Do you love a challenge and crave adventure? Want to be able to travel by bike for several days at a time? A touring bike is the solution, letting you head out on long rides on a comfortable, versatile, and durable machine. In store, our team will help you choose the bike that best suits your needs and preferences.
What is bike touring?
Bike touring means covering a long distance by bike with the goal of camping or staying in an inn before setting off again the next day. The more self-sufficient you want to be (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, etc.), the more your bike needs to be able to carry a heavy load (which is why it must be sturdy). The handlebar position is usually relaxed, with a wider bar and wider tires than on a conventional road bike, making it a versatile machine. This type of bike generally has a steel frame to absorb shocks and increase comfort. Although steel is very popular in this segment, some aluminum frames are also well suited to touring (such as Devinci’s).
Beyond the bike itself, it’s best to be well equipped for bike touring. That means the bike must support very sturdy, well‑mounted front and rear racks. Panniers should be spacious and waterproof so you’re not too limited in storage. The bike should also have at least two, or even three, bottle cages. And above all, don’t forget the bike computer, which shows you the distance covered and your pedaling speed along the way.
To date, frame and saddle bags allow bikepackers to maximize the transport of personal items (phone, wallet, keys, tools, sandwich, drinks) in an aerodynamic way. Lightweight bike touring, more commonly called “bikepacking,” a trend where the bike itself becomes the luggage rack, is particularly well suited to frame and saddle bags.
Now that you’re familiar with the essentials for bike touring, all that’s left is to choose a route and enjoy your getaway.
