The bike

When I consider a bike I think of the three most important criteria that surround a successful touring bike.

For me these three criteria are:

Proper fit
Ability to handle the terrain
Carrying capacity

Proper fit

"Fit" is absolutely and without a doubt the key one in this list of important criteria. You are going to spend lots of time on a bike and how comfortable you are on this bike will go a long, long way towards how successful your tour is.

Rather then try to "make something work" spend the time upfront on finding a bike that fits you properly and allows you to ride without pain. There are many styles of bikes to choose from including traditional upright bikes and recumbents. Look at the pictures in the sections that follow this page to get an idea of what these bikes look like.

Don't be afraid to get out there and look at a bunch of different bikes in local and near-local bike shops. If you see a bike that interests you then ask for permission to take it for a test ride.

Consider contacting local bicycle clubs to see if anyone locally has a bike of the type you are considering. You may not get to ride the bike but many people really don't mind helping you out by showing off their bike!

People have ridden around the world using bikes of all kinds including unicycles, racing roadbikes, mountain bikes, purpose built touring bikes and various kinds of recumbents. While all of these bikes were obviously capable of being ridden to the tours completion it is important to think of two other very important factors that come into play when you think of the bike.

One method to achieve proper fit that worked for me personally was to request a "Fit Kit" session at a local bicycle shop. For me the shop was To Wheels in London, Ontario. I arrived for my fit kit appointment and was measured for a number of things. When the test was complete I answered a few more questions and the result was a series of recommendations for how my bicycle should be setup including saddle and handlebar height just to name a few.

I encourage you to mention the following needs when having a fit kit session:

More upright position

Requirement for a more upright or "see the scenery" type position. This position causes you to be a little less aerodynamic but you have the advantage of being able to really look around and see the scenery. If you are using drop bars you can still get lower on those windy days when you need to avoid the wind.
It's for a touring bicycle

This is for a touring bicycle where you will be going for long distances regularily and for multiple days. Emphasize that you need to feel very comfortable and not cramped up since the distance and time you spend on the bike one day is likely to also be the amount of time and distance you spend on the bike the next day.

Things to consider

Cycling shoes

Take your cycling shoes with you. This can make a real difference when you are measured for saddle height.
Testing float

If you use clipless pedals there is an additional test that you can take to measure the float setting that you should use for your pedals.
Wear your helmet

Wear your helmet when you try the sample measurements on a bike. The reason for this isn't just safety since you will be getting used to new settings but also to allow you to see how much neck bending you have to do in order to look around on the bike.

Ability to handle the terrain

This refers to being able to safely and reasonably easily ride a bike over all of the terrain that a touring route entails. While a light weight racing bike might be excellent for unloaded riding on smooth, paved roads it would be a very poor choice for riding on technical singletrack in the deep, dark woods especially if that singletrack included roots, rocks, sand and mud. It would also very likely be a poor choice if you needed to carry 100 pounds of gear with you on the bike.

Carrying capacity

The bike's ability to carry weight is also important especially for self-contained/fully loaded touring.Overloading a lightly built frame could lead to a dramatic adventure out on the road.

Conversely having to pack too lightly for fear of overloading the bike could easily lead to having to leave behind some essential comforts.

Usually recommendations for a touring bicycle include traditional touring bikes, lightly modified mountain bikes and some types of recumbents.

Traditional touring and mountain bikes can usually handle rough terrain and carry a significant load as well. Then again there have been many instances of light weight racing bicycles being used for long distance SAG wagon touring.

I will follow up with some additional information on the various types of bicycles and bicycle related equipment in the pages that follow.

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