If you want to do multi-day cycle trips, you're probably looking for something strong, reliable and comfortable, with a wide range of gearing. Something you can load up with panniers or bags and ride out into the unknown. And with drop-handlebar 'adventure' bikes rocketing in popularity, are they now the best touring bike for your money?
The classic steel-framed British touring bicycle still has many fans, due to its clean lines, rugged design and emphasis on comfort. But the emergence of disc-brake-equipped gravel bikes that come fully loaded with rack mounts and mudguard fixings has blurred the lines considerably.
Many people still love flat-bar hybrid bikes, more often seen zipping through city traffic, which can be fitted with a pannier rack and pressed into service – perfect if you don’t plan to venture far beyond bike paths and country lanes close to home. E-bikes (the 'e' stands for electric, as these are motor-assisted) commonly fall into this category too.
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Finally, there’s something called 'expedition touring bikes'. Designed to survive being ridden for long periods of time in the less developed parts of the world, they'll often feature 26in wheels for maximum compatibility, cantilever brakes and other components that are strong, light and easy to replace.
So which is the best touring bike for you? Let's find out…
- Top 5 gravel bikes of 2016
- 8 steps to the ultimate bike packing adventure
- All our touring bike reviews
Classic touring bikes
Three classic touring bikes to consider
Adventure bikes
Three adventure bikes to consider
- Specialized AWOL – read our review
- Trek 920 – buy here
- Genesis Croix de Fer – read our review
Flat-bar hybrid bikes
Three hybrid bikes to consider
- Koga Raodrunner – buy here
- Specialized Sirrus – read our review
- Giant Escape – read our review
E-bikes
Three e-bikes to consider
Expedition touring bikes
Three expedition touring bikes to consider
- Genesis Tour de Fer – buy here
- Oxford Bike Works Expedition – buy here
- Surly Long Haul Trucker – buy here
Bike panniers and bags
- Ortlieb panniers – read our review
- Alpkit backpacking bags – buy here
- Wildcat bikepacking bags – read our review
Other technology
- Read our guide to the best GPS devices for cycling
- Read our guide to the best bike lights for road cycling
- Read OutdoorGearLab’s guide to the best solar chargers
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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