This is where touring meets bikepacking. Touring bikes also generally have a shorter top tube, or more important, a shorter “reach,” which is the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube. There are two types of brakes on touring bicycles: rim brakes and disc brakes. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Want to learn more about a technical term? The wide grippy tires and disc brakes means this bike is suited to mixed terrain environments, including dirt and gravel roads. Stacked with features, the Pure Cycles Gravel Adventure bike is an exceptional value for cost – you really can’t go wrong if you’re looking to save money but still invest in a quality touring bike! The hand-welded Reynolds 853 steel frame anchors the build, but the RTL9 also features a PF30 bottom bracket that makes it easy to go from the stock 11-speed drivetrain to a single speed set up. Rather than rushing through, bike trips give you the time to notice small details: the way the road bends, how the sun glints off the water, the scent of an olive grove. If you haven’t been to Sri Lanka, we’re guessing it’s probably on your bucket list by now. The wheelbase and chainstay of a classic touring bike is typically longer to make room for rear racks and panniers, and the bottom bracket is typically lower to increase stability. While this bike is fitted with rear rack mounts, it does not come with front mounts, so it’s best suited to those who prefer to travel light. Read more about how to choose the right touring bike for your needs. These mounting points are usually located at the front and rear of the bike, however every bike varies as to how many mounting points they have and where they are located on the frame. We’ve included everything from the most budget friendly touring bikes right through to the most serious bike touring rigs on the market. The wheels of classic touring bikes are usually 700c and have a high spoke count (32- or 36-hole). Exploring the roads less travelled can also mean you might find yourself on some rough and rugged terrain at times. Ok, we’ll admit that biking is a very small part of this 11 day trip to the Galapagos, but the rest of the time you’ll be volunteering with Conservation Volunteers International Program, so hear us out. These are the curly looking bars on the front of the bike. If you’ve got money to burn, their cycle and sail bike tours in Turkey, Croatia, Greece and France will blow your mind. Fancy biking through some of the most beautiful rainforest in the world and following it up with an incredible waterfall hike?