me and my friend (memoman) are planning to ride the typical cycling expedition lands end to John O groats next year. since we have only just started planning i wanted to know what the difference was between a road bike and a touring bike? both look really similar but i know ones going to be better for the journey. one more thing does any one know the best brands for this kind of bike?
Touring bikes
- Thread starter dalbo96
- Start date
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oldfatfool
Guru
I have a ridgeback panorama tourer. In general a touring bike (compared to a road bike) will have wider tires, geared for hills rather than speed, have all the nesacary braze ons for racks, panniers, mud guards, more bottles etc. Wheels will generally be stronger 36 spokes compared to 20, It will also be heavier and the geometry will be aimed at comfort rather than speed. Frame is more likely to be steel.
aberal
Guru
- Location
- Midlothian
...and a longer wheelbase and fork rake for stability under load. Consider the difference between a thoroughbred racehorse and a Clydesdale cart horse. That's the difference - one built for speed the other for carrying a load.
vernon
Harder than Ronnie Pickering
- Location
- Meanwood, Leeds
Don't forget to include flat barred hybrids in your search for a suitable touring bike.
The UK appears to be the only place where dropped bared 'racers' and tourers are recommended for touring. Go to mainland Europe and the overwhelming majority of touring bikes are hybrids, mountain bikes and sit up and beg bikes. I saw only two drop barred touring bikes on the very popular Eurovelo Six route in France, Switzerland and Germany.
superbadger
Über Member
ahhhh Memoman!!!! Had a conversation with him few days back...
Your his mate with the MTB. Well i did say to him i thought a rigid MTB would be best for that kind of trip because its perfect to turn into a tourer. He never mentioned times or anything so i am guessing its just something you guys want to do? If so then i do suggest MTB fully kitted-out. You can carry more stuff on them,they very robust and should a flood hit sunny Scotland for 1st few days it get you through it....
. You can click on my profile and see what i did with my bike... Its done just short of 2000 miles now and 500 was touring with a heavy load! Only had it since Feb! A cheap bike with loads of accessories and loving care....
. Keep us posted what you decide coz i nosey!!!!
Your his mate with the MTB. Well i did say to him i thought a rigid MTB would be best for that kind of trip because its perfect to turn into a tourer. He never mentioned times or anything so i am guessing its just something you guys want to do? If so then i do suggest MTB fully kitted-out. You can carry more stuff on them,they very robust and should a flood hit sunny Scotland for 1st few days it get you through it..... You can click on my profile and see what i did with my bike... Its done just short of 2000 miles now and 500 was touring with a heavy load! Only had it since Feb! A cheap bike with loads of accessories and loving care..... Keep us posted what you decide coz i nosey!!!!
