We have a wide range of accesories catering for all your touring needs including...

Pannier Racks from Tortec, Tubus
and Blackburn.

Panniers from Altura and Ortlieb

lots of maps and guides...

Touring Cycles
For Travelling

The 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 - an classic bike for distance. Robustly constructed out of high quality steel or aluminium, 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. Other styles feature straight or slightly swept mountain bike style handlebars and 26" wheels, which make them more suitable for expeditions over rough roads.

Steel or Aluminium?
Unlike most bikes, touring bikes are often still made of steel. We sell tourers made of both materials so you can take your pick. There are pros and cons to both...

Steel is real... say the purists. The first thing that you need to know about steel touring bikes is that these days they are only made out of high quality steel tubing such as Reynolds 725, 631 or 853.

High Quality steel frames are usually badged

In some configurations the best of these steel alloys can approach 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 say traditionalists. 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 extends to all others aspects of touring bike design such as the gears.

On the other hand... aluminium doesn't have to be so stiff say Cannondale, who pioneered aluminium bicycle frame construction way back in the eighties. By careful design, the thickness of the walls of aluminium tubing can be manipulated to be stiff where necessary and a little more compliant where not. The result is a frame that is not only lighter, but also more responsive, they argue. Cannondale only has to point to the sales of their very own Touring Classic over the years in order to prove their point. We've sold plenty and had no complaints yet! Whether you go for steel or aluminium is entirely up to you. The advantage of buying from us however, is that you can test ride both types before you decide.

Good For…
Roads. Long distance cycling, day rides and longer commutes are all well suited to tourers. Racing style handlebars allow the rider to tuck in their 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 over some truly dreadful trails, they are perhaps not best suited to off road riding. Tourers are certainly robust enough to cope with fireroads and smooth bridleways as part of a larger trip, but are not recommended if you actively seek out this kind of terrain to do most of your riding. If this is what you fancy then check out sports hybrids with front suspension or mountain bikes proper. Nevertheless 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.

Ridgeback Voyage £499.99
At last! The bike that everyone has been asking for... a real steel bike for £500. It's also probably the best value touring bike that we have ever sold. First: a Reynolds 520 steel frame. Then, Shimano 8 speed dual control levers, matched up with reliable Alivio transmission (48T chainring) and Shimano hubs. High quality accessories including a Blackburn rear rack and pump complete the package. Also, unlike many of its competitors, it is available in a full range of five sizes.

Ridgeback Panorama £899.99
Ridgeback turned a few heads when the came up with their excellent Panorama, which is cast in the mould of the classic English tourer. Featuring Reynolds 725 tubing and a triple butted cromoly fork this bike impresses with its attention to detail (we invite you to visit the Ridgeback website and look at the detailed spec.). Spec highlights include Shimano Tiagra Dual Control levers and a mix of Shimano 27 speed Deore and XT transmission and a Blackburn pump and expedition rack. Also note that our bestselling touring pedals - Shimano M324s come as standard. These feature a conventional cage as welll as SPD attachments.

Ridgeback Horizon £499.99
This machine is great value for money and hence very popular. A 'fast tourer' it has a frame geometry mid way between a tourer and a racing bike. Thus it has a livelier feel and is built around a double butted aluminium frame with a carbon fork. Features the Shimano Sora 24 speed racing groupset with dual control brake/gear levers. Mudguards come as standard.

Cannondale Touring Classic £1,099.99
Very quickly established itself as our best selling tourer. Cannondale CD Alloy frame, Tubus cromoly racks, brooks B17 saddle, Shimano 30 speed XT / Truative transmission, Shimnao 105 dual Control levers.

To arrange a test ride, or for more information, email us on info@cycle-heaven.co.uk or phone 01904 636578.