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One of the best ways to see the countryside and appreciate the beauty of the land is to travel by bicycle. All you need is a pack with the basic necessities, a good quality touring bike and a lot of energy, and you'll be on your way to seeing the world in a whole new way. Touring bicycles, as the name suggests, are used by cyclists wanting to travel while carrying supplies. These bicycles have racks mounted on the front and rear of the frame for carrying the extra gear like a change of clothes, food etc. They have mudguard mounting points, triple water bottle mounts, a large wheelbase and a suitable frameset for wider tires. The most popular touring bicycles that are used today are road, recumbent and tandem bikes. Each of these cycles has its own unique advantages and disadvantages and should be purchased according to your individual requirements. The classic style of road touring bicycle has 700C wheels. The diameter of the wheels is the same as a racing bike, but the rims are wider and there is more frame clearance. Manufacturers have recently begun to modify the 26-inch mountain bike tires, allowing them to provide more strength and better resistance. A recumbent touring bicycle has a unique appearance because of the position of the seat. The recumbent rider sits on a reclined seat, low to the ground, with legs outstretched in front. Steering is positioned above or below the seat level. Tandems are known as "bicycles built for two", and are essentially meant to carry two riders. These are popular choices for couples wishing to travel long distances economically. The drawback to these bikes is that they can't carry any extra weight, so riders have to hitch a trailer to bring supplies along for the ride. Many modern touring bikes are equipped with front and rear luggage racks, road handlebars and specialized saddles to provide long distance comfort. These bikes also feature rugged hubs, heavy-duty rims and 36-spoke wheels to increase their stability and reliability. A long wheelbase and stable steering arrangement add to the ease of use and practicality. Many models feature longer chain stays to help cyclists ride longer distances with less discomfort. There are various attachment points on touring bikes to keep luggage, fix fenders, and store those all-important water bottles. Some models even allow additional space to store spare parts. Attaching a trailer is another option, and pulling the extra gear behind the bike can provide a low center of gravity. Touring bicycles are born to ride and able to withstand elements and take the cyclist over long distances. The frame and parts are built with sturdy, long-lasting materials, allowing the bikes to handle fast climbs and descents while loaded down with gear. The normal caliper brakes used in racing bikes are replaced with cantilever or lever-pulled brakes. Some manufacturers have implemented disc brakes to provide excellent stopping power. The added utility and ruggedness are usually gained at the expense of speed, but this is a compromise that touring cyclists are willing to make. The unique combination of features and benefits are what makes the touring bike the ride of choice for adventurous travelers who want an up close and personal view of the countryside.
Article Source: http://www.health-fitness-for-all.com
Celeste Izon is an essayist for numerous web sites, on leisure activity and recreation center topics.
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