5,349 / $5,835 USD or $8,711 AUD

Weight :  From 14 kg (30.09 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Steel Build

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Rohloff drive belt

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.52 chainstay 455 mm – wheelbase 1,081 mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.5 deg – trail 73 mm – Fork offset/rake 47 mm. Bottom bracket drop 60 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  27.5″x2.0″ / With a max tire clearance 26″ x 2.0″ (50mm) with mudguard, 27.5″ x 2.0″ (50mm) with mudguard, 700C x 42 mm with mudguard

• Steel frame and oversized tubing create a robust structure
• Suitable for various terrains and heavy loads
• Standard with Rohloff hub or belt drive
• Customisable
• High-end components and features contribute to a higher price point
• Limited tire clearance
• Limited availability in certain regions

The Tout Terrain Silkroad is a high-end touring bike designed by the German company Tout Terrain. Known for their specialization in steel bikes for about 15 years, Tout Terrain’s Silkroad incorporates several innovative features and is built for durability and versatility.

The bike’s frame is made from steel tubes manufactured and welded in Taiwan, chosen for their ability to be easily repaired and modified. The Silkroad frames are among the first to pass rigorous safety testing, supporting a combined weight of rider, bike, and luggage up to 180kg/400lb. The bike uses oversized, thick-wall tubing to build a strong structure, which is beneficial for carrying front and rear luggage.

Key features include a steering limiter to prevent cable damage, an integrated steering lock to stabilize the bike when parked, and the option for either double-legged or rear-mounted kickstands. The Silkroad also boasts an integrated stainless steel rear rack designed to be indestructible and compatible with both regular panniers and the specially designed QL3 system panniers.

For power and lighting, the Silkroad uses 12mm thru-axles front and rear for maximum stiffness and alignment, and incorporates SL dynamo wiring in the fork for powering lights and USB chargers. The lighting system features Schmidt lights and a dynamo hub, and a Cinq Plug5 Plus USB charger integrated into the steerer tube.

The bike is equipped with a 14-speed Rohloff hub for the drive system, known for its reliability and efficiency, especially in challenging conditions. It also features a belt drive, preferred for its low maintenance requirements. Hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, and the bike allows for the use of up to 203mm rotors.

The Silkroad offers different wheel size options, with 27.5″ being recommended due to the availability of high-quality tires. The bike is also fitted with Tout Terrain’s in-house “Black Label” components and a Selle Royal saddle from the Scientia range.

(Classic Touring Bike Aesthetics)

Price: $1,499 USD / $2,240 AUD (Estimates)

Weight :  14.7 kg (32.4 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Frame – 4130 double butted CrMo, heat-treated front triangle, TA sliding dropouts, rack/fender mounts . Fork –  4130 CrMo, TA, rack/fender mounts, internal hub dynamo cable routing

Groupset & Drivetrain :  BOMBTRACK AMES forged aluminium crank and MICROSHIFT CS-H103 10-speed, 11 – 42T cassette

Gear Ratios :  19.62″ to 115.53″ (0.71 to 4.18 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio 1.51 – chainstay 435mm – wheelbase 1,045 mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.5 deg – trail 68mm – Fork offset/rake 55mm. Bottom bracket drop 70mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) : With a max tire clearance of 700C x 40C / 700C x 35C with fender

• Includes dynamo, quality Tubus racks, and lighting for an affortable price
• Microshift bar-end shifters give you the seamless and classic touring bike feel and look
• Affortable price tag
• Only has 32 spokes on wheels
• The mudguards are know for being low quality and breaking
• The frame length is a little short, for that extra stability when under a load, shorter then most touring bikes.

Offering a blend of traditional touring design and modern components, all wrapped in an eye-catching metallic green color that is sure to turn heads.

At its core, the Arise Tour features a double-butted steel frameset known for its adaptability and resilience. Enhancing its touring capabilities are the Tubus touring racks and aluminum fenders, designed to handle all your storage needs while protecting you from the elements. Illumination for those early starts or late finishes is provided by a full lighting system from KT and Supernova, ensuring safety and visibility in all conditions.

The bike’s transmission system is built for reliability over long distances. It features Microshift’s ultra-reliable bar end shifters and a 10-speed clutch mechanism. The wide-range 11 – 42T cassette and a subcompact 46 / 30 chainset make for a versatile and efficient setup, ideal for tackling various terrains with ease.

When it comes to braking, the Arise Tour relies on TRP Spyre C mechanical calipers, coupled with a 180 mm rotor upfront. This setup offers controlled and effective braking, particularly important on those thrilling long descents.

Every component on the Arise Tour has been meticulously selected for its proven reliability and durability. The goal is to let you focus on the joy of riding, rather than worrying about bike maintenance.

FalkenJagd Hoplit +

(Pinion Titanium Touring Bike)

Price: €6,798 / $7,415 USD / $11,000 AUD

Weight :  17 kg (37.5 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Titanium Build

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Belt Drive

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  WTB Trail Boss 27.5 x 2.35″ / Clearance for 650b x 3″ or 29er x 2.6″

• High quality components made of titanium and almost everything on the bike is tianium not just frame and fork
• Copes well on all surfaces
• Ultimate touring bike build!
• Very expensive

The Falkenjagd Hoplit PI Plus is a standout travel and expedition bike, designed for those who seek durability and reliability on long bike trips. Named after the elite warriors of antiquity, this bike lives up to its name with its robust build and high-quality components.

At the heart of the Hoplit PI Plus is its titanium frame, known for being extremely stable, scratch, and corrosion-resistant. The frame design, featuring a longer head tube and a slightly shorter top tube, facilitates a more upright sitting position, optimal for touring.

A key aspect of its design is the lower bottom bracket, which, by lowering the center of gravity, especially when carrying luggage, results in improved stability.

The bike’s rear triangle is notably sturdy, with chainstays designed for increased tire clearance and comfort. The rear dropouts are a technological marvel, allowing for longitudinally adjustable quick-release axles to optimize belt tension, and incorporating an integrated stand holder and a strap lock.

The Hoplit PI Plus is equipped with the Pinion P1.18 gear hub and a low-maintenance Gates CDX toothed belt, ensuring a smooth and reliable ride. It can accommodate either 28 or 27.5-inch wheels, offering flexibility depending on the rider’s preference for smooth running or damping.

This bike is an all-terrain champion, providing maximum comfort even under high payloads, thanks to its wide tires. It stands out for its high-quality titanium components, including the frame, fork, spacers, stem, handlebars, seatpost, luggage rack, and bottle cage.

Other features include a SON hub dynamo and lighting, a comfortable Brooks Cambium C17 saddle, Falkenjagd Titan Axios racks, Pitlock thru axles with theft protection, Magura MT7 4-piston disc brakes, and SKS Bluemels B65 mudguards.

The Hoplit PI Plus version extends its capabilities with its ability to take tire widths up to 3.0 inches (650B) and 2.6″ (29″). It boasts specially adapted chainstays and rear dropouts, which are adjustable in length for optimal belt tension. The bike’s design also ensures neatly laid cable pulls and flat mudguard and light mounts for a secure and aesthetic finish.

Trek 520 Disc

(The Longest-Running Touring Bike On The Market)

Price: $1,829.99 USD

Weight :  14.2 kg (31.31 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Steel frame / Alloy fork – Trek butted chromoly disc touring, 135×5 mm QR, Tire Clearance: 2″, Color: Diablo Red and Alloy disc touring fork, rack mounts, 100×5 mm ThruSkew.

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Alivio with 48/36/26T crankset and 9-speed 11-36T cassette.

Gear Ratios Inches :  19.79″ to 119.81″ (0.72 to 4.36 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.49 chainstay 450mm – wheelbase 1,048mm – (steering) headtube angle 71 deg – trail 65mm – Fork offset/rake 52mm. Bottom bracket drop 70mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  700x38c / With a max tire clearance 29 x 2″

• One of the most budget friendly options in the list
• Steel frame is rock solid and feels great
• Perfectly comfortable touring bike
• Long chainstays and a slack head-tube angle offer a stable, comfortable, semi-upright riding position, suitable for both touring and commuting.
• Trek’s history of producing the 520 model since 1983 adds to the trust in the brand and model.
• Frame is however a little on the heavier side
• Stock pedals suck (order replacements if you consider this bike)

The Trek 520 stands as a testament to durability and adventure in Trek’s lineup, holding the title of their longest-running model. This true touring bike is designed for those who yearn for long journeys, offering a perfect blend of stability and comfort through its touring-specific geometry.

With a sturdy steel frame paired with an aluminum fork, the Trek 520 balances strength with practicality, weighing in at a manageable 31.4 lbs / 14.2 kg. It’s equipped with both front and rear racks, ready to handle all the gear you might need for your adventures, making it an ideal choice for the avid tourer.

Renowned for its solid build and reliable performance, the Trek 520 has been field-tested and established as an industry standard. It’s a bike that’s not just ready for your next touring adventure but is also built to last, promising at least a decade of enjoyable riding experiences.

However, it’s important to note that this bike demands regular maintenance to remain in peak condition, particularly in keeping the drivetrain clean to avoid gear hopping. But this small trade-off is worth the exceptional experience it offers, especially considering its versatile gearing range that makes conquering hills feel effortless.

For those looking for even more versatility, the 520 Grand is also an option to consider. Excelling in bikepacking, trail riding, and handling a mix of gravel and pavement, it expands the horizons of where the Trek 520 can take you.

(A staple dirt tourer, just like its predecessor Long Haul Trucker)

Price: $ 1,749 USD or $2,600 AUD

Weight :  15.2 kg (33.5 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Frame – Surly Long Haul Trucker, 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel. Fork –  Surly Long Haul Trucker, 4130 CroMoly, lugged and brazed

Groupset & Drivetrain :  3 x 9 Alivio, Sora drivetrain. Shimano Alivio 48x36x26t crankset and Shimano Alivio, 11-34t, 9 speed cassette.

Gear Ratios :  19.42″ to 111.40″ (0.76 to 4.36 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach 1.58 ratio – chainstay 450mm – wheelbase 1,076mm – (steering) headtube angle 71 deg – trail 57mm – Fork offset/rake 45mm. Bottom bracket drop 50mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) : 26″ x 46mm With a max tire clearance for 26” x 2.1” tires with or without fenders, or 700c x 47mm with or without fenders

• The steel frame is robust
• 20-30mm taller frames and a 30mm taller handlebar, offer a more comfortable riding position.
• 10 frame sizes, catering to a wide range of rider heights
• Has the heritage of the LHT
• Toe overlap issues
• Not ideal for singletrack or technical trails due to its long wheelbase and less agile handling. (If you want to go off-road)
• No longer has the Shimano 3X10 bar-end shifters
• Smaller frame sizes have an increased standover
• The reduced chainstay length effects its capability as a touring bike
• It now has 32 spokes instead of 36
• No kickstand frame mounts
• A downgrade in drivetrain to Shimano Alivio from the previous Shimano XT
• The price has also increased

The Surly Disc Trucker, known for its reliability and no-nonsense approach, is a drop-bar steel touring bike. A staple among touring enthusiasts, this bike is recognized for its ability to handle long, loaded rides comfortably, though it doesn’t necessarily stand out in terms of its specifications.

Having personally ridden the Long Haul Trucker for thousands of kilometers, I can attest to its suitability as an excellent introduction to bicycle touring.

The 2021 model of the Disc Trucker however, sees some significant updates, including a taller frame and handlebar, additional tyre clearance, user-friendly STI shifters, and more mounting points, along with internal fork dynamo wiring and TRP Spyre brakes.

However, it loses some features like the Shimano 3X10 gearing and bar-end shifters. The Disc Trucker is well-suited for road travel and light off-road conditions but may not be the best choice for more technical or agile riding needs.

(Best Value for Money Touring Bike You Can Buy!)

Price: £1,299.99 / $1,650 USD or $2,463 AUD

Weight :  17.1 kg or 37.7 lbs

Frame/Fork Material : triple-butted aluminium

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano XT Trekking groupset – 26-36-48 triple chainring – (11-36) cassette

Gear Ratios :  18″ to 80″ (0.64 to 2.91 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.47 chainstay 458 mm – wheelbase 1,096mm – (steering) headtube angle 71.5 deg – Bottom bracket drop 54 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  28 x 1.75″ tires / With a max tire clearance up to 29 x 2.4” (estimated)

• Can carry up to 170 kg
• 33 mounting points for various accessories and luggage
• Equipped with Shimano Deore XT and a Brooks B17 saddle (High quality components.)
• Integrated Dynamo Hub
• Lifetime Warranty on frame, suspension, stem, handlebars, and rack.
• Insane value – priced competitively with comprehensive features.
• Heavier at 17kg, which may affect maneuverability and speed.
• Basic Pedals and Grips may need upgrading
• USB charger effective only at higher speeds
• Potential issues with exposed wiring for lights
• Despite having a mount, a kickstand is not included
• Steering lock mechanism to prevent over-rotation may take getting used to

The Riverside Touring 900, by Decathlon, is a highly robust and versatile touring bicycle ideal for multi-day trips, commuting, and carrying heavy loads. A bombproof touring bike, along with the bikepacking friendly Touring 920. These bikes are ready for adventure and for unbeatable value. 

The 900’s key features include a strong and comfortable frame capable of carrying up to 170kg, internal cable routing, 33 mounting points for customization, and reliable Shimano Deore XT components. The bike is equipped with a Brooks B17 Imperial saddle, known for its comfort and durability, and TRP Spyke dual-piston mechanical disc brakes for reliable stopping power.

It also features a USB cycle-to-charge socket integrated into the stem for charging devices on the go, and robust aluminum mudguards. Before embarking on a major trip, it’s advisable to test the bike’s charger to ensure it meets your requirements. Consider whether you’ll need an extra power bank, as the charger requires extensive cycling to power your devices effectively. While it functions, its capacity is just sufficient for navigation purposes with the screen active.

However, it has a heavier frame at around 17kg. But if you don’t tour for speed that little extra weight shouldn’t bother you. And it comes with basic pedals and grips that might need upgrading for better comfort. But for the amount of touring bike you get you can’t beat it for value!

(Legendary Australian Touring / Expedition Bike)

Price: $6,600.00 AUD or $4,420 USD

Weight :  16.8kg (Estimated)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Steel Build – Double butted Cr-Mo touring frame and 1-1/8″ full Cr-Mo, threadless, mudguard, lowrider and electric cable mounts, through axle, steering stabiliser hook.

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Andel crankset – BCD 130mm, 5 arm, 165/170/175mm, with FSA QR-1 self-extracting crank bolts. With Rohloff speedhub 500/14, 36H, CC DB, black, external transfer box, OEM axle plate, quick release

Gear Ratios :  extra low gear ratios down to 15.9″ to 83.6″ with options in between or traditional 20.0″ to 105.2″

Geometry (M) : Chainstay 464 mm – wheelbase 1,087mm – (steering) headtube angle 71 deg – trail 67 mm – Bottom bracket drop 75 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes:  Options for: 700C×40 (for road), 27.5 × 2.00 (for tracks), 27.5 × 2.80″ (all-rounders).

• Designed for minimal upkeep, ideal for long tours.
• Made from 4130 chromoly steel, offering stiffness and resilience, especially suitable for touring
• Superior mudguards, ergonomic handlebars, and intelligent dynamo light.
• Integrated rack and rear disc caliper, reducing the need for spacers and long bolts
• Comprehensive Tool and Spare Kit: Enhances self-sufficiency on long trips.
• One of the heavier touring bikes in this list
• Not the most beginner friendly bike – The comprehensive nature of the bike might be overwhelming for new cyclists.

The Vivente World Randonneur (VWR), particularly The Gibb model, stands as a pinnacle of touring and transportation bicycles in Australia. This bike, admired for its meticulous refinements over the years, now incorporates a series of desirable upgrades, culminating in a nearly perfect touring experience.

At its heart lies the Rohloff SpeedHub 500, a 14-speed hub gear known for its unparalleled range and reliability. While this hub adds to the cost and weight of the bike, its maintenance-free nature and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious riders.

The bike’s 4130 chromoly steel frame ensures resilience and comfort, making it ideal for long rides. Its geometry is finely tuned for stability and ease of handling, enhancing the overall comfort during extended touring. The bike is also notable for its comprehensive tool and spare kit, ensuring riders are well-equipped for any situation.

The hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent stopping power, a crucial feature for safety and reliability. The dynamo-powered USB outlet is a thoughtful addition, allowing riders to charge devices on the go. While the bike may be somewhat daunting for beginners due to its complexity and the initial friction in new gears, its overall design is geared towards low maintenance and high performance.

(Entry Level Traditional Steel Touring Bike Design)

Price: USD $2,049 (About $3,211 AUD)

Weight :  12.25 kg (27 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Steel Build – Marrakesh Triple Butted CroMoly – BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded – Tire Clearance: 50c – Color: Gold

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Alivio – 11–36t, 9-speed cassette and 48/36/26t crank

Gear Ratios :  20″ to 121″ (0.72 to 4.36 ratio)

Geometry (55 cm) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.55 chainstay 455 mm – wheelbase 1,055 mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.8 deg – trail 64 mm – Fork offset/rake 55 mm. Bottom bracket drop 77 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  Teravail Rampart 700c x 42 mm / With a max tire clearance 700c x 40mm tires with fenders and 29 x 2.0″ or Apparently you can run up to 27.5 x 2.6″ tires

• More then enough eyelets for storing gear
• Rohloff hub compatible drop out
• Very comfortable ride
• Traditional touring bikes design and aesthetics – bar-end shifters for example
• It comes with 42 mm tires but the minimum tire for fenders is 40 mm!
• Can only use the Salsa rear pannier rack due to how it attaches to the dropouts.
• The rear drop out swingplate is non-standard. A potential problem if it is damaged with limited access for parts
• The 2020 models in particular has paint chipping issues – even though it looks great
• Smaller frames may have limited space inside the frame for bikepacking frame bags and room for drink bottles
• Heel-striking is a potential issue on smaller frames

Made from a burly steel but heavy frame (not as heavy as some other bikes in this list) the Marrakesh offers a rock solid, stable and comfortable ride as you would expect in a touring bike.

With a dual capability for both off-road and on-road adventures. This bike is versatile enough for touring, commuting, or leisure riding, offering a comfortable experience across various terrains.

Despite its somewhat hefty build, the Marrakesh doesn’t compromise on maneuverability or performance. It comes equipped with front and rear racks, although fitting mudguards requires a slight reduction in tire width from the stock 42 mm tires to a maximum of 40mm. 

The bike’s solid construction is further complemented by a reliable Shimano Alivio groupset, Microshift bar-end traditional touring bike shifters, and TRP Spyre-C disc brakes. Additionally, its wheels and tires are tubeless-ready, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

However, a notable concern for potential owners, particularly those with smaller frame sizes, is the chainstay design. The positioning of the rack is forward by about 20-30mm compared to other models, which impacts the bike’s handling, making it more akin to a shorter gravel bike when loaded.

This setup also raises the possibility of heel strike, a drawback that could affect the bike’s overall appeal as a touring option.

(The Most Budget Friendly Option In This List)

Price From: $1,590 + USD

Weight :  15.6 kg (34.40 lbs)

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Tiagra

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.52 chainstay 455 mm – wheelbase 1,083mm – (steering) headtube angle 71 deg – trail 56 mm – Fork offset/rake 55 mm. Bottom bracket drop 75 mm

Tire Clearance:  700x35mm, with fenders, but the frame can accomodate 700x38mm without.

• 36 spoke wheels – strong for bicycle touring
• High quality Busch und Müller lights
• Well-balanced geometry ensures a stable yet responsive ride.
• Budget friendly option
• The Sunnywheel fenders might be a little narrow
• Limited tire clearance only up to 38 mm
• At 15.6kg, it might be considered heavy for some riders
• Not as capable off-road thanks to limited tire clearance

The UK-designed Genesis Tour de Fer 30, drawing inspiration from its sibling, the popular Croix de Fer, stands out as a remarkable blend of innovation and tradition in the world of touring bikes. This model is unique for its slightly longer build than most other touring bikes, providing an added level of stability and comfort for those extensive journeys.

But is it really a “Do-It-All Tourer?” With limited tire clearance, therefore limited off road capabilities it is better suited to traditional road only touring.

At the heart of the Tour de Fer 30 is the reliable Reynolds 725 steel frame, noted for its strength and relative lightness, making it a dependable companion for long-distance travels. The bike’s design is complemented by a chromoly steel fork with quick-release dropouts, further enhancing its durability and resilience.

A standout feature of this touring bike is its high-quality Busch und Müller lighting system, powered by a dynamo hub. These lights not only offer superior illumination for safer riding but also add a touch of sophistication to the bike’s overall design.

The shifting and drivetrain responsibilities are adeptly handled by Shimano’s Tiagra groupset, which includes a triple chainset offering a wide range of gears, ideal for tackling diverse terrains and steep inclines. The 10-speed cassette ensures low-maintenance, consistent performance, a crucial factor for long tours.

In terms of braking, the Tour de Fer 30 is equipped with TRP’s Spyre cable disc brakes, known for their consistent and sufficient stopping power. While they may not be as powerful as hydraulic brakes, their ease of maintenance, especially in remote locations, makes them a practical choice for touring.

The bike rides on robust Sun Ringlé Rhyno Lite rims and is fitted with the legendary Schwalbe Marathon tyres, renowned for their durability and puncture resistance. This combination ensures a smooth and reliable ride across various surfaces.

Finishing touches include Genesis branded components like a 27.2mm seatpost, a flared handlebar for comfortable handling, and a saddle designed for long rides. Practical features such as full-length mudguards, bottle cages, and spacious racks (including a Tubus Tara low-rider front rack and an AtranVelo Tour 365 rear rack) enhance its functionality for touring and commuting alike.

(The Most AFFORDABLE Touring Bike At the Time of Writing!)

Price: 1,699.00 NOW ONLY $1,358.93 USD

Weight :  13.61 kg (30 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Steel Build – Double-butted chromoly steel and Chromoly steel fork with 15mm thru-axle.

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Deore, 48/36/26T crank and 10 speed 11-34T cassette.

Gear Ratios :  21″ to 120″

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.54 chainstay 455 mm – wheelbase 1,054mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.5 deg

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  Schwalbe Marathon with puncture protection 700 x 38mm / With a max tire clearance up to 50mm

• Reliable Shimano Deore and Deore LX parts for the drivetrain
• Double-butted chromoly steel frame provides stability and a smooth ride
• Can support up to 300 lbs. including rider and gear (140 kg)
• Comes with spare spokes
• Getting on the heavier side but mid range weight compared to other bikes in this list.
• Tight clearance for fenders
• You could question the practicality of hydraulic disc brakes for touring bikes

The Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 emerges as a robust and reliable touring bike, well-suited for long-distance journeys and heavy-duty touring. A very suitable bike for tackling steep inclines with heavy loads, which is what you want in a touring bike.

Its double-butted chromoly steel frame ensures a stable and comfortable ride, even under heavy loads, and the bike can support up to 300 lbs. The combination of a Shimano Deore crankset and Deore LX rear derailleur, along with the Tektro HY/RD hydraulic disc brakes, underscores its focus on durability and performance.

The bike is particularly noted for its excellent performance on long tours, with users reporting successful journeys over thousands of kilometers. It is equipped with puncture-resistant Schwalbe Marathon tires and comes with custom front and rear racks for carrying essential gear. An ultra-low gear option is also available, making it easier to navigate steep terrains.

However, some riders have noted the bike’s weight as a potential drawback, particularly when compared to lighter adventure options. There are some concerns about the practicality and maintenance of the hydraulic disc brakes for touring purposes.

Comparing These Bikes

Below, I’ve compiled a table featuring key information for each bike, making it easier for you to compare and decide which one best suits your needs. I hope this helps!

Why You Should Trust Cycle Travel Overload’s Advice

Hey I’m Codey Orgill and have been exploring this world by bicycle for over 8 years now! I have a long history with touring bikes, first being introduced to the world of bicycle travel with a classic Novara Randonee touring bike, then a Surly Long Haul Trucker and I now ride the Kona Sutra Touring Bike .

I have ridden my bikes across 10+ countries so far and a lot of trips where I live here in Australia! Lover of bikes and so passionate about researching, riding, and writing 🙂 about adventure-focused bicycles. That’s why I started this blog ! Have helped over 1 million people find, compare, and decide on their dream adventure bike! Nothing means more to me than getting more people out into the world on two wheels!

What Makes A Good Touring Bike? Criteria For Choosing These Bikes

First I wanted to focus on mostly more traditional touring bikes in this list. As I plan to put together a updated guide for off-road touring bikes better suited for bikepacking type adventures.

Comfortable and Stable Geometry & Design: A top priority was the bike’s geometry. We looked for models with a long wheelbase, (average touring bike wheelbase: 1050 to 1070mm) and chainstay to ensure sufficient heel clearance during pedaling, (average touring bike chainstay: 445 to 470mm) and to accommodate rear panniers. The ideal geometry also contributes to a stable center of gravity, enhancing balance and creating a smoother ride. Additionally, a front center of (around 600 millimeters) is ideal for toe clearance and compatibility with front panniers, a typical setup for world-spanning adventures. For predictability and more stable steering a 60 to 70 mm trail is ideal!

Upright Riding Position : An upright riding position is crucial for comfort during long tours. We sought a stack-to-reach ratio of about 1.5 or higher to avoid a hunched-over posture, reducing back strain over extended periods.

Gear Ratio : The gear range was another vital factor. We looked for bikes with a broad spectrum of gears, especially low-end ratios for climbing with a heavy setup. Ideal bikes offer gearing as low as 18 inches for steep ascents and up to 120 inches for comfortable descents, accommodating various touring conditions. However if you are doing lighter touring and commuting, typically up to a 25 inch low gear is a pass, but not for fully load adventures.

Wheels and Components : Quality components are non-negotiable for durability and performance. We ensured that each bike had robust components unlikely to fail during extended tours. Wheel strength is vital, so we preferred bikes with a high spoke count, ideally 36 spokes to support the weight of a fully loaded touring setup. But some of the lighter touring bikes or not so good build quality bikes may have 32 spokes which isn’t ideal.

Weight Considerations : While weight is a factor, it’s less critical in touring bikes. Most selected bikes weigh around 13 to 15 kilograms or heavier, standard for this category. With added gear, this weight increases significantly, but our focus was more on reliability than lightness.

Other Considerations: The bike’s load capacity is a pivotal feature, with higher capacities being more advantageous. Ideally, a robust touring bike should be able to support a total weight ranging from 130 to 180 kg. Additionally, factors like frame stiffness and the configuration of the kickstand are also important considerations for these types of bikes.

What Are Touring Bikes? The Different Types of Touring Bikes

Touring bikes can be broadly categorised into four distinct types, each tailored to different touring needs and preferences. While there are even more nuances within these categories, this classification provides a solid foundation for understanding the diverse range of touring bikes available in the market.

Traditional or Classic Touring Bikes

Traditional or classic touring bikes are built to be tough and withstand the rigors of long, continuous cycling over days, months, or even years. Unlike road bikes, these are designed with a focus on durability and stability. Typically made from steel, these bikes feature an upright geometry, longer chainstays, and are often equipped with fenders and a rear rack for panniers. The wheels are usually 700c with a high spoke count (32 or 36-hole) to endure the demands of bike touring. While classic touring bikes traditionally had rim brakes, mechanical disc brakes are becoming more common in this category. Both flat and drop bars are seen on these bikes, which often have a vintage look, as their design emphasizes functionality and longevity over aesthetic changes.

When discussing traditional touring bikes, the Novara Randonee instantly springs to mind as the quintessential example. With its bar-end shifters, classic steel frame, and comfortable touring geometry, it embodies everything a touring bike should be. This bike holds a special place in my heart as my first introduction to the world of bicycle travel. I’m eternally grateful to both the bike and Eric, the generous legend who gifted it to me. Thanks, mate!

Expedition Touring Bikes

Expedition touring bikes are designed for epic, long-duration trips, such as around-the-world adventures. Made primarily from steel for robustness and ease of repair, these bikes typically feature 26-inch wheels and rim brakes. The choice of these components is strategic, as they make it easier to repair and replace parts, even in remote corners of the globe. These bikes are built for resilience and are capable of carrying all essentials for extended journeys, making them a top choice for serious long-term touring enthusiasts.

These bikes are quite similar to traditional touring bikes but offer even more adventure focused components and parts as standard like kick stands, Dynamo hubs and light setups, and trekking bars or flat swept back alt bars are often more common on these bikes for that extra comfort in the saddle. The Koga WorldTraveller is a perfect example of this category of bike.

Adventure Touring Bikes

Adventure touring bikes or off-road touring bikes are crafted for rougher terrains, such as loose dirt, single tracks, and off-road wilderness paths, making them ideal for exploring less-traveled roads. These bikes are essentially a blend of road and mountain bikes. They usually come with drop bars and either mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes, offering strong stopping power for diverse conditions. Adventure bikes can accommodate a variety of wheel sizes and have clearance for wider tires. Many models are also equipped to handle dropper posts, adding to their versatility for different types of terrain.

For example, the Tumbleweed Prospector is engineered for supreme reliability and performance in rugged terrains. Its design eschews trendy materials for durability, particularly excelling with the Rohloff SPEEDHUB, an internally geared drivetrain known for its resilience in diverse conditions, from deserts to snowy mountains. Unique features like the Phil Wood eccentric bottom bracket and custom cast dropouts, coupled with a design focused on maximum mud and tire clearance, make the Prospector a top choice for adventurous global expeditions.

Light touring or gravel touring bikes are similar to gravel bikes in that they offer the flexibility for both on-road and off-road use, but with the added functionality of eyelets for attaching racks. They are designed for carrying lighter loads and are more suited for shorter bike tours or bikepacking trips. Generally lighter in weight than traditional touring bikes, they provide a versatile and adaptable solution for cyclists who prefer a mix of on and off-road experiences. These bikes are often interchangeable with gravel bikes, focusing on a balance between lightness, flexibility, and durability.

In this category, the distinction between gravel and touring bikes becomes more nuanced, existing on a spectrum. Some gravel bikes are adeptly equipped for touring and off-road adventures , thanks to their tire clearance, touring-inspired geometry, and build quality. Others, however, are better suited for lightweight touring, with their capabilities leaning more towards smooth roads or light gravel paths due to certain limitations in design and gearing. This diversity means that while some models excel in rugged conditions, others are ideal for less demanding journeys. A good example of a lighter touring bike would be something like the Fuji Touring Disc or the Salsa Journeyer.

How To Choose A Touring Bike

When it comes to choosing the perfect touring bike, understanding your specific needs and priorities is key to narrowing down your options and making an informed buying decision. Every touring bike offers a unique combination of features, and what works for one cyclist might not suit another. By focusing on what is most important for your touring experience, you can filter through the plethora of choices and find a bike that aligns perfectly with your requirements.

1. Prioritize Your Touring Environment : Are you planning to ride mostly on smooth roads, rugged trails, or a combination of both? The terrain you expect to encounter is a primary factor in determining the type of touring bike you need. For instance, if off-road adventures are your main focus, a bike with sturdy tires and a durable frame, like an adventure touring bike, will serve you well. On the other hand, if you’re sticking to paved roads, a traditional touring bike with smoother tires would be more appropriate.

2. Comfort vs. Performance : Long-distance touring demands comfort, especially if you’re spending several hours a day on the bike. Consider bikes with a geometry that offers an upright riding position, reducing strain on your back and shoulders. However, if speed and performance are more important to you, a bike with a more aggressive geometry might be preferable.

3. Load Capacity and Accessories : Assess how much gear you need to carry. If you’re planning a self-supported tour with lots of luggage, look for a bike with a high load capacity, robust racks, and multiple mounting points. Conversely, if you prefer light touring with minimal gear, a bike with fewer rack options but a lighter frame might be better.

4. Maintenance and Durability : If you’re touring in remote areas, consider the ease of repair and maintenance of the bike. Bikes with simpler, more robust components are easier to fix on the road. The bike’s durability also plays a crucial role, especially in challenging conditions.

5. Budget Considerations : Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Higher-priced bikes usually offer better quality and more features, but there are also great mid-range and budget options that can meet your needs effectively.

Panniers for Touring Bikes

Much like the diverse range of touring bikes available, the market is also rich with various styles of panniers to suit different touring needs. Whether you’re setting off on an extensive cross-country adventure or planning a brief weekend escape, selecting the appropriate panniers can greatly elevate your experience. In this article, we delve into the world of panniers, offering insights into robust touring options, streamlined micro bikepacking choices, and minimalist solutions for those who favor a lighter setup.

What About Specific Touring Bike Handlebars and Saddles?

When embarking on bike touring or bikepacking, comfort is paramount, especially considering the main body contact points with your bike. A crucial aspect of this comfort is finding the right handlebars, which can greatly impact your experience over the many miles ahead. This article focuses on what to look for in touring handlebars and presents some of the best options available.

Choosing the right saddle for your bike touring or bikepacking adventure is a decision that can significantly affect your comfort on long rides. In our latest article, we address the essentials of bike saddle comfort and how to select a saddle that reduces discomfort for extended periods in the saddle.

A comfortable bike saddle is crucial, especially when you’re planning to spend days, or even months, pedaling across diverse landscapes. It’s not just about picking any saddle; it’s about finding the one that fits your unique body shape and riding style. We explore the factors that contribute to saddle comfort, from shape and size to materials and design.

Are Touring Bikes Good For Commuting?

Touring bikes are a great option for commuting due to their unique combination of durability, comfort, and carrying capacity.

Designed for long distances and varied terrains, these bikes are robust enough to withstand the daily wear and tear of urban travel, ensuring longevity.

he upright and relaxed geometry of touring bikes offers significant comfort, which is crucial for daily commutes, especially over longer distances.

This design effectively reduces strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. One of the key advantages of touring bikes for commuters is their ability to carry loads. Equipped with racks and multiple mounting points, they are ideal for transporting work essentials, groceries, or other personal items. Want to use a touring bike for commuting?

While touring bikes are versatile and perform well on different surfaces, making them suitable for various commuting routes, they are generally heavier than road bikes.

This might not be ideal for those who need to frequently carry their bike.

Additionally, they might not be as fast as road bikes, which could be a consideration for those with longer commutes seeking speed.

Moreover, the focus on durability and functionality often makes touring bikes more expensive than some basic commuter bikes.

Despite these considerations, touring bikes offer a reliable, comfortable, and practical solution for daily commuting, balancing efficiency and stability, especially when carrying loads.

Other Touring Bike Reads

• The Tips, 67 bike travellers wish they knew earlier – Beginner Bike Touring Advice
• Best Bike Touring and Bikepacking Handlebars – Everything You Need to Know
• Gravel Bike For Touring – 6 Best Gravel Bikes For Touring!
• 12 Best Front Bike Racks For Touring & Bikepacking
• Best Off-Road Adventure Touring Bikes 2024
• Best Flat Bar Touring Bikes & Expedition Bikes
• Best Touring Bike Kickstands & Everything You Need To Know

About The Author

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.

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• The best and most beautiful cycling routes in the world
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Travel inspiration

By David Szmidt August 10, 2022

By David Szmidt | August 10, 2022

Last update: August 15, 2022

Here’s our top 10 list of the best bike trails in the world, for everyone from mountain bikers to road cyclists. If you’re looking for an amazingly scenic adventure, we’ve got quiet, easy rides for beginners, all the way to some of the hardest trails in the world

Road cycling and mountain biking are great ways to see the world, and with the idea of sustainable travel becoming more and more important, a bike is one of the best ways to have an adventure. Some of the trips described below might only last one day and be fine on a rental bike, while others will only be suitable for the toughest of cyclists. Whatever your level, though, here’s the place to start getting inspired.

Iron Curtain Trail, Europe

Length: approx. 10,000 kilometers

Start/end points: Kirkenes, Norway /Tsarevo, Bulgaria

Completion time: approx. three months

We’ll start with a biggie. The Iron Curtain Trail — or EuroVelo Route 13 to give it its slightly more prosaic name — is one of the epic cycles of the world. Starting in the far north of Europe , cyclists generally follow the weather south, traveling with spring to avoid the really exhaustingly hot weather of later months.

The route, as you can probably gather, follows roughly the line of the Iron Curtain, plunging south and following the Baltic coast, before cutting across Germany, skirting the Czech Republic , nudging Slovakia, then continuing along the borders of Hungary , Romania and Bulgaria before finishing on the Black Sea. You’ll see so much of Europe’s wonderful landscapes, from the stark emptiness of Finland’s forests , to the peaceful vineyards of the Czech Republic, and on through hillside villages to the sunny reward of the seaside . It’s one of the continent’s great adventures, and a living lesson in modern European history.

For more information, consider reading The Cyclist Who Went Out in the Cold , a book by Tim Moore who cycled the whole route on a Communist-era East German shopping bike, or get his condensed highlights here .

Capitals Route, Netherlands and Germany

Length: 690 kilometers

Start/end points: Rotterdam, Netherlands/Berlin, Germany

Completion time: four to five days

Another European route now, but a friendlier, flatter challenge across the Netherlands and Germany to Berlin . It’s a EuroVelo route as well, EV2 this time (and technically runs from Dublin to Moscow), but this section heads along easy, paved, well-signposted paths through fields of tulips, forests full of twittering birds, and across sunny meadows.

(By the way, a quick note on the EuroVelo project: 17 long-distance trails over 90,000 kilometers of cycle path, linking major cities across the continent, all designed for people to explore Europe in a healthy, sustainable , borderless way. What a wonderful scheme.)

You’ll stop now and again for food — freshly-baked bread, local cheese, a small-town brewery or vineyard as a reward at the end of the day — but most of the time it’s just enjoying the scenery. The route is long enough to be a challenge, but not so grueling that it feels like a punishment, perfect if you want a go at long-distance cycling but aren’t sure where or how to start.

Shimanami Kaido, Japan

Length: 70 kilometers

Start/end points: Onomichi City, Honshu/Imabari City, Shikoku, Japan

Completion time: four to ten hours, depending on stops

A kaido (simply meaning ‘road’) is a trade route dating from the Edo period of Japanese history, and many are still in use today. This one isn’t so venerable, having been opened in 1999, but along its length, you’ll get to see some of Japan’s ancient scenery, a number of small towns, and cross six islands on an inland sea.

The route connects the large islands of Shikoku and Honshu but, through a network of bridges, also touches on Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima and Oshima. Along the way, you’ll pass a museum dedicated to Hirayama Ikuo, one of Japan’s most famous painters, and a temple built by a rich businessman for his mother. Each end of the route has cycle rental offices (and there are other pickup/drop-off points dotted along the way) and the section between Honshu and Mukaishima Island can be replaced by a short ferry ride if you feel like it. 

The Garden Route, South Africa

Length: 750 kilometers

Start/end points: Cape Town/Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Completion time: five to seven days

The Garden Route is a wonderful stretch of coastline that officially, is only 300 kilometers from Mossel Bay in the west to Storms River in the east, but most travelers extend it to include a short city break at either end. The idea is that you don’t rush: there are loads of things to see, beaches to relax on, lookout points to get to, and vineyards to visit.

Even at a leisurely five to six hours a day in the saddle, you’ll make good progress. The terrain is generally not too taxing, the roads are quiet, and the landscape changes with every passing day. You might meet the local wildlife in the bush, or see dolphins swimming off the shore. You can even cycle through the forests and into Addo Elephant National Park where you can spot elephants (obviously), but also rhinos, buffalo, and more!

The Parenzana, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia

Length: 123 kilometers

Start/end points: Trieste, Italy/Poreč, Croatia

Completion time: one to two days

This is one of the shorter routes on our list and, like the Capitals Route, is ideal for anyone thinking of getting into longer rides. You pass through three countries as well — Italy , Slovenia and Croatia — so that’s a nice box to tick. The going is easy as well, as the route follows that of a former narrow-gauge railway, and trains don’t particularly like hills.

Short-ish though the route is, you’ll get a lot of scenery for your money. You’re never far from a sea view on one side, and there are distant views of mountains on the other, particularly in Slovenia. Fans of history , good food and good weather will also enjoy this route, as you’ll come across relics of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire in the small towns, and the local seafood is superb. You could even break the trip up with overnight stays in beautiful places like the medieval port city of Koper, or the wide, lazy bayside town of Umag.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, US

Length: 80 kilometers

Start/end points: West Glacier/Logans Pass, Glacier National Park, Montana , US

Completion time: one day

A tempting idea, this one, although there are more considerations than you’d initially think. Going-to-the-Sun Road is located entirely within Glacier National Park, and is the only road in the US that’s both a National Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, so it’s a renowned piece of construction. Around mountainsides and past sheer drops, the route is generally cycled west to east, and involves a good deal of climbing. Your reward is Logans Pass, a beautiful meadow of wildflowers, surrounded by mountains, crisp air and (hopefully) blue skies.

Its beauty, however, brings problems, mainly with just how popular it is. It’s clearly better to do the route in summer, as the winters are heavy with snowfall and the route can simply be impassable, but in the summer months the road can be busy with cars (the park website itself ominously warns people that “Only those experienced at riding with heavy vehicle traffic in two directions should consider bicycling on Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak summer season”), and you’ll also have to pay $20 to enter the park in the first place. However, despite all that, this is a ride that can be both rewarding and beautiful, with the chance to extend your trip using the hiker/biker campsites dotted around the park.

Tasmania’s west coast, Australia

Length: approx. 800 kilometers

Start/end points: Hobart/Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

Completion time: 14 — 20 days

A serious challenge, this one, with Tasmania’s western side worlds away from the beach-lined, relaxed east coast. Beginning in Hobart and heading west, you turn your back on civilization and head into the mountains of the Southwest and Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Parks. Passing vast lakes and through forests that have barely felt the touch of a human hand, let alone the wheel of a mountain bike, you’ll turn north on a former railway line through the rainforest to the Montezuma waterfalls, the highest in Tasmania.

East now, and you’ll pass beneath the ragged peak of Cradle Mountain, skirt the wetlands of the Central Plateau, and slowly head north to your finishing point in Launceston. And it’s not just the terrain that’s a challenge here, it’s the weather. The climate in this part of Tasmania can be tough, with winds whipping off the ocean and temperatures varying more wildly than in the temperate east. The whole thing is a real test, but you will get to see some of the most amazing scenery in the southern hemisphere.

Via Francigena, the UK, France and Italy

Length: 1,800 kilometers

Start/end points: Canterbury, England, UK /Rome, Italy

Completion time: 15 — 20 days

A pilgrimage route this time, and one that only around 1,000 people take each year (as opposed to more well-known routes such as the Camino de Santiago ). The trail begins in Canterbury, the famous cathedral city in the south of England, and was taken initially in the year 990 by Archbishop Sigeric, who had been called to Rome to collect his official token of office. Helpfully, he wrote down every single place he stopped at, and these now inform the route.

Once you’re across the water, the route begins in earnest. The flat, easy-going territory of northern France slowly gives way to bigger challenges; be aware that you’re going to have to cross the Alps by way of the 2,469-meter-high Saint Bernard Pass, and the also-not-insubstantial Apennines at the 1,041-meter Passo della Cisa. You’ll also have to attempt to cycle through Rome, which might be the biggest challenge of them all!

The Great Divide, Canada and US

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by BIKEPACKING.com (@bikepackingcom)

Length: 4,340 kilometers

Start/end points: Banff, Alberta, Canada/Antelope Wells, New Mexico, US

Completion time: approx. 40 days

It’s off-road all the way on this most North American of trails, a month and a bit of traveling across mountain peaks, through river valleys, and along dirt roads, tracks and gravel pathways. You’ll cross grasslands, deserts, meadows and forests, running the full gamut of US scenery from the classic mountain town of Banff to your slightly anticlimactic finishing point, a scrubby border post between the US and Mexico .

But the end is beside the point. The point is that this is truly one of the great adventures on the planet, a route that is challenging, no doubt about it, but rewards you with constantly-changing views, days without encountering civilization, and the fact that you’re doing something truly extraordinary.

As an aside, there is one way to be even more extraordinary: compete in the Tour Divide, an annual race for amateurs. The current record for completing the entire trail is 13 days, 22 hours and 51 minutes. Good luck!

The Pamir Highway, Tajikistan

Length: 1,250 kilometers

Start/end points: Dushanbe/Osh, Tajikistan

Completion time: approx. 20 days 

We finish with one of the least-considered countries in the world: Tajikistan. Seriously, when was the last time you thought about Tajikistan? Well, think about it now. It’s the location of the long, lonely Pamir Highway, part paved road, part dirt road, and one of the most remote roads on the planet.

The highway crosses vast plains, cuts through passes, and hangs on precipitously to stomach-churning drops. There are lakes bluer than the sky, snow-capped peaks, and traditional villages housing friendly locals. Indeed, this is probably your best option for overnight stops, as locals offer homestays and are hospitable and proud that you’re visiting their spectacular country. You’ll almost certainly need camping equipment as well, however, as there’s the real possibility of going days without seeing another soul. It’s also not a trip for beginners, as you’ll be riding at high altitude, in oxygen-thin air. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip , for sure, but just be aware of exactly what you’re getting yourself into!

Did you like this article? For more travel inspiration, visit  Kiwi.com Stories .

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What’s The Best Touring Bike? (2024 Edition)

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Touring bike buying advice is a popular topic, so I update this post regularly to keep the details current. If you find any out-of-date information, consider leaving a comment to let me know. Thanks!

Choosing a new touring bike can be pretty stressful for a newcomer to cycle touring – especially when you start looking at the price tags. 

So it’s no surprise the most common question I’ve been asked in 18 years of running this blog is some version of the following:

“Help! What’s the best touring bike for my upcoming cycle tour?”

It’s a perfectly understandable question to ask, because there are a lot of options out there – but answering it calls for a bit of context .

Your choice of touring bike should be mainly informed not by online reviews or paid-for content by sponsored bloggers, but by the kind of tour you’re planning, your unique physiology , your riding preferences as a touring cyclist, and – an oft-forgotten factor – what bikes are geographically available to you.

So the “best touring bike” for a young Brit planning a low-budget tour in Europe would be totally different to the “best touring bike” for an experienced American planning a once-in-a-lifetime, multi-year adventure from Prudhoe Bay to Tierra del Fuego.

Similarly, the best bike for a rider measuring 5 feet (152cm) tall, who also has reduced neck mobility, would be different to the best bike for a fitness enthusiast trying to win a bikepacking race like the Tour Divide.

And if you ask fellow cycle tourers on forums like Reddit what they think is the best touring bike, the answers will inevitably reflect what’s worked best for them , not what’ll work best for you.

(Yes, I am a fellow cycle tourer, but I’m not just going to tell you what touring bike I ride, any more than I’m going to tell you what colour pants I’m wearing!)

Simply put, there are diverse answers to the question of what is the “best touring bike”.

Luckily, touring bicycles are a mature product with decades of heritage. And despite the the confusion created by the rise of bikepacking as an industry buzz-word , there are still plenty of good commercial touring bikes on the market today. These are bikes that have been designed to meet the needs of a broad range of touring cyclists, and are readily available through local bike shops and dealership networks around the world.

In this post, we’re going to take a look at the best of them. The list below showcases some of the most time-proven touring bikes being made and sold in 2024, across the full spectrum of budgets, as well as a few lesser-known models to demonstrate what touring bikes for riders with specialist requirements might look like.

Perhaps you’ll find your perfect touring bike here. Perhaps you’ll realise you’re looking for something else altogether. Or perhaps you’ll find something more interesting to read among everything else I’ve written about cycle touring and bikepacking.

This is not an exhaustive list of every single touring bike on the market.

I’m a veteran bicycle traveller with 18 years of real-world experience, and my goal is to help you make the right choice , not to churn out AI-written spam to get on the front page of Google and generate affiliate commission.

My hope is to give you a taste of the diversity of touring bikes available today, rather than overwhelming you with unexplained jargon and things to click on. The journey of buying a new touring bike is not a short one. Reading this post will just be the beginning!

The list of touring bikes below is arranged in ascending price order. I’ve mentioned the worldwide availability of each bike, roughly speaking, and the manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP, aka: RRP or list price) in £/€/$ as applicable.

Cube Touring

Decathlon riverside touring 520, fuji touring ltd/disc ltd, ridgeback expedition, ridgeback panorama, surly disc trucker, oxford bike works expedition.

• More rider-recommended touring bikes
• Bonus: The secret to actually choosing the right touring bike

(Many good touring bikes previously on this list have been discontinued, including the Adventure Flat White, Dawes Galaxy, Revolution Country Traveller, and Surly Long Haul Trucker, to name just a few. That’s life!)

Summary: Feature-rich flat-bar trekking bike Availability: Worldwide List Price: £800 / €730 / US$760 / CA$1,090

The entry-level touring bike from the major German bike maker Cube is the affordable and simply-named Cube Touring . The basic model in this extensive range is currently one of the cheapest off-the-peg touring bikes on the market, and is widely distributed across Europe and North America.

If you’re used to the appearance of British or American designed tourers, you’ll notice some big differences, such as the flat handlebars and adjustable stem, the resulting upright riding posture, and the front suspension fork, as well as other details like a kickstand, a hub dynamo, and LED lights as standard. These are all fairly typical features of touring bikes from German and Dutch makers, where utility and comfort takes precedence.

To cater for a diverse customer base, the Cube Touring range comes in several frame variations and sizes, including the classic diamond frame (5 sizes), women’s specific with a sloping top-tube (3 sizes) and a step-through frame for riders with impaired mobility (3 sizes), all in a choice of two colour schemes.

The ‘semi-integrated’ rear rack, which is held in position by the mudguard/fender, is unorthodox, and the seat stays and front fork don’t have standard mounting points, complicating any modifications to the bike’s luggage-carrying capabilities. Riders looking for an entry-level touring bike that can be upgraded in the future may also decide to pass on the Cube Touring for these reasons.

The rest of the specification is impressive at this price. The entry-level Shimano V‑brakes and drivetrain components are sensible. As with any bike, you’ll want to fit your own preferred saddle, but the inclusion of ergonomic grips, lights, fenders and a kick-stand makes the Touring more or less ready to hit the road right out of the box.

All that said, the bike’s strongest selling point is the price. The recent disappearance of several popular entry-level touring bikes has left a gap at this end of the market – one that the Cube Touring happily fills.

• Check out the full Cube Touring range on the Cube website .
• Find your local dealer in Cube’s online directories of stockists in the UK and Europe , the USA , and Canada .
• Don’t buy this bike online. Support your local bike shop ( UK list )!

Summary: Good value forward-thinking light tourer Availability: UK, Europe, Australia List Price: £800 / €800 / AUD1,800

There’s no denying the success of Decathlon ’s no-frills approach to designing, manufacturing and selling sports and outdoor gear. The Riverside Touring is the entry-level model in Decathlon’s new foray into touring bikes, and for many riders will be a welcome addition to the sparse options at this lower-budget end of the market.

The Riverside Touring 520 is based on an aluminium frame, whose geometry sits somewhere between the old-school rigid mountain bike and today’s trendy gravel/hybrid rides. The frameset sports a big range of mounting points for more or less any luggage configuration you might imagine, including a front lowrider or fork cages, a traditional rear carrier rack should the semi-integrated stock rack not be to your tastes, and no less than five bottle cages.

The riding position of the Riverside Touring leans towards relaxed and upright, with the sloping top-tube helping with mounting and dismounting, and flat bars with so-called ergonomic grips and bar-ends atop a stack of head-tube spacers, all pointing to a bike designed with the casual or newcomer rider in mind. Comfortably wide 1.75″ tyres will be equally content on asphalt and gravel at the 700C (28″) wheel diameter.

Looking at component choice, Decathlon have specified a 1×11 drivetrain (ie: a single front chainring driving an 11-sprocket rear cassette); unusual on a tourer where riders tend to benefit from a wide and fine-grained range of gear ratios. The hydraulic disc brakes are also an unorthodox choice for a touring bike. 

Both will have traditionalists up in arms, citing increased chain wear rates, a reduced choice of gear ratios, and the near-impossibility of repairing hydraulics on the roadside. But a quick scan of the many customer reviews of this bike suggest that these concerns are academic. In the regions of the world this bike is likely to be used, spares and repairs for this bike will be abundant. And if you want to take it further afield, you can always fit cable disc brakes and/or a regular drivetrain.

Certainly one of this bike’s great strengths is how widely available it is for test-riding, Decathlon having hundreds of locations across the UK, Europe, Australia, and increasingly further afield, including Turkey, India, China, and the list goes on . Indeed, I can easily imagine a first-time tourer with a reasonable gear budget walking out of the store with not just the bike but a full set of luggage and maybe some camping gear too.

There are only four frame size options, however. Taken together with the wheel size, this may prevent those with short body lengths from finding a good match with the Riverside Touring 520.

In summary, while Decathlon have leaned pretty far into the crossover between classic touring and the gravel bike trend, there’s little to find fault with at this price – and there’s considerably more scope for upgrades here than other entry-level touring bikes in this list.

• Buy the Riverside Touring 520 in the UK from Decathlon .
• The bike is also available from Decathlon branches across Europe , Australia , and beyond .

Summary: Sporty steel-framed light road tourers Availability: UK/Europe/USA List Price: €1,000/1,500

Japanese manufacturer Fuji’s entry-level touring bikes are the Fuji Touring LTD and Disc LTD . The cheaper Touring LTD is the flat-bar model with rim brakes, while the Touring Disc LTD features drop bars and cable-actuated disc brakes with integrated shifter/brake levers. 

They’re both built on a Reynolds 520 cromoly steel frameset, with classic touring geometry and all the usual mounting points. Both bikes feature 36-spoke 700C wheels on Shimano hubs, and mudguards/fenders and a reasonably solid rear rack as standard, but no front rack or lowrider (you can of course add one later).

The Touring LTD has a Shimano Alivio V‑brakes and a 3×9‑speed chainset from the midrange of Shimano’s mountain-bike series of components, while the Touring Disc LTD has a 3×9‑speed Shimano Sora chainset with slightly higher gear ratios, making it more oriented towards lighter-weight road rides, as well as the ubiquitous TRP Spyre cable-actuated disc brakes found on so many touring bikes. For the extra money, the Disc LTD has a generator (dynamo) hub built into the front wheel which is already hooked up to the integrated front headlight – a nice touch.

The Fuji Touring LTD and Disc LTD come in no fewer than seven frame sizes, allowing precise fitting and fewer compromises for short or tall riders.

In summary, both models represent high ambitions in a good-value package aimed at a rider who wants a classic, no-fuss steel-framed touring bike, with the Disc being the sportier and more road-oriented of the two.

• Find a list of global dealers on the official Fuji website .

Summary: Beefy yet comfortable long-haul all-rounder Availability: UK List Price: £1,350

Launched in 2014, tweaked in the years since and now thoroughly tested on longer trips, the Ridgeback Expedition  is a strong contender for best value expedition touring bike on the market.

The current model shares design principles with many more expensive touring bikes designed specifically for worldwide expeditions beyond the developed world: wide-range 3×9‑speed mountain bike gearing, chunky 26-inch wheels, and a comfortable upright riding position. Unusually for a British tourer, it comes with flat bars and bar-end grips for a variety of hand positions. Cable disc brakes are now fitted as standard (the first incarnation had drop bars and V‑brakes).

The Ridgeback-branded integrated grips and bar-ends are modelled on the very popular but expensive Ergon range. The latest version of the Ridgeback Expedition also sees a brazed-on kickstand mounting plate added to the non-drive-side chainstay (though not an actual kickstand).

In many ways, as well as being excellent value for money, the Ridgeback Expedition is one of the most full-featured off-the-peg bikes in this list for extremely demanding trips where comfort and durability over time are paramount. Upgrade the rear rack, add a front lowrider and your favourite saddle, and you’ll be ready for the most remote of the planet’s backroads.

• Read my full review of the legacy 2014 Ridgeback Expedition here , and check the comments for feedback from long-haul riders.
• Like the rest of Ridgeback’s range, the Expedition should be available from any authorised Ridgeback dealer .

Summary: Classic British fully loaded drop-bar tourer Availability: UK List Price: £1,600

The Ridgeback Panorama  is a British-designed, Reynolds 725 cromoly-framed, disc brake-equipped, classic touring bike with a durable selection of 3×9sp drivetrain components from both road- and mountain-biking ranges. 

Its road-oriented frameset is prime for being built up into a fully-loaded, long-haul, asphalt touring machine. Both a front lowrider and a rear rack are fitted as standard – Tubus lookalikes, not the genuine articles, but still a welcome addition for fully-loaded riders who are just getting started.

Potential weak points on the Panorama include the integrated shifters/brake levers, which break away from the principle of separating possible points of failure (although you could theoretically swap them out for bar-end or even downtube shifters). The wheelset components are also nothing to write home about; get the spokes re-tensioned before taking this bike on a long-haul tour.

In spite of these question marks, the Panorama has been around for a long time and is very much tried and tested:  read Tim & Laura’s detailed guest review of the Panorama after a 6,000-mile road test , after which they completed their round-the-world trip on the same bikes.

• The Ridgeback Panorama is available from these authorised UK dealers .

Summary: Customisable road/gravel adventure bike Availability: Worldwide List Price: £1,600 / US$2,050 / CA$2,800

Back in 2012, when the jury was still out on disc brakes as a reliable choice for long-distance touring, Surly produced a disc-specific version of their legendary Long Haul Trucker touring bike, cunningly naming it the Disc Trucker . It has since evolved into one of the most versatile and tried-and-tested touring/adventure bikes on the planet.

The Disc Trucker platform had a major update in 2020, about which more detail on the Surly blog. Wheel diameter now complements frame size, ie: bigger wheels suit taller riders and the vice-versa, for a total of eleven frame/wheel size combinations. If, having tried all the Disc Truckers for size, you still can’t find a good fit, you should probably visit a bespoke framebuilder.

The frame geometry is tight and nimble, with integrated gear/brake levers adding to the sporty vibe. This lack of mechanical separation won’t please everyone, but will certainly please riders looking for a performance boost over the uncompromising solidity often seen in the expedition bike niche.

Similarly to the Kona Sutra (see below), the latest Disc Trucker has bolt-through axles, clearance for fatter tyres, and versatility improvements such as multiple fork mounts for fenders, cages or lowriders, to match the kind of wilder, mixed-terrain rides for which the Disc Trucker is increasingly used.

As ever with Surly, racks and mudguards remain excluded, the intention being for you to fit your own according to your needs.

The garish fluoro-yellow paint option of the current Disc Trucker won’t be for everyone, but Surly tell us that it’s also available in hi-viz black.

• Click here to read my full review of the legacy 2014 Disc Trucker .
• To find a place to test-ride one, start with Surly’s global dealer locator .

Summary: Adaptable, performance-oriented road/gravel tourer Availability: Worldwide List Price: $2,100 / £1,900

Canada-based bike manufacturer Kona have long inhabited the left-of-centre in cycling. The Sutra range, too, is progressively-minded, being one of the first mainstream touring bikes to switch to disc brakes back in the early 2010s.

Since then, Kona have adopted the stiffer and stronger bolt-through axle standard (another first amongst bikes in this list), and tightened up the frame geometry to produce a nimble and sporty cyclocross-inspired steel frameset which remains a touring bike at its core.

In 2022, Kona diversified the platform into several models, including the LTD and SE. The standard Sutra went in a more lightweight direction than in previous years, switching to a road drivetrain and cable-actuated hydraulic disc brakes. Today, this performance-oriented version of the Sutra remains Kona’s ‘modern take on the classic touring bike’ (in their own words), with a Shimano GRX 2×10-speed road-bike gearing, drop bars with integrated shifter/brake levers, mixed-terrain Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres, and a Brooks B17 saddle and Brooks bar-tape as standard. This all points to the blend of on-road and off-road use increasingly preferred by riders going on shorter, wilder adventures.

The 2024 Sutra’s luggage-carrying capabilities are diverse and adaptable. For those wanting to use the bike as a fully-loaded world tourer, standard rack mounts are provided on the seatstays and rear dropouts, suitable for fitting any standard pannier rack (perhaps a Tubus Cargo or Logo to match the Tara front low-rider already fitted). For those wanting to stay nimble, frame and fork mounts exist for more or less any combination of bolt-on cages and harnesses.

The Kona Sutra comes in six fine-grained frame sizes. This year’s paint colour is Satin Midnight with bronze gloss decals, in case you were wondering.

• I’ve been riding a Kona Sutra myself since 2012 and I love it.  Read my original long-term review of the legacy model here .
• The Kona website has a handy  list of worldwide dealers so you can find a place to test-ride the Sutra.

Summary: Bespoke, round-the-world expedition bike Availability: UK & Worldwide List Price: from £2,789

Originally a one-off “ultimate expedition bike” built to my exact specification, Oxford Bike Works have been refining and custom-building bespoke Expedition s to order since 2015 from their workshop in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England. Many have now circled the globe. It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

As standard, each bike features a hand-built Reynolds 525 cromoly steel frame, a choice of 26″ or 700C hand-built wheels, top-end Tubus racks, rim or disc brake options, Microshift thumbshifters, and tons of other expedition-specific touches.

From a baseline specification, each bike is custom-built to the rider’s exact needs and preferences after an in-person consultation and fitting session at their workshop. While most of their customers are from the UK, they will also ship finished bikes elsewhere in the world in special cases.

Oxford Bike Works have now moved all frame production to the UK, both minimising their carbon footprint and allowing even more individual tailoring – especially attractive for riders with diverse physiologies who may find that the commercial bikes in this list don’t cater well for their needs.

• Check out the full specifications of the Oxford Bike Works Expedition .
• Read my 10,000-word epic, How To Build The Ultimate Round-The-World Expedition Touring Bike (With Pictures) , which details every design decision that went into this bike.
• Don’t buy this bike online (you can’t anyway). Support your local bike shop ( UK list )!

Yet More Rider-Recommended Touring Bikes

This is not an exhaustive list, because if it was we’d be here all day. But the following bikes have also been recommended by readers of this blog over the years since I first published this post. All have also proven themselves capable touring bikes over time and miles:

• Bombtrack Arise Tour (Germany & Worldwide)
• Cinelli HoBootleg (Italy & Worldwide)
• Fahrradmanufaktur TX-800 (Germany)
• Genesis Tour De Fer (UK)
• KHS TR 101 (USA)
• Temple Cycles Adventure Disc 3
• Trek 520 Disc (USA & Worldwide)
• Vivente World Randonneur (Australia)

…and you’ll find even more options in my massive list of heavy-duty expedition touring bikes available worldwide .

Remember: don’t buy a touring bike online. Support your local bike shop ( UK list ) and have your bike chosen, fitted and customised by an expert whose job depends on getting it just right, just for you!

Bonus : The Secret To Actually Choosing The Right Touring Bike

Finally, I’m going to tell you a secret. 

It’s something other cycle touring bloggers won’t tell you, because they’d prefer you to click on their affilliate links, buy a bike online, and earn them commission.

If you’re having trouble choosing between the touring bikes listed above, the reason is probably because – on paper – they are basically all the same .

They all cost several hundred pounds/dollars/euros. Most of them have steel touring-specific frames, wide gearing, relaxed riding positions, a pannier rack and extra mounts, and drivetrains from the middle of Shimano’s mountain-bike or road-bike ranges. They’re all built primarily for paved roads, but could handle a dirt track or gravel road if need be. They all have two wheels, handlebars, and a saddle.

So how should you choose between them?

The answer is actually very simple.

Visit a touring bike specialist ( UK list ) and take a few bikes for a test ride. 

In doing so, you will discover that the “best touring bike” is the one that’s available in your area and has been set up for you by a touring bike specialist who’s taken the time to understand your needs.

I’ve written a longer post about what to do when you get to this stage of the touring bike buying process, when you’ve got a shortlist of bikes you found online but you’re struggling to choose between them .

And if what I’ve shared with you here still isn’t enough, you can check out even more deep-dive posts about detailed aspects of touring bike choice, including

• three critical questions you should ask at the start of the touring bike buying process ,
• a discussion about what exactly defines a touring bike ,
• my take on what’s really going on when you can’t decide between two bikes ,
• a hugely in-depth article on how to custom-build your own expedition bike ,
• a summary of the debate over disc brakes versus rim brakes ,

and more on my absolutely massive advice and planning page .

Because of all the things you’ll buy for a cycle tour, the bike is the one purchase you really can’t afford to get wrong.

Bogged down in research for your next big bicycle adventure?

I wrote a whole book to help with that. How To Hit The Road is designed to be read at your leisure, making planning a bike tour simple and achievable, no matter the length, duration or budget. Available globally as an ebook or paperback.

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Also relevant to this post:

• How To Custom Build The Ultimate Expedition Touring Bike (With Pictures)
• Surly Disc Trucker Touring Bike: Legacy Review & Detailed Photos
• The Best Cheap (Sub-£1,000) Touring Bikes for Low-Budget Adventures

Comments ( skip to respond )

321 responses to “what’s the best touring bike (2024 edition)”.

I can’t find a Kona Sutra SE anywhere, I think they’re discontinued, so if anyone knows where I can find one let me know.

Yes, you’re right – it looks like Kona have simplified things for their 2024 range, and the plain Sutra is now their classic touring bike once again (as it was for years before the SE was introduced). It looks like you’ll need to add your own rear rack for fully loaded touring, but all the frame fittings appear to be there. I’ll update this post shortly with the new model. Thanks for highlighting it!

My wife’s bike is a basic 2000 Kona Hahana. Persuaded the dealer to sell only frame headset seatpin bars. . Built up better wheels etc tubus racks. Tierra del Fuego to Quito plus many more trips. Still going strong 20 years later. My lovely lightweight Univega bought as a frame lasted until 2013 .The frame broke in Albania survived for 60 km held together with nylon cord and cone spanners. Got it welded by local blacksmith. Now have Surly Troll. Ok .….but will have to go back to Square taper bottom bracket. Wife’s old square tapers have done about 30000 miles. Progress or fashion? Charlie and Bethan

All I can do is repeat the old saying that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Anyone got their hands on a Decathalon Riverside Touring 900? Looks like good all round value, but rarely in stock on their website! Would love to hear some real world feedback on this bike…

I second that – real world stories appreciated!

Hi Tom, I recently cycled from Amsterdam to Genoa covering 2500km in total. I flew into Amster with the bike boxed up. I took with me a carbon frame Ridley Kanzo Adventure, it has all the mounting points and relatively relaxed geometry. I road over every type of terrain and the bike didn’t let me down. What I liked with this bike was that I could arrive at my destination in the evening, remove my pannier bags and then have a light weight roadie feeling for exploring whatever region I had made camp in. The bike also had great performance in the hills. Another plus was that when flying and the bike is boxed up, it’s relatively light weight to transport. This meant that at the start and end of my tour getting the bike boxed up from campsite to train to airport was not such a struggle.

Thanks, Kerry. I really like this approach and I’m heartened to hear carbon frames are now being built to take light luggage loads. Thanks again for sharing!

The 30 year old touring bike you already own becomes the second best, as the next one you buy must necessarily be even better.

I’ve recently gone from a Claud Butler Majestic to a Crossmaxx 28″ Pinion. Naturally, I’m absolutely certain, it’s the best touring bike I could possibly have bought (given my criteria and priorities).

First, let me make this perfectly clear, I’m not a seasoned tourer, so much of what I will say is strictly coming from an amateur. I had to look for a new touring bike after my 85 Schwinn Le Tour Luxe got hit by a hit-and-run driver and bent the fork beyond repair, but that bike worked great for my needs.

I could not buy a touring bike from anyone in my city of 350,000 people because no one carries them, the only shop that could have ordered me the Trek 520 but there were some things about the bike I didn’t like, plus it was expensive and with lower end parts, much how I felt the Surly Trucker was, having no choice I had to turn to the internet. in 2019 I compared the Kona Sutra SE, Surly Trucker, Fuji Touring, Masi Giramondo 700c, and one other I can’t recall the name. After much debate, I narrowed it down to either the Kona or the Masi, and ended up with the Masi because of the price of $1,450 at the time, the Kona would have cost me $1,950, but in 2019 they didn’t have some of the stuff they now have on that bike so to make it work I had to make some changes which would have cost me even more; the Masi had the best gear ratios for climbing steep grades with a loaded bike of any bike I saw, and at the time Masi was using 180mm rotors on the front and 160 on the rear and I liked the idea of the bigger rotor on the front, Masi has since reduced the front rotor size to 160.

I did make some changes to the Masi, put on RedShift Shockstop suspension stem and seat post, a change I would have done to any other touring bike I would have bought, now I feel like I’m riding in a Cadillac. The stock Kenda Drumlin tires are junk and heavy, I replaced those with Schwalbe Amotion 38c tires; and the WTB saddle was also junk, so replaced it with a Brooks C17; I ended up not liking the front Tubus Tara rack and replaced it with a Blackburn Bootlegger rack which works better for my needs. 

I think the Masi Giramondo 700c is a very worthy touring bike that a person should at least look at, especially if on the lower budget end of things.

Thanks for this detailed contribution – it’s always good to hear about rider experiences with touring bikes other than those listed here. For other readers’ reference, here’s a link to the California based manufacturer webpage for the Masi Giramondo .

About to begin a year of touring with Breezer Radar Expert. A review of it here https://cycletraveloverload.com/breezer-radar-expert-review-best-budget-gravel-bike/ (not me) I changed the tires to Schwalbe G‑One Overland Evo 28″ 50–622 for this purpose 😉

I’m considering the Priority 600, as my new touring bike and wondering if anyone has any history of using one or opinions of this bike? Thx

For reference, here’s a link to the Priority 600 . I have no personal experience of this bike, but I have published my own detailed thoughts on internal gearing systems such as the Pinion gearbox in the context of cycle touring here (most of the same logic applies to belt drive).

I am a multi day ultra cyclist, so tend to go minimalist. However, I have done big touring rides in the past on my trusty 1993 Cannondale T1000 (my 21st birthday present). I think that a Daws Super Galaxy or Cannondale, still make excellent budget touring bikes. I have been racing and touring on a Niner RTL Steel, which is makes an excellent touring bike, with great touring geomtry and lots of mounts for racks — I use a 1x 46t Shinano GRX groupset with an 11–50 cassette. Gravel bikes can may great touring bikes

Happy you’re reinforcing the mantra that the best touring bike might be the one you already have – even if it’s 30 years old! As for gravel bikes, many of them would certainly make good tourers – just not sure I’d advise anyone to buy a gravel bike for touring if touring-specific bikes are also available.

I think I have been riding the “Best” touring bike for the last 7 years. — https://photos.app.goo.gl/wP8vs7T5hLpNjSBX8

What an absolute beast! Something with that much detailed customisation can hardly fail to serve its rider’s needs best.

Yes HP and Tom, I would like to know about the Marrakesh too!

Interestingly enough, I still can’t find any long-term rider reviews of the Marrakesh. There are, however, plenty of spam reviews which combine manufacturer specifications and stock photos with meaningless filler like “combining Alivio Trekking derailleurs with the Shimano Sora shifters, you won’t have any problem slowing down or torquing up the bike when needed” (yep, actual quote). As a rule, bikes only get on this list when a consensus emerges from the community of people who’ve used them on tour. I just wish I could find more decent trip reports from people riding this one!

Great list, but where’s the Salsa Marrakech?!

I’ve done a few tours on it and can vouch for it’s quality. She’s an absolute beast and rides like a dream! Packed with touring features and has really well worked out geometry.

PS I don’t work for Salsa.

PPS love the blog mate. Did a 6500km+ around Asia a few years ago and your blog was really reaaally useful. ???

Thanks for the comment! The Marrakech was launched in 2015, which in cycle touring circles makes it a newcomer 😉 but you are correct that enough time has gone by now to see real-world results, so I’ll consider it for the next update. Thanks again!

I am looking to buy either Fuji disc touring LTD 2021( priced at 1336 euros) or Trek 520 2021( priced at 1600 euros) . I am really confused , as I don’t understand even though both have very similar specs, why is the trek 520 priced at 250 euros higher? Is trek somehow supposed to be better for some reason that I cannot comprehend or is it price cause of the brand “trek”?

Hi Badri. Prices may differ for many reasons, including import taxes, exchange rates, retailer profit margins, and of course simple pricing decisions by the manufacturer. But my main advice still remains this: if you can’t choose between two bikes on paper, it’s time to visit your local bike shop and take both for a test ride!

Hi I’m from newzealand and touring bikes well decent ones aren’t that easy to come by at the moment because of covid .but I found a Kona sutra the guy had only done about 100 km on it decided he wasn’t going to cycle so sold it and I happen to be at the right place at the right time.great bike to ride and I’m looking forward to my first tour on it in one months time Peter

Unlikely you monitor this anymore, but I’ve been comparing my 80s road bike to modern touring bikes (Croix de Fer and Kona Sutra) and the geometries look the same. Am I missing something or are modern specialist tourers actually very similar to old-school road racers?

Hey Hugh. Actually I make a point of replying to every comment, and I update this post monthly 🙂

Long ago I inherited a hand-built road bike from my grandfather. It was the first bike I’d owned that wasn’t a mountain bike and I was amazed at how fast and light it was, despite being a steel frame. It was a bit on the small side for me, but you’re right that the geometry was quite close to a classic road tourer. The biggest differences you’ll probably find are in the weight (heavier-gauge tubing designed for carrying luggage) and the wheelbase proportional to frame size, although the trend today seems to be for more compact and sporty designs. But the short version is yes, there are certainly a lot of similarities!

Sorry to burst some people’s bubbles.But I want to save you the hassle and frustration. I’ve been touring around north,central and south america,now in Turkey & the Balkans for the last 4.5 years on a 3x9 ‚11–36 cassette Surly Troll 26″ and I can tell you that 26″ anything is absolutely obsolete!! DEAD!! It has been a total nightmare! I can find zero parts for it, anywhere. Definitely forget tires. Impossible! Literally nothing anywhere. Traditional wisdom is gone out the window, China has flooded the market with 27.5/29″ and all the components for these sizes and that’s what killed the 26″ over the last 5+ years. Seriously , almost everything I have for my bike I had to buy off Amazon and getting lucky once or twice when a mechanic spent days looking for parts for me. I’ve spent days and more than 2 weeks stuck in cities looking for what was considered simple parts found “easily”! :9 speed shifters,cassettes,chains,26″ tires,disc rotors 160mm,BB,brake pads,etc…Nada!! Super frustrating! I can’t buy a new bike now but I will sell this 26″ 3x9 Troll in a flash the first chance I get or throw it straight into a river. It’s a shame because it’s a great bike. You can almost still get things for it online, but I think soon these parts will be plased out soon. Due to Covid the shipping is taking weeks and many parts are out of stock now too. I thought that being in Europe people still ride 26″ bikes I might find parts,but no.I’ve been once again stuck Tirana for more than 2 weeks just for a cassette and chain and have to take inferior parts now. If I had a 27’5 or 29″ and 10/11 speed I would have more options. My friends who toured 5–10 + years ago can’t believe this change. All 26″ inch bike frame builders out there need to know this.The market has changed, traditionalists be warned. Good luck!

Hello Ian and thanks for your comment. You certainly sound frustrated! For balance, and for the benefit of my other readers, I’d like to add a few observations:

1. 26″ is a wheel size, not a cassette sprocket count, chain width, shifter indexing system, disc rotor size, etc. It affects rim, spoke, tyre and tube availability. 2. You’re right that the industry is currently swamped with trendy new wheel sizes like 27.5 and 29. But most existing bicycles in the world have 26-inch wheels. These bicycles will always need spare parts and are unlikely to disappear overnight. 3. As for “literally nothing anywhere”, I just walked into my local supermarket and found an aisle of brand new bicycles, all adult sizes of which had 26-inch wheels, and a rack of spare tyres right next to them. I’ve said this before: it’s not just specialist bike shops that sell bikes. This is critical to remember when looking for 26-inch wheel parts in far-flung lands.

That’s all I wanted to add. I hope you get things sorted in Tirana. And I hope you’ll share with us the location of the river you throw your Surly Troll into!

Im fairly sure the Surly Long Haul Trucker promotion pictures are of frames with a different wheel size they are designed for. The picture here looks like a 60cm frame for 700c wheels but fitted with 26″ wheels. This is the same for the picture here as it is on their website, which looks like a 58cm frame for 262 wheels with 700c wheels in place. I own a Surly LHT and theyre great bikes but the frame sizeing can be a bit confusing and the promotional pictures dont help.

I would respectfully disagree, based on the fact that the brake shoes are visibly aligned correctly with the rims. If the wrong sized wheels were fitted to the frame, this wouldn’t be possible. In the past, all sizes of LHT frames have been available for both 700C and 26″ wheels, so I’d guess we’re looking at one of the larger frame sizes for 26″ wheels with the correct wheels indeed fitted. The proportions do look weird at a glance, but it is in fact how these bikes were sold. FWIW the sizing scheme of the Truckers has changed now, so wheel size better complements frame size throughout the range, as mentioned in the latest update to the post above.

Hello Tom — I have a Koga Miyata Globe Traveler which I bought in 2005 from a dealer in Lexington, KY — Pedal The Planet. (Ironically, in 1985, I did a world tour on a Miyata bicycle.) I bicycled the Lewis and Clark Trail that summer, St. Louis to Astoria, OR. 10 years later in 2015 I began a charity ride of the perimeter of the U.S. for Habitat For Humanity and Save The Children (website: usperimeterride.org) and concluded that 12,000 journey in 2017. I’ve been very happy with my Koga Miyata all these years. I’m 71 now, and don’t know if I have any expedition type tours left in me … but I keep thinking. Just wondering your thoughts on the current Koga bikes. I’ve seen a couple of comments here regarding Koga bikes — some positive and couple not (the one regarding the cracked frame). I think that there are no longer any Koga dealers in North America. Am I correct in thinking that? I believe there used to be one in Toronto, and a dealer out in Santa Barbara, CA, that handled parts. Pedal The Planet where I bought my Koga Miyata is no longer in operation. Thank you for all your info on your website!

Aaaand Long Haul Trucker is gone as well. Seems like Surly are phasing out some of the touring bikes.

Same source — LHT FAQ, third answer I think.

That’s tragic – although on closer inspection it does say “for the time being”…

Sadly, Surly will discontinue the Troll model in 2021.

Hi Lukas! Do you happen to have a source for this? I’ve checked the Surly website and social media channels and haven’t found any mention. I just want to be sure that my readers are getting accurate information. Cheers!

Someone asked the question on Surly’s website in Thorn section — Q&A. They asked whether Thorn will be renewed for 2021 and someone from the staff said that they will no longer offer this model. 

https://surlybikes.com/bikes/troll

FAQ section, should still be the first question asked. 

I was planning to build a tourer on Troll frame and I guess now I should buy it before it’s gone.

I wrote ‘Thorn’ by mistake, should be Troll (I also consider Thorn for my build and must’ve been thinking about it.)

Thanks for the reference, Lukas, that’s very useful. I guess it reflects the diminishing popularity of the 26-inch platform, at least for new bikes (and thus for profit margins).

In the premium category I’d add one of the IDWorx bikes such as the All Rohler or oPinion BLT. I visited their HQ last week and Gerrit and his team are amazing. They won ‘bike of the year 2020’ award for their BLT off-road touring bike. https://www.idworx-bikes.de/

I had the Off Rohler in this list since visiting their stall at Eurobike 2014 – it almost wins the ‘most expensive off-the-peg touring bike in the world’ award! I’m keen to see what they’ve created since then. Thank you for the link and the suggestion!

They arent’ cheap that’s for sure. I tried to trade in my wife for a titanium bike, but they only take euros.

Once they start to explain the engineering behind each component you can understand why they arrive at those prices. Also it’s a 4th gernation family of bike builders, they hand build the bikes, their staff are properly-paid, they have sunk lots of money into R&D and make many bespoke components. The attention to detail is astonishing. I spent nearly a day at their HQ with the attention of the owner, his wife, two dogs and their chief engineer. (He did his Masters theisis on Pinion gearboxes). We rode in the German countryside and tested a score of bikes. The customer service is out of this world. If you can afford it, I’d would recommend IDWorx.

Hi Tom, thanks for your help! Now im planning a big tour for a few years in Africa and America, now i have an Avaghon 26 series with Rohloff and Magura but im thinking to change with a 29″ wheels( im 1,81 cm tall ). What do you think about Surly ECR? Thnaks, Fabio.

I have never ridden the ECR so I can’t speak from experience, but I know it’s a well respected frameset. Your height suggests a 29er would be more comfortable in the long run. For planning a big tour you might want to check out my list of expedition touring bikes – this will also help you see quickly which framesets are Rohloff-compatible. Hope that helps!

I think I have “the best” touring bike available… judge for yourselves. Full suspension mid-drive eTouring bike and trailer evolution. https://photos.app.goo.gl/wP8vs7T5hLpNjSBX8

Hey Tom. Love this website. Is this still current? I can’t find a stockist that has the Flat White. Even Adventure’s own website doesn’t seem to link to it. Or am I missing something obvious? Thanks

It’s still listed at https://www.adventureoutdoor.co/bike/flat-white — I’ll be updating this article this month and will see if I can find any current stockists.

A look at secondhand market worth it as I picked up Thorn Mercury Rohloff for £1200 (pretty much the price of the hub alone) also have a rohloff on my ti 29er and it has been on 2 other mtb before that ……. pretty much fit and forget.

Hi Tom I am preparing for a number of long term trips in the near future and researched bicycles heavily (including use of your excellent website) and settled on the Ridgeback Expedition. However I have now made three attempts to buy one at cycle shops in a variety of towns and no-one seems able to sell me one! I decided to contact the compnay directly, but no phone number and they say that they take two weeks to answer e‑mails. So I would suggest that customer service might be a factor in choosing the bike to buy (these are not cheap acquisitions after all) and any company that cant even manage to communicate with customers at the point of purchase isn’t likely to have ana dequate after sales customer support! Not sure what to do now, but it definitely will not be a Ridgeback anything Dave

Local bike shops don’t tend to sell a wide variety of bikes here in the UK, they make there money from servicing bikes and selling components so it’s not really a surprise you can’t find a bike shop that sells them. A quick google search has just shown several reputable online retailers that supply the ridgeback expedition and will provide you with any customer support you might require after purchase.

Hope this helps

Thx for the info. About same specs as my modded Moonrun. I use SKF bracket spindle but have cheaper headset but works fine for years now. For carrying stuff I use strongest on market today and that is the rear rack made by Thorn. Fitted with M6 steel bolts I can come a way with most everything I throw at it. I had the frame professionally modified by Marten from M‑gineering after which it was powder coated.

Hello, Thanks for this nice article. Why is the TX-800 striked-through in the list ?

You don’t have the Surly Ogre(700c) or Troll(26″) on your list. I got the Ogre because it was suggested over the LHT or disc version because they are a little more rugged. I went from the US to Panama on an Ogre and never had a problem with it beyond needing new tires, I went with the Ogre because I had a really nice set of 700c rims. NEVER EVER go to Latin America with anything but 26″. I read a few blogs on crazyguyonabike.com and with off road touring the LHT(or disc version) needs welding.

Hello Tom. I cycled Armenia three years ago in a short tour and met an old french man Thierri, walking all the way from france to there. one month after getting home he came to me in Tehran and stayed for few days. in his Photoes, i saw you. i knew you in advance beacause of your movie. The intention of writing for you is that we’ve been in contact for one year or so but suddenly i lost him and i Thought you might remember him and have any news of him. I really hope he is doing well and being healthy. thanks sorry for misspeling

best wishes Saied

Yes, he’s safe and well and back living in France. A true legend and inspiration!

I’m currently cycling in Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. 2000km via the coast, in some pretty demanding scenarios. I’m riding the Cinelli HoBootleg 2018 Touring Bike which has been as tough and reliable as I had hoped it would be. I’m 1000km in of the 2000km and think it’s been a great bike. Intrigued it wasn’t listed in the line up.

Should it be? I think so yet if there is a reason for not rating or listing can you let me know? Recognise you cannot list all Touring Bikes yet it does have a great name in many other review pages.

Anyway — I rate the Cinelli!

One other thing, I think the Trek 920 should be listed. The bikes you have reviewed are very traditional and the Trek 920 certainly makes the available options a little more spicy. Touring bikes are surely headed in the Trek 920 direction wouldn’t you say? D

Tom, what do you think about Verso Tour Gitane? I’m from Argentina, and here there aren’t so many good bikes, and I can buy one Gitane, but I’ve never heard about this model. Thank you

I also haven’t heard about this one. On paper it looks like a pretty decent European-style ‘trekking bike’ – the adjustable stem and the Magura hydraulic rim brakes remind me of some better known German and Dutch models. The drivetrain choices are close to what we use for the Oxford Bike Works Expedition. I’d take a careful look at the rear rack, which doesn’t look too sturdy from the photos, and consider upgrading the tyres if you’re going on a long trip.

This bike has a lot of critical components made from aluminium: the frame, forks and rear rack. The front rack would appear to be the chromoly Tubus Ergo. Going on your previous comments about aluminium Tom you could rule this bike out for some types of touring, for example, where a frame, fork or rack break would cause a major disruption.

Thank you for post. Lot of good reading. However i am bit lost in a choice now. Do you think you can shine a bit light to it ? 

I just now finished 300km testing tour on my road bike Coyotee Route 66. I changed a lot of things in a bike like butterfly handlebars, wheels, saddle, etc etc… 

I was riding in UK from Birmingham to Warrington. But after i come back i had a pain all over my body. And i started to think about a choice all over again… 

Now In 3 days i should start trip about 4000km from UK to Portugal. Do you recommend to buy a new bike this short before? 

I explored variety of options of bikes but seems more or less simmilar. I am concern if i will go for normal touring bike riding will be bit boring. Where Surrly Troll seems bit more fun. I was also thinking about hardtail mountain bike with fork suspension. But this seem as quite slow and tiring on road. And also what you think about newer types as using cargo bike (YUBA), hybrid bike should i think about it ? And also if you have any experience with using electic bikes. With a range above 100miles seems as interesting. Go for it or not ?

Thanks a lot for your answers.

Thanks for the article, i plan to travel from Texas to the bottom of South America next year. I was planning on buying a bike there. Do you know much about American bikes and what would be good for that trip, i’m Over 6 ft and about 95kg now. I’m in china now so i don’t think buying one here would be good but, i’m open

The Surly LHT or Disc Trucker is the classic American tourer and widely available. For your height/weight I’d go for a 700c model in L or XL frame size.

Thanks for this great review. I travel now for last 5 years with a Koga World traveller bike. Very happy with it. Please include in your evaluation next time!

Bought a Koga World traveller three years ago, have been very happy with it. BUT, this summer while on a trip in Scotland I saw a nasty crack on the welding. Tried to identify a Koga dealer, and all those mentioned on their website no longer do Koga. I contacted the customer service via their website form and it took them a week to get back basically telling me to contact the seller. I bought the bike in France, so that wasn’t going to help me much! So I went to the nearest reputable dealer in Pitlochry, they confirmed my worry that the bike was too dangerous to use so bought a cheap, but very good Giant mtb, and continued the holiday. Picked the broken Koga bike up on the way back to France and went to the seller.

The bike has been sitting in the seller’s workshop for THREE WEEKS as they wait for KOGA to instruct them on how to proceed (they are no longer a Koga dealer). The frame comes with a lifetime warranty, but a warranty doesn’t fix a bike. The seller has sent photos, and sent more photos at Koga’s request, but still no instructions. They have contacted the nearest Koga dealer in France and no answer from them either. I even went to the nearest dealer in Germany to see if they could help and they refused.

I have emailed, tweeted, tried calling, but nothing seems to get them to react now.

So my advice would be to stay away from Koga unless you are ok with paying a lot of money with no assurance that you will get any form of support if you have a problem on the road.

This sounds like a terrible story and I’m sorry to hear about it. It does seem unusual that one of the most reputable high-end touring bikes would develop such a fault in the first place, however. I’d be interested to hear what solution eventually arises – I would have thought a crack in a weld under warranty would point to a brand new replacement frame.

Tom I have a dawes titanium (not disks) and I was thinking of upgrading the wheels and brakes for longer audaxes. Do you have any suggestions.

thanks David

If I were you, I’d pay a visit to my nearest professional wheelbuilder.

New Trek 1120 is a whole new dimension. Gearing up now for a Canadian ride.

Having been the proud owener of several Koga bikes for around the world trips unfortunately, since 2016 the quality has been declining. For the amount of money it cost, it is simply not worth it. For 2000 € (which the price of a Koga bike) you can get a lot of bicycle elsewhere.

Hi Tom! Thanks for an interesting article! I’m dreaming of bike adventures, both longer trips and weekend trips and try to find a new bike that can make those dreams come true. Mostly, though, I’ll use the new bike for my everyday commute in Sweden. I’ve been watching the Verenti substance tiara/sora — seems like decent components and good value which I’m pretty sure will fill my commuting needs. But how do you think it would do for longer adventures? I’m mostly concerned about weight, geometry and key component durability. I would be very grateful of a brief opinion! http://www.wiggle.se/verenti-substance-tiagra-adventure-road-2017/

Hi all, Great article — many thanks. Very useful while choosing a bike to undertake a cycle across USA in 2018 (I’ve never had a touring bike before). I chose Trek 520 (Disc brake variety) in the end which I’m really happy with. Good value at £1,000 versus other bikes available, comes with pedals and rear pannier rack and very swish gear changers. Reviews on Trek website largely very positive as well. I went for because I’m quite tall (193cm/6foot4) so was struggling to find a big enough frame in any touring bikes. Surly do large frames but are more expensive (~£1500) and no extras like pannier rack. In the end the 60cm Trek frame firs me very well — we checked standover length and top tube length and because of the geometry of the bike it actually matches some other manufacturers who produce larger frames (eg 62cm). Feel free to contact me on [email protected] if you have any questions or thinking of buying the bike, I’d be happy to help.

Ollie, London

If it is a choice between a smaller and a larger frame, my preference is for the smaller frame because a) provided the steerer hasn’t been cut yet, it is almost always possible to achieve a good fit by putting on a longer stem and raising the seatpost (swapping for a longer one if necessary) b) bigger frames are harder to pack for travel c) it can feel more manoeuvrable

Punish the thing, make the bike work for you, and don’t be limited by the bike or its stuff. Bikes get stolen, plans go squiify and so what if we decide to take the really cruddy road upppp that turns into gravel then kind of goat track then.. and you land up pushing and doing singletrack downhill to .. mud and gravel and finally .. So, my bike came out of a skip, a rusty 2012 Scott Speedster S30. Thrown out! Square section BB, road rims and tyres (I know.. but a good spoke key makes life simple). wide range 9x2 gears. But it takes racks.. The boom in road cycling means 700c and road bike bits are much easier than they were a decade ago — even in Yemen and Iran. Total build cost of my bike: £100 including panniers. Bits and pieces off gumtree, pinkbike, etc. If it get bent, hah. If it gets nicked, hah. The no-compromise bits: ‘fit’ / setup, the saddle, my most comfy/worn SPD shoes, tubeless with goop.

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing this!

Hey this is great stuff! However, do you have recommendations for bikes in the US? ‑j

Sure – many of the bikes in this article are from U.S. manufacturers, Surly and Kona being the obvious two. Also check out REI’s range of tourers under the Co-op Cycles brand.

Hi Tom, love your site. I need to thank you not only for an informative site in general, but also for helping me make a decision on a touring bike. Until recently I lived in Darwin, Australia. It’s reasonably isolated and the choice of bike brands is severely limited. Thus, test riding anything decent is out of the question. My wife was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to work in France for 6 months so I saw this a a great chance to purchase the bike of my dreams. Armed with advice from your site (and others) I narrowed it down to two bikes — the VSF TX-400 with Shimano drive train, and the Rose Activa Pro 2. As there wasn’t a Rose dealer where we were living in France, the TX-400 was the winner. That was August last year and I haven’t had even a twinge of regret. I love it. Keep up the great work mate. I look forward to following your adventures (and Charlie’s) for many years to come. Cheers, Derek.

I am surprised that Ridgeback is still fitting aluminium racks to its high-end touring bikes when most other brands fit cro-moly. Aluminium whilst okay for components such as wheel rims, handlebars, and seatposts, is too fragile for heavily loaded racks with thin small diameter tubes and suffers too easily from metal fatigue.

I am surprised that serious riders will still accept an add-on rack of any kind steel or not. Every connection is a weak link. Tout-Terrain, Panamericana. http://www.en.tout-terrain.de/bicycles/panamericana/ — not interested in the pinion gearing but you can’t beat the frame.

Hi Tom and readers, Does anyone out there have any experience with or notion of what to do with the following problem? (saddle soreness — chafing). My girlfriend has a typical german woman’s uprightish trekking bike by bulls, and we did just one two week tour on it last summer. She’d never toured before. She found her “intim Bereich” (intimate area) got rubbed a lot by the saddle (wasn’t an issue with short local trips previously), so I ended up buying and trying a new saddle, then a series of the best rated woman’s saddles out there, and all of them did the same rubbing thing. Biking shorts and a gel pad didn’t help fully or much. She thought being more upright helped the rubbing, by taking pressure off the front of the saddle and putting it more on the sitz bones, so I got some big curvy bar ends and cranked them way back, so she can sit totally upright. I even added a nice suspension seatpost. But somehow the pain won’t go away. I’m really at a loss about what to do. I wonder if a new frame would help at all. Anyone find a saddle that really helps with sensitive bottoms? I’m leaning towards getting her a recumbent, but can’t really afford it, and she doesn’t tour with me a lot. I ride a bacchetta giro 20 myself and highly recommend it for touring! Thanks for any advice!

hi Jeff and all, dr. jim parker from cruzbike has compiled some very revealing facts regarding health issues cyclists commonly are facing, i.e. genital numbness & e.d. besides the usual (wrist,back & neck). i do suffer from groin pains riding on my dawes upride racing bike within 30–45 min.

hence for my upcoming uk & european (& car replacement) tour i am opting for an “atl-falter” from radnabel in tuebingen, germany. atl stands for “all tags lieger”(recumbent for everyday-all year/tasks); falter stands for folding. they are not well known outside of central europe, have been handbuild for nearly 30 years and are highly regarded for being — safe (long wheel base, low center of gravity), nimble (sharp turning circle), quick (ergonomic design & pushing against the backrest/very good uphills), comfortable (no neck, groin or wrist pain, full suspension), good load carrying capability [70kg total], “protecting” (see: allwetterverkleidung/foldable fairing/poncho), well engineered and sound workmanship. although dieter baumann (builder) speaks english, the webside is in german only. the atl-falter with rohloff, full chain cover, rear rack, pannier holders, twoleg stand weighs 17–18 kg (chrmo steel). 

you get an better idea about radnabels atl’s watching these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZgX6zIViBY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsBEvBX_S4o

they have proved themselves also on long distance tours germany to china. happy cycling or as we say in bavaria: “frohes radln” regards reinhard

Ok, my thing about touring bikes, what about the weight?! Most tourers are just too heavy, 17Kg+ steel monsters. “They have to be, for the reliability”…well the only frames I’ve had break were a steel and an Al frame. Maybe you’ll say “blasphemy” but my trekking bike of choice is a modified carbon fibre Simplon “Nanolight” K3. My aim has been the lightest bike but still fit for a tour of up to a month on road. This thing has been faultless for 9 years of mainly mountain tours (and daily commuting). The essentials, for me, are: good hub dynamo lighting, hydraulic Rim brakes (discs are, expletive, Primadonnas), brooks saddle, bike rack, mudguards, oh and lightness. Everything is carbon or titanium, except the wheels, saddle and handlebar. it’s expensive but still less than people spend on fancy packages for their car. Final tour weight is around 9.1Kg. I even made my own bike bags out of lightweight cuben fibre. Yes the bike could be seen as excessively focussed on weight, but nowadays trekking bikes could be a lot lighter than they are, we would have many more people on bikes, heavy bikes stop people biking. J Jones.

I have noticed that all these touring bikes have no suspension in the front wheel. I am curious, why? Does a front suspension affect the performance of these long bike trips?

For most tours it’s simply not necessary. A suspension fork adds complication, meaning more to go wrong. Forks without lockout introduce inefficiency. Finally, most forks are incompatible with lowriders (front racks).

Bikepacking (i.e. lightweight offroad touring) is a different story, but still a small niche.

Is there an easy solution to fitting a front light to my Ridgeback Voyage with a bar bag in situ? I do not want an extending arm attached to the drops with the light above the bag. I was wondering if one can purchase a bracket to bolt onto the mudguard retaining bolt on top of the front forks immediately below the headset. This would have to be offset to clear the cantilever cables. Any thoughts Anthony

A bracket on the fork crown is a common (old-fashioned) solution. Some bar-bags also have a mounting bracket accessory for a light (the Carradice one comes to mind). Or you can wear a headtorch!

Thanks Tom for your reply, I have had lots of comments and thoughts from others on the Cycling UK forum too. As is often the case as soon as one starts looking into things there are loads of solutions available. I have learnt a lot just by looking at the various websites sugggested by people. I have now purchased a good light that will fit on the fork itself and and allow to be positioned pointing down to cover the road in front. Not a dissimilar situation from the old ‘ever ready ‘lamps that we had on our bikes back when I was a child in the 50s and 60s. Though this is a USB rechargeable smaller model. I think this will do the job. So thank you again for your thoughts and I will soon start to read your book on my kindle which arrived today. I look forward to that.

Great site Tom and full of excellent stuff and info. Keep it up.

Kind regards Anthony Brewer

Hi Tom and all, Has anyone any experience of the cantilever brakes designed specifically for tandems and tourers by a company in Seattle USA called Rodriguez bikes., R&E Cycles. They call the design ‘The Big Squeeze’. I looked into this as I am not sure in my mind yet whether my Shimano cantis will work on my Ridgeback Voyage as well as I want on a heavy laden bike on very steep descents. The contact I have had with the American company has been excellent and speedy. They have no distributers or outlets in the UK and the brakes are quite expensive but look with all the information they provide a well thought out and constructed brake. Any comments, opinions or knowledge on this from anyone would be very much appreciated Anthony Brewer

Spa Cycles, a touring specialist fit these. 

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/m2b0s101p2386/TEKTRO-RX-5-Mini-V-Brakes

I have used them on 4 loaded alpine and Pyrenean tours on my Ridgeback panorama and they have been great. They need fine tuning and true wheels but have plenty of power and work much better than the ones supplied by Ridgeback. My Panorama only cost £450 so I would be reluctant to spend $250 plus shipping on those. Also I am not a fan of the style I think they stick out too much and could cause injury in a collision.

Thank you Phil for your comment on these brakes. I use simialr V brakes on my hybrid as per your link to Spacycles. However as I understand things it isn’t possible (easily that is) to change to V brakes ( which I do like ) without quite some work. I have dropped bars with the gear change incorporated in the brakes. The length of the cable is significant and the possible use of a ‘travel agent ’ to allow for the cable pull etc etc. Are you saying that Spa cycles would change my present cantilver system to these V brakes advertised? As I said I have yet to test my present brakes seriously but will definitely be doing so this spring/summer. Thank you for the recommendation Phil Regards Anthony

No problem Anthony. I ordered them from Spa and fitted them in one hour and I am no expert. May have needed new cables and small sections of outer because of the lengths of the runs but it was straight forward. You can remove the original centre-pull aluminium cable stay as the new cable comes from the side. The original brake levers and repeater levers will work, no new ones are required as the travel is sufficient. I also looked into travel agents to gear up the travel but I agree they are complicated. The mini-vs don’t need the same amount of travel as the full size v‑brake. They are just 85mm not 105mm. Admittedly it is possible with them fitted the level can be pressed right onto the bars, but by that time you would be over the handle bars. The large amount of travel gives you precise control. 

It is very straight forward to fit but you could always order them and get the local bike shop to fit them.

PS the cantilevers supplied on Ridgeback tourers are on the verge of being dangerous on a fully loaded tourer down a steep hill. I recommend changing them to Tektro mini- v brakes I showed you or Tekro CR720 

http://www.highonbikes.com/tektro-cr720-cyclo-cross-bike-cantilever-brakes-front-rear.html?gclid=CjwKEAiArvTFBRCLq5-7-MSJ0jMSJABHBvp0WpP5LLsbie8YcECqv8AAZxpL0R1slUyaJFRFZzcQghoC0YTw_wcB

I don’t like them because as I previously said they stick out too much

Again many thanks Phil. You have certainly given me much to consider. However the Tektro CR720 are themselves cantilever brakes too. So I wonder why you have suggested these as a possible alternative to my present tektro Oryx cantilever brakes on my Ridgeback? They look very similar. I do appreciate your comments on this subject Anthony

the CR720s are used by my co-cyclists on tours and are much better than the oryx design in terms of efficiency. It’s all about the distance from the rim to where the cable connects, much more leverage. I included them as an alternative but would still favour the mini-v’s personally.

they look very different from your once fitted: http://bananarider.com/product/tektro-cr720/

Hi, would you consider Specialized Crosstrail Disc 2017 a good touring bike? I am looking forward to buy my first bike aiming to use it for a long tour (upto 3–6 months) next year around europe.

Also a doog opyion in my opinion: http://www.kross.pl/en/2016/trekking/trans-alp

I’ve recently purchased a Cinelli Hobooleg for £1100, although I’ve only been using it for my 10 mile commute so far I’m very happy with it.

It looks the part and from the reviews I’ve read it will hopefully see me safely around North Wales on my first proper test run later this month.

Looking at the features of these touring bikes they look like early 90s mountain bikes. 26″ wheels?Check. Steel frame? Check. Rigid fork? Check. 7/8 speed drive train with thumb shifters? Check. Braze ons for racks and fenders? Check. I would suggest folks keep an eye out for a good used mountain bike from this era and you could save a bunch while ending up with a bike just as robust, lighter and with higher quality parts(granted, said parts may need some love). I found an abandoned Rocky Mountain Team Comp which has frame tubing better than any of the bikes listed (heat treated tubing by Tange of Japan). The bikes of this era were of very high quality as it was the fastest growing sport then and the competition was fierce with leaps in steel tubing technology. Steel was still the material of choice also. I managed to build my bike up(it was missing a lot of parts) for maybe $500 and I have XTR rear derailleur, Sunrace 8 cassette, Suntour XC thumb shifters, Syncros stem, NOS XT UN73 BB…you get the picture. The additional bonus is a bike that is still quite light yet strong. I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who knows nothing about bikes but if you are a bit of a bike geek its pretty rewarding finding a good higher end mountain bike and fixing it up. Parts back then were very well made.

Hey Tom, Edinburgh Bikes have a new tourer out end of the month, http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-country‑2–16

I’m sure it’s similar to your reviewed bike above but would be great to hear your thoughts.

looking at a bike trip in 2018 from shanghai to istanbul semi-supported. been doing self-supported touring on my 25 yo trek 970 but the sour grape machine is ready to be retired. been shopping around and am considering the novara safari–i like the mustache handlebars and the price seems good but worried about the quality of components and whether 700 wheels are potentially a problem…i know 26″ is more the standard when you are in the middle of nowhere. any input would be much appreciated.

Tom, I have been researching touring bikes for quite some time and I think I have found the bike to start touring. Following your advice in this blog I picked up a 15 year old MTB that is in great shape. I will put on touring tires and a rack that I already own and I’m ready to go on some short introductory adventures. Perhaps if I really get the touring bug I will invest in a new bike but for now this will do and the price is right. Thank you.

For anyone currently looking, my local LBS, The Bike Shed Devon, have a bit of a touring sale going on at the moment. Definitely worth looking before making any decisions. http://www.bikesheduk.com/touring-bikes-for-sale

Thank you very much for the tip on discounted 2015 Dawes Galaxy AL bicycles from Evans. I just picked one up for £400!

Evans has also the Dawes Galaxy Cross cromo (steel frame, disc brakes, straight bars) for the same price. Looks like a bargain.

Having cycled and backpacked since I was at school, in my mid 50’s i decided it was time to combine the two persuites and try a spot of weekend touring. Not wanting to spend too much on a bike that i may not get on with, I bought my daughters barely used 2001 Specialized Hardrock off her. It cost me £225 new originally, so she recon I got a bargain at £40 second hand!!! It’s Cr Mo steel frame and rigid forks [not even butted], Acera group set, square drive triple chain rings and 26″ wheels, have a real solid feel, so after fitting Marathon tyres, racks, and bar ends, I treated myself to a pair of 46li Altus rear panniers and a bar bag. Packing lightweight and minimalist, my first weekend away was a real success. On my next outing of 4‑days, a rear spoke went after the first 20 miles, but no rubbing, so I finished my tour in the Cotswolds, but walked up a lot of hills. For my next trip in the Peak District, I had a new twin-wall rear wheel, and a new wider range rear cassette, still walked up many hills, but who cares, I was wild camping, and just making my route up as I went along. I keep looking at new bikes, but don’t know how I would really benefit, the bike just keeps rolling along happily for my short breaks. A new bike may weigh less. My rig weighs in at 16.5kg without panniers, how does that compare with other tourers?

So, the ultimate all-round tourer *is* a 26 inch wheel frame with geometry which looks like my many-times-earmarked-for-the-skip, first generation, double-butted cro-mo mid-80s MTB that’s in the shed? It confirms my own conclusions (though I’m no hardcore global wanderer like yourself). Interesting that it looks as if 26″ wheels will remain relevant. I was thinking there is a gap in the market for a longer and near-horizontal toptube frame style (with, perhaps, 29er wheels), instead of the downhill-style geometry which seems obligatory on all fat-tyre machinery.

[…] spend money on a good bike and the necessary gear you’ll find costs are minimal. Many good quality bikes can be purchased for less than £100. Many travelling bicyclists choose to camp at official […]

Thanks for the advice! I was faffing around for about a year trying to buy a touring bike in the UK but never quite got around to it. I’m now in Vietnam about to set off in a time pressured trip to India (through Laos, Thailand and Myanmar) and I no longer have the same access to the kinds of brands mentioned above(or budgets). I’ve found something called a Windspeed Long Rider touring classic, which is a Chinese brand, and the bike shop is offering a pretty good deal inclusive of accessories. Let’s hope it’s up to the job! Anyone have any experience or knowledge of this bike? Mostly sold only in Asia I think.

Hi. I am trying to choose a bike for touring around the world that would be a slow heavyweight may be some times off road and long term! but in my country there is not a wide choice for me! I have to choose a bike and change it into a touring one! my question is what kind of bikes is good for me! road bikes that mostly used here for races or mountain! here i can find bikes from Merida , giant, Fuji, Scott, specialized! of course I have an old Peugeot mountain bike that i was thinking about changing in to a touring bike but i am not sure! it is too old! thank you 🙂

Finally bought me touring bike, a Specialized AWOL DLT. Took your advice to try it and decided on a medium instead of a large frame (I’m 5′9″) since it was more comfortable. The problem was to find any bike shops who stocks touring bikes in Sweden, found only the AWOL, Kona Rove and Trek 520. As a plus I got a good discount, paid “only” £760 (Evans charges £1160) since the dealer said -“customers ask for touring bikes and then they do not buy them”!

Hi Rob, where in Sweden did you buy it ? I am in Norway (Oslo to be precise) and can´t find any shop stocking touring bikes.

Hi Francesco, http://www.cykelhuset.com sell Specialized AWOL, http://www.jarlacykel.se sell Trek 520 and http://www.fixmybike.se sell Kona. I have only ridden the AWOL and the Rove, both seemed very competent. Just on way back from virgin trip Sassnitz — Berlin, so far satisfied, love the 700x42c tires, perfect for tarmac and gravel!

Tom, for my 21st birthday I got a Cannondale T1000, 22 years and 15000 miles later (low mileage bike) it is going strong. It has been to Paris a couple of times, Amserdam 4 or 5 times and one long trip from Cherbourg to Santander as well as numerous day and weekend UK outings, it has towed a Tag Along for a fair few miles and had a child seat for some of its life. Much of today’s riding is spent on minor roads and tracks around the New Forest and Wiltshire. Few parts have worn out, I am on the second BB, and I upgraded the chainset to an ultegra, other than a couple of tyres, chains and cassettes I have had to do very little. I love the bar end shifters for their reliability, the XT cantilever brakes do a good job stopping the bike, even on 50 mph descents in the Pyraneese with full panniers and camping gear and my 80 kg weight. With an 11 to 32 cassette, 24 speed are fine on a tourer, spacing is well judged. It is really hard to imagine how it could be improved on.….

I just picked up a 2004 Cannondale T2000 for my son’s 13 birthday. Cost just £300 and looks fantastic, in fact looks new. I am surpised how light it is. It Has a few upgrades, including a nice Kinesis fork, which delivers a much nicer ride than my T1000 and it also has a 30 speed XT / ultegra group set and a really nice looking rack. Overall this is the nicest bike I have ever ridden, it is adjusted to perfection and feels really well sorted definately a subtle but noticeable upgrade from the T1000

How does an older mid range tourer like the Cannondale T1000 or T2000 compare with today’s mid range tourers like the Surly LHT or Daws Super Galaxy

To be honest I would be really confident that my Cannondale could tackle a more adventurous tour than I have tried

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – that sums up any longer and more detailed response I could come up with! 🙂

hey tom! an interesting article you have here 🙂 hopefully you can shed some light on my situation. me and my mate are literally just starting out after training, we are planning a big trip! Our trip in mind is taking us from the uk, through france and to the south of spain. we figure that we want a bike that can take the distance, but can also take us as off road as is sensible. we plan on visiting a few cities also! (we’re thinking cobbled streets and some gravelly paths) so im not entirely sure what kind of bracket we fall under, but the bike i have put a deposit down for (buying new) and am collecting tomorrow, is a specialized sirrus, costing 400 pounds sterling. am i looking in the right kind of bike here considering our journey and our plans? 

as far as i understand (our beginner cycling pedigree in mind) pad brakes are risk free and easily replaced, steel frame and forks are more durable. would having flat bar handle bars restrict us some what? hope you can help! thanks, cillian.

For a trip to the south of Spain pretty much any bike will do, as long as it fits you and it can carry your luggage! (I hope you’ve test ridden this bike before buying it – most important thing of all in getting the right bike!)

Check out this blog series if you want any more info on specific components and things…

Thanks for the swift reply there Tom, yeah I’ve ridden the bike, but as I’m a complete novice, it feels better than any bike I can remember riding. I guess I’m concerned about getting a bike with the right geometry and what not! Any unbiased thoughts on the specialised sirrus as my choice? So long as it’s comfortable of coarse, thanks! Cil

Only that it’s not really a touring bike! £500 would get you a Revolution Country Traveller which would be fully kitted out for touring and has had a number of excellent reviews. You could also get a much higher-spec second hand touring bike for that money.

Fit is important, but if you’re buying a new bike it might make sense to get one that’s designed for the job at hand, rather than adapting a hybrid. Just a thought!

excellent advice good sir! its seems for now that we are settling for our hybrids in good faith that they will pay off when we are mooching around cities and taking scenic bridle ways! thanks a lot for the replies Tom, happy cycling!

Safe roads!

Do you or others on this site have experiences with the Co-Motion bicycles for touring (www.co-motion.com)? They are made in the USA (Eugene, Oregon).. 

I have a Surly LHT with many miles on it and wanted to updated to the new 2015 Disc Trucker with the 10-speen 11/36 cassette, but was considering the Co-Motion Americano. There is a LARGE price delta (Americano is around $ 4,100 US$.

Any experiences/feedback is appreciated.

Have a TERRIFIC day!

Darren Alff of Bicycle Touring Pro has it — Co-Motion Pangea — and he loves it! He had it even repainted recently and put back again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XAwqgXhRzc&t=23s See also his channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCGE4MRedy8pXEdJb9Vsx‑g

Most of the touring bikes I read about in this section either deal with 700c size wheels or 26″ wheels. I bought a Surly Ogre 29er and it’s been the best commuting/touring bike in my opinion. The wider wheels help to accommodate a wider tire (1.9–2.3) that helps absorb the load that you’d be carrying.

You can fit 1.9–2.3″ tyres on a 26″ wheel too. It is the original mountain bike wheel size, after all!

[…] Redninga for den som vil gjøre grundig research blir da å slå over til engelsk. Et bildesøk på “touring bike” bekrefter at dette begrepet har en bestemt betydning. Søket “which touring bike to buy” gir også en endeløs rekke med relevante og informative treff. Spesielt godt liker jeg rådene til min favorittsykkelblogger, britiske Tom Allen. […]

Hi Tom … any thoughts of including a recumbent in your Best Touring Bike selection? Like say an Azub 6? http://www.azub.eu/azub-5-five-recumbent-bike/

While they are the cost of two or three of the above selections I’m interested in your experience or opinions?

Because they’re very much in a niche of their own, I’d rather do a whole feature on recumbent touring options. Suggestions welcome! In the meantime, have a read of my own recumbent tour last year …

This has been an interesting read — as I’m a devout touring bike user, even though touring the world is not on my horizon. Suffolk and noerh Essex are most definitely part of my equation and between 50 — 110 miles per trip are not unusual along with cycling to and from work.

For 18 years I’ve enjoyed my long sought after 1997 Dawes Super Galaxy, which is now up for a complete drive train rebuild (and a return to drop handlebars but without those awful bar end changers), but I’m also keen to add a second bike to the collection as the Dawes is the only form of transport I have and really do need a bike to get to work for as early as 3am (outside public transport times).

My 2 options are the new 2015 Dawes Super Galaxy or the 2015 Ultra Galaxy. Yes, I’m sticking with Dawes, with my current Super Galaxy’s record why not? Also, I can get the bike via the company bike to work scheme and save some dosh. Whilst the budget is between £2000-£3000, I reason over 18 years this will become a bit of a bargain. So the question of this comment is really this:

What are the benenfits of the Titanmium Frame on the Ultra Galaxy over the Reynolds 853 tubing on the Super Galaxy frame? Do I really need to spend that extra £700?

Please, no comments about lucky you etc — it is 18 years since I last made this big an investment and apart from new tyres and inner tubes and a swap to butterfly handlebars the bike is pretty much as it came out of the shop (despite almost 100k miles of travel and commuting). I see this as the kind of purchase that is similar to that of purchasing a car…

Hi Andrew — what did you decide on in the end and are you happy with that decision? I find myself looking at exactly the same choice to make (Galaxy super vs. ultra). It’s not straightforward!

Although I am not a touring cyclist I put in quite a bit of mileage commuting (around 120 miles per week) using either a steel audax type bike (Ridgeback Mercury), alu hybrid or ancient Dawes Horizon (fitted with studded tyres for snowy/icy days). Fancying doing a bit of touring I recently bought a Revolution Explorer with disc brakes and have been riding it since Christmas. Has to be said that the disc brakes are a revelation compared to any sort of rim brake (I have tried them all apart from hydraulic); no constant adjustment, no rim wear, no filthy aluminium slurry all over the rims, silent and they actually work in the rain ( of which there is plenty here in Lancashire). The latter point saved me earlier this week when I had to do any emergency stop to avoid an idiot driver, I doubt any other sort of brake would have been up to it. And I am talking about BB5s which I understand are budget disc brakes.

I am about to buy an used tourer for occasional touring use for my son, he has a Ribble road bike. Budget £300 and I have a choice of Ridgeback World Voyage 2012 …520 CroMo.…Sora.…Alivio etc or a ‘Dale T800 2003, hardly used, Ally.…CroMo forks…Tiagra.…XT etc. I can easily make decisions at work involving lots of cash…but this one appears to have me foxed!! (I have a stable of steeds and tour on a Roberts Roughstuff, I should be able to choose!!!) Please help! Thanks one and all!

[…] utstyret du velger når du skal legge ut på en lang sykkeltur. På nettsida si har han skrevet om hva som er den beste tursykkelen. I eboka går han atskillig mer grundig til verks. Verdt å nevne er at han legger spesiell vekt […]

you forgot koga miyata 😉

I’ve just bought the 2015 Ridgback Tour.

Ive just this minute seen that aluminium frames have a much lower life expectancy than steel due to the fact that they fatigue — is this true? Ive heard that 5 years is the life expectancy of such a frame even if cared for? Have I bought a white elephant — as I planned to treasure it. Thanks.

I’ve just thinking that all bikes mentioned above are in price of year long trip. My humble suggestion is: buy retail! I bought a trek bike in pawn shop for 180euro and so far this holds for 4 seassons (16000km, regions spread from scandinavia to balkans) and now I’m preparing this beauty for 17000km long trip from czechia to indonesia. Throughout these trips I never broke a spoke (seen this problem many times in my friends Dawes) and punctured so few times that it can hardly be mentioned. So far I spend almost 6 months on the roads and during this time I spend less money than price of the cheapiest bike mentioned above.

So my advice is search it, test it, uprgade it, love it and than… finally ride it,-D Put a piece of your heart and skills into your piece of metal. Relationship between tourbiker and his bike must be stronger than click on ebay. Sorry for english and toilet phylosophy, I’m still upgrading,-D

Tom, I just wanted to say a very big thank-you for helping me choose the right touring bike. After spending many evenings checking your advice and loads of websites, I finally opted for a Dawes Galaxy Classic. I took your advice and went via eBay to Kingsway Cycles of Cambridge. I paid £900 instead of £1300 for a 2014 model! More importantly, it’s the right bike. I’ve only done about 60 miles since Saturday, but it’s really excellent. Kingsway are a great bike shop and really nice to deal with — none of that irritating superiority complex so common in good bike shops. I’d recommend them. Again, thank you. Alistair

Seven things:

Now the bike is bedding-in, before a big trip, have the LBS tighten your spokes and true the wheel(s) as required.

Take the time to ensure that the inside of the wheel rims have wide tape, not plastic or thin tape — you will thank me when you don’t get pinch-flats from the inner spoke nipples.

Chop out the brakes for V brakes. I have the same cantilever brakes, and they’re poor. It’s my next upgrade after upgrading my wheel set — as you can tell, this is real-world experience talking here!

If you fit a Ortleib (or similar) bar mounted bag, replace the existing gear cables with extra long ones since they are a little too short as standard and will crop over time and your gear shifting will become increasing difficult and then the front mech’ will cease working.

If you are running Shimano gearing,chain etc make sure the jockey wheels are not a 3rd party set, if so, buy Shimano ones, they work better than others.

You will notice as you ride, most of the touring bikes you’ll encounter are Dawes; how cool is that?

The enjoyment of your adventure is reflected in the width of your daft Cheshire-Cat grin, so grin, then grin some more!

Fantastic! I hope you get many years of touring enjoyment from it!

Hello Tom & Co.,

Do you have input on preferred bikes / systems for long rides with two young kids? 

Preferably sub-$2,000 (US), with a granny gear, and disc brakes.

I am trying to figure out which adult touring bike (and system) to use with my kids. The four-year old child will be in an attached trailer bike (with coupler), and the two-year old child will be in a chariot trailer behind that (via skewer hub)…unless someone has a better idea.

I already own a Specialized Tarmac for zipping around, and a Santa Cruz mountain bike for the trails. For a few years, I’ve reluctantly used my carbon fiber Tarmac for pulling my oldest child in the Chariot trailer. The ergonomics are all wrong, especially in the hills.

Now I have both a four-year old and a two-year old child, plus we live in major mountains. I want to do LONG family rides, and commutes around town (paved / gravel mixed). Ideally the bike could also be used for (solo) century rides. Once they are older, I’d like to explore multi-day touring with me on the same bike.

Salsa Vaya? Trek 520? Surly LHT, Cross Check, or Straggler? 

Big thanks!

[…] started thinking about this tour; my thoughts immediately went to the tried&true options for bike touring (Surly LHT for example), and I was waiting for a deal to pounce on online for months.  But living […]

3864 miles thus far (26 Sept 2014) around Britain and without doubt the most popular bike is the Dawes, maybe 80% (?) streel framed in the majority, and whilst we are at it, Ortlieb panniers, also in the majority.

I am on a 2008 Dawes SG. Rubbish cantilever brakes — to be replaced in short order. Replaced the wheels as the rims were concave, but she is an eBay Special (£590) likewise the four panniers (£83). Fantastic combo with Tubus steel racks.

Hi Tom, I believe the bikes from German Company Tout Terrain have a good name as well. Namely the “Silkroad” seems a fantastic bike to me. Expensive but has all the gimmicks I like to have (Rohloff and disc brakes). http://www.en.tout-terrain.de/bicycles/silkroad/

i was stranded in london on the 4th aug (after losing my oyster and bank cards) leaving me with just £10 and a predicament a quick look on gumtree found me a nearby bike (complete with 21 speeds and rack and double panniers inc cycle comp for my insane budget and now 10 days later its covered 120 miles and by far best buy ever for a tenner 🙂

ps i live 18 miles away in the subarbs so as to speak

Love the site, especially the discussions on this page!

I’m interested in your views on bar-end shifters. My wife’s Sabbath Silk Route was stolen in Amsterdam recently and she’s loathe to spend quite so much on a replacement. Many of the sub-£1,000 tourers seem to have bar-end shifters and she’s a bit nervous about taking them on. What are the pros and cons compared with integrated brake lever shifters? Quite like the look of the Genesis Tour de Fer but the bar end shifters are the only sticking point.

Pros: Simple, durable, reliable.

Cons: Less efficient to actually operate; inexperienced users whack their knees on them.

For a long-term tourer I’d take bar-end or downtube shifters over STIs any day.

I bought the Tour de Fer and did an 8 day tour in Greece. Its an excellent bike and I’m really happy with it but the bar shifters are annoying. I decided to upgrade the bike with a tubus tara front rack and a son dynamo hub with a plug usb charger. I’ll do a review of the bike later as I’m about to set off on a tour to Singapore something its probably not designed for but it came within my Ride-To-Work budget and I’m not a fan of the 26inch tourers I’d rather take my chances in the bikes shops. FYI the new version has a flat bar instead of drops and a tubus tara lowrider as standard — bonus! Love your site it’s been invaluable in my tour planning

You can always move the bar end shifters up onto the flats using a solution like Pauls Thumbies or SJS do their own version. It’s just a bolt on bracket with a mount for the shifter and a cable stop. If you ride mainly on hoods and flats then they are much easier to reach than down at the end of the drops. Cable maintenance is easier as well.

Many thanks for your excellent website. I’m thinking of doing Land’s End to John O’Groats and have seen a Raleigh Gran Tour at our local cycle shop. It seemed fine on a trial run round the block. Any significant pros or cons that I need to be aware of?

Nick check out the Surly Long Haul Disc Trucker it will be the best Touring Bike you will ever buy and will take you anywhere wheel size go for 26 and you can travel the world buy once not twice

Thanks John. I’ll check it out. 

Another issue that’s coming up is tourers vs endurance bikes. Any strong preferences either way, anyone?

Are you doing an endurance ride? Or are you going on a cycle tour?

Different tools for different jobs…

Hi Tom, I was wondering if you had any experience or knowledge of the Cinelli Hobo? It does seem to come as a fairly complete package as well as a 61 frame which is good for a tall person like myself.

I’m afraid I don’t! Sorry! It does look like a good bike, though.

I have a cinelli hobo for mixed trail touring. I find it incredibly comfortable and a really good load hauler. Some of the stock parts are pretty poor, particularly the FSA alpha drive chainset (replaced with Deore, and the alex rims on sora hubs which i’ve recently replaced. The weakest part of the setup for me is the microshift bar end shifters… I had real trouble keeping them indexed. I have swapped for an old pair of Tiagra STI shifters and these feel much better with a deore chainset and rear mech.

It has shorter chainstays than my old galaxy but still has plenty of heel clearance fitted with ortlieb classic panniers. The bars are the most comfortable I have ever used!

Overall i’m really pleased with it as it suits my choice of riding on mixed road, track and trail with a nice blend of cyclocross and touring capabilities… just a shame the marketing around the bike is so goddamn annoying!

I am planning a touring for next year, I was thinking to get a bicycle with a 29’‘ rim using a 28c tyre, i also plan to use mavic hubs, but i am not sure how tough a mavic hub can be on long touring distances, i guess i may not have problems as far i get some spare bearings and parts for the hubs. any suggestion about the rim sizes? will a 27″ rim do the same job as a 29’’ rim size? I have seen that NS has some cool looking hubs, i know they are for dirt-jump bikes, but those are something i consider dues they are do to resist hard impact of daily trainings, but my doubt is if a a hub for hard impact interfere with speed and smooth riding, by logic i guess it doesn’t interfere depending on what bearing it uses…am i right? Ps.: i enjoy cycling fast. lol

i found some other hub, the DT Swiss looks pretty good… but they don’t have a nice front hub with Disk break, that is what is pity, but i may get normal brakes, cos the disk brake has a high cost maintenance …

Where are you going? Your primary consideration is spare parts availability. 26″ or 700c wheels are the only sensible choice for 99% of tours, and I wouldn’t recommend anything other than Shimano cup-and-cone hubs with loose bearings and easy maintenance, ideally XT. They’re tour proven and won’t need a second thought.

Have found your website invaluable in the preparation of a bike trip my brother and I are making from London to Istanbul on August 10 (our first bike trip). I bought your book this afternoon on Amazon too as it should be a handy guide on the trip.

I’m just about to buy a bike and have come down to the Dawes Galaxy 2014 for £691 and the Raleigh Sojourn, which I founded hugely discounted here for £689 (down from £1,100!): http://www.ashcycles.com/site/raleigh-sojourn-2013 . I’d be very grateful if you (or anyone else on this page) could suggest what you think would be the better buy for my budget of £700?

Cheers, Shaun

Very glad you’ve found this site useful.

In my experience, which touring bike to buy depends on choosing the right tool for the job, and seeing what feels good to ride. I’m going to guess that you’re fairly sure both these bikes will meet your needs, but that you haven’t tried either of them out. So the only useful suggestion I can offer is to see which you can test-ride locally. On paper they’re as good as identical. You can discuss specification charts until the cows come home but it’ll all be irrelevant once you’ve actually started riding.

Ideally you’d test-ride both, but if you can only try one, then at least you can either eliminate it from your shortlist or confirm that it’ll do the job — then buy it.

The other critical reason for testing bikes out is to ensure that you get the right size, as incorrectly-sized bikes are the biggest source of discomfort and even injury on tour.

Hope this helps!

Thanks a lot for the tip Tom and appreciate you taking the time out to respond to me.

I’m based in HK and so unfortunately won’t be able to test-ride either of them (only a narrow window in London and they have to be ordered in advance), but if you say that the specs are identical then it makes the decision a bit easier — comes down to the aesthetics now!

I’ve got a KHS TR-101, bought from Cycle Surgery. Since these are relatively uncommon, I thought I’d put up my thoughts.

It’s a lovely bike to ride and I’ve done 2 3‑week trips to New Zealand South Island on it, usually somewhere between 50 and 100km a day. But I do think the brakes are not good enough for a tourer — I’m going to switch mine out after realising as I coasted down from Arthurs’ Pass in the rain with a loaded bike that I couldn’t stop even if I wanted to — and the mudguard fittings have been annoying — little plastic clips which pop ou, and which don’t hold the guard far out, so it rubs the tyres if the guard gets even slightly warped. Both easily replaced though. I’ve carried medium weights on it — prob. ca. 20kg — with ease, using both front and back racks and it feels very smooth and well-balanced. In fact, I think it’s the easiest bike I’ve ever ridden in that respect. Even the stock saddle is OK although I’m finally switching to a Brooks.

I don’t find the gears allow me to get up big hills when it’s loaded (but that might be just me — I’m not very gritty about hills.…) but it’s very smooth to handle and way faster than most other bikes off the bigger hills. 

I’ve done almost all on road on it and wouldn’t do off road again after an 80km run on the gravel Mavora Lakes road — it coped but it wasn’t nice (could have been the headwind…).

I’m planning one or two more 3 week tours on it (New Zealand again, and then maybe Sri Lanka) but am trying to work out whether in the long term I should just upgrade the parts, or actually invest in another bike. It’s a lovely cycle though — I’d really recommend it, although if you are looking for a real round-the-world workhorse it might be worth looking at some of the more established models. 

No bike is without problems, it aint about the bike without blood, sweat and tears :-X

Hi Tom — Great site, very informative and helpful. I´m looking at setting up my first Touring / Expedition rig.

Wondering if you wouldn´t mind commenting on Santos Bikes out of Holland? I see they make some great looking touring bikes, but only in Aluminium.…I asked them why they dont do Steel and their reply was that the Steel / Belt Drive combination is not good, ie to flexible and that the belt will wear just as fast as a regular chain, therefore, they go with Aluminium?? Any comment. Also, thoughts on the Belt Drive in Combination with a Rohloff Hub??

I´m looking at a go anywhere, do anything rig…2 week tours in Europe and RTW adventures. 

Thanks if you can help me out and keep up the great work 🙂

Hi guys, spoilt for choices,the steel v ali debate?? V brake or disc??Santos i havent seen but if its dutch id expect its a good bike, like koga who use aluminium for rtw touring(a reason people like ali is light for air transit, and it wont rust like steel) but can be a harsh ride,so invest in a suspension seat and a brooks saddle,backside will thank ya..Roholf or mech?? Roholf belt drive i have met a tourer using and he was happy with it, expensive combo but if it rolls for 100,000klm and comp have good rep. As it comes to preference and trail n error..I a bit like yourself wanted a rtw expadition bike. I got a thorn ripio frame which i then built up myself …doing that i chose my best spec bits xt tubus fsa brookes ergo etc( finding good reductions online) and most important get to know how it goes together ..useful as often u must rely on yourself to fix the problem and keep those wheels rolling:-) i like steel frames as they flex and are more comfortable with luggage…frames i would say are worth considering are as mentioned by others, surly lht , thorn and an excellent other is onone.…another option is to find a good old used bike/steel frame i.e 90’s atb/mtb models by specialised, trek, orange and upgrade as reqiured. Invest in strong wheels if offroading full loaded and good tyres, schwable marathon xr are excellent and after 20,000 klms they still got tread. A final thought an expensive shiny touring bike looks great to the owner and a theif, to protect my ride i wrap the frame in old inner tube and tape so protecting frame from damage and making my pride and joy look like a dirty ol ride! Thats all folks:-)

Thanks for the contribution!

Sadly the Schwalbe Marathon XR was discontinued years ago now 🙁

Hi tom and troops„, yeah the xr was too good „buy once product, found early originals recently 2 in holland…(where else.. for any tourers holland is ur candy store). So what u rollin on these days??? p.s u on a tour??? Bon route:-)

Not right now, no. But I have my own stash of XRs for when I am 🙂

Hi Tom, very interesting article. My wife and I are looking to buy touring bikes. We would use them in Europe initially — we have a small child who will be with us on a seat so we’ll leave Africa and Asia etc for a few years. I was thinking of a Genesis Croix de Fer , 725 reynolds probably rather than the expensive 931. What are your thoughts? Versatile but do you think they fall between two stools. Thanks, Mark

The Surly long Haul Disc Trucker not only Ticks all the Boxes but you will only ever need to purchase this bicycle Once No need to upgrade this bicycle will be perfect and last a lifetime of Touring wherever your dreams take you Go for the 26 wheels far stronger and gives you an extra gear on steep inclines happy cycling

Sorry, Now I have seen that you have an article about the Tern Link P24 and touring with a folding bike. My suggestion was totally redundant.

But no less appreciated! Thank you for a great summary (and much a much broader one than mine!)

Thanks Tom for all your great articles. I think that folding bikes are a serious alternative for long-term touring. Certainly less sturdy but have many advantages, easy to carry on planes or busses if needed or into hotel rooms and tents for added security. They are getting better with more reliable frames, even with full suspension (Reise und Muller birdy touring) and all the best specs up to Rohloff and dynamo hubs. Small wheels are not good beyond tarmac or good dirt tracks but there are a foding bikes with 24″ and 26″, though I will go for 20″ as a perfect balance between comfort, stable handling and still compact size when folded, bearing in mind it may nor be the best option to do the Pamir highway or crossing the Andes. There are some models speced for touring with pannier racks, mudguards etc. Tern link P24, Dahon MU with alfine 11 and the awsome Birdy. Worth considering.

[…] reading the reviews of Tom Allen and reading a bit about what is important in a touring bicycle, I became convinced that the Kona […]

Hello Tom, your website is amazing, well done! I’m about to undertake a long bike tour through Asia and Europe …unfortunately my budget is very limited. I think I will buy the kona sutra but I also saw this bike which I really like http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/anyroad.1/14819/66151/ Can you please give me some advice comparing the two models?

I will also convert the bike in an e‑bike with the golden motor magic pie conversion kit plus a solar panel . Do you think the conversion will affect the efficiency of the bike?

Thank you very much for the help Vince

Hi Tom, Great article thanks! I bought a 2008 Ridgeback Panorma World Tour in 2011 and I have loved every moment on it. It’s the old BMW grey model. I have been an occassional cyclist for much of my life but it was only when i got this bike that it really made me want to do more and more miles. We have done the UK coast to coast and will be doing the Way of the Roses in the next few weeks; also did Penrith to John O’Groats when I met up with friends doing LeJog. It eats up the miles and has been bullet proof. Once it’s rolling it flies and the Deore gearing gets me up anything. If anyone is considering this model I wholeheartedly recommend it. I swapped out the saddle for a Brooks B17 and put Ortlieb panniers on it and both have been unbeatable performers. I only wish I could match them 🙂 Cheers Mart

i thank for this advice.this would encourage many of them to cycle.i to got encouraged. i have cycled about Km400 this is just the start,i think all cyclist belong to one family.

I’m planning on building a bike for a round the world adventure but I’m overwhelmed by the choices of frames! Surly, thorn, Kona… The obvious choice for a frame would be a Surly Long Haul, but the geometry doesn’t fill me with excitement. My dream bike and frame is the Santos 2.6 (It looks and feels more like a MTB than a tourer), but at almost £800 for the frame it’s way out of my price range. Flat bars or butterflys are a must for me as I really don’t understand this facination with dropdowns. Top of my list currently and within my price range is a Surly Troll. What are your thoughts about the troll as a world tourer? Should I stick with the tried and tested Surly Long Haul (although I’m not sure if the LHT geometry is ideal for flat bars) or go a bit leftfield and try the Troll?

getting ready for a st malo — malaga ride in the spring and am looking at the Specialized Awol:

http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/road/awol

How would you say it compares with the Kona Sutra?

Fantastic website, btw.…

It looks like an interesting bike, if a rather specialised one (sorry) — almost a dirt-road racer with luggage racks, which I think is what Kona have tried to do with the Sutra (mistakenly IMHO; should have been a new model altogether). It looks like a bike for light and nimble loads rather than fully-loaded touring, with 32-spoke wheels and the 10-speed Sora chainset. I’d be very interested to hear a road test report if you do go with it.

Bob Nally!! You may think trying to advertise in here is a good thing which either makes you extremely clever or extremely stupid, which is it folks?? thanks for the info Bob but just encase your advertising here hadn’t noticed this is a about info, advice and camaraderie between true people that have cyling in their heart and you may (or may not) realise this, anyway. guys im a very short woman 4.10 so finding it very hard to find a touring bike to suit me (my mountain bike is 14 inches) but i’m finding it very hard to find something withing my price limit Tom and everyone else, I’m looking for a man’s tourer that can suit my height (I CAN NOT STAND THE LOOK OF WOMANS BIKES) lol so hopefuly I can have Tom or someone else to give me a tip on a “short ass” tourer lol

Does Bob Nally work for Ash Cycles, then? If so, he probably has cycling in his heart too. I’m pleased to hear about it if there’s a relevant deal on, though it would be nice if people disclosed their affiliations of course.

What’s your price limit, Pam? The 26-inch Surly LHT is available right down to a 42cm frame. After that you’ve got seatpost, saddle, stem and cranks to tweak the fit.

For anyone looking for a new bike AshCycles (UK) have the Dawes Galaxy Classic 2013 (and many more bikes) discounted to £879.95 with free delivery.

Thanks for pointing this out!

Hi Tom, I´ve been falling you for over a year and love the movie and the book. I feel like the world is telling me to move south–I´m in Colombia right now and I want to go to Argentina. I am looking into bikes to buy here, and it is very difficult to find aone in a place full of little people (I´m 193cm tall). But that is a problem that I can manage. 

Here in Bogota, these types of cargo racks ( http://bogotacity.olx.com.co/biciclta-panadera-iid-578339198 ) are very popular and they can definately hold a bunch of weight (they usually come in black). I know that there would be wind issues, especially with the front rack–but what do you think of mounting one of these on the back or possibly mounting on both the front and the back of a bike. I´m not too worried about speed but much more worried about control. 

On another note, I bought this from kickstarter ( http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flykly/flykly-smart-wheel ) and when it is developed and shipped to me this summer, I plan to use it to get from point A to point B… I don´t know if it will work or not, the only downside is that I cannot change gears with it… We´ll see. 

On another note–can you recommend a book for learning how to repair/assemble a bike… 

Thanks in advance for the advice and I will probably have a hundred more questions in the coming weeks and months… Say hi to your brother Ben for me… If everything goes to hell in a handbasket, I might just fly to Lebanon in February for the big event.

Hey Wes… faced with a cargo rack decision like that, the only way to know for sure is to take one for a test ride. I think you’d attract a fair amount of attention if you did go with it! 🙂

The Park Tool website is the number one resource for bicycle repair tuition. I’m not aware of a specific book, though.

Drop me an email if you have any more questions — always happy to help.

Hi Tom, just discovered your website and am so inspired that my wife, daughter and I are planning a tour to Paris next year. Anyway…I have a Specialized Sirrus hybrid that to my novices eye seems to be similar to most of the touring bikes above. The only obvious difference being aluminum frame, flat bars and no racks etc. The components all seem similar. Would there be much point in changing to a tourer? Cheers.

If you can fit a rear rack to that frame, you’re good to go. Even if you can’t, a seatpost rack will do you from here to Paris. Enjoy!

Touring bikes are great if you need full camping gear. I rode a kona Jake the snake lisbon-istanbul, cuba etc, cyclocross bikes should be considered for light touring is.bivy sack and no cooking gear. Super fast, built strong to off road and just more fun and nimble to ride, if that’s your thing. I haven’t been carrying front panniers though, not sure how would ride. I’d encourage really trying to lighten everything up, gear and bike, more rewarding — but this does assume staying within a few hundred km of a store/restaurant/hostel although can be self sufficient for a few days.

Just love this site, ride on tom!

Thanks Yuri. I can count the number of times I’ve been more than a day’s ride from supplies on the fingers of one hand. Almost everyone could “lighten up” and go fast and nimble. I guess it depends on your priorities for being on the road!

Was wondering why you haven’t put any of the Thorn Bikes on your list?..Maybe the Sherpa would be a good mid-range,no? Ian

I haven’t read all the comments so I don’t know if it’s been mentioned (I’ll also hold my hands up here and say I work there) but if we’re talking mid-high end touring bikes then Spa Cycles are worth looking at — http://www.spacycles.co.uk there is now a steel tourer available which is competitively priced.

If we’re talking relatively small UK touring ‘brands’ then Thorn would be worth mentioning too.

Thanks Ben! I haven’t included Thorn here as they’re a bit pricey for the mid-range, but I’ll do so in a future piece on higher end tourers…

No problem, really enjoyed the film on Tuesday in Leeds. Has given me even more enthusiasm for riding the 270 miles home to Dorset for xmas in a week or so. 🙂

I did 6000 miles on my 2011 Cannondale CAADX. The Only upgrade was a pair of heavy duty handbuilt touring wheels a Son 28 Hub and some Schwalbe Marathons.…. I have to say it was the driest 3 month trip you could imagine so the lack of crap picked up to wear the Bike out was noticeable… The Only mechanicals, 2 broken cable and about 4 punctures. Get your bike looked over/serviced before you go and remember this, when you ride your bike normally, what usually goes wrong… I bet nothing.….

Hello Tom & thanks for your very useful and cheerful writings. I’m just getting back into bike touring, and still using my faithful 1977 Dawes Super Galaxy, nearly all original but with a re-enamelling job on the frame. Still pretty well perfect for my long but slow road trips. Brittany’s rolling country is a mine of varied and beautiful scenery : have you tried it? All the best

I haven’t been to Brittany since a school camping trip in 1999… maybe I should 🙂

Tom, you’d be very welcome! so yes, maybe you should! You have my e‑mail via this page, I imagine, so let me know if you’re over here & the Super Galaxy will be wheeled out! 🙂

Hi Tom I’m looking for a top end light tourer that’s very comfortable, capable of going as fast as a tourer can go and at home on Tarmac and on dusty tracks. I intend to carry minimal luggage too. How does the Van Nicholas Amazon (or Yukon) Rohloff compare to the Thorn Mercury? Which would you chose?

I’m sorry but I have absolutely no idea! The only way to know for sure is to ride both. It sounds like your requirements are quite specialised, whereas I’m only really intending to cover generalist mid-range tourers in this article. Sorry!

Thanks a lot for the article. The best I could find on the issue over the net.

My question is, did you get to try Kona Sutra 2014 already? I can’t find any comparisons ; 2013 vs. 2014 — yet there’s the huge change of frame.

I haven’t ridden it myself, but here’s my piece on the changes .

I’ve got a bit of a silly question : How should a touring bike “ride”? I’ve been on “racing” bikes forever and find them comfortable and fun to ride. I’ve been hunting for a touring bike and while they are comfortable to cruise around a bit, they seem far too upright for my riding comfort (makes me feel like I’m riding one of those cheap stationary bikes at the gym, on the first one I tried, I had to drop all the spacers on the stem to get comfy, but then ran into issues with the brake stop/hanger not clearing the head tube) and they feel a bit sluggish and hard to “toss around”, especially when out of the saddle on climbs, even in comparison to my light-weight steel mountain bike. I can see why ultra-low gearing is recommended if all you can do is sit and hammer up the climbs. Is that how it is supposed to be?

Hi Isaac I have recently ridden from Adelaide to Darwin on a Tout Terrain bike and I think there are several characteristics that make the touring bike the right one for you. You need to be comfortable if you are going to spend up to 10hrs in the saddle and the more upright positions of most ‘tourers’, seem to take the weight and pressure from your hands/ arms. Also, the touring bike should never feel “twitchy”, especially when loaded. My Tout Terrain rides the same when laden or un-laden and when you find yourself carrying 15kgs of water plus all other camping gear etc, the bike needs to be predictable. Many bike frames will twist when under a load; as a result, your control, reliability and comfort will suffer. I also like having handlebars that give multiple hand positions, which helps with fatigue. The other consideration is that you are an accomplished road bike rider. You are ‘familiar’ with this lower profile riding position and the road bike handling characteristics. This may be why every other riding position feels foreign. Load up a few different bikes including a road bike and try them out on a few long day trips. Consider the advice of others, but ultimately you need to enjoy touring and your decision should be based on what is right for you. As Tom advises, just get out there and problem solve. In essence, ‘touring’ is not a race and almost any bike can be used. You just need to select the one that feels right for you.

Cheers Mark — I echo these sentiments.

Have you tried riding one with a full load (i.e. 15–25kg luggage split between the front and rear)? A touring bike should feel reassuring and stable under such circumstances as it’s what they’re designed for. Riding them unburdened is not going to give you a realistic sense of the ‘ride’.

Cockpit setup is largely personal preference, I think. I’ve seen people touring on everything from upright shopping bikes to mountain bikes to racers with drops — it’s what you prefer. Personally I choose being upright and able to look at my surroundings rather than tucked down grinding away at the asphalt.

Tossing them around and hammering up climbs is not really part of the touring style — taking it slow and steady, especially uphill, is what allows you to reach the end of a day with a hundred k on the clock.

Hope that helps!

Bianchi Volpe

just wondering if a cheap tourer such as the Raleigh Royal or Revolution Country Traveller ’13 would be suitable enough for a first tour of say 3–4 weeks on EuroVelo network through Germany? have done a bit of mountain biking before, and am a commuting cyclist everyday but I don’t really know that much about bikes

Any comfortable bike will do you for 3–4 weeks in one of the most cycle-friendly countries on the planet!

I can vouch for the Revolution Country Traveller. For the money (£430.00 in the sale!) its a surprisingly comfortable and capable bike. Swapped the saddle to a Brooks but otherwise its been perfect.

I saw that the link for the Rocky Mountain Sherpa was broken. Here’s the new URL:

http://www.bikes.com/en/bikes/sherpa/2013

I am moving to Norway and want to get more into touring, would an 2005 trek 6500 mountain bike work for touring? Link to the bike http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2005/archive/trek/6500/#

Any bike will work for touring if you’re determined enough!

You’ll just need to find a way of mounting a rack. Tubus do seatstay clamp kits for bikes like this. Your other option is a trailer like the Extrawheel .

Thanks for the guide. Think I’ll go with the surly long haul trucker. Why? Because I saw a girl with one on the train after she’d come back from an across Britain ride. So I wanted one!

Lo mejor es que a partir de la accin y de la memoria del equipo. Una vez instalado aprieta el botn de encendido que ven en la nube. Sabemos que Nokia ha lanzado un nuevo juego java para celular, es que HTC podr renacer y volver a reproducirlo. La informacin recopilada en nuestro sitio Hoy 9tres tecnologia y servicios estimamos los mejores del ao. Llegaron a descubrir la agricultura y la envia a la interconexin entre centrales 9tres tecnologia y servicios y pblicas. La interfaz es mucho ms fcil, pero me parece curiosa la decisin 9tres tecnologia y servicios de Acer de incorporar Windows 8 que posee? brujerias para enamorar a un hombre http://journals.fotki.com/watersbaxq/my-blog/entry/krbkbqdfbfrr/

Tom have a look at Thorn Sherpa I have one it’s great

Hi Tom, it’s that time of the year when all you want to do is load up your bike, jump on the ferry to France and just go wherever the mood takes you. It’s also the time when you just devour all the reviews and conversations about bikes and gear and destinations. I love it. I’ve had my Dawes Super Galaxy for over 25 years now. It’s the single best item I have ever spent money on and, if I had to get rid of all my bikes bar one, it’s the one I’d keep. I’m in awe of its Rolls-Royce levels of reliabilty, comfort and smoothness. I’ve ridden 10s of thousands of miles on it and it still rides like a dream every time. All the way across the Pyrenees last year; fully loaded, 900kms, 50,000 ft of climbing, horrific weather, faultless. If the new models are as good as the old ones (and they should be) then you couldn’t go wrong with a Galaxy.

Hi, I am not new to cycling but am to touring. I just purchased a Tout Terrain SilkRoad Frame with derailleur hanger (not getting the Rohloff hub version) and want to build it up with durable components. Plan on using drop bars, 26″ wheels, and cable disc brakes. I also like grip shift but don’t know if this is compatible with drop bars, or even if they are still made. Would prefer mountain bike components. Any recommendations for which components group (model year 2013) to get that would be true and durable. I hear Shimano XT is good and light but durability is not what it used to be. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks in advance. J

PS Cash is a factor but don’t want to sacrifice quality either.

Ideally you’d build an 8‑speed drivetrain from a mixture of components (8sp chains being thicker than 9sp and therefore longer lasting). Deore to XT ranges are durable and rugged. Beyond XT it’s about saving weight for racing, with durability sacrificed, so don’t go there. 

The rear derailleur will take more abuse than the front one. 9sp Shimano rear mechs work with 8sp shifters (at least, mine does).

Grip shifts are certainly still made but I have no idea about using them with drops…

Many thanks for your response Tom; the questions you wrote are certainly eminently practical and sensible.

Perhaps it could be assumed that 32 spoke set-ups are strong enough, given that Rohloff and the expedition bike manufacturers, who stake their reputation on reliability and longevity, use that set-up. Though, having said that, it seems Rohloff are now making a 36 hole hub (according to their website).

According to the Thorn website, spoke breakage was an issue; an issue they solved by drilling the spoke holes on the rim differently. Presumably Santos use the same technique as they also hand build their wheels.

You are absolutely correct in saying that the long distance cyclist should be able to repair such things as broken spokes and derailleur malfunctions (and etc). In terms of enjoying trips though, It’s much nicer if nothing goes wrong (ie Murphy’s law takes a holiday). As much as I enjoy servicing and working on my bikes (the mechanics are such “elegantly simple” bits of technology), I prefer the comfort of my own garage. For those reasons a reliable, strong and well prepared bike would be desirable — and that is an answer to your original question about “which bike?”.

Regarding derailleur and Rohloff gears — derailleurs have certainly stood the test of time, though newer sets with more gears may be more finicky than older versions. For that reason, and when the range of use-able gears is considered, the Rohloff hub is attractive (except for the cost — a 60000 km break-even point may not be achievable for many tourers). Interesting that you have heard of misfortunes with Rohloff hubs — I hadn’t, which indicates that I need to do more research. Perhaps a question to be considered here is, “why are top-end touring bike (and some MTB) manufacturers using Rohloff hubs?” Presumably the perceived reliability is a part of the answer to that?

Mind you, all the theorising in the world is still bound by practical experience. 4000 km into last year’s trip the drive train needed replacing (this inconvenience was my fault really, as I should have renewed the components before setting out — the bike was relatively new and I left the original equipment just to see how long good quality components would last). The chain and cluster were easily replaced, but I had to ride another 1000 km without the use of the middle chainring, until I was able to buy a suitable replacement. It was then that I started considering alternatives — a Rohloff hub is one possibility, perhaps also the gears at the bottom bracket, such as fitted to one of the Tout Terrain models.

Anyway, interesting discussion and I look forward to your assessment of the “upper” end of the touring bike market.

Thanks again

If it helps, the builders I’ve spoken with say that the 32 spoked Rohlof hub is stronger than a handbuilt 40 spoked tandem wheel. This makes sense when thinking about dishing and the inherent weakness it introduces to the wheel. The other thing, of course, is that it is easier to repair a broken spoke on the chainside of a Rohlof hub than on a dished wheel with a cogset.

This has been a very interesting discussion — many thanks.

In response to your original question about other brands that might be considered be considered; no one seems to have mentioned the Santos Travelmaster bikes, in 26 and 28 in sizes and in aluminium or cromo.

Now, if I may lead to a dilemma. In one of your responses you referred to a concern that a new derailleur gear system with 30 gears may not yet have been “proven” to be reliable for long tours (paraphrasing your response). That is a good point, borne out by my experience — my older 26 in MTB/hybrid has 21 gears (perhaps indicates how old the bike is) and has never needed adjusting, while my newer 28 in with 27 gears needs frequent attention. Even though I do all the servicing myself and can generally adjust the gears satisfactorily, it can be a pain spending time adjusting the gears while touring (I’d much rather be riding or photographing or sipping cappuccinos in a wayside café). This has led me to consider a Rohloff hub.

That leads to the dilemma. The Rohloff hub bikes (Tout Terrain Silk Road, Thorn Nomad, vsf TX1000 and Santos Travelmaster and possibly Gudereit are all under consideration) all use 32 spokes. I am nervous about dropping from 36 spokes. The theory is that, because the Rohloff hub does not require a “dished” spoke set-up, it is stronger (than the equivalent deraileur set-up). The issue is that I cannot find any info that states how much stronger. One blog mentioned that 26 in wheels are about 10% stronger than 28 in wheels (with the same number of spokes) — but what the 10% is “of” was not explained, and what the measurement of “strength” is was also not explained. Questions remain hanging — is a 32 spoke undished 26 in wheel stronger than a 36 spoke 28 in wheel, for example? What is the “hierarchy of strength” when considering 26 and 28 in, dished and undished wheels?

This leads, of course, to really basic questions such as, for example, “would a vsf TX1000 ( 28 in wheels with wider tyres) be as strong as my current 28 in with 36 spokes”? How much stronger are the Santos wheels with 32 spokes, given that they are hand-made? And so on…

So, if there is anyone who could shed light, with facts, on this dilemma, it would be very much appreciated.

As a final point, I wonder if the steel/aluminium frame issues is now a non-issue — an idea espoused by a metallurgist-cyclist when considering modern frames?

Many thanks

Hi Phil. Thanks for the detailed comment.

The main reason I haven’t included the Travelmaster here is because it’s a top-end touring bike, whereas in this article I’ve been focussing on mid-range bikes. I’ll definitely include it in a future article about top-end bikes, though, along with the other bikes you mentioned — thanks for bringing them to my attention.

Regarding hubs and spokes, I think that the important question here is:

“Would Rohlhoff hubs be fitted to top-end touring bikes if spoke-count was a real issue?”

I doubt it. I hear more tales of Rohlhoff internals failing than spokes breaking. Which begs another question:

“Is it easier to repair a derailleur system or a Rohlhoff wheel on the roadside?”

My money’s on the derailleur. That’s why I’ll keep using them over internally-geared hubs.

And instead of asking what percentage of extra strength 36 spokes gives over 32, I’d be asking:

“Am I able to replace a broken spoke?”

Because that’s what you’ll be thinking when a spoke does inevitably break 🙂

I’ve been using a VSF TX1000 for over a year & completed over 2,000 miles (fully loaded) last autumn through Spain & France on a variety of roads & canal paths… my experience has been very positive… the 32 spoke Rohloff & Son28 wheels show no sign of wear & are true as the day I got them????

Hi Tom! Any comments on the Brodie Elan: http://brodiebikes.com/2013/bikes/elan.php

I tested the Sutra but after trying both 56 & 59 could not make up my mind on what was the right size for me. I am 6 feet tall so I guess I might be somewhere in between. On the other hand I also tried the Brodie Elan 54 & 57 and the 57 felt to big for me… Thanks in advance for any feedback

I’m surprised that the Fuji Touring did not make your list. I’ve been looking around and it seems like a solid touring bike at a good price. 

BTW — I just stumbled across your site and I’m impressed! I’ll be back soon.

Hello, Tom. Why you advice only steel frame bicycles? There’s a lot bikes with alluminuim frame and fork. It’s lighter and easy to buy everywhere.

The main reasons are durability and for ease of repair. Steel has a much longer fatigue limit, and in case of breakage can be welded anywhere by anyone with basic welding equipment. Aluminium, on the other hand, needs specialist attention — in less developed countries this could mean going to an airport. Frame breakages are not uncommon on long-haul tours and that’s why most quality long-distance touring bikes are still made of steel.

Personally, I also prefer the ride quality of a steel frame; there’s a little more give over the very stiff ride afforded by aluminium. For long term comfort that does become noticeable.

For short and occasional touring, I have no doubt that most aluminium frames would be fine, though.

Tom, that old chestnut about a steel bike being welded anywhere by anyone is quite amusing. That is the theory. In reality it takes a skilled welder who has experience with bicycle frames to do that job properly. Yes, you might get a rough cut job to hold your frame together to the next port but on a loaded bike i would’t fancy it. And how many people do you know who have actually had this done in practice?

I do agree with you that the steel frame gives a much nicer and more comfortable ride and that such a frame has much better strength which are great reasons to get steel.

Lots. Including me (Yemen). Andy (India). Al (Sudan). Etc. There’s quite a list. Very common story on very long trips. The fact that any old welder can get you to the next port is the whole point. We all had steel frames and we all managed to continue riding.

On the other hand, I know several aluminium-riding tourers who ended up hitchhiking with broken bikes and then waiting around in cities for new frames to be couriered out because they couldn’t get them repaired at all.

Salsa , Rivendale , Co Motion , Koga Miata — if you looking for really nice touring bike. Expensive but for long run cheap — it is simple , you get quality what you pay for .….. Years back I on $ 400 sligtly modified Raleigh Tarantula MTB , ( now overhauled and equipt with top of the line comnponents still in use for trails in Rockies ) I did made trip from La Paz to Chile . Want to safe some money . It teach me ! Never ever I will make this kind of mistake again .…

Another bike similar to ones already mentioned is the Rocky Mtn Sherpa. I’ve been riding a 2012 model for 8 months and am pretty happy with it. Pros- 36 spoked wheels, 27 gears in a wide range, stiff frame. Cons- the braze on placement on the seat tube (the front derailler is attached between them), I’d like bigger chainrings up front, It doesn’t do well off-pavement.

Cheers, David. I wonder why Rocky Mountain haven’t fitted a rack to this bike — I know people can be picky about racks, but I do think touring bikes at this level should be ready to tour off-the-peg as well. Nevertheless, it certainly looks like a good option. Thanks for the addition!

I was looking at Jamis Aurora Elite 2013 (cannot find the 2012 anymore). However some reviews describe it as a “light tourer”. I understand the problem of the 10-speed cassette. But what would make it a *light* tourer.

A ‘light’ tourer would usually mean a bike that’ll carry some luggage on a relatively short paved-road tour, but probably suffer off-road and with lots of luggage in the long-term.

I have just purchased an audax cycle from my local cycle store (Surosa cycles in Oldham, Greater Manchester, UK) as they build their own frames.. and had it custom built with my chosen spec for a total of £1266 and it’s a very good bike with mudguards, and a heavy duty rear rack with rack bag and 56L panniers.. soon to have an addition of handlebar bag, and front rack and panniers and I’d feel happy to do some touring on that over any distance

That sounds like a good price for a custom frame and build. I’d be interested to know the spec?

People will choose their bikes according to all the factors mentioned by you, Tom, and by other contributors. For some, keeping costs low is paramount and for others, strength and reliability are the main considerations. I think there are also intangible factors such as each individual’s self image as a cyclist and the emotional resonance of one bike or another. I’m far from wealthy but I appreciate the inherent value of high quality engineering and get enormous satisfaction from assembling my own bikes. After much research and deliberation I bought a high quality European frame and a mix of German, Japanese, American and British components. The complete set wasn’t cheap but I did make a considerable saving compared with buying a similar bike off the shelf. I also bought a wheel truing stand and gauges, and built my own wheels. I wouldn’t claim to be an expert bicycle mechanic but the experience of assembling my own bikes has provided not only personal satisfaction but also great confidence for dealing with routine maintenance and potential problems while far from home. I don’t believe there is any one ‘best touring bike’ and I’m skeptical about such claims. The message I take from this section of your blog, not to mention many other bicycle related blogs and websites, is that bicycle touring is a growing phenomenon and that it is rich with variety, in both equipment and people. That is surely a good thing.

You are absolutely right; there is no one-size-fits-all solution. I can completely appreciate the process of building a bike up from carefully-chosen top-end parts (as I did myself in 2007), just as I can appreciate the idea of rescuing an old bike from a scrapheap and bringing it back to life (as I’m doing right now)!

Thanks for the very thoughtful comment!

Just about to buy the Ridgeback Journey for some UK touring — perhaps France too next year. I’ve been seduced by the Alfine gearing. Am I being wise?

In 2009 my Roberts Roughstuff (with Rohloff hub) was stolen in Bulgaria with only 2000 miles on the clock. So that I could continue my RTW trip, I bought a Drag ZX5 mountainbike in Sofia, with replacement Schwalbe Marathon tyres, butterfly bars and comfy saddle, plus front and rear racks, stand, fenders and the two components of my wireless computer that had disappeared with the Roberts. The first bike cost just short of £3000, the second (Sofi) cost £500 and has now completed around 18000 miles. I’ve asked myself many times, ‘why did I bother spending all that money in the first place?’ The BMC paid out £250 in insurance btw.

Hi Anne i followed your adventures on crazy guy, was epic. Were the gears on Sofi deore or lesser Regards Pete.

I have almost completed a round the world bike ride on a Koga Signature with a Rolhoff gear system. During my four years on the road i have changed tyres, chain, brake pads and the bike was serviced in Australia and Los Angeles. I am still running with the original rims, no broken spokes and the Rolhoff is bomb proof. The Koga in my humble opinion is by far the best bike on the market. Ive been on wonderful smooth highways, Australia, USA and dirt roads that you wouldnt take a Land Rover on in Patagonia and Bolivia but the bike has just kept going, ive done over 30.000 miles on with not one problem, it still has the original bottom bracket. If you want to ride around the world buy any bike if you want to return home problem free then buy a Koga Signature.

Hi Robert, I was offered a World Traveller today for €1200 (2013 with 500kms) although I’ll probable go for the Kona Sutra as I perceive it to have a broader and more efficient range of use and I have no plans for outside Europe. How did you find your bike on load touring, daily tasks?

Sorry mate, we are going to drop the http://www.8pedsls.com site. To expensive to keep up for the entire 4 years. 

http://Www.facebook.com/8pedals http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=11458&v=3Z

So we are now on fb. And crazy guy on a bike. 

I would put my vote for the BB7s. A mechanical system may require more pull on the lever than a hydraulic system it doesn’t have all the potential service issues. The BB7 are durable and been around for a while. The nice thing about the BB7 vs the BB5 is that both pistons are adjustable on the bb7 making the setup and adjustment easier. Also the 7 brake pads are bigger than on the 5 which would make you think it stops better. I can’t comment on the ease of finding pads since they are not on my tour bike but since the bb7 uses a Juicy style pad it may be more common. For me I always carry spare pads regardless of where I am. The sintered metallic pads will give you longer pad life…just make sure that your rotor is rated for a metal pad. 

The other nice pluses for disc setup is no wear on the rim from brake pads, better stopping power in bad weather/muddy conditions and if you break a spoke or come out of true your brakes are still fully functional. The downside however is more strain on the hub shell and if you bend a rotor it can be next to impossible to get it perfectly straight…and there is the advantage of having both pistons adjustable on the bb7.

Hi Tom, I’ve read about Thorn bikes before (specifically the Raven) — any views?

Also, I would be interested to know why drop bars are so popular. I find a more upright cycling position more comfortable so would probably choose bullhorn or butterfly bars, but hardly any bikes seem to have these. 

What’s your view on disc brakes? I notice that the Kona Sutra has them — does it not cause an issue when you run into maintenance problems, especially outside Europe? (I would apply the same logic to hub gears).

I ride a Raleigh Royal, which is fine as a sturdy budget option (£500).

Thanks for article, really really useful!

The reason I haven’t included Thorn is that most of their models are above the price range I was aiming for here. I’ve never ridden one, but I have been told by several people that they’re great bikes, and that the people who make them are quite obnoxious.

I’ve found drops to be comnfortable, but I never use the dropped part except for shifting. I would imagine that’s fairly normal. Instead I make use of the various hand positions available on the upper part of the bars, which is at a height comparable to other types of handlebar once you’ve raised it with spacers and an angled stem, such as on the Kona Sutra. You get a very comfortable and fairly upright position out of that arrangement.

Before, I used an adjustable stem and riser mountain-bike bars. Now when I sit on that bike I feel like I’m on a Harley Davidson with pedals!

Disc brakes — well, models like the Avid BB7 have been around now for long enough to prove their reliability in the long term. They use the same cables and levers as V‑brakes, the mechanism is simple, and they’re maintenance free, except for changing the pads, which you can carry with you. They last longer and are lighter than V‑brake blocks. They’re also becoming easier to find spares for outside Europe. If your fork has V‑brake bosses, you’ve got that option in case of a really unlucky breakdown or accident. So I think the risk is now a very manageable one.

Thanks for the budget bike suggestion — I’ll work that into a future article.

All the best!

Hi Tom, and everyone! I’m one of those lucky enough to be able to afford several bikes, so I can make some comparisons based on experience. If you live in the U.K. it is definitely worth looking at the Thorn bikes as they are just so well built and I can vouch for the ride being ultra comfy and smooth for long days in the saddle. If you look at their prices they seem to be expensive at first but on their website they often have amazing deals on bikes they already have built up. They are absolutely worth it and are designed by someone who really knows how to get touring DNA and experience into a bicycle. The Surly Troll is another great choice with even more versatility in the drivetrain area but rides more like an MTB ( which it is ) than the Thorns. A word of advice for those who are wondering how to carry stuff. get a Burley travoy, the trailer that packs up into a shopping bag. It is a game changer and can carry a lot.You can get the load off your bike with it and still have a rack and space for other gear on your bike frame. Sometimes you can park it and ride your bike ‘naked’ without being bogged down with gear. It is the single most amazing piece of touring gear I have.

Ooops! Forgot to mention about disc brakes. I’ve got both systems. I find that disc rotors need to be perfectly flat for good performance and once they get bent even slightly on a tour they don’t function as well and are a pain to straighten out. They also can squeal a lot. For the first reason I found V brakes better for serious touring. Even though the disc fashion is popular now, i wouldn’t go that way for touring and seriously, a good pair of V brakes will stop you just as well. Concerning hub gears. My Rohloff and Alfine units have given me ZERO problems and i mean zero plus they are weatherproof. Derailleurs are not . If you have good mechanical skills you(ll be happy with them but if not definitely go IGH if you can afford it.

A tip for straightening out a bent rotor is to use an adjustable spanner to grip the rotor at the warped point and then give it a few nudges back in the right direction. With a bit of care this’ll cure all but the most traumatic bends.

Thanks for the comment! I have heard lots of good stuff about Thorn, and I’m sure they deserve their reputation. I’d put them in the “top-end” category on price point, which is why they’re not included here. One day it’d be nice to try one out… (hint!)

Re drop bars: I wouldn’t want to tour without them, and I use them a lot, but especially when I have to ride into the wind. On any tour, there will be long hours, and sometimes days, when the wind is blowing head-on, and I’d go nuts if I had to be sitting straight up, catching the full force of the wind, the whole time. However, it’s important to note that not all drop bars are the same. Some bars are marketed as “randonneur” bars, and they allow for a wide range of positions, which is really important as you can change positions frequently and relieve tension on your hands, wrists, neck and shoulders. On my current bike, a Surly Long Haul Trucker, the stock (drop) bars are very good. I probably spend the most time with my hands on the top section of the bars, but it’s a blessing to be able to get right down into a crouch when I have to ride into the wind.

The Paul Hewitt Cheviot is a very good bike too.

Tom I think the comment that the 5 models you showcased are basically the same bike is spot on. Yes there are bikes with better components but the few that you chose will do the job. Its easy to build a $5000 tour bike and I have seen several. However at the end of the day I would prefer to have a tough as nails work horse that doesn’t mind another scratch or two. 

I laugh as I think that my wife’s tour bike frame, a steel Rocky Mountain Soul, was perfectly fine and yet was about to be thrown into a dumpster when I saved it. Put a fork on it for 75 cents from the reuse it center and then built the rest from bits and hand me downs of solid mid range mtb components. For a few hundred dollars I built a bike that has easily survived several hard tours. It took a little time and patience but in the process I learned how to fix just about everything on the bike. Not to mention the satisfaction of giving it a new life. Now I would never consider buying a new bike from a shop. There are just so many great used bikes that would make a perfect tour bike project. With the internet as a resource you can research just about every part there is. It however takes time.

One more little story. On our trip to India, one of our group bought a $100 bike off craigslist in Vancouver. We checked it over and and made sure everything was sound and then shipped it over. She rode it for a month on tour and then donated it to an orphanage. Think they were happy? It was a pretty special moment. Would I have ridden it around the world…maybe not but it served the purpose and then some. Sometimes its just not about the bike.

Hey Henric — thanks a lot for this perspective. 

I agree that renovating an old bike is just as valid as buying a new one. (In fact, that’s a project I’ve got on the go at the moment.) I do also think, though, that there’s room for everyone to have their own way of approaching the situation — a new bike might be what takes someone from a dreamer to a die-hard cycle tourer — and for another person, the love that goes into a rebuild of a completely unique vintage bike may achieve the same thing.

Thanks for your input!

I pulled an old green Chicago Schwinn Varsity off the trash when I was in High School, fixed it up and rode it for a long time. Last year I put new wheels and tires on it, and then had to replace the rear derailleur. This year I’ve put saddlebaskets on it and use it to go to work everyday, and am planning to take it on a short 200 mile tour this summer. The only gripe I have with it is that the original gearset doesn’t have quite a low enough first gear for the hills in Albuquerque, but when I get back to Chicago next week it should be just fine again. Absolutely reliable bike (though it’s really heavy at 45lbs without the baskets, close to 55 or 60lbs with the baskets)

Fantastic. That’s the spirit.

I love my Surly Troll.

A real work horse and rides suprising well both loaded and unloaded. I personally think it’s better than the LHT because it’s a great alrounder.

It does look good. Rear triangle & caliper positioning like the Sutra. Very flexible-looking setup!

I’m lucky enough to own a pair of touring bikes, a Thorn Sterling ( discontinued I think ) and a Troll, both built to my spec, with Shimano XTR v brakes ( I don’t like discs, squeaky, rotors too easily bent ‚hard to replace on a tour, and extra weight ), They are both fantastic bikes but with a different ride quality. The Surly is a bit more agile, rides more like a trail bike, but for putting on the miles when you are going to be riding seven or eight hours a day, the Thorn just cruises through it sffortlessly. It’s also one solid bike. Don’t believe i’ve ridden any another frame that is as comfortable as the Thorn for long days in the saddle. For those shopping for a tourer, I’d give careful thought to whether you’ll be on or off road. Both of my bikes can handle either but they both excel at only one.

For several years I have gone on a European cycle tour with my tent and cycled for a period of no more than six weeks. I have had a couple of good touring bikes which I upgraded the wheels to Mavic 719 and the gears to Shimano XT As I got older now 62yrs of age I decided to invest in a Thorn Mercury straight handlebars and a Rolhoff Hub including Disc Brakes the result is perfect my saddle is a Brooks B 17 the bike is a dream to ride 853 Reynolds Steel Stiff and flexible to enjoy many miles in the saddle As for the Rolhoff I could Never Tour with a derailleur gears again the Rolhoff is all they say it is German engineering at its best the people at Thorn did a first class job their manner appears firm but they certainly know their business and I am really pleased with my byclcle Thorns lowered the gearing to its maximum and I can climb most hills fully loaded if it’s touring on Tarmac with the occasional canal towpath I recommend the Mercury byclcle and with Swarbe marathon plus tyres your bike is bomb proof I am always amazed when cyclists talk about weight on a byclcle yes if you are racing but when you Tour a couple of kilos really makes no difference my only regret is I didn’t purchase a Rolhoff years ago not cheap but it will last you a lifetime and should you upgrade your bike you can transfer it to your next byclcle making the former into a single speed for training purposes as for disc brakes when I am fully loaded coming down a steep mountain side I know I can safer stop otherwise it’s possibly very hot wheel rims and possibly wheel failure it just depends on what kind of cycle touring you wish to do if it is traveling in south east Asia 26* wheels and no disc brakes but after cycling for over 50 years I believe I have finally found what works for me

Hey Tom. Just found your site. Thought we would say hi. We are in the midst of organising a lap around the world in 2014. For 3 years. Great site look forward to investigating it further. We r using 1 Surly lhdt, 1 world Randonneur $ 2 giant boulder bikes. Check it out under bike specs on out 8pedals site. Early days for us. 

Thanks! (Everyone else, check out 8pedals.com !)

Walmart sells nice bikes (really). I ride combined packed dirt (nation forest) roads and paved. I use a dual suspension 21sp MTB upgraded with wide seat and swept back handlebars, better tires. Racks and other acc. as needed. for $250USD you can replace it every 2 years, transfer the custom parts to the new bike and still sell the old one for $35. Thieves know its a cheap bike and don’t bother it, joyriders main threat. My current bike was a $89 model, but I installed wide range gearing in addition to the other modifications. Going on 4 years 8500 miles, frame still good.

re your comment “They’re all built primarily for paved roads, but could handle a dirt track or two if need be.“ I bought a Surly Long Haul Trucker for a tour that included hundreds of kilometres of gravel road, and it was fabulous. A key factor was to use fairly beefy tires (1.75”). The setup on the Surly allowed getting down on the drop bars for long stretches against the wind, but enough cushioning in the tires (and frame) to make rough sections comfortable. I suspect this would be true of most of the bikes you mentioned, as long as they have room for wide tires. There have been a few loose dirt trails where a mountain bike would offer better control, but the Surly has been an ideal compromise for most of my rides.

After perhaps 25,000 km of touring we lashed out and bought Thorn Nomad each, with Rohloff. These are a little heavy, but the most comfortable and durable bikes imaginable…the Rolls Royce of touring. We can’t speak too highly of the Rohloff hubs.…just fantastic. But then, we travel slowly and thoughtfully.….you might say “savoring the experience”.…too old to do it anyother way! Check out Thorn’s website.

i would agree with the above. The Nomad is like a two wheeled tank, bit heavy, but can carry loads and tackle almost everything thrown at it. Slowly and thoughtfully ? ……… i couldn’t have put it better.

Hey, Tom! Since I have come back from my first bike tour to Europe I decided to buy Kona Sutra but question about what sixe should I choose is too complicated for me. I am 6 ft 2 inch. Thank you.

Hi Alex. The best thing to do by far is to test ride the different sizes. But if that isn’t an option, my brother is 6′2″ and he has the 59cm model, which fits him very well, if that’s of any help.

i have no money what small improvements could i make to my cannondale quick cx 4 2012 to make it a little better for touring

I would start by going on a tour with it and seeing if you run into any issues — depending on what you’re doing, it might be fine as-is!

Was all set to go for the Kona Sutra 2012 after much research and your review for a 1000km trip in SE Asia followed by a coast to coast of Oz, but just seen the Dawes Super Galaxy for £1125 at Spa Cycles. Almost the same price as the Kona. Would be interested on your thoughts on the Super Galaxy. I don’t plan on carrying much weight if that helps.

I’ve never ridden the Super Galaxy, so all I can say is going on the specs on the website. They look very similar, although the Super Galaxy has marginally better drivetrain components and better tyres. On the other hand, the Sutra has powerful disc brakes, bar-end shifters and a stronger/more widespread 9‑speed drivetrain, rather than the Dawes’ 10-speed which I consider a downgrade rather than an upgrade.

I’d toss a coin, or take them both for a ride and go with your gut!

Quick update — several stores are doing the 2012 Sutra at a discount now, including the two links in the article above…

Hey Tom, I went with the Kona Surtra based on my gut feeling and it felt right when I test rode it. Thanks for the link to cyclestore and your advice. I did a 3000 miles plus tour of SE Asia quickly followed by JOGLE on a mountain bike which was blast, but very much looking forward to journeying on a proper touring bike. Should make things less laborious hopefully. 

Top website!

Have to say I was a bit surprised at your mention of ‘stupidly expensive’ bikes then trying to claim that £1500 is a mid-range price. Anyway I have a Dawes Ultra Galaxy Ti and love it!!!

£1500 is a mid-range price 😉

My wife and I have had our Ridgeback Panorama’s for a couple of years now and are really pleased with them. We would, however, agree with Mark’s comment about the brake pads/blocks. Fortunately, easily rectified with a better brake block compound. We find that, when fully loaded, the bike comes into its own with regards to comfort, response and stability due, I think, to the Reynolds 725 tubing.

I bought a Panorama for touring in the Alps. Testing around Rutland hills I realised the brakes weren’t even good enough for here, let alone 25mile descents. I swapped them for Tekto mini “V” brakes available from Spa Cycles for £25. More than enough braking power now, it made a huge difference.

Hi Tom, I followed your adventure to the Arctic. Good to see you passing on your knowledge. Both my DH and I have Koga Randonneurs and I love mine. He preferred his Dawes Super Galaxy that he had upgraded with the Koga multiposition bars unfortunately , it was stolen and never recovered. They come complete with dynamo for lighting and I have a gizmo to charge the I phone. Good to find your site again. Brenda

Thanks for the article. A bit disappointing recumbents are not mentioned, as these are hands down the best bicycles for long distances. The first question should always be: Do I have a reason for not choosing a recumbent?

I can think of several — price, availability and familiarity are the first three. 

I do appreciate all the arguments for the benefit of recumbents, but this article was intended to highlight mainstream mid-range options, and unfortunately recumbents are still a long way from being part of that. I’d love to run an article about them, but not until I have some first-hand experience…

Great article Tom, I suspect most of us spend too much money on our bikes. Its refreshing to see someone write about the mid-rangers. Rather than the “you need this bike with Rohloff, Son, Magura, tubus” that you read on most sites..

Too true. I’ve got an interesting article in the pipeline which will go even further in the ‘budget’ direction. Watch this space…

I’ve just completed a tour on my new Vivente World Randonneur 

It’s probably at the upper end of the middle for touring bikes, if that makes any sense. But for me doing heavy highway touring it is ideal. Strong, stable. The dynamo on the front wheel is excellent at charging up all my electronics.

As you said, a bit pricey, but a lovely looking bike — thanks!

Is it possible to put a dynamo for charging up a GPS and iPhone on the front wheel of a Surly LHT? Does it reduce speed much?

Go for it. I have done it and could not be happier. The reduction in speed is minimal.

+1 for the Ridgeback. Like you say, everything is a compromise and in the Panorama’s case the manufacturer has skimped on the brake pads the most. Happily this is easily fixed. Another slight annoyance was caused by the shifters, which needed the addition of brake noodles to route the gear cables away from the handlebar bag I added — couldn’t quite justify 105 levers with integral cable routing for a tourer. Top bike, highly recommend it!

Novara safari is a great and inexpensive tourer sold at Rei Cheaper then any of these by a large margin with butterfly handle bars Novara randonee is more in line with what is here Khs tr 101 very complete even includes clipless pedals.

Thanks for this, Andrew. I had a look at the specs of these bikes. As you say, the Novara Randonnée is a closer fit for this list of mid-range tourers, though I would still be concerned about the rear rack’s strength and the 10-speed drivetrain. It’s also missing fenders. Otherwise it looks like a good bike at a good price. 

I’d probably put the Safari in the ‘budget’ category rather than the mid-range, due to it having a lot of entry-level components. While that’s fine for short tours and commuting, I’d be concerned about its long-term durability on a big tour, where the aim is to reduce the likelihood of repairs and replacements.

The KHS TR 101 looks like a very capable road tourer — I’d like to see some real life reviews.

Thanks again!

Also love your site and check my rss reader for your posts daily such a inspiration keep on riding man :).

I’ve done short tours on my Randonee for years, and love it. Hildy (my Randonee) climbs hills like a madwoman and can haul as much cargo as need be quite handily. The bike will even handle mild off-road. I’ve long since worn through the stock tires, and replaced them with Schwalbe Marathon tires. 

I’ve replaced the rear rack, but I’m told by many that the tock rear rack is quite sturdy. (I already owned a pair of Tubus racks from my previous bike when I bought the Randonee.) This fellow rode from Florida to Washington State on a Randonee, and used the stock rear rack. 

I have an older Randonee that has a 24-speed drivetrain, and I have to say that I share your concern about the newer, 30-speed drivetrain. It seems odd that they would put a 10-speed cassette on a touring bike. However, I am pleased to note that they have gotten rid of the old STI shifters and moved to the more dependable bar-end shifters. If I had the spare cash, I’d have those installed on Hildy. 

The Safari looks like a fun bike for short tours that contain off-road components, but I’d worry about those disc brakes on tour.

I put a huge vote in for the Surly. I can say I’ve treated mine like a mountain bike on previous tours and it’s never been a problem. Its just built to take any punishment I fell like dishing out.

I have had negative experiences with an older Kona Sutra; however, it was with the former placement of the bb7 brake caliper and subsequent rear rack configuration with a huge bolt and spacers. It’d just sort of snap whenever we were running late, battling poor weather, or having trouble finding camp. Now that they’ve moved the brake to the lower chain stay, that problem is gone and the rack is likely as bombproof as the frame.

Yeah, that’s probably what prevented it from being taken seriously for so long — I’ve read some similar comments about older models. I probably wouldn’t have included it here a few years ago, but I can attest to its vast improvement in the last couple of years. Had an interesting chat with Kona’s designers in Vancouver earlier this year — they decided to redesign it from the ground up, rather than try to beef up a road-bike design as they’d previously done.

I had a 2007 or 2008 Sutra and one of the rear rack eyelets broke off during the first week of my very first tour. I finished the ride with the rack held up with bunch of zip ties. I was very disappointed with that frame.

A good bargain i.m.o. would be the vsf Fahrradmanufaktur TX-800 XT with 30 gears. handmade in Germany, complete Shimano XT-Group, Tubus Cargo and Tara lowrider racks (made out of Steel tubing, Magura hdraulic rimbrakes, a XT hub dynamo and a pretty good, rigid wheelset including some Schwalbe Marathon 47–622 reflex tires. There are Shops in GB too, in € it would be 1499,-. Of course, a sturdy steelframe and-fork.

Or, my ride of choice, the Surly Troll (mine is a custom-setup by myself, but the complete bike gets some good reputation too), more like a Offroad-Utility-Bike. (can be driven with V‑Brakes, Disc-Brakes, a Rohloff Hub, a normal rear derailleur or even singlespeed). http://surlybikes.com/bikes/troll The parts on the complete one wasn´t what i had in mind so i bought the frame and fork for 380 €

Thanks for the comment and suggestions!

The Fahrradmanufaktur looks like good value for money, as you say. I wouldn’t take a 10-speed chainset far beyond Europe, though — very new tech and with every increment comes a narrower, weaker chain, with spares almost impossible to find outside high-end bike stores. My first expedition bike was built with a 8‑speed rear mech for exactly that reason. Even a 7‑speed would still be stronger and easier to find parts for in most of the world.

The Troll reminds me of the Explosif I built from the frame up for off-road touring. Looks absolutely great if you want to build your own and ride a lot of dirt! Shame only a few stores import them over here in the UK.

Tom, and All Others, 

Can I ask for your opinion on the new Fahrradmanufaktur bikes? I was about to purchase one, but I’m a bit unsure for two reasons: 1) It has hydraulic brakes. Do you think that would require more (complicated) maintenance? 2) It’s a women’s frame. I haven’t seen many female frames among long distance touring bikes. Is there a good reason for that?

This is the original TX-400: http://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de/katalog/expedition?product_id=668

And this is the one I’m eyeing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/371133699189?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Thank you, I would really appreciate your input on this.

Sofia, I’m a woman travelling around the world with the TX-800. The Magura hydraulic brakes don’t need any maintenance, just changing brake pads when needed (very easy, with a click). I have the male frame as I always had male frames in all my bikes and it’s what I’m used to. Another Spanish girl is also travelling around the world with the TX-400, male frame, and also happy with it. The advice the experts give is always the same, try to test both of them, male and female frame, and see how they feel.… Good luck!

Hi I bought the TX-400 last year and took it on 10 tour of Oman. It’s a really great bike! Very sturdy, and of course heavy but very easy to handle. My ony complaint was the company’s website. Everything is in German and they are very difficult to communicate with. Tried registering the bike using the website but couldn’t as it was in German. So a called them and emailed them a couple of times… again with no response. So my worry is that if on a longer trip I need to get spares, how could will their service be?

I guess it was many us who thought the same, as vsf fahrradmanufaktur have translated their webpage into English and Dutch… 

Regarding contact, our experience was totally different. We had a lot of doubts before buying the bikes, and although they kept telling us to contact the retailer, they replied most of them, even sending the bike documentacion translated into English, a list of spares,… Communication has always been in English.

As for their service, I had to use it twice in this trip, nothing serious, and it was very easy. I guess it helped that I was cycling through Germany at that time. They arranged for a shop in Leipzig to tight my cassette that had become lose, and they sent new pedals to another shop in Dresden as I wasn’t happy with the spinning of the ones that came with the bike. So far… so good. Hopefully I don’t need to contact them anymore!! 🙂

I’ve also got a TX800, it’s hugely strong and very well built, and will happily go anywhere a mountain bike will go, even when fully laden. It’s not the fastest bike but very reliable and robust. So far have only ridden the highlands of Scotland (including off-road touring) and a quick trip to Ypres plus 800 miles of commuting but the Zanskar valley beckons… 

To sum up this bike, think flat handlebars and fat tyres. Surly LHT, Dawes Galaxy, Koga typically have drop handlebars / skinny tyres, and will get you there quicker. The TX800 has a very upright position and quick (light) steering, ideal for circumnavigating rocky trails (like a Landover) but if you are the slow lad/lass at the back wanting to keep up then buy something skinnier.

This is a proper trekking bike, suited to carrying heavy loads away from tarmac. (And very reliable commuting, but not too quickly…)

Oh, and it comes in bright black and day-glo brown. It’s a German thing…

Believe it or not, an excelent touring bike is an old style Shwinn Varsity, 1982. With its steel frame, steel wheels, Suntour components, top-pull Diacompe breaks, narrow width drop handlebars, this bike is suprisenly stable and so well balanced you can ride no handed for as long as you like. Mine was a 25 inch frame, 27 inch tires. Tough long lasting and and inexpensive, I paid $175 used. My current touring bikes include crom-moly and aluminum, yet this steel Shwinn is probably my overall favourite

I have toured mainly in Europe always on Tarmac or the odd canal route my byclcle has been a Edinburgh Counrty traveler two years ago I opted for a Genesis day one steel frame bike with a Alfine hub I have since changed the handle bars to straights with bar ends this stopped the pain I developed between my shoulder blades after cycling 90 miles or more I also went to Thorns who fitted a Rolhoff 14 gear internal hub yes it was expensive however I must confess I would Never want to tour on a derailleur system again I appreciate the derailleur system can be easily repaired however the Rolhoff Hub has 14 distinct gears and it certainly does the job beautifully many of my friends who also tour and have cycled on both sets of gears now would not go back to a derailleur system my advice is you can cycle or your on just about any toe of byclcle Tom Allen has proved that but in life you get what you pay for I would personally recommend a steel fram touring bike good set of wheels Swarbe Marthon Plus tyres Bomb proof and a once in a lifetime investment purchase a Rolhoff the world then is your oyster and should you decide to later go for an expedition byclcle you can take your Rolhoff with you and transfer it to your new bike as it gets better with age

Hello we are currently cycling from Barcelona to Australia and using vsf tx400 fahrrad manufakture.the bike is great the only weak point do far are the tyres for us. We have it comes with schwalbe marathon mondiale which for us are not strong enough as we had to repair so many puncture. We think is a great bike and awesome value for money but just consider the tyres. ?

I bought my VSF 1,5 years ago from a dealer in NL, he says when buying from factory a lot of small adjustments needed to be done by him as the derailleur and that jizz wasnt properly adjusted, same i can imagine with the rear cog. I love how it is specd! Love the front dynamo light as it is bright as hell and the rear light stays on after stopping for a minute or two which is great regarding saftely. The frame (60cm for me) is not to stiff but very comfortable during my 10.000 K trip last year.. Also definitely a rear kickstand is a must, I have always had a centre stand but Rear kickstand has been amazing. I added an Andra Ryde rear rim that has proven to be bomb proof under load. I love the bike. But keep in mind that if you get rimbrakes or discbrakes it is impossiple to change after purchase as the frame is not compatible for both simultaniously.

I bought a Dawes Super Galaxy 2001 second hand in a fairly sorry state. I guess it was 30 years old then. I have ridden through Brittany on it 3 times and use it every day. I’m on my third set of wheels and it has had 2 complete drive train changes. I have been thinking about getting a new bike for 5 years but them I spend $100 on new bits and keep it going. Anyway, it was built to last. Don’t know if the new build quality is as good?

That’s the mark of a good frame!

I’ve picked up a 2013 Kona Sutra from bikes.com.au for $1200. The Dawes is now chained to the shed like the old dog out of Babe (sheep pig). I am loving the Sutra. I use it every day commuting and it is very comfortable. The saddle was hopeless but my old saddle suits the bike well. Anyway, thanks for the advice, think I got a bargain.

Sounds like an extremely good deal. You’re right about the saddle, but I can’t remember buying a single bike for which I didn’t replace it!

Hi Tom I have purchased a Genesis Day One with an Alfine 11 speed Hub To climb the Steeper hills I have changed from a 42 tooth to 38 front ring and an 18tooth on the rear Would this bike be suitable for European Touring can you advise please

Practically any bike is suitable for European touring, as long as it’s comfortable enough to ride all day. You’re never more than a few miles from a bike shop or train station if something goes wrong. I know people who’ve toured Europe on bikes from scrapheaps.

That is not budget.

…or VSF Fahrradmanufaktur TX-400 — either with Rohloff or not. https://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de/de/katalog/expedition-2017/tx-400-rohloff-speedhub-14-gang

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5 best cycling holiday destinations in the world 2023

If you love taking a cycling holiday while exploring somewhere new, you’ll want to make sure you’re heading to the best cycling destinations in the world.

We’ve handpicked five of the top places on the planet for cycling holidays. You’ll see we’ve purposely avoided geographical Europe (get our picks for the best destinations in Europe here ). We think that every single one of them is truly epic!

When you’re trying to decide where to head for your next cycle holiday, and you’ve got long haul in mind, you should definitely consider the options below. They all offer the kind of bike holiday you’ll never forget.

We’ve covered here what each destination is great for, plus when is the best time to go. There’s something here for everyone, whether you prefer contemporary cities, landscapes that seem lost in time, challenging climbs, discovering local history, or stunning sea views.

Let’s take a look at the best places to cycle on the planet. Where will you be taking your next road cycling holiday?!

This is our article on the best European cycling holidays destinations .

Best worldwide cycling destinations

Great for cycling culture

Japan is a must on many a cyclist’s list. Head here to explore on two wheels and so much awaits. It’s a country quite unlike any other, with cutting-edge cities, traditional villages, unique architecture and a wealth of natural wonders. If your idea of the best cycling holidays is discovering something completely new, then this could be your ideal destination.

In Japan you can sample some of the yummiest food in the world. You can also soak in natural hot springs, wind your way through the forests and tackle mountainous terrain. In fact Japan’s mountains are breathtaking in every sense of the word, and around 80% of the country is uninhabited.

But that’s not all. Japan’s polite, careful drivers help to make this one of the safer cycling destinations in the world. Add to that smooth roads in the centre of the country offering challenging climbs, paths through the river valleys and a cycling culture, and you pretty much have the perfect place.

Where to go

The best places for a biking holiday in Japan are the sunny Kinto Kanto region around Tokyo, the peak-spotted Nagano Highlands area and the Setouchi inland sea. At the latter you’ll find hot springs, the Shimanami Kaido bikeway and fabulous seafood.

Kinto Kanto

As well as Tokyo, the Kinto Kanto area is also home to the Japanese cities of Ashikaga, Kiryu, and Nikko. This area is also ideally set up for the best cycling trips. The climate also makes this a top choice, as the region is known as Japan’s sunbelt.

Highlights here include Nikko National Park, Kiryu’s historic silk mills, fresh local produce, a couple of Japan’s biggest rivers and a pair of stratovolcanoes.

Nagano Highlands

If what you want from cycling holidays abroad is challenging ascents and thrilling descents, then head for the area often known as the Japanese Alps. The Mount Norikura climb here is epic and the last eight miles (or 13 kilometres) is car-free.

This is just one of the Nagano region’s climbs: other options include the Venus Line or the Utsukushigahara Highlands.

Setouchi inland sea

The Shimanami Kaido cycling route has placed the Setouchi area among those offering the best cycling vacations in Japan. Shimmering turquoise waters and steaming hot springs await those who love the water as much as they enjoy exploring by bike.

This is one of the best places in Japan to see the cherry blossom, or the colourful leaves in autumn. Matsuyama City castle and the seafood restaurants of this area are also impressive.

Where you decide to take your road bike holiday determines when’s best to visit.

• Tokyo and the Kinto Kanto region are at their finest between March and the middle of June, or from September to the first part of December.
• The Nagano Highlands are at their least humid in September and October.
• Setouchi inland sea is good in March, April and May, or between November and mid-December later in the year.

More information

Find out much more about the best cycling tours Japan has to offer by reading our guide .

Great for a subtropical climate

The year of cycling tourism in Taiwan in 2021 put this part of Asia into the spotlight. It’s been one of the best countries to bike tour for far longer than that, though. Not everyone knows a lot about Taiwan – but if you’d like to find out more, then continue reading!

Lapped by both the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan offers an incredible coastline. It’s also a mountainous island, and thus one of the best places to bike in the world when you have a head for heights.

Slick cities, cloud forests and a wide variety of terrain mean this island east of mainland China is not one to miss. If you needed another reason to go there right now, how does a semi-tropical climate sound?

As you might expect, central Taiwan is the most mountainous part of the island, and is ideal for those seeking a challenging climb or two. In the east, expect interesting history and fresh ocean air, while in the south you can explore a National Park or follow a gently undulating route through the valley.

Central Taiwan

Towns like Nantou in the interior are ideal for those who love steep ascents, and the routes to be found here can rival those of the Pyrenees or Alps. You can also take multi-day tours in this area, such as among Yilan county’s mountains in the northeast or heading towards Sun Moon Lake in the south.

More remote parts of central Taiwan also offer visitors the chance to get up close to local life, meeting people and exploring areas that are relatively untouched by tourism.

South Taiwan

Southern Taiwan’s cycling scene is dominated by Kenting National Park. This area provides some of the best road cycling destinations for those who prefer relatively flat terrain. Kenting on the Hengchun Peninsula also offers a tropical climate, beaches and coral reefs.

Jewels in the crown of south Taiwan include traditional fishing villages and farmland, coastal roads with spectacular views, and a landscape dotted with rice paddies. It’s also worth riding to Ruisui to be rewarded with a soak in the hot springs.

East Taiwan

Rolling hills, compact liveable cities and a variety of interesting towns can all be discovered in eastern Taiwan. Here you can visit former gold mining areas, or explore old Japanese settlements. The popular Huadong or East Rift Valley can also be found here, sandwiched between the Central and Coastal Mountain ranges.

This can be among the best cycling trips in the world for those who love to feel a fresh ocean breeze while skimming over a coastal plain. Plus, of course, sea views. Dulan on the east coast is also a popular hangout and holiday destination, but do avoid the hectic Suhua Highway at all costs.

Sometimes the best cycling vacations in the world involve a more lengthy challenge. Another option in Taiwan is Route 1, which spans over 950 kilometres and generally takes ten days or so to complete. Though the official start is at Taipei Songshan Station, you can join it wherever you like for a loop around the island.

As Taiwan has a subtropical climate, expect hot summers. The island has minimal rain, and to avoid extreme heat spring, autumn and winter are a good bet. There can be snowy or icy roads in the mountains during winter.

Read all about cycling in Taiwan in our comprehensive guide . This article shares information on the infamous Taiwan KOM Challenge . This article goes in-depth on Taiwan’s cycling route 1.

Looking for more Asia inspiration? How about a cycling trip to Borneo ?

Great for a budget break

If you want to take shorter (or cheaper!) cycling holidays and aren’t keen on a long-haul flight, Cyprus could be a sound option. Though culturally and politically part of Europe, geographically Cyprus in fact lies within Asia. So it’s ideal if you’re tight on time or money.

This island in the Med offers great cycling holidays for both mountain bikers and those who prefer tarmac. You can expect good weather in spring and autumn here, plus the Troodos Mountains has peaks that are almost 2,000 metres high.

Coastal routes, soaring mountains, olive and citrus groves and pine forests await cyclists who venture to the so-called island of love.

The top cycling destinations in Cyprus can be found close to Paphos on the southwest coast, or in the Limassol area of southern Cyprus. You might also like to head to the Mediterranean island for a specific cycling event.

Paphos area

We’ve stayed in Paphos ourselves when in search of the best countries for cycling holidays (tough job, but someone has to do it). Two routes we recommend are the ascent to the peak of Mount Olympus or the Paphos Forest loop, both in the Troodos Mountains. A third is the route  via the Rock of Aphrodite to the village of Pissouri Bay.

Limassol area

There are several great routes we recommend in the Limassol area. So much so that we’ve written separate guide to cover them, in fact! These are between 59 and 117 kilometres long. All are paved, and suitable for road bikes.

Take a look at our guide to cycling in the Limassol area here .

Cyprus cycling events

Key cycling events in Cyprus include the Cyprus Sunshine Epic, a four day mountain bike contest. There’s also the Cyprus Gran Fondo in March or L’Etape Cyprus in November.

Due to dry and warm – but not hot – weather, the best months for these cycling holiday destinations in Cyprus are March, April, May, October and November. Winter can also be good, but do expect more rain at that time.

For more on cycling in Cyprus, check out this complete guide .

Boulder, Colorado

Great for bucket list riding

Boulder barely needs any introduction – it’s long belonged on every keen road cyclist’s hit list. There’s no doubt about it – this part of Colorado offers some of the best cycling holidays in the world. A rich pro racing past and a strong amateur scene has seen to that.

Boulder, Colorado is seen by many as the number one destination for road bike cycling holidays in the entire US. The cycle paths criss-crossing the city and the heady climbs outside it are in the sights of so many cyclists. Capping them all is Mount Evans, a peak that’s well over four kilometres above sea level.

Cycling fans also recommend exploring Boulder itself via the many bike paths. This way you can see the most cycle-friendly city in the US from the ground up. If you want to hire a bike, the 50 hire kiosks around town make life super simple.

As well as within the city of Boulder and the epic Mount Evans, recommended routes include the Peak to Peak Highway.

Peak to Peak Highway

You can access the Peak to Peak Highway by car or bike, so it’s good for cyclists of all levels. Ascend for over 1,500 metres by bike, or access the peaks and charming mountain towns by combining driving with cycling.

Boulder cycling events

In such a cyclist-friendly part of the world, there are some great events to be part of. Take the Triple Bypass or Ride the Rockies for challenging climbs. You could also try Elephant Rock, the Copper Triangle, the Denver Century, or even the Boulder Ironman 70.3.

This part of Colorado is good for the vast majority of the year. The ski resorts are of course snow-capped in winter, however. For flatter roads, this is a good year-round destination. Summer here is lovely, but it can get very hot at times.

Check out our complete Boulder cycling guide here .

Cape Town and the Western Cape, South Africa

Great for stunning scenery

Head to the city of Cape Town and the wider area of the Western Cape for an unforgettable cycling experience. Here you can expect a warm welcome, the legendary landscapes South Africa is famous for and routes that take in tarmac, gravel and forest trails.

Use Cape Town as your base and you can take on one or a number of jaw-dropping routes. Follow the Misty Cliffs or Chapman’s Peak loops for spectacular views over Noordhoek Beach, climb up to the Llandudno viewpoint or tackle the Kloof Nek loop.

As an alternative, combine cycling with more of life’s pleasures by following the glorious Constantia Wine Route through the valley. As a destination, South Africa also offers great value for money – and of course Cape Town has one of the most breathtakingly beautiful settings on the planet.

Chapman’s Peak

Locally known as ‘Chappies’, Chapman’s Peak is a favourite among cyclists who live in or are visiting Cape Town. Stunning mountain and spectacular ocean views plus some steep ascents are what to expect on this gently winding route.

Misty Cliffs

The Misty Cliffs route will take you through small coastal villages, and past lighthouses and some of the best surfing beaches in South Africa. It’s one for photographers and surfers as well as cyclists, and the panoramas ensure it’s one ride you’ll never forget.

If it’s a challenging climb you seek, head from Camps Bay to Kloof Nek. You can also continue onto the lower slopes of Table Mountain if that’s not enough of a test for your legs and lungs.

Constantia Wine Route

If you like the idea of cycling through a fertile valley in one of the world’s finest wine-producing areas, then tackle the Constantia Wine Route. Cellar doors, tours, tastings and restaurants await when you visit the collection of boutique wineries close to Cape Town.

Western Cape cycling events 

The world’s biggest timed bike race is the Cape Town Cycle Tour, so don’t miss that if you like to focus on speed.

Cape Town is generally warm to hot throughout the year. The months with the coldest temperatures (highs of around 20°C) and the most rainfall are June, July and August, when there’s ten days on average per month. January to March sees the driest and warmest weather.

Best European cycling destinations

Europe is home to some of the top cycling destinations worldwide. On our destinations page, you’ll find in-depth region guides and inspiration articles sharing the best cycling holidays in Europe and introducing you to all the places you need to know about.

Discover the best cycling places in Europe with our destination guides or our popular article, best cycling destinations in Europe.

What next?!

Or should we say, where next?

We hope this guide has given you some inspiration regarding the best road cycling holidays on earth. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please do let us know in the comments 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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12 Unforgettable Vacations That Are Best Done by Bike — Even for Beginner Cyclists

Discover these epic bicycle tours from Croatia to Chile.

There’s no better way to see the world than on two wheels.

You don’t have to be a Tour de France rider to enjoy a long, scenic cycle, either. Everywhere in the world — from the United States to France to Japan — you’ll find excellent bike tours that cater to beginners.

Cycling has been a favorite pastime for people around the globe since the 19th century. The bicycle was invented by Karl Freiherr von Drais in Germany; it was a rather cumbersome “running machine” that didn’t involve pedals, steering, or brakes. When the “modern” safety bicycle was invented by John Kemp Starley in England, it allowed for a free, stable ride — and just like that, cycling started to become a beloved hobby.

Today, along with hiking, mountain climbing, and camping, cycling is one of the most popular outdoor activities for travelers. There are many excellent biking destinations that are perfect for cyclists young and old, experienced and inexperienced. You can take a ride through the mountains in Switzerland or even hop from island to island in the Philippines, Japan, or Croatia with your bike in tow. Ahead, find beautiful biking destinations to plan your vacation around.

Puglia, Italy

In Puglia there are numerous bike tours where you can set your own pace based on your cycling experience and trip type. There’s truly something for everyone — from beginners to advanced cyclists. Give yourself about 10 days to cycle as much of the heel of Italy's boot as possible, patching together an epic route out of country roads and uncongested coastal trails. Along the way, you'll pass through villages, along olive orchards, and by UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many cyclists start among the historic surrounds of Sassi di Matera and pedal towards the coast.

Burgundy and Champagne, France

Sign us up for a trip that involves some easy-going cycling, then rewarded with delicious wine. This region of France is famous for its grapes and cuisine, but it’s also a wonderful place to take in the fresh air and pedal your way through the countryside. Paved and dirt cycle paths cut through sprawling vineyards from Reims, aka "the gateway to Champagne. They wind across Épernay and to the start of the Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne, which will lead you into the heart of Burgundy. Go ahead and stop at a few vineyards to sample wines along the way; it’s highly encouraged.

Connemara, Ireland

You can see the best of the Emerald Isle by taking one of the many guided or self-guided bike tours in this western region of Ireland. The Connemara Lazy Days tour is particularly popular for beginner cyclists who want a good ride without too much effort. The route loops around part of the Renvyle peninsula, the scenic moorlands and heather-cloaked hills of the Inagh Valley, and fishing villages, typically starting and ending in Clifden, a market town on the coast. The tour entails traveling short distances by bike while enjoying the region’s culture and attractions.

Land’s End, United Kingdom

Cycling from Land’s End in Cornwall, England, to John o’ Groats in Scotland is a classic ride that’s probably for a slightly more experienced rider but makes for an excellent trip nonetheless. This scenic, 1,000-mile trip typically takes between two and three weeks and you’ll see some of the very best United Kingdom vistas along the way. Highlights of the journey include cycling through the beautiful Cheddar Gorge (birthplace of the cheese), numerous castles and abbeys, and city stops in Bristol, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

Lake Constance, Austria

You can actually start a bicycle tour around Lake Constance from either Austria, Germany, or Switzerland, depending on your preference. This massive lake isn’t just beautiful, but it also makes for a highly customizable ride. You can break up the trip into challenging long rides or several short days with stops in the many beautiful lakeside towns. This route, comprised of both paved cycle paths and quiet roads, is easy and flat. You'll get epic mountain views, though, thanks to its proximity to the Alps.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

If you’re not into going long distances, try an island-hopping cycling tour where you pedal across the land, then take a boat to the next isle to do it all again. Start in Split or Dubrovnik and pedal your way through the old cities, then hop over to Hvar, Brač, or Korčula. Croatia also has the 100-mile Ćiro trail that connects the country and nearby Bosnia and Herzegovina, if you’re looking for more of a challenge.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

If you’re looking for a cyclist’s paradise, look no further than Amsterdam. The bike-friendly city has always been welcoming to car-free living, so even the most inexperienced of cyclists can get around easily on two wheels. Of course, since many locals commute by bike, be sure to stay out of the way if you’re in the mood for a slow, scenic ride. Or, better yet, take a guided tour with a local who will take you for a drink at the pub and show you museums along the way.

Colchagua Valley, Chile

Cycling and wine tasting isn’t just for the French. This beautiful region of Chile is also famous for its wines and is an excellent spot for cyclists to take a leisurely, scenic ride with stops for vino along the way. Depending on the kind of vacation you want, you can opt for a more active bike ride or plan for a few short stints that allow for extra wine tasting. There are a few different routes you can take out into the grapevine-covered countryside, mostly following roads, but Santa Cruz is a good place to start no matter which way you go.

Palisade, Colorado

If you haven’t been to the Fruit and Wine Byway , now’s your chance to start planning a trip. The beautiful, 25-mile East Orchard Mesa Loop, one of three planned routes along the byway, through Colorado’s little-known wine country and peach groves might be the best late-summer excursion any cyclist could plan. Travel through the fragrant orchards and lavender fields and breeze along the legendary Colorado River, stopping frequently at tasting rooms on the route.

Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Travelers Rest is becoming a go-to place for cycling enthusiasts to visit (and to live). The Blue Ridge Mountains offer the perfect challenge for advanced bike lovers, but there are also some short and relatively flat trails that are simple enough for even the novice rider to enjoy. There are dozens of routes to pick from, from multi-use greenways to bike-friendly roads that will put you in the vicinity of vineyards, boutique hotels, quaint towns, and lots of cultural points of interest.

Onomichi, Japan

Starting in Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture, you can take the path of the Shimanami Kaidō (also known as the Nishiseto Expressway), which connects the city with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. This 40-mile road in western Japan traverses ocean straits on colossal bridges that connect some of the Geiyo Islands. It was built with cyclists in mind, thanks to segregated cycling and pedestrian lanes.

Visayas Islands, The Philippines

The islands of Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Guimaras, and Panay are all easy places to use two-wheeled transportation to see some incredible sights. Bike tours along the coastlines are some of the area’s most popular excursions, especially since the roads are paved and fairly flat. For the full tour, island hop by ferry with your bike in tow.

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The 11 Best Road Trips in the World

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on an epic adventure, especially on these incredible stretches of highway

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I love a good road trip, especially in the mountains of Colorado, where I live. It’s when I do some of the best creative thinking, and it feels like the possibilities for exploration are endless. Should I hike a fourteener tomorrow? Cross the border into Utah to go mountain biking?

I scoured the globe to put together this list of the most stunning drives you could imagine, from the snowcapped peaks of Chilean Patagonia to the windswept west coast of Ireland. I’ve completed a handful, driven parts of many of them, and the rest are on my bucket list. I also chose these road trips for their proximity to adventure, and include essential details like the best hikes, beaches, and accommodations along the way. Buckle up.

The Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean, Canada

Miles: 550 Road terrain: Mostly gravel Best time to go: The Dempster Highway is open year-round, but traditional summer festivals in the Arctic towns and the aurora borealis viewing in winter are seasonal highlights.

Truly rugged and remote, this overland expedition traverses dramatic tundra landscapes, boreal forests, and mountain ranges en route to the Arctic Sea. Begin in the gold-rush outpost of Dawson City, Yukon, and load up on supplies—the unpaved gravel road is a known tire eater, so be sure you have a spare and a four-wheel drive car. From there the Dempster Highway heads north through the historic Klondike region, crosses the Arctic Circle, and enters the Northwest Territories, where you’ll have panoramas of what’s known as the polar Serengeti, a wide-open wilderness teeming with caribou, moose, and grizzlies.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Indigenous communities such as Tsiigehtchic, reached by ferry in summer after the snow melts. If you’re traveling during August, you can watch canoe races and listen to traditional music during Tsiigehtchic’s Canoe Days celebration. By the time you arrive in Inuvik, Canada’s largest community north of the Arctic Circle, you’ll have logged 457 miles. Pitch your tent or park your teardrop at Happy Valley Territorial Park (from $28), perched on a bluff overlooking the Richardson Mountains and the nation’s largest river, the Mackenzie.

Pick up the final stretch of the trip in town, the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway, an 86-mile gravel road that winds past the Pingo Canadian Landmark, a collection of pingo (mounds of earth-covered ice) more than 100 feet high, and ends in the Inuit shorefront hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Miles: 122 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Early spring and early fall

This expanse of highway connects Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Parks , traveling through Dixie National Forest and the northern part of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. The whole thing could be completed in three hours, but given its proximity to so many perfect playgrounds for hiking, paddling, biking, and fishing, I suggest a four-day road trip. Bookended by Panguitch to the west and Torrey to the east, this designated All-American Road bisects multiple ecosystems,  from sage flats to slickrock deserts, and sleepy rural communities like Boulder, where you should stop for a meal at Hell’s Backbone Grill . The photo opps are endless, but Powell Point Vista, between the towns of Henrieville and Escalante, affords some of the best views of the area’s distinct Wasatch Limestone formations. If I could overnight in one place along the way it’d be Ofland Escalante , which has a drive-in theater, a pool, and a food truck (from $99).

The Romantic Road, Germany

Miles: 220 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Spring or fall

Germany’s Romantische Strasse, or Romantic Road, could be the backdrop of a Grimm’s fairy tale, with its turreted and crenelated castles, red-roofed villages, and lake-dotted countryside in the Alpine foothills. This scenic byway across Bavaria connects the baroque town of Würzburg with the pastel-hued town of Füssen. The former is home to the Unesco-designated Würzburg Residence, one of the nation’s most opulent palaces, while Füssen is five minutes from what many consider the route’s highlight, King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle , which was the inspiration for the palace in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty . If you want to stretch your legs, you can tackle the hike to Mount Tegel, located behind the castle, or take the cable car up and explore the trail network at the top.

Along the way you’ll pass plenty of beer gardens—the riverfront Lechgarten in the hamlet of Landsberg am Lech is a must-stop—the vineyards of the Franconia wine region (pick up a bottle of dry, white Silvaner), and spend a few hours rejuvenating in the historic spa town of Bad Mergentheim; at the Best Western Premier Parkhotel ($150), you can take advantage of the indoor pool, spa, and gardens.

The Explorers Way, Australia

Miles: 1,864 Road terrain: Paved (and remember, Aussies drive on the left-hand side) Best time to go: Australia’s fall, March through May The ultimate outback odyssey, the Explorers Way is a road trip through Australia’s Red Centre. Much of the drive follows the Stuart Highway, named after 19th-century explorer John McDouall Stuart, the first European to successfully traverse the continent from south to north. Stuart’s expedition took nearly a year, but two weeks is ample time to complete the journey from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory.

I highly recommend detours to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park to stand in awe of the 2,831-foot-high monolith sacred to Aboriginals and to Litchfield National Park, teeming with waterfalls and wildlife like dingo and wallaby. Dedicate at least a day to explore the Aboriginal art galleries of Alice Springs, the Northern Territory’s second largest city and the approximate midway point of the route. When you reach the Top End, toast your trip with a bush negroni at Willing Distillery in Darwin or celebrate with a bush safari at Bamurru Plains Eco Lodge (from $2,425, all-inclusive), just northwest of Kakadu National Park, home to more than two dozen walking trails .

Atlantic Road, Norway

Miles: 22 Road terrain: Narrow, paved Best time to go: The coast is most dramatic in September and October

Norway has 18 designated national scenic routes, but the fact that the Atlantic Road was selected as the stage for the James Bond film No Time to Die is a testament to its wow-factor beauty. Officially known as Atlanterhavsvegen , this drive links the village of Kårvåg on Averøy Island with the fishing village of Bud on the mainland via an archipelago connected by eight low-lying bridges. Few roads bring you so close to the ocean: roll down your window and you’ll likely be kissed by sea mist.

Essential detours include the coastal path at Vevang to see Jan Freuchen’s “ Columna Transatlantica ,” a sculpture scattered across the rocks and heath-covered hills, and the glass-walled viewing platform at Askevågen, which affords spectacular mountain and ocean vistas. Strømsholmen Seasport, located between the towns of Kristiansun and Molde, offers scuba diving, fishing excursions, and wildlife safaris on the water. It also has four waterfront cabins that sleep up to ten people (from $55).

The Ring Road, Iceland

Miles: 820 Road terrain: Mostly paved, with some stretches of gravel Best time to go: Late spring or early fall

Stretch after stretch of otherworldly landscapes unfold along this famed 820-mile loop , also known as Route 1. It shows off vast lava fields, tumbling waterfalls, spouting glaciers, and bubbling geysers. You’ll want at least seven days to enjoy all the attractions and adventures along the way, and if you do the drive in May, June, or July, you can take advantage of nearly 24 hours of sun.

Most road-trippers start in the capital, Reykjavík, the city closest to Keflavík International Airport. You can tackle it counterclockwise or clockwise, but if you do the latter first, the scenery crescendos from pretty to jaw-droppingly gorgeous. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss, it’s a detour to the northern Troll Peninsula, which loops around the headlands past the end of the Skagafjörður fjord.

On the southeastern coast of Iceland , take time to explore Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon studded with icebergs, and nearby Diamond Beach, named for the brilliant chunks of ice that sparkle like gems against its black sands. The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, just 20 minutes from the airport, are the perfect final stop. Or tack on an adventure—maybe kayak in a glacial lagoon or ride an ATV along the beach—with outfitter Icelandic Mountain Guides .

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Miles: 1,600 Road terrain: Narrow, winding, and paved (you’ll also driving on the left-hand side here) Best time to go: summer to take advantage of longer day-light hours

One of the longest coastal routes in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way hugs the Emerald Isle’s rugged and spectacular west coast for miles, from its northern terminus on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to its southern terminus in the town of Kinsale in County Cork. The route is broken into 14 stages, and you’ll want to budget a minimum of five days to complete it.

There are loads of opportunities to stretch your legs on untouched swaths of beach near soaring sea cliffs. Those at Slieve League jut up 1,972 feet at their highest point; follow the Pilgrim’s Path from Teelin village 1.5 miles to the tops, and after pop into town for lunch. You’ll have plenty of options, but I highly recommend the award-winning Rusty Mackerel pub (rooms are also available from $54). The iconic Cliffs of Moher, in the lunar-like Burren region, are one of the natural treasures of Ireland, with a five-mile (one-way) coastal walk that connects the charming villages of Liscannor and Doolin.

On Achill Island, explore Keel Beach, a nearly two-mile stretch of golden sand. When I visited, the waves were pumping and I rented a board and a thick wetsuit from Soundwave Surf School . If the water’s calm, you can rent a stand-up-paddleboard. If your final destination is County Cork, celebrate with a pint at Levis Corner House , a pub in Ballydehob that’s been run by the same family for a century.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Oregon

Miles: 363 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Late spring, early fall, or winter

Most people associate the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, with California, but the storied road spans from Canada to Mexico. Some of the best lengths, in my opinion, are in Oregon, where the road skirts virgin beaches, craggy mountains, and rocky coves, through a series of quirky seaside resorts and sleepy fishing villages. You could zip along all of it in 10 to 12 hours, but five days is the better plan, stopping at the many parks and public lands along the route. Ecola State Park (sea stacks, tidepooling, wildlife-watching) and Oregon Dunes Recreation Area (whose sweeping sandy expanses are said to have been the inspiration for Dune’ s planet Arrakis) are both top of my list.

About 30 miles northwest of the city of Bandon is Cape Arago; this short detour off the byway takes you through the South Slough National Estuarine Reserve, home to more than 150 kinds of birds and many good hiking trails . In the town of Coos Bay, I like to overnight at the modern cabins at Bay Point Landing ($235). The next day, you can drive 24 miles east to the remote Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area and hike 1.4 miles to the top of Golden Falls for an eagle’s-eye view of the cascading waterfall and old-growth firs. Schedule your journey for spring and winter and bring your binocs—you can often spot the blows from migrating gray whales as they surface off the coast.

The Garden Route, South Africa

Miles: 124 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: June to December, when you can spot whales from shore

This ocean-hugging highway showcases the Western Cape’s outrageously beautiful beaches, lush forests, national forests, and abundant marine life. Just under two hours’ drive from Cape Town, the former fishing village of Hermanus Bay is the gateway for the Garden Route. I always stop here to take advantage of the excellent land-based whale-watching between June and December. Continue three and a half hours east on the N2 highway to the harbor town of Mossel Bay, the route’s official starting point. Spend some time trekking around before heading out on your drive; my favorite is the 2.5-mile out-and-back trail from Pinnacle Point to Oyster Bay.

Wilderness National Park , approximately midroute, is a great spot for birdwatching and kayaking and has accommodations that include campsites (from $20), cabins (from $50), and a bed-and-breakfast (from $90). A half-hour farther east is Plettenberg Bay, nicknamed the Saint Tropez of South Africa for its palatial beach homes. Just south is Robberg Nature Reserve , a nice picnic spot where you can observe seal colonies. Spend a day exploring Tsitsikamma National Park , which boasts a 50-mile-long shoreline and an interior with 500-year-old trees. Looking to burn off some energy after hours in the car? I suggest the Otter Trail. South Africa’s oldest hiking trail takes five days to complete and begins near the Garden Route’s eastern terminus at Storms River rest camp.

Queenstown to Milford Sound, New Zealand

Miles: 180 Road terrain: Paved, two-lane highway Best time to go: New Zealand’s fall, March through May, is perfect for hiking Described by Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world,” Milford Sound is big nature on steroids. The drive on the South Island from Queenstown along State Highway 6 (a.k.a. the Southern Scenic Highway) and then State Highway 94 (Milford Sound Highway) will get you there  in just over four hours, but slow down to marvel at the waterfalls and alpine lakes framed by mountains. Te Anau is the halfway point of the drive and an ideal place to overnight, refuel, and stock up on food as there are no services farther en route to the sound. The lakeside town is also the gateway to the glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park and the jumping-off point for the Milford Track, arguably one of New Zealand’s most famous Great Walks , so consider tacking on a few extra days.

The Carretera Austral, Chile

Miles: 770 Road terrain: Rugged, pock-marked dirt, requiring four-wheel drive Best time to go: Austral spring and summer, November to March  

Waterfalls tumbling from hanging glaciers. Forests of lengua trees and turquoise lagoons. Ancient marble caves and flamingo-filled lakes. The wild backdrop of Chile’s Southern Highway (Route 7) is an adventurer’s fantasy. Also known as the Carretera Austral , this road cuts through remote, mountainous wilderness in northern Patagonia. Set aside at least two weeks so you can take time to visit Queulat National Park and Pumalín National Park , both located along the route.

Puerto Montt, a bustling town in the Chilean Lake District, is your starting point. It’s considered Chile’s seafood capital, so attempt to score a table at Pa Mar Adentro Restaurant and try the caldo curanto , a traditional seafood stew, before starting your journey south.

Coyhaique, the capital of Chile’s Aysén region, marks the route’s midway point. Take a day here to trek the trails of Reserva Nacional Coyhaique, home to two beautiful lakes, Los Sapos and Venus. Campsites are available in the Casa Bruja section of the reserve ($5), or continue a couple hours south to General Carrera Lake and hole up at the family-run  Mallin Colorado Ecolodge ($170). The owners serve terrific farm-to-table meals and partner with local guides who lead kayak trips to the Marble Caves and treks across Exploradores Glacier.

Rumbo Sur Hotel ($190), in the isolated terminus town of Villa O’Higgins, is a comfy final base surrounded by hiking trails and glaciers. A 4×4 is recommended, as most of the road is unpaved.

Outside travel columnist Jen Murphy hates driving but will happily sit shotgun on any road trip. Last fall she navigated on a weeklong mother-daughter road trip through southwest Colorado.

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16 Best Bike Trails Around the World

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For some, a dream vacation involves sweating the way up a mountain path on a bicycle rather than relaxing on a beach. If this is you, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking to bomb down some hills, go on an endurance trek through the jungle, or cycle around the North Sea , here are the 16 best bike trails in the world.

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Top 8 Mountain Bike Trails

1. The Great Divide Mountain bike route,  Canada  

If you’re looking to put your body to the ultimate test, then this is it. This unbelievable off-road trail begins in beautiful Banff, Canada , and finishes down at the US-Mexico border town of Antelope Wells, New Mexico. It’s one of the longest yet the best mountain bike trails in North America and will take you from the tops of mountain passes to the bottoms of river valleys, from high deserts to open grasslands. A truly long haul, there’s no better way to see North America!

• Distance/duration : 4339 km. About 37 days, but the riding time per day is entirely dependent on the rider’s ability to ride over such long distances.
• Starts/ends: Starts in Banff, Alberta, and ends in Antelope Wells, New Mexico .
• Terrain type : You’re going to see a little bit of everything in terms of terrain on this trail because of the sheer size and distance covered, but on the whole, you’ll be traveling on maintained dirt roads, gravel roads, and trails, with only a few sections of unmaintained tracks.
• Trail grade : Grade 3 trail. Do keep in mind that this is a hardcore distance trail. You’ll need to make sure that you’re adequately supplied in addition to being reasonably fit and experienced with your bike.
• Why we love it : This trail is almost mind-bogglingly long and it takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America. Completing its length is something you can be proud of for the rest of your life

Insider's tip:   If you want to push yourself further, you can join the Tour Divide, an annual race that takes place in June. The record for completion is 13 days, 22 hours, and 51 minutes. Think you can beat it?

2. The Whole Enchilada Trail, Utah

The Whole Enchilada Trail is regarded as one of the best mountain bike trails in the Americas , and for good reason. It takes you from alpine passes above the tree line to the incredible sandstone canyon of the Colorado River and it is legendary among mountain bikers. Be aware that you can only access the whole trail at certain parts of the year, so make sure to double-check that the entire trail is open before heading to Utah!

• Distance/duration: 43 km. This trail takes 11 hours on average and is usually completed in a single day.
• Starts/ends: Starts at Geyser Pass Road and ends at Porcupine Rim.
• Terrain type: Mostly single-track, with a few old double-track sections through a lot of sandy and rocky terrain that can be difficult to navigate, plus a lot of steep descents.
• Trail grade: Grade 3 trail. You’ll encounter steep slopes and generally avoidable obstacles on some terrain with poor traction. It is not a beginner trail.
• Why we love it: The sheer variety in Moab’s landscape is unbelievable. You’ll travel through fairytale forests, gaze out at panoramic views of the valley, and ride through the desert all along this one trail.

Insider's tip: “A mile in Moab equals two anywhere else” is a common saying because you ride on a combination of sand and rocks. So, make sure you research ahead of time to ensure you’re up for the task and give yourself the right amount of time.

3. Death Road, Bolivia  

Take your life in your hands and cruise down the most dangerous road in the world! This insane road features a full 64 km downhill mountain biking stretch, on a road that is often only big enough for a single car, despite the traffic coming from both directions. Adding to the confusion is the fact that this is the only road in America where driving on the left is required so that drivers can better navigate and the route is safer. It’s no surprise this road is known for claiming an average of 300 traveler lives per year.

• Distance/duration : 64 km. Can be completed in 5 hours, but we recommend setting aside a little time to stop and take photos.
• Starts/ends: Starts in La Paz and ends at the Senda Verde Animal Refuge.
• Terrain type: Death Road is almost entirely downhill, with steep drops to the sides that are known to claim lives if your attention slips. The road is paved in some places and gravel or dirt in others.
• Trail grade:  Grade 3 trail. Most tourists who brave this trail go in a tour group, which can provide a lot of the gear and local knowledge you need to do this safely. They say that even a confident beginner can safely complete this ride, but due to the steep slopes and narrow roads that are shared with cars, one still needs to be cautious while riding.
• Why we love it:  Nothing will get your adrenaline pumping quite like this trail. Couple that with incredible Andean views and bragging rights for life and I think you get the gist.

4. Old Ghost Road, New Zealand

The grueling Old Ghost Road is categorized as one of the top mountain bike trails and is New Zealand’s longest, and most popular, single-track. It rewards its travelers with breathtaking mountain views and thrilling descents that will make the heart race. The route passes through no less than five abandoned mining villages and takes its name from these eerie ghost towns. Riding through here is like cycling through a museum.

• Distance/duration: 85 km. Two to four days with a daily riding time of up to eight hours per day.
• Starts/ends:  Starts in Lyell Historic Reserve and ends in Sedona Ville.
• Terrain type: This trail is characterized by its rugged, single-track trail. A lot of the trail itself is maintained and graveled, but you’ll also have to dismount and do a little bit of climbing from time to time as you ascend.
• Trail grade:  Grade 4 trail. It’s intended for advanced riders and occasionally the terrain rises into Grade 5 territory. You’ll be riding through trails that get as narrow as 400mm, with steep exposed drops to your side and a ready supply of obstacles to navigate. It requires a high level of experience.
• Why we love it: If the endless panoramic views of New Zealand’s mountains don’t keep you grinning the whole ride, you’ll enjoy discovering the abandoned villages as you pass them by.   

5. Beinn Damh Circuit, Scotland

This popular Scottish trail takes you along the shores of Loch Damh and then up Beinn Damh for a tricky ascent and beautiful views of the Torridon mountains and sea. The Torridon circuit is the most popular bike trail around Beinn Damh and certainly the most rewarding. With its prime Scottish location, this trail is wet (and thus muddy) most of the year, but well worth it and loved by everyone who’s ridden it.

• Distance/duration:  24 km. This route is easily done in four hours, even with stops for photos along the way.
• Starts/ends: This route starts and ends at the Torridon Inn.
• Terrain type: After the short ride along the loch on a large and well-trafficked trail, you’ll mostly ride along a narrow and rocky single-track for the rest of the circuit.
• Trail grade: Grade 4 trail. With some highly technical sections of the trail and a steep ascent, it will challenge any rider.
• Why we love it: No matter the weather, you’re in for a treat on this trail. The views are just as striking when the sky is dark and the mist is settling as they are when the sun is shining.

6. Freeminers Trail, England

The Forest of Dean in Gloucester, England, is made up of over 110 square kilometers of ancient woodland that is filled with history. It was used for hunting in the Middle Ages and coal mining in the Victorian era until it finally became a protected park in modern times. It is also a fantastic site for mountain biking. Freeminers trail is the most difficult, yet also very popular, trail in the Forest of Dean, especially suited for advanced riders who want to play in the forest. It is a demanding single track with variations in the trail that challenge even the best bikers.

• Distance/duration: 12 km. The whole trail can be done in 1 hour.
• Starts/ends:  Starts and ends at the Cannop Cycle Centre.
• Terrain type: Single-track, with roots and various obstacles, plus a few wooden skill features to play with.
• Trail grade: Grade 4 trail. It’s technically demanding and features tight switchbacks, rooty drops, and hairpin bends.
• Why we love it: The trail has a very natural feel to it with all the trespassing plants and bare roots spread across the paths and it’s quite astounding how quickly you feel all on your own in the forest, despite knowing that there are obvious numbers of riders in the trail.

7. Munda Biddi trail, Australia

Munda Biddi means ‘path through the forest’ in the local Aboriginal Australian language, Noongar. This trail ranges over 1000 km of undeveloped wildlands, ranging from eucalyptus forests to bushlands to coastal cliffs, so the name is well earned. Each day brings something new to discover along the trail and at night you can camp in the trail shelters or stay in the little villages. The weather is bikeable any time of year, but note that it can be extra hot in the summer.

• Distance/duration: 1000 km. 20 days if you’re averaging about 45 km a day.
• Starts/ends: Starts at Sculpture Park, Mundaring, and ends in Albany.
• Terrain type:  The terrain changes as you travel, from the occasionally difficult-to-navigate pea gravel of the northern section of the trail to the loamy forests and white sands in the southern section.
• Trail grade: Grade 2 trail. It’s reasonably beginner-friendly as the majority of the trail avoids steep slopes and hill climbs. You’ll get those mostly around the river valleys.
• Why we love it: What better way could there be to explore the uninhabited majesty of Australia’s natural world than by spending nearly a month biking it? You’ll get to see all kinds of different biomes and wildlife!

8. Pacific to Atlantic Coast, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to the most grueling mountain bike race in the world, La Ruta De Los Conquistadores. If you are up for it, follow the same trail that travels across the South American landmass from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast, crossing five separate mountain ranges, traveling through the sweltering rainforest, and tackling all kinds of conceivable riding surfaces. With so many diverse terrains that it has to offer, it is undoubtedly one of the best bike trails in the world. If you’re not planning on doing this as a race, we recommend going with a tour group that will make the trip a little longer, but include outdoor activities like whitewater rafting to spice things up! 

• Distance/duration : 260 km. 7 days (or a mind-blowing 3 days if you’re a La Ruta competitor)
• Starts/ends: Starts in Jaco Beach and ends in Playa Bonita Limon.
• Terrain type: Insanely variable, single-track, and fire road trails will take you through gravel roads, pavement, dirt, sand, mud, and more.
• Trail grade: Grade 5 trail, for experts only. Seriously, it took the conquistadors 20 years to traverse this stretch of land because it’s so hazardous. You need to know what you’re doing to make this ride.
• Why we love it: Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, home to a full 5% of animals and plants on the planet, despite the fact it only occupies 1% of the land. You’ll get up close and personal with some exotic wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else.

Top 8 Paved Bike Trails

1. The Shimanami Kaido, Japan

The Shimanami Kaido is a toll road that connects Japan’s Honshu island with the island of Shikoku, passing over several small islands on the way. It’s the only way to reach Shikoku from Honshu by foot or bicycle and it offers cyclists a scenic 70 km ride with beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and plenty of attractions to stop off at.

• Distance/duration: 70 km. 1 day, though there are campgrounds and hotels along the way if you want to take it slower.
• Starts/ends: Starts in Honshu, Onimichi City, and ends in Shikoku.
• Difficulty level: It is an easy beginner route that anyone can navigate.
• Why we love it: Apart from the sea itself, this ride offers many cool sights. You can visit unique temples and the Hirayama Museum, dedicated to one of Japan’s most famous painters. 

2. The North Sea Cycle Route

The North Sea Cycle Route is a massive circuit that follows the coastline of the North Sea through seven different countries. From the cliffs of Norway to the beaches of the Netherlands and everything in between, this route is full of variety and seaside beauty. You’ll get to enjoy ferry rides and sea breezes as you navigate from Scotland to Norway and back from the Netherlands to England once again.

• Distance/duration: 6000 km. 100 days if you can average 60 km a day with some wiggle room for higher and lower-than-average days.
• Starts/ends: Starts in Harwich, England and ends at the Hook of Holland where you can catch a ferry back to Harwich and complete the loop.
• Difficulty level: This trail is very beginner friendly and well-marked with Eurovelo signs. It’s also very very long and most people will drop in and do sections, rather than attempting to complete the entire loop, making it even more accessible for beginners.
• Why we love it: This route is so big and passes through so many different countries that there’s something here for everyone to enjoy, no matter what it is you’re into. The sheer variety of it is delightful.

3. The Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular cycling routes in Australia, a journey of several days enjoying the sea breeze, ocean views, and beautiful landscape of Australia’s coast. The route will take you past incredible limestone cliffs and through magnificent forests in a kaleidoscopic mixture of idyllic terrain. Plus, you’ll see some world-famous surfing resort towns where you can stay for a day or two and take some lessons.

• Distance/duration: 266 km. Four days, so long as you’re getting in a full 60 km per day. There are campgrounds and hotels available along the way.
• Starts/ends : Starts in Warrnambool and ends in Geelong.
• Difficulty level: Intermediate. While most of it is on softly undulating terrain, you’ll have a couple of steep hills to get up and it’s a long trek.
• Why we love it: Riding along beautiful beaches is nice, but the real gem of this route is the jaw-dropping rock formations along the coast, like the famous Twelve Apostles.

4. The Pamir Highway, Tajikistan

The Pamir Highway is the second-highest international highway in the world, frequently sustaining an elevation of around 4000 meters. As you cycle along the lonely highway, you’ll be surrounded by the harsh, dusty peaks of the Pamir Mountains which are simultaneously breathtaking and foreboding. It’s the kind of bike trip you’ll need to be careful to pack appropriately for, as you may go days without seeing another person.

• Distance/duration: 1250 km and twenty days or more. Cyclists cruising along this road tend to miss a handful of biking days throughout the trip due to illnesses that can extend the time.
• Starts/ends: Starts in Dushanbe and ends in Osh.
• Difficulty level: Advanced. You’ll be biking in a high-altitude/low-oxygen environment with some strenuous sections and the real possibility of not seeing anyone for several days at a time.
• Why we love it: Along the way you have the option of camping out beneath stars that will make you dizzy with their number or staying in homestays with locals. The Tajik people are incredibly hospitable and you’ll have unforgettable experiences getting to know them and sharing their lives for a night.

Insider's tip: Bring a sterilizing pen for your water. The few stores along some of the more remote parts of the road don’t always have bottled water and you’ll need to stay hydrated!

5. Friendship Highway, China and Nepal

The friendship highway connecting Lhasa and  Kathmandu is the longest downhill road in the world. Ride through the incredible landscape of the Himalayan mountains as you pass through Tibet and into Nepal, enjoying temples, monasteries, and an endless number of prayer flags fluttering along the way. It is a once-in-a-lifetime ride.

• Distance/duration: 1000 km. Fifteen days, with overnights in local hotels or camping out. You’ll pick up some time in Tibet with some intense passes, but you’ll drop it again when you spend two days descending.
• Starts/ends: Starts in Lhasa and ends in Kathmandu.
• Difficulty level: Intermediate. You’ll be navigating through some strenuous conditions, with grueling ascensions and a two-and-a-half-day descent. Not to mention you’ll be carrying all of your gear and food with you.
• Why we love it: The most common route travels via Everest Base Camp , so your journey will include a visit to the tallest mountain in the world. Seeing Everest in person is a memory that you’ll cherish forever.

6. La Route Verte, Canada  

If you’re looking for a pleasant paved bike trail that combines an urban environment with isolated rural expanses, look no further. La Route Verte is comprised of over 5300 kilometers of well-marked trails, covering a whole range of scenery from lazy rides along the St. Lawrence River to lovely views of the Laurentides. While that leaves you with plenty of riding to do, if you’re looking to make just one trip along this massive trail, we recommend head ing from Montreal to Quebec City.

• Distance/duration: 255 km. Five days gives you plenty of time to complete the route without stressing too much during the day about how far you’re going and there are plenty of places to stay along the way.
• Starts/ends: Starts in Montreal and ends in Quebec City.
• Difficulty level: Beginner. This is a pretty easy ride as it’s generally pretty flat riding on well-maintained trails with clear signs. No real technical skills are needed.
• Why we love it: While many of the routes on this list will take you to exotic locations and release you into an alpine or desert wilderness, this route is different. It lets you explore the beauty of an urban setting and then leave the crowds behind and slip into the rural countryside or cycle through forests instead, giving you the best of both worlds!

Insider's tip: Pick up a hard copy of the La Route Verte guidebook. It has information on nearly every kilometer of the trail and can show you the way or direct you to the best places for accommodation and attractions. Even better, it's designed to fit easily in your pack for those low-battery- or no-WiFi moments.

7. Carretera Austral, Chile

The Carretera Austral started as a lonely dirt road connecting some of the most remote places in Chilean Patagonia . It’s become one of the best-paved bike trails in the world. Many cyclists hop on the trail after Coyhaique, which is where the pavement ends, and the rest of the road is largely free of cars and surrounded, almost overwhelmingly so, by incredible natural sights. Take a side trip to the hot springs near Puyuhuapi and soak your weary bones before continuing on your journey. You’ll thank us later!

• Distance/duration: 1200 km. Five weeks, depending on how often you want to stop and stay and sightsee in towns and villages along the way
• Starts/ends: Starts in Puerto Montt and ends in Villa O’Higgins.
• Difficulty Level: Advanced. You’re in for a tough ride and tougher weather, as wind and rain can descend suddenly and fiercely. Shorter sections of the trail, especially the paved parts, are more accessible for less advanced riders though.
• Why we love it: There’s something magical about being in a place that’s so isolated and overgrown it feels like you’re in a different world. That’s the experience of the whole southern half of the Carretera Austral. You, your bike, your companions, and the unknown.

8. National Highway 1, Vietnam

Connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is National Highway 1, a modern symbol of national unity for the Vietnamese and a stunning cycling trip for the active tourist. A ride down this road takes you past the nearly 2000 limestone crags of Ha Long Bay, through the imperial city of Hué, the evening lanterns of Hoi An, and along an endless stretch of beautiful sandy beaches.

• Distance/duration: 1600 km. Two weeks, with a couple of days added in for potential illness. Most of the highway is reasonably flat, so you should be able to cover large stretches of highway per day.
• Starts/ends: Starts in Ha Noi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City .
• Difficulty level: Intermediate. While the roads themselves might be a little rough sometimes and navigating a different style of driving might be tough, this isn’t a route that requires any great amount of technical skill.
• Why we love it: National Highway 1 is a reasonably flat and easy-to-navigate road, with large shoulders for cyclists. This isn’t necessarily the norm in Southeast Asia, so it’s great to find such a scenic route that even beginners can do!

Insider's tip: No matter what time of the year you go, bring rain gear. Dry season only means that it rains less . You’ll be in for a rough trip without quality rain clothes.

Biking safety tips

• Wear a helmet! Biking can be dangerous if you’re not careful and everyone crashes sometimes; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Know your limits and ride within your skill level.
• Bring the right kind of bike for the terrain you’re riding.
• Know the basics for bicycle maintenance, especially if you’re setting off on a multi-day endurance ride where you may not have access to a bike shop.
• Bring a first aid kit; falls and scratches do happen and if you’re in the jungle or up in the mountains you want to be sure you can disinfect any injuries, no matter how small it is.
• Stay alert! You’ll often be on roads with cars and you’ll need to be aware of them at all times to ensure you have an accident-free trip.
• Know and obey the rules of the road in the country you’re cycling through.

Whether you like to cruise casually on the pavement or bomb down terrifying slopes, these are the best bike trails you’ll find around the world. Each one of them will challenge you and change you and you’ll leave with a collection of fantastic stories and experiences to share. So what are you waiting for?

Popular Destinations

• Europe Tours
• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Italy Tours
• Spain Tours
• Argentina Tours
• Canada Tours
• Sri Lanka Tours
• Chile Tours
• Antarctica Tours

The Best Bike Trips in the U.S. You Can Book Right Now

We found the safest bike tours along America’s most spectacular routes so you can check another ride off your bucket list!

Currently Covid cases are at an all-time high in the U.S. Before you book any trip, check for travel restrictions and mandates in states and counties you’ll pass through and understand they may still be in place when it’s time for your trip. If so, respect these restrictions and their communities by rescheduling for a safer time.

Riding your bike can be a fantastic escape from unprecedented stress—as many of us learned (or relearned) in 2020. And riding it someplace beyond your locals adds even more magic. But during a pandemic, everything from traveling to get someplace new to being part of a group is complicated. We debated skipping our annual travel awards, but ultimately decided to focus on stateside trips (potentially eliminating or reducing air travel) run by companies instituting rigorous safety protocols.

Our editors vetted hundreds of tour outfitters and analyzed their itineraries for things like average tour size, traveler reviews, value, and quality of the rental fleet. Each company we chose to feature established practices to combat COVID (everything from providing masks to testing staff regularly to sanitizing equipment), and many have eased their cancellation policies, decreased group sizes, and bolstered their self-guided and private trip options. Of course, it’s still up to you to travel responsibly: Ride within your limits to avoid taxing local health systems, check for travel restrictions in states and counties you’ll pass through, and if you’re sick, stay home. And if your personal situation, local conditions, or sense of caution keep you at home this year, we hope you use this list to shop for the trip you’ll do during a better time.

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Whether you want to pedal through Montana’s Big Sky Country, tackle Malibu’s toughest climbs, meander Florida’s scenic Gulf Coast, or travel the Underground Railroad route by bike, these are the 26 most spectacular cycling getaways in the U.S. this year.

BEST FOR FOODIES

Mendocino gravel, the outfitter, the cyclist’s menu.

Created by husband and wife Zander and Heidi Ault (a farm-direct chef and a former pro mountain bike racer), this six-day, five-night tour seamlessly marries stellar gravel riding with phenomenal eats. Routes explore a playful 10-mile stretch of coastline and tranquil roads and trails through more than 50,000 acres of Redwood forest (daily mileage runs 30 to 70). Breakfast spreads, picnic lunches, and sumptuous evening meals all lean into local providers (fresh-caught seafood, community-grown greens, and craft brews) and group bonding (tours are capped at eight travelers; 10 for private) is the goal. Days wind down with happy hours overlooking the coast ahead of comfortable overnights at the MacCallum House Inn.

6 days | 250–300 miles | $3,650 | Intermediate/Advanced

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Berkshires small group bike tours | farm to fork fitness adventures.

Spend an easy morning riding between three on-farm tasting experiences in the world-renowned foodie destination before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch.

1 day | 40–60 miles | $140 | All Levels

BEST GRAVEL

Montana gravel tour, the cycling house.

Head into northwestern Montana’s backcountry on this doubletrack and dirt road adventure. This six-day trip is fully supported, features a mix of challenging climbs and zippy descents, and offers customizable routes (daily mileage range: 20 to 55) to please less-experienced gravel riders and veterans—like the climb up to the Morrell Mountain Lookout at 7,700 feet and sections of the legendary Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. A home base at the Double Arrow Lodge in Seeley Lake means you only unpack once, and locally sourced meals prepared by Cycling House chefs keep you fortified throughout.

6 days | 160–215 miles | Starts at $2,995 | Intermediate

Sierra Gravel Camp | Dirt Gypsy Adventures

This mixed-terrain camp (gravel, fire roads, asphalt, and singletrack) offers some of the best off-road riding in and around Northern California’s Tahoe National Forest—along with swimming holes, beer tastings, and farm-to-table dinners.

5 days | up to 295 miles | $1,975 | Intermediate/Advanced

BEST FALL COLORS

Lake champlain valley fall foliage.

Enjoy Vermont’s famous foliage by bike on this inn-to-inn adventure across the gently rolling valley between the Green Mountains and New York’s majestic Adirondack peaks. Daily rides wind through a breathtaking canopy of red, amber, and gold, while topping out at 54 miles—giving you time for off-bike exploring. Picnic lunches, covered bridges, and a seemingly endless number of New England’s iconic red barns add to the allure. Lodging includes historic hotels and charming country inns.

6 days | 160–275 miles | $2,559 | Intermediate

Mississippi Natchez Trace Guided Tour | VBT

The South has some of the country’s most spectacular, and underappreciated, fall foliage. This guided trip gives you a generous glimpse along the historically significant Natchez Trace Parkway, a designated bike route that loosely follows the original 500-mile Native American footpath that connected Natchez, Mississippi, with Nashville.

6 days | 95–140 miles | $1,995 | Recreational/Intermediate

BEST CULTURAL HISTORY

Underground railroad route, adventure cycling association.

The Underground Railroad was the secret network of homes and churches that helped enslaved people reach free states and Canada. This route from Mobile, Alabama, to Owen Sound, Ontario, pays homage to that perilous journey and is part of the ACA’s 50,000+ mile route network. While there is a guided tour offered on the route, it is most frequently traveled by self-guided cyclists who rely on the ACA’s detailed maps and GPX data for guidance. There is no fee to ride the route other than to purchase the map set or GPX data, or use their Bicycle Route Navigator app. (Adventure Cycling members also get a discount on paper maps, among many other benefits).

2,016 miles (shortest leg 378 miles) | Intermediate/Advanced

Bike/Hike New Mexico | Great Freedom Adventures

Dive into New Mexico’s rich Indigenous culture and history on foot and by bike. Ride highlights include the High Road to Taos and Enchanted Circle, a National Forest Scenic Byway.

6 days | 50–130 miles (+15 walking) | $3,190 | Intermediate

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Mt. rushmore family tour, bicycle adventures.

This six-day itinerary pairs riding time with activities that kids (and parents) will enjoy. Options for tagalong bikes and trailers make it accessible to even the smallest riders, and van support keeps them close when legs tire out. Groups max out at eight; small enough to accommodate mood swings and last-minute plans. The route ticks off educational landmarks, too: South Dakota’s Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, and Crazy Horse. Plus, families get ample bonding time in the afternoons and evenings to relax and unwind.

6 days | 110 miles | $2,566 | Recreational/Intermediate

South Rim Grand Canyon | Western Spirit

Families who are serious about biking will love this all-day on the bike, nights under the stars, exploration of one of America’s most iconic natural attractions.

5 days | 75–95 miles | $1,295 | Intermediate

BEST NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Yellowstone to glacier, rei adventures.

You’ll hit two of America’s most stunning national parks on this 10-day, fully supported journey through Big Sky Country. Ride days range from 34 to 80 miles, and nights are spent both under the stars and in comfortable hotels. Sky-high geysers, wildlife encounters (bison and mountain goats among them), and craft beer samplings will round out your experience. Climbers will like the 10 miles of switchbacks up to the Continental Divide–Pipestone Pass. And there are plenty of off-bike thrills as well, including lake swims and whitewater rafting. The bucket-list highlight: the ride to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet up Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

10 days | 455 miles | Starts at $3,999 REI members ($4,268 non-members) | Intermediate/Advanced

Maine Bike Tour | Backroads

Immerse all of your senses on this trip through and around Acadia National Park. Pine forests, fresh lobster dinners, and time to wander museums and local shops round out the laid-back experience.

5 days | 90–160 miles | $3,199–$3,599 | Intermediate/Advanced

BEST MOUNTAIN BIKING

Fruita singletrack, western spirit.

A mix of steady climbs and rollicking descents on this epic dirt-culture experience will keep your quads guessing. The riding is challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with near-constant panoramic views of the Colorado River Valley and La Sal Mountain range. Guides sweat the small stuff (Western Spirit has set the standard in lavish camp cuisine for more than 30 years) so you can squeeze all the stoke from some of Colorado’s premier singletrack, including the famous Kokopelli Trail, the Western Rim, and the purpose-built Book Cliff Trail System.

5 days | 100 miles | $1,295 | Intermediate/Advanced

Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Tour | Escape Adventures

At the end of each exhilarating day riding premium Sawtooth Mountain trails, you’ll be met with a freshly prepared meal and a bubbling hot spring to unwind in.

5 days | 70–115 miles | $1,349 | Recreational/Intermediate

BEST WOMEN-ONLY

Finger lakes wine country.

This women-only tour of New York’s Finger Lakes region—the birthplace of the women’s suffrage movement—includes stops in Susan B. Anthony’s and Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s hometowns. Enjoy a mix of rolling and flat terrain with rides that range from 13 to 50 miles and stops to sample the dry Riesling and other wines the region is famous for. There’s also time to explore museums and parks that tell the story of how American women fought for the right to vote.

4 days | 125–140 miles | $1,640 | Intermediate

Viva Southwest Las Vegas/St. George Mountain Bike Skills Camp | Sacred Rides

Forget light spins and wine sipping: This is for mountain bikers who want a solid week of coaching on some of the best trails Las Vegas and southwestern Utah have to offer.

6 days | ~75 miles | $2,595 | Advanced

BEST FOR NEW RIDERS

San juan islands bike tour, trek travel.

Explore this idyllic Washington State archipelago with a pair of knowledgeable guides, doable mileage (daily average: 20), and a bike that suits you best (choose a Domane SL7 Disc or a Verve+ e-bike). Wide open views of rolling farmland, the Pacific Ocean, and the majestic Cascades will distract you from any first-trip jitters. Multiple daily route options and a support van let you comfortably ride at your own pace. Fuel up on local cuisine at some of the islands’ most acclaimed restaurants, and overnight at boutique inns.

6 days | 120 miles | $3,499 | Recreational/Intermediate

Savannah to Charleston | Sojourn

Manageable daily mileage and tree-lined routes make this great for first-timers.

7 days | 60–130 miles | $3,765 | Recreational

BEST PRO TRAINING GROUNDS

Malibu challenge bike tour.

DuVine is known for crafting incredible cycling experiences, and their four-day trip in and around the Santa Monica Mountains is no exception. You’ll hit iconic local climbs like Latigo Canyon, Stunt and Piuma Roads, and the twisty hairpin turns on Decker. You’ll grab espresso at Pedalers Fork, a well-loved bike-themed eatery in Calabasas. And you’ll stay at the luxe Four Seasons Westlake Village while dining on farm-to-table meals accompanied by selections from California winemakers and breweries. DuVine can also customize a private tour by extending the trip length or increasing your daily mileage.

4 days | 165–185 miles | $3,995 | Advanced

Texas Ride Camp | Trek Travel

Ride the ranchlands and rolling terrain of Texas Hill (and wine!) Country, which has long been a secret winter-training hotspot for pro cyclists.

7 days | 290–350 miles | $1,799 | Advanced

BEST FOR WINE/BEER LOVER

California wine country.

When your meals are prepared by a Michelin-star chef (avid cyclist Matthew Accarrino) in Sonoma County, paired with hand-selected local wines, and served after you’ve ridden anywhere from 22 to 82 miles, you know you’ve hit the jackpot. Routes snake along manicured vineyards and offer up plenty of robust climbs. Trips start and end in Healdsburg, a cozy hamlet with great spots for off-bike exploring. Groups max out at 12, making for an intimate vibe. Included luxuries like postride massages and laundry service for your kit add to the pampered feel.

5 days | 210 miles | $3,450 | Intermediate

Asheville Craft Beer Bike Tour | Outfitter Bicycle

This self-guided road tour includes stops at premier craft breweries in and around Asheville, North Carolina—including the bike-focused Oskar Blues in Brevard. Daily routes range from 8 to 75 miles, with a mountain bike option on day five.

6 days | 60–250 miles | starts at $1,595 | All levels

BEST BEACH-ADJACENT TOUR

Florida gulf beaches & rail trails bike tour, discovery bicycle tours.

Flat rail trails hug Florida’s scenic Gulf Coast and meander through state parkland for this weeklong trip. New riders will appreciate the super-chill pace and mostly traffic-free route. Off-bike options include kayaking, cultural visits (Salvador Dalí and Ringling Museums), and even an MLB spring training game. Sleep each night in a beachside hotel.

6 days | 140–210 miles | $2,495 | Recreational

Maui Biking | Great Explorations

Ride 25 to 65 miles each day, with options to customize: whale watching, daily yoga, and the option to tackle the 38-mile climb up the Haleakala volcano.

7 days | 260–375 miles | $2,750 | Intermediate

BEST CITY EXPERIENCE

Experience harlem tour, i bike harlem.

Get an intimate look at one of New York City’s most influential neighborhoods on this afternoon outing that introduces guests to the people and places that make the area a landmark district. You’ll ride through the heart of this vibrant section of northern Manhattan, and visit sites significant to Black culture and history, including churches, jazz clubs, speakeasies, museums, famous residences, and restaurants.

4.5 hours | 10 miles | $87 | Moderate

Baltimore, Richmond, Charlotte | Bike & Brunch Tours

All levels are welcome on these morning or afternoon tours that highlight Black history and community in one of three East Coast cities. Brunch is optional (and extra), but the temptation to grab a meal at a hidden local gem will be hard to resist.

3 hours | Up to 10 miles | $28–$43 | Recreational/Intermediate

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Exploring 10 Cities Around the World by Bike – Pedal-Powered Discoveries 2024

Posted: February 25, 2024 | Last updated: February 25, 2024

Sustainable city cycling tours offer an eco-friendly and intimate way to explore urban landscapes. These tours allow you to navigate through the heart of cities, often uncovering hidden gems that are not accessible by car or bus. From the bustling streets of Amsterdam to the historic lanes of Kyoto, cycling tours provide a unique perspective on city life, culture, and architecture. This guide takes you on a two-wheeled journey through some of the best cities in the world to explore by bike, each offering a distinct and memorable experience.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

In Amsterdam, cycling is more than a mode of transport; it’s a way of life. The city’s flat terrain, dedicated bike lanes, and respectful traffic culture make it ideal for exploring on two wheels. A bike tour here lets you experience the city like a local, weaving through historic canals, past iconic windmills, and through vibrant neighborhoods like the Jordaan. You’ll discover hidden courtyards and bustling marketplaces and perhaps pause for a coffee at a canal-side café. Cycling in Amsterdam offers a blend of leisure and exploration, allowing you to cover more ground than walking while enjoying the city’s sights up close.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Jordaan neighborhood to glimpse local Amsterdam life away from the tourist crowds.

When To Travel: Late spring to early fall offers pleasant weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The city center is easily accessible by train, and bike rentals are widely available.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s reputation as a bike-friendly city is well-earned. Its extensive network of bike lanes and the Danish culture of cycling make it a joy to explore on two wheels. A bike tour in Copenhagen might include the historic Nyhavn harbor, the whimsical Tivoli Gardens, and the modern architecture of the Ørestad district. Riding through Copenhagen, you’ll experience the city’s commitment to sustainability and quality of life. The tour is not just about seeing the sights; it’s about feeling the city’s pulse and understanding why Copenhagen is often ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world.

Insider’s Tip: Ride through the Assistens Cemetery, a peaceful and beautiful park where famous Danes like Hans Christian Andersen are buried.

When To Travel: May to September for the best cycling weather.

How To Get There: Copenhagen Airport is well-connected internationally, with easy public transport access to the city center.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a fascinating city to explore by bike. The city’s flat landscape and comprehensive network of bike paths allow for easy and safe navigation. A cycling tour in Berlin can take you through the remnants of the Berlin Wall, the lush expanses of the Tiergarten, and the bustling squares of Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz.

Along the way, you’ll encounter street art, historic landmarks, and the eclectic mix of modern and traditional architecture that defines Berlin. Cycling here offers a unique perspective on the city’s past and present, connecting you with its stories and spirit.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned public park, for a unique cycling experience.

When To Travel: Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Two airports serve Berlin, with excellent public transportation links to the city center.

4. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, with its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and tranquil gardens, is a city steeped in history. Exploring Kyoto by bike allows you to move at your own pace, visit famous sites like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and discover hidden alleys and local neighborhoods. Cycling in Kyoto is a journey through time, where modern streets give way to historic districts, and each turn brings a new discovery. The city’s respect for tradition and nature makes it a uniquely serene urban cycling experience.

Insider’s Tip: Take a detour to the Philosopher’s Path, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

When To Travel: Spring for cherry blossoms and fall for colorful foliage.

How To Get There: Fly into Kansai International Airport and take a train or bus to Kyoto. Bike rentals are readily available throughout the city.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s diverse landscape, from Gothic architecture in the old city to modernist landmarks and Mediterranean beaches, makes it an exhilarating city to explore by bike. A cycling tour here can take you through the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, along the vibrant Las Ramblas, and to the famous Sagrada Familia. You’ll experience the city’s artistic flair and lively atmosphere firsthand. Cycling in Barcelona is not just about sightseeing; it’s about immersing yourself in the city’s dynamic culture and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Insider’s Tip: Cycle up to Montjuic for panoramic views of the city and the sea.

When To Travel: Late spring and early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.

How To Get There: Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the main gateway, with easy transport options to the city center.

6. Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland’s reputation as one of America’s most bike-friendly cities is evident in its extensive bike lanes and trails network. A bike tour in Portland can include the vibrant downtown area, the serene Waterfront Park, and the quirky neighborhoods that give the city its unique character. With stops at local markets, artisan coffee shops, and craft breweries, you’ll discover Portland’s commitment to sustainability and community. Cycling in Portland is an opportunity to experience the city’s green ethos and creative spirit up close.

Insider’s Tip: Check out the Eastbank Esplanade for a scenic ride along the river.

When To Travel: Summer for the best weather and numerous cycling events.

How To Get There: Fly into Portland International Airport. The city center is easily accessible by public transport, and bike rentals are available throughout Portland.

7. Montreal, Canada

Montreal combines the charm of a French village with the energy of a cosmopolitan city, and exploring it by bike allows you to experience this blend firsthand. A cycling tour in Montreal might include the historic streets of Old Montreal, the bustling Atwater Market, and the scenic Lachine Canal. The city’s bike paths, like the Route Verte, make navigating easy and safe. Cycling in Montreal offers a unique way to experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene.

Insider’s Tip: Ride to the top of Mount Royal for a stunning view of the city.

When To Travel: Late spring to early fall for the best cycling conditions.

How To Get There: Montreal-Trudeau Airport is the main entry point, with good public transportation options to the city.

8. San Francisco, California, USA

San Francisco’s iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods make it a fascinating city to explore by bike. Despite its famous hills, there are plenty of flat and scenic routes, especially along the waterfront and the city’s many parks. A bike tour in San Francisco might include the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square. Cycling here allows you to experience the city’s unique blend of natural beauty, urban culture, and innovative spirit.

Insider’s Tip: Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and take the ferry back for a unique experience.

When To Travel: Late spring and early fall offer the most comfortable weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into San Francisco International Airport. The city is well-connected by public transport, and bike rentals are widely available.

9. Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s grand imperial history and vibrant contemporary culture are best experienced on a bike. The city’s extensive network of bike paths takes you past historic palaces, through charming neighborhoods, and along the blue Danube. A bike tour in Vienna might include the Hofburg Palace, the Prater amusement park, and the trendy districts of Neubau and Mariahilf. Cycling in Vienna is a journey through a city that seamlessly blends its past with the present.

Insider’s Tip: Take a leisurely ride in the Prater, a large public park with a long, tree-lined main avenue perfect for cycling.

When To Travel: Spring and early fall offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Vienna International Airport is the main gateway, with excellent public transportation links to the city center.

10. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne’s eclectic mix of art, culture, and cuisine makes it an exciting city to discover by bike. A cycling tour here can include the artsy laneways, beautiful parks like the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the vibrant beachside suburb of St Kilda. Melbourne’s flat terrain and well-developed bike paths make it easy to navigate, and you’ll quickly discover why it’s often ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Yarra River trail for scenic views and a peaceful ride away from the city bustle.

When To Travel: Fall (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer the best weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into Melbourne Airport. The city has a comprehensive public transport system, and bike hire is readily available.

The Bottom Line

Exploring cities by bike offers a unique perspective on urban landscapes and promotes a sustainable and healthy way of traveling. Each city on this list offers its own unique charm and attractions, best experienced at the leisurely pace of a bike ride. Remember, cycling tours are not just about physical activity; they’re about connecting with the city, its people, and its culture in an intimate and eco-friendly way. So, grab your helmet, hop on a bike, and start pedaling your way through some of the world’s most bike-friendly cities.

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The post Exploring 10 Cities Around the World by Bike – Pedal-Powered Discoveries 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / PR Image Factory.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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The best long-distance bike trails across the U.S.

Bikepacking trails or new places to adventure on two wheels.

Bikepacking, more commonly known as bicycle touring , is a self-supported trip in which participants spend days, weeks, or even years traveling across regions, countries, and continents via bicycle. One of its greatest perks is the opportunity to explore amazing places.

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR)

Florida connector, underground railroad bicycle route (ugrr), great american rail-trail.

Whether you’re traveling to a new city or region, there’s no better way to do this than on two wheels. You can cover more miles when pedaling  using your bike shoes rather than walking and, unlike driving, you’re still connected to your environment — no carbon footprint, just fresh air.

Here are some of the best long-distance bike trails to test your legs, spend a little time in the saddle, and witness amazing landscapes .

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This off-pavement route stretches from Banff, Alberta in Canada to the U.S.-Mexico border in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. The approximately 2,700-mile path crisscrosses the Continental Divide and is one of the world’s longest off-pavement route. Each year in June, the Tour Divide navigates the trail from north to south in a self-supported race. There are no prizes, only bragging rights. For those not wanting to toe the line in this epic race, the remote trail is open to anyone and includes single-track and forest service roads along with a few stretches of paved roads and paths.

Best experienced from December to March, the Florida Connector runs from St. Augustine to Fort Lauderdale. The more than 500-mile coast-to-coast-to-coast route includes a combination of sidewalks, bike paths, and bike lanes along shared roads. If you choose to ride the entire trail, it will take you from St. Augustine (on the eastern coast), the oldest city in the U.S., southwest across the state to Ft. Myers Beach (on the western coast) before turning east and finishing in Fort Lauderdale (back to the eastern coast).  

The UGRR pays homage to the enslaved freedom seekers looking to escape the oppression of pre-Civil War America. The route begins in Mobile, Alabama, and runs more than 2,000 miles north to Owen Sound, Ontario. Rivers and waterways were important navigational aids for those escaping north and the trail follows these from Alabama to Ohio before continuing north to Ontario. This route passes numerous historical landmarks and is a veritable tour of this period in our nation’s history. In addition to the south-to-north route, there is an optional 150-mile spur running from Pittsburgh to Erie, Pennsylvania.  

Traversing 12 states and stretching more than 3,700 miles, the Great American Rail-Trail , once completed, will connect Washington, D.C. to Washington State. This multi-use trail will link 125 existing trails across its route, but there are about 90 trail gaps that still need to be developed. While the trail may be years from completion, the foundation has been laid, and the project is already over 53% completed, with large existing sections providing stand-alone rides. The trail will also be readily accessible to almost 20% of the U.S. population that live within 50 miles of the route.

Tips for bikepacking

If you’re new to bikepacking and would like some tips to get started, we’re here to help. First, it’s important you start simple. You don’t need fancy, ultralight gear for your first trip. Use what you already have for camping, borrow from friends, or consider renting gear before you invest too much. Pack light because every extra ounce counts, so only bring the essentials. Focus on clothing that is versatile and have a good sleeping system, a lightweight cooking setup, and a water filtration method.

Pack heavier items in your frame bags and seat bag to balance your bike’s weight. Avoid overloading your handlebars, which can affect steering. This is when your creativity will come in handy — you can use dry bags strapped to your seat post or handlebars for additional storage.

Planning and preparation and more

Start small:  Begin with a short overnight loop near your home to test your setup and build confidence.

Practice packing:  Pack your gear on your bike well in advance of your trip and take a test ride to see how it handles.

Bike maintenance: Ensure your bike is in tip-top shape before you head out. Get a tune-up if needed, and learn how to fix basic mechanical problems on the road, such as a flat tire.

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Take a deep breath and dive beneath the surface, and an entirely different atmosphere swallows you up. All kinds of colorful fish, colonies of polyps that make up dwindling reefs, stingrays, and, if you're lucky, sea turtles or even whales might come into view. While snorkeling is sometimes overlooked for recreational scuba diving, this relatively tame activity can be so much more exciting than you expect.

In some destinations, such as Grand Cayman, you can even take WaveRunners from snorkel site to snorkel site. Regardless of the destination, feeling the sun on your back while you float and swim through cool water is just the beginning.

There's never really a bad time to visit one of the U.S. National Parks. At any time of the year, they have plenty to offer, but some parks can be inhospitable during the height of summer thanks to massive crowds and sky-high temperatures. Winter is an especially unique time of year to explore, with landscapes and wildlife changing and adapting to the season. With fewer vehicles on the road and fewer hikers on the trail, you can feel as though the whole park is yours when you visit during what most people — wrongly — call the off-season.

National Parks have something on offer for everyone, too. Whether you're looking for wildlife or hiking trails, opportunities for winter camping, or a sightseeing break to mix up your journey to or from a ski resort. There are over 60 national parks to choose from in the U.S. and reducing it down to just a few for winter has been no easy task, but these — we think — are the best national parks to visit in winter.

There are tons of great budget-friendly bikes with great features out there for even the best bike trails. However, finding the right one that meets your needs and holds up to the miles you plan to clock is essential to understand what bike will serve you best and fit well. While The Manual has carefully selected the best bikes in each style category, you still need to buy the correct fit from mountain bikes to electric bikes.

Many bike companies offer bike size guidelines based on the rider’s height. But, to make sure you get an accurate fit, you can also measure your inseam and consider that before purchasing as well. A bike needs to have a proper fit so you feel comfortable and stable while riding. Keep in mind that minor adjustments and fine-tuning the frame can be tinkered with once you have the overall right size of bike.

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Best Budget Mountain Bikes of 2024

A top-of-the-line mountain bike can cost nearly as much as an inexpensive car. Fortunately, there are also plenty of reliable, enjoyable mountain bikes that cost many thousands of dollars less. If you’re looking to hit the trail on a bike that’s responsive, sturdy, and won’t leave you with sticker shock, read on. We've identified excellent yet affordable mountain bikes that will have you clearing jumps, stomping landings, and riding steady even over gnarly terrain.

To help you find an affordable mountain bike that will fit your budget and your riding style, we did plenty of research, drew on first-hand cycling experience, and consulted with cycling professionals to curate this list of the best budget mountain bikes available today.

Table of Contents

• Best Budget Mountain Bikes
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Cannondale Habit HT 2 Mountain Bike  »

Smooth and responsive ride

130 mm fork travel

Relatively lightweight

Pedals sold separately

The Cannondale Habit HT 2 Mountain Bike is hardly cheap, but it costs a fraction of the price of top-of-the-line mountain bikes while performing competitively against them. It weighs less than 30 pounds thanks to its carbon alloy frame, and it has front suspension forks with a generous 130 millimeters of travel, so even when you come crashing down on solid rock after decent air, you don’t feel like your arms are going to snap. This 10-speed bike shifts gears smoothly, and it stops fast thanks to the SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes.

The separately sold pedals add to the upfront cost, but the Cannondale Habit HT 2 is the kind of bike you don’t replace; rather, it’s one you will maintain, repair, and upgrade for years to come. Thus, even as your riding level advances, you won’t need a newer, better bike, you’ll just enhance the bike you are already enjoying.

Mongoose Flatrock Hardtail Mountain Bike  »

Great low price

Mechanical disc brakes

Available in multiple sizes

Stubborn front derailleur

Many units arrive with cosmetic damage

Even in the larger category of budget mountain bikes, the Mongoose Flatrock Hardtail Mountain Bike is surprisingly affordable for a bike that garners mostly five-star reviews from its owners. It has many features you would not expect to see in a bike that costs less than $300, like disc brakes and a durable suspension system. The 21-speed bike offers plenty of power control whether you are cruising on flat land, flying downhill, or working to gain elevation, and those brakes will slow or stop you with precision.

To get the most out of all those 21 speeds, you may need to get your new Mongoose Flatrock Hardtail serviced by a pro; the front derailleur can be very stubborn, often refusing to shift from one gear to the next. Many customers of this affordable mountain bike report it arriving with some scratches and scuffs, but that’s going to happen in no time out there in the woods anyway. If you're looking for a true entry-level mountain bike that will be plenty of fun as you take to the trail, this is a great choice.

Santa Cruz Bicycles Chameleon MX D Mountain Bike  »

Excellent ground connection feel

Generous suspension fork travel

Lifetime warranty on frame

Pedals not included

A solidly built and tightly-tuned mountain bike, the Chameleon MX D lets you feel the ground beneath you, helping you maintain maximum control at maximum speed. Yet the 130 millimeters of suspension fork travel and the sturdy hardtail design absorb plenty of vibration and impact.

As is the case with many bikes in this gray area between budget and high-end, this bike doesn't ship with pedals, so be sure to buy those separately. What it does come with is a responsive 12-speed SRAM Eagle drivetrain that has gears well-balanced for ideal speed control and lactic acid conservation. Revised eight times and counting, the Santa Cruz Bicycles Chameleon MX D is a mountain bike that’s well worth the investment – look no further than the limited lifetime warranty the manufacturer puts on the frame as evidence of that.

Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike  »

Multiple gears offer excellent control

Full suspension

Needs extensive tuning before first ride

The 24-speed Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike offers a huge range of control over the gearing that's adeptly managed by Shimano shifters. In first gear, your legs will be spinning fast and easy as you claw your way up steep hills. In 24th gear, you’ll be whipping along over flat trails or positively flying on downhill runs. The mechanical disc brakes are surprisingly good, so you’ll still be able to slow or stop yourself with ease. And the 2.25-inch wide tires that come with the bike have a deep, aggressive tread pattern that bites into sand, mud, and other tricky terrain.

Unless you’re pretty handy with bikes, you'll likely need a pro to dial in this bike for you when it’s new because the shifters and brakes are often out of tune when the bike arrives. It's also quite heavy, which only makes the ease of pedaling in the lower gears more welcome. But on the trail, the Traxion is stable and reliable, with the front forks and midframe suspension features absorbing plenty of impact.

Cannondale Trail 6 Mountain Bike  »

Easy to ride

Frame absorbs shock

Multiple different frame sizes available

Sluggish on the uphill

Some units ship with no-name parts

If you’re new to mountain biking but confident you’re going to love it, the Cannondale Trail 6 Mountain Bike is a well-made, easy-to-ride mountain bike that you will still be enjoying a few years into your new hobby. Available in five different frame sizes, this bike can be tailored for riders of almost any height. It has a responsive 16-gear system with Shimano derailleurs and tight, reliable Tektro M275 hydraulic disc brakes. Note that some customers have reported getting bikes with no-name components, so check your bike when it arrives and contact the seller if that happens.

The frame is made with a proprietary carbon SmartForm C3 Alloy that ensures the bike is strong yet it’s also relatively flexible, absorbing the bumps and rumbling caused by mountain biking terrain and keeping you more comfortable and stable. The bike’s heavy wheels make it a bit lumbering as you ride uphill, but it still handles easily enough. Its price point is solid considering all the good there is to say about this bike; while hardly cheap, it’s still a great choice for novices who want to give themselves an edge while learning.

Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Mountain Bike  »

Solid on trail or pavement

Smooth gear shifting

Fair price point

Chain sometimes falls loose

Frame runs small

The Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Mountain Bike is almost as at home on paved roads or sidewalks as it is on mountain trails. The included tires are 2.1 inches wide, which is narrower than you’ll find on most mountain bikes and suited well to hard surfaces, yet that’s still plenty of surface area for dirt, sand, mud, and grass. It has smooth, responsive gears and reliable hydraulic disc brakes, and the suspension forks offer a decent 100 millimeters of travel that’s sufficient for moderate off-road terrain and plenty for paved surfaces.

At just under $600, this is a fairly priced budget mountain bike that's more like a hybrid mountain-road bicycle. The frame is on the heavier side if you primarily ride on pavement. The frame also runs small, so taller cyclists might want to go with something else. But the DRT 1.1 can accommodate riders weighing up to 300 pounds and it has 21 speeds, so you can adjust the pressure needed to suit the conditions and your comfort level.

The Bottom Line

The Cannondale Habit HT 2 Mountain Bike is our pick for the best budget mountain bike overall because it costs a quarter of what you might pay for a high-end mountain bike, yet it performs as well as options priced well over $5,000. It has responsive shifters and suspension forks with a sweet spot of 130 millimeters of travel, and it’s relatively lightweight. One of the other budget mountain bikes we covered may be your best choice, though, based on cost, use case, or unique features, so consider each one closely.

Things To Consider When Buying Budget Mountain Bikes

Bike Frame Material and Weight: A mountain bike’s frame material is about much more than weight alone, though that is a factor when it comes to material. These days, most mountain bikes are made out of carbon or aluminum – steel and titanium, once common, are more rarely seen, the former being simply too heavy, the latter just too pricey. Carbon frames are lighter in weight and better absorb the impacts of the trail, transferring less of the jarring off rocks and roots to your body. That said, carbon is more expensive than aluminum, which is a bit heavier and stiffer, but it can make for a much more affordable bike.

Frame Dimensions: Your bike frame has to fit your body properly or you won’t have as much fun or be as safe as you should while out there on the trails. To determine the correct frame size, factoring in an inch or two of height adjustment to the seat, you need to measure your inseam all the way to the ground, not just to below the ankle as you would for pants. Measure from a contact point beneath your groin straight to the floor. Inseams between 28 inches and 31 inches should opt for a frame that measures 15.5 inches. For an inseam between 30 and 32 inches, a 17.5-inch frame will work. And for 33 to 35-inch inseams, pick a 19.5-inch frame.

Suspension Features: Any bike that you’ll be riding on rough terrain and on which you may be catching some air needs to have front suspension forks. These will dramatically reduce the force of impact as you ride, ensuring your experience is better under control, more comfortable, and safer. As for a full suspension mountain bike, where the seat also has a moving cylinder, that’s less essential, especially at a more amateur riding level. “A hard tail requires far less suspension maintenance and is a great platform to jump onto [when you’re] a beginner rider,” says competitive cyclist Jeff Block.

Gear System: The more speeds a bike has, speeds being the different combinations of gears you can create to enhance or reduce the difficulty and output efficiency of your pedaling, the more you can fine-tune your ride to suit the terrain, your athleticism, and your fatigue at any given moment. But don’t get too caught up in the number of gears, not when the type of shifter and derailleur also matter. The former is the hardware your hand operates to change gears, and the latter is the device that physically shifts the bike’s chain to another gear. Look for derailleurs from brands like Shimano, SRAM, and microSHIFT for high-quality options.

Brake Type: These days, disc brakes are far and away the most popular braking systems on mountain bikes, hybrids, and road bikes alike. Though V brakes and cantilever brakes wherein the wheel of the bike itself is squeezed are still seen in new bikes (usually lower-cost options), disc brakes are generally more responsive and are the better choice for use during intense rides when precise control is critical.

Price and Value for Money: “The key to a good beginner bike is to not overshoot the mark on getting a World Cup race bike before you even know how to ride,” says Block. If you are an outright beginner when it comes to mountain biking and you are watching your budget, it’s probably a good idea to go with a very low-priced bike, just in case you abandon the hobby. If you buy a mid-range bike and fall in love with mountain biking, you’ll be stuck with a semi-affordable, semi-appropriate bike, whereas if you went very low cost you could now invest more in a higher-end model. If you are a mid-level mountain biker and see yourself staying as a more casual enthusiast, shop in the middle price range.

How We Chose the Best Budget Mountain Bikes

Even a budget mountain bike is still a significant investment, especially if it's one you can customize, maintain, and enjoy for at least several years. We did careful research in choosing which bikes to feature, looking at key factors like suspension, shifting mechanisms, brake types, and fork travel. We also considered the type of terrain to which various mountain bikes were best suited.

In addition, we spoke to mountain biking experts to get their takes on what to look for in a budget mountain bike. These included cycling gear professional Jeff Block , a competitive road cyclist and mountain biker, and outdoor industry professional Eric Hockman, a lifelong mountain biking enthusiast. Both Block and Hockman told us specific brands of mountain bikes they especially like and offered general thoughts to keep in mind when shopping for one that’s affordable.

Contributor Steven John also relied on his own extensive experience as a mountain biker. He then arrived at his final list based on extensive research and a close reading of reviews left by confirmed customers.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US

U.S. News & World Report contributor Steven John is an avid mountain biker. He leaned heavily on his experience and well over a dozen years spent researching, testing, and reviewing outdoor products. Beyond his work with U.S News & World Report, John also writes for New York Magazine, The Daily Beast, Dad Gear Review, Business Insider, Architectural Digest, Forbes, and several other outlets.

Look at the hardware used on the bike as you consider the quality. Does the mountain bike in question have disc brakes or V brakes? Does it have a derailleur from a known brand like Shimano or does it use unnamed hardware? Is the frame made of aluminum, carbon, or an alloy? The aggregate of these and other similar questions will help you assess the overall quality of an affordable mountain bike.

The differences between a high-end and a budget mountain bike will likely not be significant enough for an amateur rider to even notice. Higher-end bikes allow for more precise tuning and they may dampen the impacts of rough trials more, but the real differences will come more in the longevity and customization of the more expensive bike, which will last longer and will allow for more tuning and altering than a basic bicycle.

Ultimately, a higher-end mountain bike is going to offer the level of control an expert rider needs when performing jumps, riding up steep berms, or navigating the toughest downhill singletrack trails. But for the more moderate riding a newer mountain biker is likely to face, a budget mountain bike is just fine. “Good [budget bikes] get any beginner down the most technical trail they might want to ride in their first few years riding a mountain bike,” says Block.

While service needs will vary based on how often you ride your mountain bike, in the scheme of things, the cost of your bike doesn’t much affect the frequency of service needs save that cheaper components on less expensive bikes may break, necessitating repair. In general, plan to check your mountain bike tire treads and sidewalls every three months; check the brakes and clean the drivetrain every six months; and have a professional inspect the frame annually. If you ride quite a bit (as in more than three times a week), shave about a third off of these times, meaning check the tires every two months, the brakes every four, and so on.

About Our Team

Steven John

Contributor

Jeff Kinney

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

9 Best Bike Bags for City Commutes and Long-Haul Adventures—Tested and Reviewed

No matter how much gear you have, these can handle it.

This journey wasn't just about racking up miles ; it was an odyssey that put every conceivable type of bike bag to the test, from sleek frame bags that hug the contours of his bike like a 2000s tailored suit to rugged panniers ready for a tumble and still come out looking picture-perfect.

Best Travel Bag for Carrying a Bike

Thule roundtrip road bike travel case.

Best Bike Bag for Commuting

Brompton x bear grylls waterproof backpack.

Best Bag for Bikepacking

Apidura expedition full frame pack.

Best Handlebar Bike Bag

Rapha bar bag.

Best Everyday Bike Bag

Orucase saddle bag.

Best Hydration Bag for Biking

Camelbak m.u.l.e. pro 14.

Best Bike Panniers

Ortlieb back-roller classic panniers.

Best Bag For Bike Tools

Lezyne flow tool caddy pro.

Best Looking Bag for Cycling

Moral code tide vegan backpack.

Through this shared adventure, coupled with an amount of research that could rival a doctoral thesis , I've compiled a list of the crème de la crème of bike bags. Each one is a story of durability, functionality, and sometimes, sheer style because, let's face it, even the most rugged of cyclists doesn't mind a bit of flair. So, whether you're a seasoned pedaler or a casual cruiser, join me on this quest through the best bike bags out there. Oh, and if you need the best bike racks or helmets , we have guides for those too.

This travel bike case is a premier solution for transporting your road, gravel, or cyclocross bike easily and safely during long-haul travels. Its integrated work stand not only guarantees your bike's safe transit but also facilitates hassle-free maintenance and assembly/disassembly. This case promises not just to carry your bike but to protect and maintain it every step of the journey.

Crafted from 100 percent recycled waterproof material, the Brompton x Bear Grylls Backpack is environmentally friendly and resilient against the elements—making it perfect for daily commutes in any weather. Its seamless integration with Brompton bikes, attaching securely with a quick click to the front, enhances the commuting experience by providing a hassle-free way to carry essentials. This collaboration with Bear Grylls aims to inspire adventure in the everyday, blending the functionality of urban cycling with the spirit of exploration.

The Expedition Full Frame Pack from Apidura is the ultimate game-changer in bike packing. Imagine you're gearing up for a long haul and have a load of stuff—think cooking gear, water bladders, tent poles, the whole shebang.

This genius pack slots right into your bike's main triangle, giving you tons of space without messing with your ride, thanks to its clever low center of gravity. It's like the best buddy for adventurers who don't want to leave behind their essentials for those epic trips. The way it's designed, you can load it up and still keep your bike feeling nimble and easy to handle, no matter how challenging the trail gets.

This versatile pack becomes the perfect partner for those trips where you need just a bit more room to pack your essentials. Crafted with waterproof fabric, it keeps your belongings dry if you get caught in a downpour. It snugly attaches to your bike using two solid fixture points and sturdy Hyperlon straps, staying put no matter the terrain.

Plus, the quick-release buckles mean you can snap it off in a flash. Need to be seen when the sun goes down? The reflective webbing is a neat feature that lets you attach lights, keeping you visible and safe. With a 2L main compartment complete with internal mesh pockets and a handy quick access pocket, it's a compact yet mighty addition to your gear. And if the ride calls for versatility, this pack smoothly transitions into an over-the-shoulder bag, thanks to the additional strap.

Ever find yourself needing just the right bag for everyday rides, no matter the terrain or weather? This is your bag. It comes in two sizes, giving you the freedom to carry just the essentials or pack in a bit more for those just-in-case moments, perfect for mountain bikers, road enthusiasts, or gravel grinders alike.

What really sets this saddle bag apart is its rugged, waterproof ripstop fabric. Made from X-PAC material by Dimension-Polyant, it ensures whatever you stash inside stays dry and safe, even when you're powering through a torrential downpour or blasting over muddy trails. Plus, the bag features an integrated Bartacked Hypalon attachment loop, making it super simple to open and close, even when you're on the move.

Heading out for a ride and need to keep hydrated? This bag’s a great pick if you want something light but tough. With its 3D Vent Mesh Harness, it’s super breathable and comfy to carry. There’s also a big three-liter water pouch that lets you drink on the go, and a handy hip belt for your must-haves. Whether it’s a short ride or an all-day adventure, this pack’s ready for anything, even fitting an Impact Protector and an e-bike battery.

These Ortlieb Back-Roller bike panniers are built to withstand whatever the weather throws at you, thanks to their tough coated polyester fabric and roll-top closure that keeps water out.

You won't have to leave anything behind with a 40-liter gear capacity. (That's 20 liters each, for those keeping score.) There's plenty of room for food, extra clothes, toiletries, and other essentials. The QL2.1 mounting system makes attaching these to racks (up to 16 mm tube diameter) a breeze and comes with adapters for smaller sizes too. Plus, there's an inner pocket for smaller items, large reflectors for visibility, and a shoulder strap for easy carrying off the bike.

Sold as a pair, these panniers are praised for their top-notch quality and design, featuring remarkably good latches and overall capacity.

Ever been biking, rummaging through a pile of gear for your tube and tools, feeling the frustration mount? Well, say goodbye to those days with the Lezyne Flow Tool Caddy Pro. This tool bag is a game-changer for cyclists who value organization and convenience. Its sleek, ergonomic design not only fits perfectly in your water bottle cage but also offers easy access and smart storage while you're on the move.

With internal compartments that include a zippered section and a mesh pocket, this caddy ensures your tube, CO2 canisters, and multi-tools are neatly organized and always within reach. And when you're dealing with a flat by the roadside, the full 180-degree zipper opening means you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips, hassle-free.

If you're heading out for quick ride around town and want to do it in style, the Tide backpack is our pick. It's practicality and sleek, making it a top pick for cyclists who appreciate both form and function. With its waterproof capabilities, you won't have to worry about getting caught in a downpour, and its durability means it can handle the rough and tumble of city life.

But what really sets the Tide backpack apart for us is the brand's commitment to style without sacrificing sustainability. It's made from recycled plastic bottles with vegan apple leather accents. The classic flap design gives you easy access to the main compartment, ensuring everything you need is just a zipper away. Plus, with extra pockets, your smaller essentials are always within reach.

What to Look for in a Bike Bag

When diving into the vast sea of bike bags, it's easy to get swept away by the sheer variety and advertised features. However, focusing on a few key factors can help you navigate these waters.

Type of Cycling - For the rugged off-roader, durability and water resistance are your best mates. Urban commuters, on the other hand, might prioritize ease of access and reflective elements for twilight rides.

Capacity and Compartments - Think Mary Poppins' bag, but for cyclists. You want enough space to stash your essentials but with savvy compartments to avoid a chaotic treasure hunt whenever you need your keys.

Attachment systems - A bag that fits snugly and securely on your bike is like a faithful sidekick, ready for any adventure without causing a ruckus.

Material - Look for lightweight yet sturdy fabrics that can handle adverse weather conditions and keep your belongings safe and dry.

Why Trust Esquire?

We don't have all the answers, but we're definitely not slacking on the research front, and we make it a point to chat with the experts. Our circle includes a bunch of recreational cyclists who are always on the move, giving us the lowdown on which bike racks are hitting the mark and which ones are missing it by miles. Toss in our own in-depth research, and you're looking at the best advice on the internet. We're here to guide you through the dizzying array of choices, slicing through the clutter to spotlight bike bags that truly excel in durability, user-friendliness, and versatility.

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