A touring bicycle is a bicycle that has been designed or modified for long distance bicycle touring. Practicality, comfort and robustness are as important as performance. Touring bikes will have multiple mounting points to fit front and read panniers, drinks bottles and also mudguards. Other features include heavy duty wheels and a long wheelbase both for comfort and to avoid pedal to luggage conflicts. Handlebars can be either flat or dropped.
Most manufacturers produce a touring bike in their range including Specialized, Cannondale, Ridgeback, Trek and of course Dawes who make one of the most famous touring bikes – the Dawes Galaxy Classic 531.
Due to their comfort, touring bikes make great commuters.
