Touring Bikes at Cycle Heaven, York, North Yorkshire

Touring Bikes

We reckon to offer the best range of touring bikes in the region.

The classic touring cycle is the product of decades of evolution and literally millions of cycling miles. Over the years it has incorporated innovations and quality improvements in just about every area of component design, but at heart it remains the same - a classic bike for distance. Robustly constructed out of high quality steel, tourers are designed for people who like to use their bike to travel.

Touring bikes are reliable platforms for carrying luggage, whilst smooth road tyres on large 700c wheels make them fairly swift. The classic English style of tourer also features racing style handlebars which allows for multiple riding positions, and these are set in a slightly more upright position than that found on road racing bikes, allowing for a much greater degree of comfort on longer rides. For more challenging expeditions - involving rougher trails and unmetalled roads consider a model with 26" wheels such as the Heritage or Long Haul Trucker.

Steel: the Real Deal

Unlike most bikes, touring bikes are usually still made of steel.

Steel is real... say the purists, and steel tourers are only made out of high quality steel tubing such as Reynolds 520, 725 or 853. In some configurations the best of these steel alloys will better the lightness of quality aluminium alloys, and will certainly result in frames that are lighter than the cheapest aluminium frames. High quality steel bicycle tubing has an inherent springiness making for a comfy ride, as the frame will soak up all the small jolts and vibrations that one is likely to encounter on the roads. By comparison, a rigid aluminium frame may feel harsh and tiring on a long day's ride (which is one reason why so many aluminium bikes have suspension these days). Thus the logic of classic touring bikes begins with the steel frame. Because more compliant steel frames have their own element of suspension it is feasible to run thinner, higher pressure, tyres. Their low rolling resistance will more than compensate for the small weight penalty. The absence of suspension also delivers another advantage - simplicity. Simplicity is highly desireable if you are looking for a bike that will take you to far away places, or are planning extended trips away from home. This principle also extends to other aspects of touring bike design such as the gears.

So, simple, versatile and steel... in a country which you can traverse without hardly touching a main road, tourers are probably the ideal vehicle to explore the great British countryside.

Key Features of Classic Touring Bikes

Fairly fast and rugged
Sporty but not aggressive riding position
Classically with steel frames
Partially equipped
Derailleur gears with touring ratios
Can handle some gentle offroad
Stable load carriers
Comfy for long distance than flat bar road bikes

Brands to consider

Ridgeback, Condor, Cannondale and Surly.

Alternatives

If you fancy something lighter and faster - Road/Race Bikes
If you fancy something more upright - Comfort Hybrids

Great for…

Long distance cycling, day rides and longer commutes. Racing style handlebars allow you to tuck in your arms and get their head down and go, whilst their fairly robust construction will allow them to put up with the long term abuse that these bikes will inevitably suffer in such pursuits.

Not ideal for…

Off road. Although intrepid expedition cyclists have taken touring bikes to the ends of the earth, 700c tourers are perhaps not best suited to off road riding. They are certainly robust enough to cope with fireroads or smooth bridleways as part of a larger trip, but not recommended if you actively seek out this kind of terrain. If so, then go for a 26" model or another bike type.