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Before venturing out on your bicycle tour, you of course need to buy a bike. There are an increasing number of companies offering touring models these days, so what is offered below are general things to look for when making this important decision.
First of all, what kind of roads you'll be touring on will determine what kind of bike you'll be buying. You obviously don't want a road touring bike if most of your time will be spent on dirt and gravel trails.
Speaking of travelling gear, make a point to look out for multiple mounting points on your bicycle as there'll be plenty of items you'll need to have easy access to, such as mounts for your luggage and bottle. Since your bicycle will be weighed down with so many items, touring bicycles typically come equipped with heavy duty wheels to withstand the extra load. To provide further comfort during the ride, choose flexible frames rather than highly rigid frames.
The classic touring bike is very similar in looks to a racing bike but there are many subtle differences. The frame for example is different, built with comfort rather than speed in mind if you're going to be riding your bike for weeks or even months, comfort is crucial. A touring bike sacrifices speed for comfort. But if you're touring you are not racing so the sacrifice is well worth it.
Mountain bikes have really risen to popularity in the last decade or so. Buying a full mountain bike is probably pointless unless you're intending to go tearing up and down mountains! Mountain bikes have very sturdy and chunky frames, chunky tyres, and most these days also have dual suspension. Importantly they also have very low gear ratios so that riders are able to get up hills effectively. But on the downside, full mountain bikes aren't really very good for cycling on roads because the chunky tyres cause a lot of drag.
Space and Ventilation: Consider your camping gear and the number of persons who will sleep inside the tent. It must be spacious enough to accommodate the individuals and the gear. It is important to have openings on all the sides, as it helps maintain proper ventilation and air flow.
Simple Set Up: A tent with a simple set-up system and operations can be easily set up in the midst of darkness, rain or harsh winds. Dome shaped and A-frame ones are easier to set up.
All the top cycle components, clothing, frames and cycle manufacturers have their own web-sites, once you've found what you really want for your bike, most sites can link you to a retail out let, from there, with the use of your credit card you can order the goods on-line, or check out a store near to where you live and if they stock what you are looking for.
The road bicycle, as mentioned, is getting even more popular. That's because more people are seeing the need for exercise, and biking is one exercise activity that is both effective and enjoyable. You get to see scenery when you go out with your bike. You get to meet and greet people that you come across with while riding. You have complete control over your bicycle. These are things that can never be replicated with most other exercise activities, and so having this bicycle is a great choice for you.
The best advice is planning. Find out everything you can about your route to reduce the surprises that you may encounter on your trip. Sometimes things are out of your control, such as a flat tire or a rainstorm. But planning and preparing ahead will go a long way toward a successful tour. In the end you will have an enjoyable time, share the ride with a friend and have a story to tell when you reach the end of the trail.
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