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In addition, due to the thicker walls of the frame tubes and the use of more stable materials, they are designed for higher loads and have a different frame geometry.

The frames of the touring bikes have a longer rear end than other standard bikes and a stronger fork offset. This increases the distance between the rear and front wheels (wheelbase) and gives you more space for panniers.

You also don’t hit your luggage with your heels, which has a positive effect on smooth running. Even a fully packed touring bike is safe and easy to steer. However, these bikes lack maneuverability in busy city traffic – a fact

The most important features of the touring bike at a glance :

With touring bikes, you can choose between the hub and derailleur gears. Models in the high-priced segment often rely on Rohloff hub gears. The Pinion gear shift has been new since 2015. This is located under the bottom bracket and has a maximum of 18 gears. The most important thing is the range of translations.

Hub gears are very popular with cyclists because they can be shifted while stationary, are easy to use, and are maintenance-free. Which circuit is more suitable for you depends on the intended use. In flat areas, a 3 to 5-gear shift is usually sufficient.

However, the situation is different in hilly regions, where derailleur gears with 21 gears and more are more suitable. Alternatively, a hub gear with 14 gears is just as good.

The majority of touring bikes have 28-inch wheels, but some models use 26-inch tires for reasons of stability. The tire width varies between 28 millimeters and 35 millimeters and has a high level of puncture protection. For trips on mixed terrain, tires with a non-slip side knob and an easy-running, smooth center lane offer good all-round properties.

The term “randonneur” has its origins in French and means “wanderer”. In 1891, the Paris-Brest-Paris long-distance trip was organized for the first time and advertised as a randonnée à vélo – i.e. as a bicycle tour. Since then, long-distance bikes have been referred to as randonneurs, which can be compared to classic touring bikes.

Since long-distance cyclists usually travel with a lot of luggage and occasionally ride in rough terrain, the frame is usually made of sturdy aluminum or steel. Another feature is the special frame geometry: the randonneur frames have a longer rear triangle and stronger fork offset than other bike types. This increases the wheelbase to make room for special luggage racks.

✅ WHAT DISTINGUISHES A BICYCLE FROM A TOURING BIKE?

A bike tour places special demands on the bike, after all, it has to cope with a wide range of route profiles and be able to reliably carry your luggage.

Therefore, a touring bike usually has a higher possible payload thanks to reinforced frames and wheels, as well as several stable luggage racks at the front and rear to securely hold saddlebags, panniers, and luggage rolls.

In addition, touring bikes often have hydraulic brakes and wide-ranged derailleur gears in order to be able to come to a standstill easily and safely in all conditions and to be able to easily cope with any incline.

Ergonomic attachments such as saddle, handlebars, and grips, as well as the ability to adapt to the rider, enable you to cover long distances without getting tired.

✅ WHICH SADDLE FITS THE TOURING BIKE?

The saddle is one of the most important contact points on the bike and is all the more important the longer you sit on your bike. A decisive factor for the right saddle width is your sit bone distance, which you can have quickly and easily determined in all our branches.

You can recognize your ideal saddle by the fact that you don’t get any numbness even after longer rides and there are no pressure or chafing points. Whether your saddle is more or less padded is usually up to your personal preference – we recommend wearing cycling shorts in any case, which provide additional comfort thanks to the sewn-in seat pad.

Before a bike tour, you should test your pants/saddle combination extensively so that you can ride on your tour without any problems. The right saddle height and inclination also contribute to the comfort of the seat, you should also determine and test the right settings for you before the trip.

✅ WHAT WEIGHT DOES A TOURING BIKE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO CARRY?

Most manufacturers specify a maximum permissible system weight for their bikes, which is made up of rider + bike + load. Up to this weight, driving safety is guaranteed under all conditions and it should never be exceeded.

For a bike tour you can plan at least a load of 20 to 25 kilos plus reserve, which quickly comes together with four panniers, full drinks bottles and rainwear, depending on what kind of trip you are planning. The higher the possible payload, the stronger and more stable the frame and wheels are. Designated touring bikes often have a permissible system weight of 160 or even 170 kilograms.

✅ HUB GEARS OR DERAILLEUR GEARS FOR THE TOURING BIKE?

Hub gears and derailleur gears each offer advantages and disadvantages that need to be weighed up according to your preferences and travel routes.

The hub gear scores with its almost maintenance-free function, as well as quiet and precise operation, but it is inferior to the derailleur gear in terms of gradation and overall transmission range. The gearbox, which is protected in the encapsulated hub, has a higher internal resistance, which means that you always have the feeling that the hub gears run a little harder than the derailleur gears.

The derailleur gears, on the other hand, offer the right gear ratio for almost all route profiles, are easy and precise to operate and, with the right care, are very durable. However, the chain and the other shifting components require regular cleaning and maintenance, otherwise, there is a risk of increased wear or sluggish functioning.

✅ STEEL OR ALUMINUM FRAME FOR A TOURING BIKE?

Aluminum frames are widely used in frame construction and offer numerous advantages. The material is light and robust and can be designed in many tube shapes thanks to modern manufacturing processes. However, for higher payloads, the tube cross-sections must also be larger.

Steel frames, on the other hand, appear pleasantly filigree thanks to their classic and slim tube shapes. Even if a steel frame is a little heavier than an aluminum frame, it is much more robust and durable, and more forgiving of a quirk or a fall. If necessary, a steel frame can also be repaired or straightened, which can be a decisive advantage, especially on a large-scale trip.

✅ WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF TOURING BIKES?

Touring bikes are extremely reliable and durable thanks to their robust construction and reinforced components. The frame and wheels are designed for high weights and usually carry heavy riders and loads effortlessly.

The shifting and braking components can handle almost any terrain, with a variety of options for storing luggage at the front and rear. In terms of riding comfort and ergonomics, touring bikes usually offer a higher level than conventional bikes.

✅ WHICH BRAKES ON THE TOURING BIKE?

If, as with a touring bike, a high total weight has to be reliably decelerated, there is actually no way around a hydraulic disc brake. The disc brake offers powerful braking performance with low operating force at the same time and has successfully established itself in almost every bicycle category.

Some touring bikes still have a proven and effective rim brake, which is then also hydraulically operated due to the low operating force. Our prediction is that in the not too distant future, disc brakes will completely oust rim brakes.

✅ WHICH HANDLEBARS FOR THE TOURING BIKE?

With the width and offset, the handlebars largely determine the grip and comfort of your touring bike. An unsuitable handlebar can lead to tension in the neck or back or cause pain in the wrists. To counteract this, the levers should be set appropriately for your seating position and size, ie the shifters should be within easy reach and your fingers and arms should form a straight line when holding the brake lever.

The longer your driving time, the more important it is to vary your seating position. Here the curved road bike handlebars have an advantage over the simple tubular handlebars, as they offer three variants with top, STI, and lower handlebar grips. Other components that you can use to influence grip comfort are the grips or the handlebar tape and the stem.