What is the best bicycle for long-distance touring?

Looking for the best bicycle for long-distance touring? Bicycle adventures not only show you an amazing destination but also give you amazing memories along the way. With many different bikes to choose from, what is the best bicycle for long-distance touring? In this article, we will tell you what to look for in a long-distance bike, what options are available, and where you might want to ride for an excellent tour.

What is important on a long-distance bike tour

When it comes to a long-distance bike tour, there is a lot you need to consider. The first is that the bike you plan to use has the right characteristics for the task at hand. A touring bike can come as a logical first choice. It is a good one, but not the only one. Here is what we recommend you look for in the best bicycle for long-distance touring. 

The best bicycle for long-distance touring must be

• Comfortable
• Reliable
• Durable
• Capable of carrying a large load
• Able to ride on multiple surfaces
• Easy to fix on the road

Comfortable

For bike touring, the first thing to look for is comfort. If you find the bike uncomfortable, it is going to make the riding miserable and the whole trip. A comfortable bike will have upright geometry, a good saddle, be properly fitted to you, and wide tires to take the vibrations out of the road.

Reliable 

Next, we have reliability. If you are planning a long-distance tour, you will need to take a bike that will continue to work well no matter the miles you are doing or the gear you are carrying. This will mean having good gearing, brakes, wheels, and tires, and it helps when the bike is easy to work on.

Durable

Another big factor that many long-distance cyclists overlook is durability. You need a bike with components that can take a lot of knocks and still work. Using materials such as steel goes a very long way for durability, and unlike carbon, the frames can be repaired easily. 

Capable of carrying a large load

Then we have a large carrying capacity. You need a bike with not just the ability to have a high capacity weight limit of up and above around 130 kilograms, but it also needs to have mounting points for bags and panniers.

Able to ride on multiple surfaces

Finally, the ability to ride on multiple surfaces is not essential, but it does make a bike for touring much more versatile. This means you do not just have to be on the roads. You can be on trails and much more. 

Easy to fix on the road

Depending on your destination, you will not necessarily have bike stores to help you repair your bike. All parts must be accessible and easy to change. For example, avoid cables running through the frame.

What are the options on the market?

When it comes to long-distance touring, a bike doesn’t always have to be a touring bike. There are many options, such as gravel bikes and mountain bikes. Below, you will find some of the different types of bikes that are amazing for touring, why they are good, and some recommendations. 

There are a few other types of bikes people use for touring, such as road bikes, hybrid bikes, tandem bikes, and even fat bikes. There are no rules about what bikes you can use or how you should use them when it comes to long-distance cycling. If it works for you, then ride away.

We also have a guide to help you know how to choose a bike for bikepacking or to know what are our top 5 best gravel bikes for bikepacking.

Choosing the best bicycle for long-distance touring: where do you plan to ride?

Want some amazing places you can go bike touring that will open you up to the world in a way you might have never thought about? To inspire you, here are some of the best touring bike routes in the world!

The Great Divide mountain bike route

Based in the USA and Canada, the Great Divide mountain bike route is 4345 kilometers long and stretches from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. It takes you into remote wilderness and shows stunning mountain scenery. While it is a classic route to start bikepacking, it is undeniably demanding.

The North Sea Cycle Route

The North Sea Cycle Route is 6000 kilometers long and circles the North Sea, passing through eight countries, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and even England. It offers coastal landscapes, cities full of history, and many cultural attractions. 

The Munda Biddi Trail

The Munda Biddi Trail, which spans 1600 kilometers, offers amazing off-road cycling in Western Australia. It goes from Mundaring to Albany, through forest parks and reserves, and is full of amazing wildlife. Read our guide on where to sleep while bikepacking to avoid bad encounters!

The Friendship Highway

If 765 kilometers between Nepal and Tibet is the kind of adventure you are looking for, then look no further than the Friendship Highway. High mountain passes and views like no other place, it’s the adventure of a lifetime. 

What is the best bicycle for long distance touring?

The best bicycle for long-distance touring will be comfortable, reliable, durable, and able to carry lots of weight over multiple terrains. The right long-distance touring bike will allow you to go on the adventures you want to go on. If you still ask yourself where to buy a bike, have a look at our shop!