Bicycle tourism is a popular sport, which is gaining more and more adherents every year. An integral accessory is a tourist bike. We will tell you about its features and how to choose a worthy vehicle.
The main differences between a tourist bike
The main requirement for a bicycle for tourist trips is comfort and increased traffic. This is, first of all, a frame, steel or titanium. Aluminum frame because of the rigidity for long trips is not suitable.
Comfortable riding on sports and tourist bicycles is provided by a soft seat. Rigid and narrow seats do not fit. Also, for a long distance trip, bicycles are equipped with low-rise steering wheels.
By the way, on sale you can find a tourist bike with a long wheelbase. Driving on such a vehicle is softer, but, nevertheless, maneuverability is significantly reduced.
Bicycles for tourists - how to choose?
Before buying it is worth to be prepared for the fact that the cost of a tourist bike will cost a pretty penny. And in fact, a quality vehicle can not be cheap.
The main parameter is a good and sturdy frame, made in the form of a triangle, without any curvatures. The best material is titanium, the average quality is steel. Aluminum version is not bad, relatively inexpensive, but harsh for long trips.
Another important parameter is the wheels. For long distances, you need strong rubber with a perceptible protector for patency. Usually for tourist bicycles the tire diameter, from 28 mm up to 32 mm, is typical. Strong should be the spokes and rims of the wheels. A great option - dural components.
If you do not intend to go through complex mountain areas where special maneuverability is required, you should not buy a model with a huge number of speeds and switches.
In addition, when choosing a suitable tourist bike, do not forget that it has enough room for fastening the trunk, and, both rear and front, because you need to fit the necessary equipment on it.
There is another important "trifle", which can not be forgotten while staying in search of the best tourist bikes. The frame of the bicycle should be equipped on the frame with fixings for the flask holders. Ideally, if there are 2-3 tanks.