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Bikepacking & Adventure Cycling

13 Best Touring Bikes For Worldwide Travel 2024

Looking for top-tier traditional touring bikes? You’re in the right place. As the cycling industry evolves, particularly in the gravel and bikepacking realms, the landscape of adventure cycling has changed dramatically. Yet, traditional touring bikes, once the go-to for adventure, remain as relevant as ever for fully loaded, long-distance journeys.

What Are The Best Touring Bikes – Our Recommendations

Panorama forillon, koga worldtraveller.

• Tout Terrain Silkroad

Bombtrack Arise Tour

• Falken Jagd Hoplit +

Surly Disc Trucker

Decathlon riverside touring 900, vivente gibb, salsa marrakesh, genesis tour de fer, co-op cycles adv 1.1.

While gravel bikes gain popularity for their versatility, traditional touring bikes continue to be the definitive choice for extensive touring on paved roads and beyond, including off-road expeditions. Today’s variety of touring bikes, catering to a wide spectrum of adventures and terrains, can seem daunting.

This article aims to simplify your decision-making process by focusing on the type of adventures you’re planning. We’ve curated a diverse collection of modern, capable touring bikes suitable for everything from month-long trips to lightweight, credit card-style touring. Here, you’ll find a touring bike for every cyclist, regardless of your preferred style or destination.

Light Touring or Gravel Touring Bikes

Kona sutra se.

(A Classic All-Road Touring Bike with Modern Touches)

Price: $2,199 USD (about $3,446 AUD)

Bomb proof, rock solid, smooth and comfortable ride. with traditional touring bike components; Brooks Saddle, bar-end shifters and Deore groupset

Weight :  14kg (30.86 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Frame – Kona Cromoly Butted . Fork –  Kona Project Two Cromoly Disc Touring

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Deore, 26/36/48t crank and Shimano Deore 11-36t 10spd cassette

Gear Ratios :  19.90″ to 120.50″ (0.72 to 4.36 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.56 chainstay 445mm – wheelbase 1,073mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.5 deg – trail 71mm – Fork offset/rake 50mm. Bottom bracket drop 72mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  700c x 40mm With a max tire clearance 29×2.3″ (Check clearance with racks)

• Many mounting options
• Comfy, smooth and rock solid bike
• Clearance for 29×2.3″ tires
• Able to ride MTB sections
• Traditional bar-end shifters
• Rides well loaded or light
• A little sluggish when you need that extra speed for endurance bikepacking events
• Breaks have been known to freeze during winter
• Derailleur hanger is known to break slightly easier then others
• Have had issues with paint quality overtime

The Kona Sutra, my personal bike of choice, embodies the essence of a traditional touring bike while incorporating a 1x gravel drivetrain, a unique twist on the classic design. While the SE model maintains the frame of the Sutra LTD but stands out with its more versatile gear range. An especially notable feature is the stock Brooks saddle, a hallmark of comfort and quality.

On my own Kona Sutra LTD, I’ve managed to fit tires as large as 29×2.3″ without fenders, suggesting the potential for even broader options beyond the standard 700x40c Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires that it usually sports.

The detailed specifications below are tailored to the touring bike variant of the Kona Sutra. However, if you’re intrigued by the prospect of a build more suited to off-road adventures, I highly recommend reading our review of the Kona Sutra LTD .

This bike is astonishingly versatile. I frequently use mine on challenging mountain bike trails , and it’s proven its worth time and again, effortlessly handling jumps and rugged terrain. Its performance as a commuter is equally impressive, proving itself capable of handling a diverse range of conditions.

In comparison to its peers, like the Trek 520 and Surly LHT, the Kona Sutra boasts superior specifications on paper. It features a full Deore groupset and includes bar-end shifters, which add a touch of traditional touring aesthetic.

A bombproof, fun machine that can take you anywhere. Offering a smooth and comfortable ride, it stands out as a rock-solid choice for both enthusiasts and serious cyclists alike.

(A true Swiss Army knife for on-the-go travel bike)

Price: $2,399 CAD (about $2,747 AUD)

Weight :  13.15 kg (29 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Frame – REYNOLDS 525  Steel Fork –  CUSTOM CR-MO 4130 Steel

Groupset & Drivetrain :  2×11 microSHIFT XLE, FSA – FSA OMEGA 2X MEGAEXO, 46/30T crank and MICROSHIFT XLE 11-42T cassette

Gear Ratios :  19.85″ to 111.81″ (0.71 to 4.18 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.55 chainstay 455mm – wheelbase 1,050mm – (steering) headtube angle 71.8 deg – trail 67mm – Fork offset/rake 50mm. Bottom bracket drop 76mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  700c x 44mm With a max tire clearance 700c x 50

The Forillon by Panorama Cycles is a steel all-road touring bike that combines a mid-component range with a budget-friendly price, making it an ideal choice for adventurers looking to explore the world. This bike is designed for efficient riding across various road types and maintains stability and ease of handling even when fully loaded with luggage.

At its core, the Forillon is a testament to strength and reliability, a theme that is evident in its choice of components. It features 36 spoke double-walled rims with reinforced eyelets, paired with robust 700x50mm tires, ensuring durability and stability on diverse terrains. The frame and fork of the Forillon are constructed from high-quality materials, including Reynolds 525 steel tubeset and 4130 steel, known for their resilience and long-lasting performance.

The Forillon stands out with its integrated kickstand plate and a plethora of mounting options, which include front and rear racks, fenders, and triple cage mounts on the fork and under the downtube. These features make it an excellent choice for riders who require a bike that can carry substantial gear on extended tours.

Other noteworthy aspects of the Forillon include its low bottom bracket, long chainstays, and a 2×11 drivetrain, all contributing to a comfortable and stable ride.

The bike also boasts mechanical BB7 brakes and bar-end shifters as part of its well-rounded build kit. Additionally, the frame and fork are treated with an anti-corrosion internal ED coating, enhancing the bike’s durability.

The Forillon is not just about functionality; it also has an aesthetic appeal. The frame graphics, inspired by topographic maps and created by Vancouver-based artists Pellvetica, add a unique touch to the bike’s design.

Offered in three sizes and weighing 29 pounds for the medium build, the Forillon is available at a retail price of $2,149 CAD (approximately $1,675 USD) through PanoramaCycles.com. This bike is a reliable, versatile, and stylish choice for those looking to embark on long-distance, all-road touring adventures around the globe.

(The Ultimate Expedition Touring Bike)

Price: Approx $6,000

Weight :  17.5 kg (38.6 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Aluminium Build

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Deore XT groupset or Rohloff drive belt

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.57 chainstay 477 mm – wheelbase 1,170 mm – (steering) headtube angle 69.5 deg – trail 82.4 mm – Fork offset/rake 50 mm. Bottom bracket drop 60 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) : Possibility to mount tires up to 72mm wide

• Can be packed up to 120 kg
• Super stiff for touring
• Built for durability & serviceability
• Includes mini-kick stand on the front rack and other accessories
• Life time warranty on the frame
• More standard touring equipment then most bikes
• Top of the line components
• Dynamo hub and lighting system as standard.
• Not the lightest touring bike on the block
• Quite expensive then most

The KOGA Worldtraveller series, recognized for its robust and versatile trekking bikes, is an ideal choice for all kinds of cycling trips. These bikes are designed to comfortably carry all your essentials, whether you’re gliding over smooth asphalt or tackling rugged gravel roads.

A notable aspect of the series is its unique alloy build. Despite the current popularity of steel touring bikes, the alloy construction of the Worldtraveller provides a solid and reliable alternative.

This bike remains stable and performs smoothly under a touring load, even when outfitted with sensible width tires. This combination of strength and smooth ride quality sets the Worldtraveller apart in the realm of long-distance touring bikes.

The series has been recently updated, with the new WorldTraveller model featuring a total load capacity of 180 kg. It can accommodate tires up to 72mm wide, enhancing its suitability for various terrains. The integrated rear carrier and new frame design contribute to improved rigidity and cycling performance.

For those interested in an electric version, the E-WorldTraveller includes the Bosch Smart System and a 750Wh battery. Customization is a key feature of the range, offered through the KOGA Signature programme.

The Worldtraveller range comprises several models:

• The standard WorldTraveller, a versatile trekking bike with numerous attachment points for luggage.
• The E-WorldTraveller, an electric variant with a Bosch motor and 750Wh battery.
• The E-WorldTraveller Suspension model, featuring a suspension fork with 100mm travel.
• The Worldtraveller Classic, a proven model known for its reliability.
• The Worldtraveller-S, offering choices in front forks, groupsets, and drive belts.

KOGA also offers extensive customization options through their Signature programme, allowing riders to tailor their bike to their preferences. Test rides are available to prospective buyers, showcasing the bike’s capabilities.

Tout Terrain Silkroad II 275

(A Steel Expedition Dream!)

Price: From €5,349 / $5,835 USD or $8,711 AUD

Weight :  From 14 kg (30.09 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Steel Build

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Rohloff drive belt

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.52 chainstay 455 mm – wheelbase 1,081 mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.5 deg – trail 73 mm – Fork offset/rake 47 mm. Bottom bracket drop 60 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  27.5″x2.0″ / With a max tire clearance 26″ x 2.0″ (50mm) with mudguard, 27.5″ x 2.0″ (50mm) with mudguard, 700C x 42 mm with mudguard

• Steel frame and oversized tubing create a robust structure
• Suitable for various terrains and heavy loads
• Standard with Rohloff hub or belt drive
• Customisable
• High-end components and features contribute to a higher price point
• Limited tire clearance
• Limited availability in certain regions

The Tout Terrain Silkroad is a high-end touring bike designed by the German company Tout Terrain. Known for their specialization in steel bikes for about 15 years, Tout Terrain’s Silkroad incorporates several innovative features and is built for durability and versatility.

The bike’s frame is made from steel tubes manufactured and welded in Taiwan, chosen for their ability to be easily repaired and modified. The Silkroad frames are among the first to pass rigorous safety testing, supporting a combined weight of rider, bike, and luggage up to 180kg/400lb. The bike uses oversized, thick-wall tubing to build a strong structure, which is beneficial for carrying front and rear luggage.

Key features include a steering limiter to prevent cable damage, an integrated steering lock to stabilize the bike when parked, and the option for either double-legged or rear-mounted kickstands. The Silkroad also boasts an integrated stainless steel rear rack designed to be indestructible and compatible with both regular panniers and the specially designed QL3 system panniers.

For power and lighting, the Silkroad uses 12mm thru-axles front and rear for maximum stiffness and alignment, and incorporates SL dynamo wiring in the fork for powering lights and USB chargers. The lighting system features Schmidt lights and a dynamo hub, and a Cinq Plug5 Plus USB charger integrated into the steerer tube.

The bike is equipped with a 14-speed Rohloff hub for the drive system, known for its reliability and efficiency, especially in challenging conditions. It also features a belt drive, preferred for its low maintenance requirements. Hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, and the bike allows for the use of up to 203mm rotors.

The Silkroad offers different wheel size options, with 27.5″ being recommended due to the availability of high-quality tires. The bike is also fitted with Tout Terrain’s in-house “Black Label” components and a Selle Royal saddle from the Scientia range.

(Classic Touring Bike Aesthetics)

Price: $1,499 USD / $2,240 AUD (Estimates)

Weight :  14.7 kg (32.4 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Frame – 4130 double butted CrMo, heat-treated front triangle, TA sliding dropouts, rack/fender mounts . Fork –  4130 CrMo, TA, rack/fender mounts, internal hub dynamo cable routing

Groupset & Drivetrain :  BOMBTRACK AMES forged aluminium crank and MICROSHIFT CS-H103 10-speed, 11 – 42T cassette

Gear Ratios :  19.62″ to 115.53″ (0.71 to 4.18 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio 1.51 – chainstay 435mm – wheelbase 1,045 mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.5 deg – trail 68mm – Fork offset/rake 55mm. Bottom bracket drop 70mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) : With a max tire clearance of 700C x 40C / 700C x 35C with fender

• Includes dynamo, quality Tubus racks, and lighting for an affortable price
• Microshift bar-end shifters give you the seamless and classic touring bike feel and look
• Affortable price tag
• Only has 32 spokes on wheels
• The mudguards are know for being low quality and breaking
• The frame length is a little short, for that extra stability when under a load, shorter then most touring bikes.

Offering a blend of traditional touring design and modern components, all wrapped in an eye-catching metallic green color that is sure to turn heads.

At its core, the Arise Tour features a double-butted steel frameset known for its adaptability and resilience. Enhancing its touring capabilities are the Tubus touring racks and aluminum fenders, designed to handle all your storage needs while protecting you from the elements. Illumination for those early starts or late finishes is provided by a full lighting system from KT and Supernova, ensuring safety and visibility in all conditions.

The bike’s transmission system is built for reliability over long distances. It features Microshift’s ultra-reliable bar end shifters and a 10-speed clutch mechanism. The wide-range 11 – 42T cassette and a subcompact 46 / 30 chainset make for a versatile and efficient setup, ideal for tackling various terrains with ease.

When it comes to braking, the Arise Tour relies on TRP Spyre C mechanical calipers, coupled with a 180 mm rotor upfront. This setup offers controlled and effective braking, particularly important on those thrilling long descents.

Every component on the Arise Tour has been meticulously selected for its proven reliability and durability. The goal is to let you focus on the joy of riding, rather than worrying about bike maintenance.

FalkenJagd Hoplit +

(Pinion Titanium Touring Bike)

Price: €6,798 / $7,415 USD / $11,000 AUD

Weight :  17 kg (37.5 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Titanium Build

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Belt Drive

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  WTB Trail Boss 27.5 x 2.35″ / Clearance for 650b x 3″ or 29er x 2.6″

• High quality components made of titanium and almost everything on the bike is tianium not just frame and fork
• Copes well on all surfaces
• Ultimate touring bike build!
• Very expensive

The Falkenjagd Hoplit PI Plus is a standout travel and expedition bike, designed for those who seek durability and reliability on long bike trips. Named after the elite warriors of antiquity, this bike lives up to its name with its robust build and high-quality components.

At the heart of the Hoplit PI Plus is its titanium frame, known for being extremely stable, scratch, and corrosion-resistant. The frame design, featuring a longer head tube and a slightly shorter top tube, facilitates a more upright sitting position, optimal for touring.

A key aspect of its design is the lower bottom bracket, which, by lowering the center of gravity, especially when carrying luggage, results in improved stability.

The bike’s rear triangle is notably sturdy, with chainstays designed for increased tire clearance and comfort. The rear dropouts are a technological marvel, allowing for longitudinally adjustable quick-release axles to optimize belt tension, and incorporating an integrated stand holder and a strap lock.

The Hoplit PI Plus is equipped with the Pinion P1.18 gear hub and a low-maintenance Gates CDX toothed belt, ensuring a smooth and reliable ride. It can accommodate either 28 or 27.5-inch wheels, offering flexibility depending on the rider’s preference for smooth running or damping.

This bike is an all-terrain champion, providing maximum comfort even under high payloads, thanks to its wide tires. It stands out for its high-quality titanium components, including the frame, fork, spacers, stem, handlebars, seatpost, luggage rack, and bottle cage.

Other features include a SON hub dynamo and lighting, a comfortable Brooks Cambium C17 saddle, Falkenjagd Titan Axios racks, Pitlock thru axles with theft protection, Magura MT7 4-piston disc brakes, and SKS Bluemels B65 mudguards.

The Hoplit PI Plus version extends its capabilities with its ability to take tire widths up to 3.0 inches (650B) and 2.6″ (29″). It boasts specially adapted chainstays and rear dropouts, which are adjustable in length for optimal belt tension. The bike’s design also ensures neatly laid cable pulls and flat mudguard and light mounts for a secure and aesthetic finish.

Trek 520 Disc

(The Longest-Running Touring Bike On The Market)

Price: $1,829.99 USD

Weight :  14.2 kg (31.31 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Steel frame / Alloy fork – Trek butted chromoly disc touring, 135×5 mm QR, Tire Clearance: 2″, Color: Diablo Red and Alloy disc touring fork, rack mounts, 100×5 mm ThruSkew.

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Alivio with 48/36/26T crankset and 9-speed 11-36T cassette.

Gear Ratios Inches :  19.79″ to 119.81″ (0.72 to 4.36 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.49 chainstay 450mm – wheelbase 1,048mm – (steering) headtube angle 71 deg – trail 65mm – Fork offset/rake 52mm. Bottom bracket drop 70mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  700x38c / With a max tire clearance 29 x 2″

• One of the most budget friendly options in the list
• Steel frame is rock solid and feels great
• Perfectly comfortable touring bike
• Long chainstays and a slack head-tube angle offer a stable, comfortable, semi-upright riding position, suitable for both touring and commuting.
• Trek’s history of producing the 520 model since 1983 adds to the trust in the brand and model.
• Frame is however a little on the heavier side
• Stock pedals suck (order replacements if you consider this bike)

The Trek 520 stands as a testament to durability and adventure in Trek’s lineup, holding the title of their longest-running model. This true touring bike is designed for those who yearn for long journeys, offering a perfect blend of stability and comfort through its touring-specific geometry.

With a sturdy steel frame paired with an aluminum fork, the Trek 520 balances strength with practicality, weighing in at a manageable 31.4 lbs / 14.2 kg. It’s equipped with both front and rear racks, ready to handle all the gear you might need for your adventures, making it an ideal choice for the avid tourer.

Renowned for its solid build and reliable performance, the Trek 520 has been field-tested and established as an industry standard. It’s a bike that’s not just ready for your next touring adventure but is also built to last, promising at least a decade of enjoyable riding experiences.

However, it’s important to note that this bike demands regular maintenance to remain in peak condition, particularly in keeping the drivetrain clean to avoid gear hopping. But this small trade-off is worth the exceptional experience it offers, especially considering its versatile gearing range that makes conquering hills feel effortless.

For those looking for even more versatility, the 520 Grand is also an option to consider. Excelling in bikepacking, trail riding, and handling a mix of gravel and pavement, it expands the horizons of where the Trek 520 can take you.

(A staple dirt tourer, just like its predecessor Long Haul Trucker)

Price: $ 1,749 USD or $2,600 AUD

Weight :  15.2 kg (33.5 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Frame – Surly Long Haul Trucker, 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel. Fork –  Surly Long Haul Trucker, 4130 CroMoly, lugged and brazed

Groupset & Drivetrain :  3 x 9 Alivio, Sora drivetrain. Shimano Alivio 48x36x26t crankset and Shimano Alivio, 11-34t, 9 speed cassette.

Gear Ratios :  19.42″ to 111.40″ (0.76 to 4.36 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach 1.58 ratio – chainstay 450mm – wheelbase 1,076mm – (steering) headtube angle 71 deg – trail 57mm – Fork offset/rake 45mm. Bottom bracket drop 50mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) : 26″ x 46mm With a max tire clearance for 26” x 2.1” tires with or without fenders, or 700c x 47mm with or without fenders

• The steel frame is robust
• 20-30mm taller frames and a 30mm taller handlebar, offer a more comfortable riding position.
• 10 frame sizes, catering to a wide range of rider heights
• Has the heritage of the LHT
• Toe overlap issues
• Not ideal for singletrack or technical trails due to its long wheelbase and less agile handling. (If you want to go off-road)
• No longer has the Shimano 3X10 bar-end shifters
• Smaller frame sizes have an increased standover
• The reduced chainstay length effects its capability as a touring bike
• It now has 32 spokes instead of 36
• No kickstand frame mounts
• A downgrade in drivetrain to Shimano Alivio from the previous Shimano XT
• The price has also increased

The Surly Disc Trucker, known for its reliability and no-nonsense approach, is a drop-bar steel touring bike. A staple among touring enthusiasts, this bike is recognized for its ability to handle long, loaded rides comfortably, though it doesn’t necessarily stand out in terms of its specifications.

Having personally ridden the Long Haul Trucker for thousands of kilometers, I can attest to its suitability as an excellent introduction to bicycle touring.

The 2021 model of the Disc Trucker however, sees some significant updates, including a taller frame and handlebar, additional tyre clearance, user-friendly STI shifters, and more mounting points, along with internal fork dynamo wiring and TRP Spyre brakes.

However, it loses some features like the Shimano 3X10 gearing and bar-end shifters. The Disc Trucker is well-suited for road travel and light off-road conditions but may not be the best choice for more technical or agile riding needs.

(Best Value for Money Touring Bike You Can Buy!)

Price: £1,299.99 / $1,650 USD or $2,463 AUD

Weight :  17.1 kg or 37.7 lbs

Frame/Fork Material : triple-butted aluminium

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano XT Trekking groupset – 26-36-48 triple chainring – (11-36) cassette

Gear Ratios :  18″ to 80″ (0.64 to 2.91 ratio)

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.47 chainstay 458 mm – wheelbase 1,096mm – (steering) headtube angle 71.5 deg – Bottom bracket drop 54 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  28 x 1.75″ tires / With a max tire clearance up to 29 x 2.4” (estimated)

• Can carry up to 170 kg
• 33 mounting points for various accessories and luggage
• Equipped with Shimano Deore XT and a Brooks B17 saddle (High quality components.)
• Integrated Dynamo Hub
• Lifetime Warranty on frame, suspension, stem, handlebars, and rack.
• Insane value – priced competitively with comprehensive features.
• Heavier at 17kg, which may affect maneuverability and speed.
• Basic Pedals and Grips may need upgrading
• USB charger effective only at higher speeds
• Potential issues with exposed wiring for lights
• Despite having a mount, a kickstand is not included
• Steering lock mechanism to prevent over-rotation may take getting used to

The Riverside Touring 900, by Decathlon, is a highly robust and versatile touring bicycle ideal for multi-day trips, commuting, and carrying heavy loads. A bombproof touring bike, along with the bikepacking friendly Touring 920. These bikes are ready for adventure and for unbeatable value. 

The 900’s key features include a strong and comfortable frame capable of carrying up to 170kg, internal cable routing, 33 mounting points for customization, and reliable Shimano Deore XT components. The bike is equipped with a Brooks B17 Imperial saddle, known for its comfort and durability, and TRP Spyke dual-piston mechanical disc brakes for reliable stopping power.

It also features a USB cycle-to-charge socket integrated into the stem for charging devices on the go, and robust aluminum mudguards. Before embarking on a major trip, it’s advisable to test the bike’s charger to ensure it meets your requirements. Consider whether you’ll need an extra power bank, as the charger requires extensive cycling to power your devices effectively. While it functions, its capacity is just sufficient for navigation purposes with the screen active.

However, it has a heavier frame at around 17kg. But if you don’t tour for speed that little extra weight shouldn’t bother you. And it comes with basic pedals and grips that might need upgrading for better comfort. But for the amount of touring bike you get you can’t beat it for value!

(Legendary Australian Touring / Expedition Bike)

Price: $6,600.00 AUD or $4,420 USD

Weight :  16.8kg (Estimated)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Steel Build – Double butted Cr-Mo touring frame and 1-1/8″ full Cr-Mo, threadless, mudguard, lowrider and electric cable mounts, through axle, steering stabiliser hook.

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Andel crankset – BCD 130mm, 5 arm, 165/170/175mm, with FSA QR-1 self-extracting crank bolts. With Rohloff speedhub 500/14, 36H, CC DB, black, external transfer box, OEM axle plate, quick release

Gear Ratios :  extra low gear ratios down to 15.9″ to 83.6″ with options in between or traditional 20.0″ to 105.2″

Geometry (M) : Chainstay 464 mm – wheelbase 1,087mm – (steering) headtube angle 71 deg – trail 67 mm – Bottom bracket drop 75 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes:  Options for: 700C×40 (for road), 27.5 × 2.00 (for tracks), 27.5 × 2.80″ (all-rounders).

• Designed for minimal upkeep, ideal for long tours.
• Made from 4130 chromoly steel, offering stiffness and resilience, especially suitable for touring
• Superior mudguards, ergonomic handlebars, and intelligent dynamo light.
• Integrated rack and rear disc caliper, reducing the need for spacers and long bolts
• Comprehensive Tool and Spare Kit: Enhances self-sufficiency on long trips.
• One of the heavier touring bikes in this list
• Not the most beginner friendly bike – The comprehensive nature of the bike might be overwhelming for new cyclists.

The Vivente World Randonneur (VWR), particularly The Gibb model, stands as a pinnacle of touring and transportation bicycles in Australia. This bike, admired for its meticulous refinements over the years, now incorporates a series of desirable upgrades, culminating in a nearly perfect touring experience.

At its heart lies the Rohloff SpeedHub 500, a 14-speed hub gear known for its unparalleled range and reliability. While this hub adds to the cost and weight of the bike, its maintenance-free nature and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious riders.

The bike’s 4130 chromoly steel frame ensures resilience and comfort, making it ideal for long rides. Its geometry is finely tuned for stability and ease of handling, enhancing the overall comfort during extended touring. The bike is also notable for its comprehensive tool and spare kit, ensuring riders are well-equipped for any situation.

The hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent stopping power, a crucial feature for safety and reliability. The dynamo-powered USB outlet is a thoughtful addition, allowing riders to charge devices on the go. While the bike may be somewhat daunting for beginners due to its complexity and the initial friction in new gears, its overall design is geared towards low maintenance and high performance.

(Entry Level Traditional Steel Touring Bike Design)

Price: USD $2,049 (About $3,211 AUD)

Weight :  12.25 kg (27 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Steel Build – Marrakesh Triple Butted CroMoly – BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded – Tire Clearance: 50c – Color: Gold

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Alivio – 11–36t, 9-speed cassette and 48/36/26t crank

Gear Ratios :  20″ to 121″ (0.72 to 4.36 ratio)

Geometry (55 cm) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.55 chainstay 455 mm – wheelbase 1,055 mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.8 deg – trail 64 mm – Fork offset/rake 55 mm. Bottom bracket drop 77 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  Teravail Rampart 700c x 42 mm / With a max tire clearance 700c x 40mm tires with fenders and 29 x 2.0″ or Apparently you can run up to 27.5 x 2.6″ tires

• More then enough eyelets for storing gear
• Rohloff hub compatible drop out
• Very comfortable ride
• Traditional touring bikes design and aesthetics – bar-end shifters for example
• It comes with 42 mm tires but the minimum tire for fenders is 40 mm!
• Can only use the Salsa rear pannier rack due to how it attaches to the dropouts.
• The rear drop out swingplate is non-standard. A potential problem if it is damaged with limited access for parts
• The 2020 models in particular has paint chipping issues – even though it looks great
• Smaller frames may have limited space inside the frame for bikepacking frame bags and room for drink bottles
• Heel-striking is a potential issue on smaller frames

Made from a burly steel but heavy frame (not as heavy as some other bikes in this list) the Marrakesh offers a rock solid, stable and comfortable ride as you would expect in a touring bike.

With a dual capability for both off-road and on-road adventures. This bike is versatile enough for touring, commuting, or leisure riding, offering a comfortable experience across various terrains.

Despite its somewhat hefty build, the Marrakesh doesn’t compromise on maneuverability or performance. It comes equipped with front and rear racks, although fitting mudguards requires a slight reduction in tire width from the stock 42 mm tires to a maximum of 40mm. 

The bike’s solid construction is further complemented by a reliable Shimano Alivio groupset, Microshift bar-end traditional touring bike shifters, and TRP Spyre-C disc brakes. Additionally, its wheels and tires are tubeless-ready, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

However, a notable concern for potential owners, particularly those with smaller frame sizes, is the chainstay design. The positioning of the rack is forward by about 20-30mm compared to other models, which impacts the bike’s handling, making it more akin to a shorter gravel bike when loaded.

This setup also raises the possibility of heel strike, a drawback that could affect the bike’s overall appeal as a touring option.

(The Most Budget Friendly Option In This List)

Price From: $1,590 + USD

Weight :  15.6 kg (34.40 lbs)

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Tiagra

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.52 chainstay 455 mm – wheelbase 1,083mm – (steering) headtube angle 71 deg – trail 56 mm – Fork offset/rake 55 mm. Bottom bracket drop 75 mm

Tire Clearance:  700x35mm, with fenders, but the frame can accomodate 700x38mm without.

• 36 spoke wheels – strong for bicycle touring
• High quality Busch und Müller lights
• Well-balanced geometry ensures a stable yet responsive ride.
• Budget friendly option
• The Sunnywheel fenders might be a little narrow
• Limited tire clearance only up to 38 mm
• At 15.6kg, it might be considered heavy for some riders
• Not as capable off-road thanks to limited tire clearance

The UK-designed Genesis Tour de Fer 30, drawing inspiration from its sibling, the popular Croix de Fer, stands out as a remarkable blend of innovation and tradition in the world of touring bikes. This model is unique for its slightly longer build than most other touring bikes, providing an added level of stability and comfort for those extensive journeys.

But is it really a “Do-It-All Tourer?” With limited tire clearance, therefore limited off road capabilities it is better suited to traditional road only touring.

At the heart of the Tour de Fer 30 is the reliable Reynolds 725 steel frame, noted for its strength and relative lightness, making it a dependable companion for long-distance travels. The bike’s design is complemented by a chromoly steel fork with quick-release dropouts, further enhancing its durability and resilience.

A standout feature of this touring bike is its high-quality Busch und Müller lighting system, powered by a dynamo hub. These lights not only offer superior illumination for safer riding but also add a touch of sophistication to the bike’s overall design.

The shifting and drivetrain responsibilities are adeptly handled by Shimano’s Tiagra groupset, which includes a triple chainset offering a wide range of gears, ideal for tackling diverse terrains and steep inclines. The 10-speed cassette ensures low-maintenance, consistent performance, a crucial factor for long tours.

In terms of braking, the Tour de Fer 30 is equipped with TRP’s Spyre cable disc brakes, known for their consistent and sufficient stopping power. While they may not be as powerful as hydraulic brakes, their ease of maintenance, especially in remote locations, makes them a practical choice for touring.

The bike rides on robust Sun Ringlé Rhyno Lite rims and is fitted with the legendary Schwalbe Marathon tyres, renowned for their durability and puncture resistance. This combination ensures a smooth and reliable ride across various surfaces.

Finishing touches include Genesis branded components like a 27.2mm seatpost, a flared handlebar for comfortable handling, and a saddle designed for long rides. Practical features such as full-length mudguards, bottle cages, and spacious racks (including a Tubus Tara low-rider front rack and an AtranVelo Tour 365 rear rack) enhance its functionality for touring and commuting alike.

(The Most AFFORDABLE Touring Bike At the Time of Writing!)

Price: 1,699.00 NOW ONLY $1,358.93 USD

Weight :  13.61 kg (30 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material : Full Steel Build – Double-butted chromoly steel and Chromoly steel fork with 15mm thru-axle.

Groupset & Drivetrain :  Shimano Deore, 48/36/26T crank and 10 speed 11-34T cassette.

Gear Ratios :  21″ to 120″

Geometry (M) : Stack/Reach ratio – 1.54 chainstay 455 mm – wheelbase 1,054mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.5 deg

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance) :  Schwalbe Marathon with puncture protection 700 x 38mm / With a max tire clearance up to 50mm

• Reliable Shimano Deore and Deore LX parts for the drivetrain
• Double-butted chromoly steel frame provides stability and a smooth ride
• Can support up to 300 lbs. including rider and gear (140 kg)
• Comes with spare spokes
• Getting on the heavier side but mid range weight compared to other bikes in this list.
• Tight clearance for fenders
• You could question the practicality of hydraulic disc brakes for touring bikes

The Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 emerges as a robust and reliable touring bike, well-suited for long-distance journeys and heavy-duty touring. A very suitable bike for tackling steep inclines with heavy loads, which is what you want in a touring bike.

Its double-butted chromoly steel frame ensures a stable and comfortable ride, even under heavy loads, and the bike can support up to 300 lbs. The combination of a Shimano Deore crankset and Deore LX rear derailleur, along with the Tektro HY/RD hydraulic disc brakes, underscores its focus on durability and performance.

The bike is particularly noted for its excellent performance on long tours, with users reporting successful journeys over thousands of kilometers. It is equipped with puncture-resistant Schwalbe Marathon tires and comes with custom front and rear racks for carrying essential gear. An ultra-low gear option is also available, making it easier to navigate steep terrains.

However, some riders have noted the bike’s weight as a potential drawback, particularly when compared to lighter adventure options. There are some concerns about the practicality and maintenance of the hydraulic disc brakes for touring purposes.

Comparing These Bikes

Below, I’ve compiled a table featuring key information for each bike, making it easier for you to compare and decide which one best suits your needs. I hope this helps!

Why You Should Trust Cycle Travel Overload’s Advice

Hey I’m Codey Orgill and have been exploring this world by bicycle for over 8 years now! I have a long history with touring bikes, first being introduced to the world of bicycle travel with a classic Novara Randonee touring bike, then a Surly Long Haul Trucker and I now ride the Kona Sutra Touring Bike .

I have ridden my bikes across 10+ countries so far and a lot of trips where I live here in Australia! Lover of bikes and so passionate about researching, riding, and writing 🙂 about adventure-focused bicycles. That’s why I started this blog ! Have helped over 1 million people find, compare, and decide on their dream adventure bike! Nothing means more to me than getting more people out into the world on two wheels!

What Makes A Good Touring Bike? Criteria For Choosing These Bikes

First I wanted to focus on mostly more traditional touring bikes in this list. As I plan to put together a updated guide for off-road touring bikes better suited for bikepacking type adventures.

Comfortable and Stable Geometry & Design: A top priority was the bike’s geometry. We looked for models with a long wheelbase, (average touring bike wheelbase: 1050 to 1070mm) and chainstay to ensure sufficient heel clearance during pedaling, (average touring bike chainstay: 445 to 470mm) and to accommodate rear panniers. The ideal geometry also contributes to a stable center of gravity, enhancing balance and creating a smoother ride. Additionally, a front center of (around 600 millimeters) is ideal for toe clearance and compatibility with front panniers, a typical setup for world-spanning adventures. For predictability and more stable steering a 60 to 70 mm trail is ideal!

Upright Riding Position : An upright riding position is crucial for comfort during long tours. We sought a stack-to-reach ratio of about 1.5 or higher to avoid a hunched-over posture, reducing back strain over extended periods.

Gear Ratio : The gear range was another vital factor. We looked for bikes with a broad spectrum of gears, especially low-end ratios for climbing with a heavy setup. Ideal bikes offer gearing as low as 18 inches for steep ascents and up to 120 inches for comfortable descents, accommodating various touring conditions. However if you are doing lighter touring and commuting, typically up to a 25 inch low gear is a pass, but not for fully load adventures.

Wheels and Components : Quality components are non-negotiable for durability and performance. We ensured that each bike had robust components unlikely to fail during extended tours. Wheel strength is vital, so we preferred bikes with a high spoke count, ideally 36 spokes to support the weight of a fully loaded touring setup. But some of the lighter touring bikes or not so good build quality bikes may have 32 spokes which isn’t ideal.

Weight Considerations : While weight is a factor, it’s less critical in touring bikes. Most selected bikes weigh around 13 to 15 kilograms or heavier, standard for this category. With added gear, this weight increases significantly, but our focus was more on reliability than lightness.

Other Considerations: The bike’s load capacity is a pivotal feature, with higher capacities being more advantageous. Ideally, a robust touring bike should be able to support a total weight ranging from 130 to 180 kg. Additionally, factors like frame stiffness and the configuration of the kickstand are also important considerations for these types of bikes.

What Are Touring Bikes? The Different Types of Touring Bikes

Touring bikes can be broadly categorised into four distinct types, each tailored to different touring needs and preferences. While there are even more nuances within these categories, this classification provides a solid foundation for understanding the diverse range of touring bikes available in the market.

Traditional or Classic Touring Bikes

Traditional or classic touring bikes are built to be tough and withstand the rigors of long, continuous cycling over days, months, or even years. Unlike road bikes, these are designed with a focus on durability and stability. Typically made from steel, these bikes feature an upright geometry, longer chainstays, and are often equipped with fenders and a rear rack for panniers. The wheels are usually 700c with a high spoke count (32 or 36-hole) to endure the demands of bike touring. While classic touring bikes traditionally had rim brakes, mechanical disc brakes are becoming more common in this category. Both flat and drop bars are seen on these bikes, which often have a vintage look, as their design emphasizes functionality and longevity over aesthetic changes.

When discussing traditional touring bikes, the Novara Randonee instantly springs to mind as the quintessential example. With its bar-end shifters, classic steel frame, and comfortable touring geometry, it embodies everything a touring bike should be. This bike holds a special place in my heart as my first introduction to the world of bicycle travel. I’m eternally grateful to both the bike and Eric, the generous legend who gifted it to me. Thanks, mate!

Expedition Touring Bikes

Expedition touring bikes are designed for epic, long-duration trips, such as around-the-world adventures. Made primarily from steel for robustness and ease of repair, these bikes typically feature 26-inch wheels and rim brakes. The choice of these components is strategic, as they make it easier to repair and replace parts, even in remote corners of the globe. These bikes are built for resilience and are capable of carrying all essentials for extended journeys, making them a top choice for serious long-term touring enthusiasts.

These bikes are quite similar to traditional touring bikes but offer even more adventure focused components and parts as standard like kick stands, Dynamo hubs and light setups, and trekking bars or flat swept back alt bars are often more common on these bikes for that extra comfort in the saddle. The Koga WorldTraveller is a perfect example of this category of bike.

Adventure Touring Bikes

Adventure touring bikes or off-road touring bikes are crafted for rougher terrains, such as loose dirt, single tracks, and off-road wilderness paths, making them ideal for exploring less-traveled roads. These bikes are essentially a blend of road and mountain bikes. They usually come with drop bars and either mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes, offering strong stopping power for diverse conditions. Adventure bikes can accommodate a variety of wheel sizes and have clearance for wider tires. Many models are also equipped to handle dropper posts, adding to their versatility for different types of terrain.

For example, the Tumbleweed Prospector is engineered for supreme reliability and performance in rugged terrains. Its design eschews trendy materials for durability, particularly excelling with the Rohloff SPEEDHUB, an internally geared drivetrain known for its resilience in diverse conditions, from deserts to snowy mountains. Unique features like the Phil Wood eccentric bottom bracket and custom cast dropouts, coupled with a design focused on maximum mud and tire clearance, make the Prospector a top choice for adventurous global expeditions.

Light touring or gravel touring bikes are similar to gravel bikes in that they offer the flexibility for both on-road and off-road use, but with the added functionality of eyelets for attaching racks. They are designed for carrying lighter loads and are more suited for shorter bike tours or bikepacking trips. Generally lighter in weight than traditional touring bikes, they provide a versatile and adaptable solution for cyclists who prefer a mix of on and off-road experiences. These bikes are often interchangeable with gravel bikes, focusing on a balance between lightness, flexibility, and durability.

In this category, the distinction between gravel and touring bikes becomes more nuanced, existing on a spectrum. Some gravel bikes are adeptly equipped for touring and off-road adventures , thanks to their tire clearance, touring-inspired geometry, and build quality. Others, however, are better suited for lightweight touring, with their capabilities leaning more towards smooth roads or light gravel paths due to certain limitations in design and gearing. This diversity means that while some models excel in rugged conditions, others are ideal for less demanding journeys. A good example of a lighter touring bike would be something like the Fuji Touring Disc or the Salsa Journeyer.

How To Choose A Touring Bike

When it comes to choosing the perfect touring bike, understanding your specific needs and priorities is key to narrowing down your options and making an informed buying decision. Every touring bike offers a unique combination of features, and what works for one cyclist might not suit another. By focusing on what is most important for your touring experience, you can filter through the plethora of choices and find a bike that aligns perfectly with your requirements.

1. Prioritize Your Touring Environment : Are you planning to ride mostly on smooth roads, rugged trails, or a combination of both? The terrain you expect to encounter is a primary factor in determining the type of touring bike you need. For instance, if off-road adventures are your main focus, a bike with sturdy tires and a durable frame, like an adventure touring bike, will serve you well. On the other hand, if you’re sticking to paved roads, a traditional touring bike with smoother tires would be more appropriate.

2. Comfort vs. Performance : Long-distance touring demands comfort, especially if you’re spending several hours a day on the bike. Consider bikes with a geometry that offers an upright riding position, reducing strain on your back and shoulders. However, if speed and performance are more important to you, a bike with a more aggressive geometry might be preferable.

3. Load Capacity and Accessories : Assess how much gear you need to carry. If you’re planning a self-supported tour with lots of luggage, look for a bike with a high load capacity, robust racks, and multiple mounting points. Conversely, if you prefer light touring with minimal gear, a bike with fewer rack options but a lighter frame might be better.

4. Maintenance and Durability : If you’re touring in remote areas, consider the ease of repair and maintenance of the bike. Bikes with simpler, more robust components are easier to fix on the road. The bike’s durability also plays a crucial role, especially in challenging conditions.

5. Budget Considerations : Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Higher-priced bikes usually offer better quality and more features, but there are also great mid-range and budget options that can meet your needs effectively.

Panniers for Touring Bikes

Much like the diverse range of touring bikes available, the market is also rich with various styles of panniers to suit different touring needs. Whether you’re setting off on an extensive cross-country adventure or planning a brief weekend escape, selecting the appropriate panniers can greatly elevate your experience. In this article, we delve into the world of panniers, offering insights into robust touring options, streamlined micro bikepacking choices, and minimalist solutions for those who favor a lighter setup.

What About Specific Touring Bike Handlebars and Saddles?

When embarking on bike touring or bikepacking, comfort is paramount, especially considering the main body contact points with your bike. A crucial aspect of this comfort is finding the right handlebars, which can greatly impact your experience over the many miles ahead. This article focuses on what to look for in touring handlebars and presents some of the best options available.

Choosing the right saddle for your bike touring or bikepacking adventure is a decision that can significantly affect your comfort on long rides. In our latest article, we address the essentials of bike saddle comfort and how to select a saddle that reduces discomfort for extended periods in the saddle.

A comfortable bike saddle is crucial, especially when you’re planning to spend days, or even months, pedaling across diverse landscapes. It’s not just about picking any saddle; it’s about finding the one that fits your unique body shape and riding style. We explore the factors that contribute to saddle comfort, from shape and size to materials and design.

Are Touring Bikes Good For Commuting?

Touring bikes are a great option for commuting due to their unique combination of durability, comfort, and carrying capacity.

Designed for long distances and varied terrains, these bikes are robust enough to withstand the daily wear and tear of urban travel, ensuring longevity.

he upright and relaxed geometry of touring bikes offers significant comfort, which is crucial for daily commutes, especially over longer distances.

This design effectively reduces strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. One of the key advantages of touring bikes for commuters is their ability to carry loads. Equipped with racks and multiple mounting points, they are ideal for transporting work essentials, groceries, or other personal items. Want to use a touring bike for commuting?

While touring bikes are versatile and perform well on different surfaces, making them suitable for various commuting routes, they are generally heavier than road bikes.

This might not be ideal for those who need to frequently carry their bike.

Additionally, they might not be as fast as road bikes, which could be a consideration for those with longer commutes seeking speed.

Moreover, the focus on durability and functionality often makes touring bikes more expensive than some basic commuter bikes.

Despite these considerations, touring bikes offer a reliable, comfortable, and practical solution for daily commuting, balancing efficiency and stability, especially when carrying loads.

Other Touring Bike Reads

• The Tips, 67 bike travellers wish they knew earlier – Beginner Bike Touring Advice
• Best Bike Touring and Bikepacking Handlebars – Everything You Need to Know
• Gravel Bike For Touring – 6 Best Gravel Bikes For Touring!
• 12 Best Front Bike Racks For Touring & Bikepacking
• Best Off-Road Adventure Touring Bikes 2024
• Best Flat Bar Touring Bikes & Expedition Bikes
• Best Touring Bike Kickstands & Everything You Need To Know

About The Author

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.

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Best Touring Bikes in 2024 for Multi-Day Cycle Adventures

Bicycle touring is by far the best way to travel and experience the world on two wheels.

Touring bikes allows you to carry all of the necessities you need for a fulfilling life on the road.

Whether you go out of town on the weekends or looking for a comfortable bicycle for daily commutes to work – down here you’ll find a brief selection of different types of touring bikes.

• You may also like:   Best Bikepacking Bikes: the 14 Models We Recommend

Best Touring Bikes of 2024

1. yuba mundo lux .

Versatile cargo bike

MSRP: $2,499

•  26 x 2.15″ 
• 3×9-speed Shimano Altus 
• WTB SX-23 Rims

The steel-framed Yuba Mundo Lux is built in a cargo style that could be the perfect tourer as it is durable, comfortable, and capable of handling big loads. 

The drivetrain is a 3×9 speed Shimano Altus setup with an 11-36t cassette, and a Shimano Alivio 42x32x22t crankset. The bike has hydraulic disc brakes and huge 2.15″ Schwalbe Big Ben puncture-protection tires that provide grip and durability in all conditions.  

The Mundo Lux comes with an extra-long rear rack, fenders, LED lights, and a bell. Look no further when you want a bike that’s already got plenty of character for touring or everyday urban riding. 

Buy on REI.com

2. Surly Ghost Grappler 27

MSRP: $1,949

• Chromoly steel frame and fork
• MicroSHIFT Advent X 10-speed
• Tektro Mira MD-C400 mechanical disc brakes
• Teravail Ehline 27.5 x 2.5″

The Surly Ghost Grappler is a bicycle that could easily take you around the world (maybe even more than once) if you had the time to do it. With a touring bicycle like this, you can ride on any road and path that you come across and carve your own as well.

The Ghost Grappler gives you some incredible components for the money, so the price is well justified. You’ll get a typical gravel setup with stable geometry and a high-quality Chromoly steel frame.

You’ll be also a durable MicroSHIFT Advent X drivetrain with 10-speed gearing and Tektro mechanical disc brakes. Plenty to take on any gravel climb. In addition, you’ll have a TranzX YSP15 dropper for extra control on descents.

On downhills, control the amount of braking power you need with a set of mechanical disc brakes that stop the massive Teravail Ehline 2.5″ tires from rolling. 

Buy on JensonUSA.com

3. Ride1UP 700 Series

An electric touring & commuter bike

MSRP: $1,595

• Integrated rear rack
• 30-50mi range
• 750W rear hub
• 60Nm of torque

The 700-series by Ride1UP is not your typical touring bicycle as it is an e-bike. Depending on your purposed field of use, it can replace recreational cyclists’ needs to carry pannier bags comfortably and commute easily with a punch of electric assist which is available in both pedal-assist and throttle power.

Although this is not the bike to use for a trip around the world, it is definitely something to consider when it comes to shorter-distance travel. The reason why it is not as suitable for long-distance touring is the fork, which should be rigid, and a single-front chainring derailleur system.

Other than that, we’d love to see more mid-drive electric touring bikes available in the future. Sure, those bikes would cover a tight niché market, which might actually be quite unacceptable to the touring bike communities, but seeing someone cycling around the world with an e-bike would be something to look out for!

Buy from Ride1UP.com

4. Tommaso Sterrata

Best value touring road bike

MSRP: $1,025

• Alloy frame & carbon fiber fork
• Shimano Claris groupset
• Avid BB5 disc brakes
• 700x40c tires
• Weight: 25.4 lb

Tommaso is a company that is well-known for its valuable budget bicycles. They mainly specialize in road bikes, but with the gravel madness at its highest, Tommaso decided to give adventure cycling a try as well.

The result is one of the most beautiful and budget-conscious touring bicycles we have. Tommaso Sterrata is an aluminum travel bicycle with a carbon fork and 40 mm tires.

Italian Design And Top-Notch Engineering.  Tommaso Illimitate is one of the cheapest bicycles in this overview. Therefore, if the price is your only criterium, this is the obvious choice. However, it might be the obvious choice for some other reasons as well.

Obviously, thanks to the super-wide CST Tirent 40 mm tires, Tommaso Illimitate is capable of tackling all types of terrain. The Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes help as well by providing lots of consistent braking power in all weather and road conditions.

The only setback  is the 11-32T cassette, which might be too small if you plan to ride in very hilly areas. However, the 2x crankset provides some balance by offering you a wider gear ratio.

Buy from TommasoCycling.com

5. Salsa Cutthroat

Salsa knows its way around bikepacking

MSRP: $3,599

Weighing in at 24 lbs, the Cutthroat GRX is Salsa’s vision of lightweight touring bikes. Equipped with Shimano GRX RX400 hydraulic disc brakes, Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ tires, and stable gravel bike geometry – there’s not too much to add or remove from the bike. It’s ready to roam out of the box.

Salsa Cycles know their way around materials and components, hence the reason the frame and fork are made of carbon. Carbon is the premium frame material, and there are multiple mounts for racks and/or water bottles.

When carrying a bunch of extra gear along, you really need to find the right gear and cadence to keep you motivated. Therefore Salsa has chosen an 11-speed Shimano GRX 600 drivetrain.

Shimano GRX 600 is a mid-range groupset suited for off-road cycling. The longevity of this setup is provided makes it perfect for bicycle touring. 

All-in-all, the Cutthroat is a great touring bike equipped with somewhat foolproof materials and components, making it a great deal to consider. These are components that you wouldn’t want to upgrade when getting a touring bike.

6. Marin – Nicasio+

MSRP: $1,179

Marin Nicasio is a brand-new bike coming off the production line of this California-based company. It’s among the more affordable models on this list, offering fantastic value for the money. If you can afford just one bike but you want to do both on-road and off-road traveling, then this Marin model is a safe choice.

Just like the previous bikes I’ve shown you in this review, it’s built around a lightweight and bump-absorbing steel frame . More precisely, it’s the Series 1 Double-Butted CrMo steel frame .

In terms of components, Marin Lombard 1 is very similar to other adventure bikes in this price range. However, it has some crucial differences that make it even more suitable for pulling lots of weight and covering great distances daily.

For example, it’s equipped with a 1×9 speed microSHIFT drivetrain that features a subcompact 42T crankset and an 11/46T cassette.

The microSHIFT groupset is a common sight on gravel bikes that cost around $900, so there are no big surprises there. It’s a reliable shifting system that’s easy and cheap to take care of.

This Marin also comes with Tektro Road Mechanical Disc brakes and Marin’s double-wall, tubeless compatible wheels that sport 650bx47mm WTB Horizon tires. They’re ideal for gravel rides, but they’re quite fast on tarmac and asphalt as well.

7. Rondo – Ruut ST1

MSRP: $2,999

Another mid-priced adventure bike with all the classical elements to expect from a decent touring / gravel bike. The Ruut ST1 by Rondo features a steel frame and carbon fork for best bump-absorption and front-end stiffness, mounts for fenders and racks, and a drop bar. There’s also the 1×11-speed SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain which is quite a decent choice at this price range.

Besides the numerous rack & fender mounts, the bike comes with 700x40c tires and Rival hydraulic disc brakes. The frame has clearance for 650bx2.1″ tires which is excellent for a touring bike.

Buy on Mikesbikes.com

8. ALL-CITY – Gorilla Monsoon Apex

MSRP: $2,599

The Gorilla Monsoon is an excellent-value touring/adventure bike. With an SRAM APEX 1×11 drivetrain, 612 select steel tubing Chromoly steel frame and fork, and Tektro MD-C550 mechanical disc brakes it has it all. The bike also has unique features like a TranzX dropper post and tubeless-ready rims and tires.

The wide WTB Riddler, 27.5×2.4” tires allow you to tackle almost any terrain you want and All-City packed the frame full of mounts to make this bike perfect for bicycle touring. 

9. NINER – RLT 2-Star 

Niner RLT 9 2-Star has an aluminum frame with an RDO carbon fork. Together, they keep the weight down and provide a responsive ride, which is great if your intention is to travel long distances.

Niner RLT 9 2-Star implores you to take it on an adventure over gravel and dirt road with every component fitted on it. The loudest of them is the SRAM Apex 1  groupset. This is SRAM’s gravel-specific groupset that’s built for the roughest of terrains. It’s incredibly reliable and shifts smoothly in dirt, dust, and sand.

This RLT 9 2-Star model also has a pair of Schwalbe G-One Allround TLE 40mm tires which offer tons of traction even when the bike is fully loaded. If you find yourself racing the dark to find a place to camp, you’ll be in good hands.

The brakes are also SRAM hydraulic discs, which means that they are optimized to provide the maximum amount of power and control in loose conditions, such as gravel or mud.

We’d recommend this bike to all travelers and adventurers out there who are looking for a foolproof bike touring choice to start their across-the-world travels.

10. PRIORITY – 600

Commuter / Touring bike with carbon belt drive

MSRP: $2,299

If you want to get a quality touring bicycle that comes with some handy accessories that you will find useful when you hit the road, you should check out Priority 600. This bike comes equipped with front and rear fenders as well as front and rear lights powered by a front dynamo hub.

Its frame and fork are made of lightweight aluminum which is the favorite material in the bicycle touring the world. It’s incredibly strong and unbelievably light. The fork is rigid and the whole bike is bejeweled with a plethora of eyelets to fit all of your accessories.

The next reason why this is a great bike touring choice is the drivetrain and the components. Namely, Priority 600 comes with a sealed Pinion gearbox and a carbon belt, which don’t require any maintenance.

Pinion simplifies shifting quite a bit. The tires are WTB Horizon 650B, tubeless-ready, so you don’t need to worry about punctures. Therefore, if you’re planning to combine both off and on-road routes on your adventure, this is a great choice.

Braking is done with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, which are easy to adjust and maintain wherever you are. They offer excellent performance as well.

The conclusion is that you can’t go wrong with the Priority 600, no matter what kind of adventure you have in mind, as it’s a pretty much do-it-all companion.

Buy from PriorityBicycles.com

11. SALSA – Mukluk

MSRP: $4,199

• Lightweight carbon frame
• 26″x4.6″ tires
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Shimano XT/SLX 12-speed drivetrain

The Mukluk adventure bicycle is optimized for long off-road rides on gravel and dirt roads that you would choose if you wanted to see the backcountry or the bush. All of the features listed above come together in this Salsa bike to create a bicycle that can navigate gravel roads, cobstones, and even mild singletracks.

This version of Salsa Mukluk comes with a premium Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain with a 10-51t cassette. That’s a very decent range that will allow you to actually ride your bike most of the time instead of pushing it.

The tires are massive compared to other adventure bikes 4.6″ wide. Coupled with 26″ wheels, they’ll ensure comfort and grip at all times. They’re tubeless-ready as well, so you can say goodbye to punctures. Finally, this bike comes with SRAM G2 RS hydraulic disc brakes which provide swift stopping power.

Buy on GravityCoalition.com

12. Surly – Bridge Club 

MSRP: $1,499

• Shimano Deore M5100 11-speed
• Surly Extraterrestrial 700x41mm
• Steel frame & fork
• Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc brakes

One of the most-coveted touring bikes online is the Surly Bridge Club. This model is obviously equipped with all the essentials for a long-distance bikepacking tour .

The quality of components is quite good for this price range so expect it to perform according to the stats. These include a Shimano Deore drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, Surly Extraterrestrial 41mm tires, and WTB ST i21 tubeless-ready rims.

The Chromoly steel used one this bike is extremely tough and comfortable to ride. As a bikepacking bike, the Bridge Club is loaded with mounts for racks, panniers, frame bags, or all of the above. This bike is great for recreational cyclists who want the best bang for their buck so don’t hesitate to look it up. 

Buy from Gravity Coalition

How to Choose a Touring Bike?

What is a touring bike.

Touring bicycle is essentially designed to accommodate multiple racks for pannier bags and water bottles. Travel longer distances, usually overnight, is a place where a touring bike thrives. They are different from bikepacking bikes in the way the gear is carried on the frame.

Must-have components

• 650b or 700c wheels
• Multiple eyelets for racks, panniers, and water bottles
• Drop-bar handlebar
• Relaxed fit
• Rigid frame
• Generally made of either aluminum or steel
• 2x or 3x front chainring for a wide variety of gears
• Mechanical disc brakes for easy maintenance on the road

With a bike that checks all of the boxes above, you can easily go on a serious cycling expedition, such as the Cairo to Cape Town cycle route , without giving it any second thoughts.

Commuter / Hybrid / Gravel – Which is best for touring?

Apparently, many cyclists confuse these three different types of bicycles because they have some things in common. Touring bikes are bicycles with a rigid fork and plenty of mounts to add the gear on, while:

The commuter bike is widely known as a bicycle that’s used for, yes you guessed it – for commuting. Other times are known as everyday around-town bikes.

Gravel vs. Cyclocross vs. Touring Bikes — Differences Explained

Hybrid bikes on the other hand are bicycles that are a mixture of two worlds – most of the time a mixture between a road and a mountain bike while they are equipped with front suspension and lack the comfort for all-day cycling trips.

Gravel bikes are often related to touring bikes due to their wide range of use, geometry, and build quality. Although a classic gravel bike features more performance-based geometry, components, and set-ups (with 1x chainring, etc)

What are the key features a touring bike should have?

Bicycles that are used to cycle around with all share pretty much the same characteristics. Most of the time, you see those bikes use 650b wheels (27.5″), while there are the occasional 26″ wheels still around.

The frames are made of either aluminum or steel for extended durability, and as a rule of thumb with a rigid fork and a 1x front chainring means lesser maintenance while limited gearing, especially when riding around with excessive baggage.

Is a carbon fork good for touring bikes?

When talking about forks, which take the first beating in most cases, there are three options to choose from. Check out the pros and cons for each material:

• Steel – Cheap, durable, good vibration qualities. Very common as steel forks on touring bikes can accommodate various accessories on the bike.

Beginner Tips for Handling a Carbon Fiber Bike

• Aluminum – Affordable, durable with plenty of eyelets to add racks and water bottles on the fork.
• Carbon forks are common for most road bikes at the sub-thousand-dollar mark, and nowadays some touring/commuter bikes come equipped with carbon forks as well. The reason why most carbon forks don’t have eyelets is that any direct vibration reduces against the fork reduces.

Touring Bike Wheels And Tires

26″ x 650b vs 700c

• 26″ = Commonly used tires that are easily found all around the world.
• 650b (27.5″) Wide and sturdy, great size for gravel & touring bikes. Allows getting the pressure low for harder passes.
• 700c = Best for fast commutes on paved roads

The most popular choice of wheels for touring bicycles are 26″. The reason is that they are stable, comfortable, and easy to find even in the least developed countries in the world. On 26″ inch wheels – instead of 32 spokes, touring bike wheels usually have 36 spokes which make them sturdier.

650b wheels are better for off-roading, while 700c boasts better speed on paved roads. You can fit chunkier tires on a 650b wheel for better, while the selection for 700c is not as wide.

Chain vs belt drivetrain

Touring means going out in the wild elements of nature for extended periods of time, so be prepared to keep the bike up to its best performance. In recent years, we’ve seen many globetrotters use a carbon belt drive instead of the classical sprocket & chain derailleur system.

A Guide to Belt Drive Bicycles – The Advantages and Disadvantages 

As belt drives don’t need any lubrication and have a life expectancy of up to 19,000 miles / 30,000km, it is quite logical to think of it as a perfect alternative.

What components should a touring bike have?

When it comes to the components on touring bicycles, less is always more. You should be looking for simplicity. The reason is that simple components are much easier to repair on the fly if something breaks down while you’re in the middle of nowhere. Still, you should be aiming for quality Shimano and SRAM parts that won’t give in that easily after thousands of miles of abuse.

What bike accessories do you need for touring?

Finally, a touring bicycle is of little use without its accessories. The indispensable ones include racks, water bottle cages, and bike bags. Some travelers also like having a dynamo which allows them to charge their batteries while riding and power bike lights.

How much do touring bikes weigh?

The weight does not play such a significant role when it comes to touring bicycles.

That’s why they are made from heavier materials such as steel and aluminum. Why spend thousands of dollars on lowering the weight of your bike by 500g when you’re going to undo that by carrying a gas canister. When you’re tugging 20-40 lbs of weight with you, a few pounds of weight up or down does not make a big difference.

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s touring bikes?

Although we haven’t listed any specific women’s touring bikes in this list, you can check out our Best Hybrid Bikes for Women to get a broader view of what to expect.

Important Factors to Consider

Touring Bike Frame

The most popular frame materials for touring bicycles are steel and aluminum. Steel is the strongest and the most comfortable material out there. Moreover, it is the easiest to repair in case of any problems. On the other hand, aluminum is not as strong and not as easy to repair, but it is significantly lighter.

Touring frames have longer chainstays and longer wheelbases. This makes them more stable and allows riders to fit them with bike bags and other accessories. They come with numerous eyelets that let you attach racks, bike bottles, and other equipment.

Even though touring bicycles look more like road bikes, they borrow gearing from mountain bikes. They often feature MTB groupsets and gear ranges which makes it easier for riders to climb steep hills under heavy loads. The most popular are 2x and 3x systems with 11-32T cassettes and higher.

Although, it’s been proved that the 1×12 gearing is among the most optimized options for longevity, price, and gearing.

However, you’ll see many belt-drive bicycles coming to the scene due to their internal gearing, and 19,000-mile belt life expectancy!

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About the Author

Sam Millers

5 thoughts on “ best touring bikes in 2024 for multi-day cycle adventures ”.

Starting my research for a bike to do several multi-hundred mile rail to trail vacations

Good luck and have fun! I think this selection is a good place to start.

I did not see one bike that looked like it could handle riggers of touring, 40soke hubs/front rack with mounts, any idiot that tours with too much weight on the front wheels are asking for trouble front rack is a great area for bag lower packs book stove and fuel handle n=bar bag passport/ money and maps and music easily detached/ backpacks clothing tent/ pad/ food for 7days ( big issue water) make sure that everything comes off easy /Been robbed a few times in three different countries/lighting and roll-up solar panel/ something that can be used while riding on the back rack / You would be amazed at what you can get by with less is always better/ cloth hanging on the bike to dry works. and that beer at night sure hits the spot. I use to live on a bike / for months at a time.

What would u recommend for extended touring then? I don’t know

Again many thanks. You have certainly given me much to consider. However, the Tektro CR720 are themselves cantilever brakes too. So I wonder why you have suggested these as a possible alternative to my present Tektro Oryx cantilever brakes on my Ridgeback? They look very similar. I do appreciate your comments on this subject

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The Best Bikes for Every Type of Ride

By Christine Frietchen

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

My world changed when I bought my first bicycle. Walking into the local bike shop, I was bewildered by the choices (and prices) of the best bikes. I left with a cheap hybrid bike—regretted that particular purchase after a mere month; see below—but it changed the way I experienced my hometown of New York City .

On a bicycle, you’re moving fast enough to really cover some ground , but slow enough to notice everything you miss whizzing by in a car. I began to call my bike excursions “tiny travels,” venturing to the Louis Armstrong museum in Corona, Queens , exploring the Civil War-era Fort Totten designed by Robert E. Lee, and pedaling out to the Steinway piano factory, around which a whole neighborhood had been built in 1870 for its German immigrant workers. Along the way I stopped for authentic Chinese dumplings, homemade Indian samosas, and Dominican street food.

I quickly moved on to a lighter, better quality two-wheeler, and nowadays, I travel with my bike whenever I can. It’s my preferred exploration vehicle.

There’s no time like the present to rediscover the wind-in-your-hair thrill and freedom of a bicycle , especially these days , when big getaways and elaborate travel aren’t options . Cycling allows you to quietly connect to your own ecosystem. You are part of the landscape rather than merely moving through it. You’ll notice architecture, scenery, and wildlife you never knew were just a few miles from home.

No one bike is perfect for every kind of riding, but there’s absolutely something out there for everyone. Below, seven types of the best bikes to cover the environments you're most likely to encounter and our pick for the best bike in each category, along with tips for where to get one and what accessories you'll want to purchase, too.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Gravel bike

Best for: Pavement, dirt and gravel roads, touring

If any bike comes closest to a jack of all trades, it’s a gravel bike. Wide wheel clearance lets you go with fatter tires for rough terrain, or smoother rubber for pavement. Drop handlebars give you lots of hand positions for the best comfort on long rides. A wide gear range gives you smooth shifting for steep descents and climbing.

• Great for various types of terrain
• Wide gear range
• Lightweight
• No suspension, so not appropriate for true mountain biking or singletrack

Best gravel bike: Diamondback Haanjo 3 and Haanjenn 3 This versatile, snazzy looking bike has a longer wheelbase and slightly wider handlebars for excellent stability. It weighs just 24 pounds and includes frame mounts for fenders and racks to boost utility.

Buy now: Diamondback Haanjenn 3, $900, diamondback.com Buy now: Diamondback Haanjo 3, $1,10, eriksbikeshop.com

Mountain bike

Best for: Gnarly trails, singletrack

Mountain bikes have flat handlebars and a more upright body position that many people find comfortable. Full-suspension models are best for the roughest and most technical trails, like winding mountain singletracks, while ‘hardtails’ (front suspension only) work well for less technical terrain like rocky fire roads and muddy country lanes. Swap their nubby tires for smoother/smaller tires and lock out the suspension for a passible everyday bike on roads. Add fenders to fling off the mud. Most have a smaller number of gears compared to some other styles, which reduces maintenance, but can make it harder to find the comfiest one.

• Chews up trails and muddy terrain
• Can switch to slick tires for road use

Steph Koyfman

Alex Erdekian

Laura Walsh

Jamie Spain

• Limited hand positions
• Limited gear range

Best mountain bike: Specialized Rockhopper Comp This classic hardtail is a great value and weighs a reasonable 29 pounds.

Buy now: $750, specialized.com

Best for: Leisurely neighborhood rides

Cruisers or beach cruisers are cute, stable bikes for touring the neighborhood . Many come standard with fenders, chain guards, and storage racks, and some have a step-through design that make them especially easy to get on and off. Their heavy weight makes them a challenge on hills, though.

• Stable, low center of gravity
• Usually come with fenders, baskets, racks, etc.
• Cute and nostalgic
• Terrible for hilly areas

Best cruiser: Townie Electra 7D Step-through This easy-to-ride bike has a low axle height, making it effortless to put a foot down at stops. At 35 pounds, you’ll want to stick to flat terrain.

Buy now: $630, trekbikes.com

Electric bike

Best for: Fun riding with less effort

Electric bikes have revolutionized cycling, making it accessible for those with mobility issues, and enabling everyone to ride much farther with a fraction of the effort. “Pedal-assist” models have the same feel as a regular bike, but your pedal strokes are supercharged by the motor. Most have a removable rear- or tube-mounted battery with a range of between 30 and 60 miles before needing a recharge. Some hide the battery in the frame, so it’s not obvious you’re riding an e-bike.

• Goes further with less fatigue
• Pedal-assisted models still feel like riding a bike
• Many no longer “look” like an electric bike
• Must recharge battery/limited range
• Heavy, expensive

Best E-bike: Cannondale Treadwell Neo EQ The Treadwell hides its battery within the frame tube and to the naked eye looks like any other bike. The battery can’t be removed, so you’ll need a garage or storage area with a power source for recharging. The battery has about a 40-mile range and brings total bike weight to about 39 pounds.

Buy now: $2,650, cannondale.com

Commuter bike

Best for: Stop/start urban rides

Commuter bikes, sometimes called urban bikes, are simple and good looking for city and suburb commutes and family rides. Their flat handlebars and upright riding position ensure good visibility for city rides, stop/starts, and hitting up the farmer’s market, but aren’t as comfortable for long endurance rides.

• Better for hills than a cruiser or a folding bike
• Can be fitted with fenders, racks
• Not for off-road use

Best commuter bike: Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Bedford 3-Speed This hip-looking urban bike has a steel frame that absorbs pothole bumps. It comes in both three- and seven-speed versions.

Buy now: $580, brooklynbicycleco.com

Best for: Speed and endurance on well-maintained roads

Want to know what it’s like to bomb a descent at 50 mph? ‘Roadies’ are fast, light, and sexy, with carbon-fiber frames and an aggressive, lower riding position. But they get expensive fast—a $2,500 model can be considered a starter bike and they can run up to $15,000 with electronic shifting and braking, race wheels, and every aerodynamic doodad.

• Precise sizing
• Aerodynamic and fast
• Overkill for casual neighborhood rides
• Not for off-roading

Best road bike: Trek Domane SL6 This full-carbon beast comes in a wide range of precise sizes to fit anyone from 4’11” to 6’3.” Upgraded versions come with electronic shifting, race wheels, and even a custom paint job.

Buy now: From $4,100, trekbikes.com

Folding bike

Best for: Office workers

These problem-solving bikes fold up with just a few flicks (it’s one of those things that will take you 20 minutes the first time, then 90 seconds thereafter). The urban suit crowd can carry their bike from the ‘burbs by commuter train, then unfold and ride the last few miles to the office, refolding in a flash for the elevator. The small wheels on a folding bike are perfectly fine for good roads, but you’ll feel every bump or pothole otherwise.

• Best for storage/tight spaces
• Travel bags and boxes available
• Not good for long rides or serious hills
• Bumpy ride on less-than-smooth roads

Best folding bike: Brompton M6L This 26-pound, six-gear bike from the folding-bike leader is easy to fold and unfold down to 23”x 23” x 11”.

Buy now: $1,590, rei.com

Hybrid bike

Best for: Your back-up bike

Also called a ‘comfort’ or ‘fitness’ bike, hybrids try to be everything, but excel at nothing. Low-grade components and heavy weight make them fine for a ‘guest’ bike, but that’s about it. Rather than a hybrid, think hard about what you want to do on your bike, and match to one of the types above. If you must buy a hybrid, get the cheapest possible model at a big-box store and don’t expect much. Another option is to hit up garage sales and plan on getting a tune-up at a local shop.

• Inexpensive
• Lowest-grade components
• Uncomfortable

More bike tips

Size matters.

At minimum, you need a bike that allows you to straddle it comfortably, and easily put a foot on the ground when stopped. You should not have to rock side-to-side to reach the pedals. You’ll see bikes sold in ranges (S/M/L etc.) or as a numeric size (46 is about the smallest you’ll see, and 62 the largest).

Where to buy

Bikes are mechanical. Parts wear out and need replacement, and you’ll need periodic tune ups. That makes your local bike shop the best bet for an initial purchase, as you’ll likely get a couple of years of free adjustments. Some brands now offer online ordering with pickup at a local shop or home delivery.

Essential accessories

You need a brain bucket (a helmet) and a bike pump at minimum (you can get decent versions of both for $30 to $70). Get a bike lock if you plan on making some stops ($20 to $100).

Optional gear

Bottles cages, fenders, racks, and baskets add weight but increase utility. Most bikes have mounts for these. A small repair kit with an extra inner tube and inflation tool can be a life saver if you’re far from home with a flat tire.

Non-profits with maps and travel tips

For more details on routes, check out Adventure Cycling Association , an advocacy group focused on bike touring in the U.S., and Great American Rail Trail/Rails to Trails Conservancy for maps and a database of trails in your state.

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10 Great Motorcycles for Travel 2023

No matter how you like to explore, there is an ideal bike for you.

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8 of the Best Touring Bikes: Tour Them Straight Out of the Bicycle Shop

Table of Contents

Masi giramondo, salsa marrakesh, fuji touring disc, surly disc trucker, marin four corners, co-op adv 4.2.

It was not long ago when the best touring bikes were left for a custom-build. Touring bike manufacturers weren’t quite making anything that was stiff enough, with low climbing gears, wide tyre clearance, lots of handlebar options and Rohloff hub compatibility. I would never have considered buying a complete touring bike a decade ago…

But fast forward to 2019 and there are now so many excellent modern touring options to choose between.

The Trek 520 touring bike has been in production since 1983, using a good touring geometry and solid parts since the early-2000s. In 2004, Surly started making one of the finest, mass-produced frame options around – the Long Haul Trucker. The LHT frame was stiff, had 3x bidon mounts, had a spoke holder and used long 460mm chainstays. Slowly but surely, other manufacturers have been matching and exceeding the great features of the Long Haul Trucker; but it has taken some time.

I’ve selected the following bikes as the best examples of a modern touring bike. They are all steel which I like for the  deflect tolerance , low cost and ease of modification. They all feature wide gear ranges, including low enough gears to get you up most mountains . Almost all feature cable disc brakes which have proven reliable, even in the most remote of locations. The majority fit  barend shifters for no-fuss gear changes, but STI shifters are becoming more common as they tend to be reliable these days.

This is my list of the best modern touring bikes, taking into account design, geometry, price and specification. You can also check out the best touring bicycles with flat handlebars HERE .

Masi recently put together their first touring-specific steel bike, and it’s killer! It has all the low gears (18-109″), barend shifters, TRP dual-piston disc brakes and clearance for 29×2.0″ tyres. One of the best things about the bike is the price – it’s only US $1399 with Tubus front and rear steel racks (valued at US $260, these are the best in the business). When you factor in the brilliant racks it makes the Masi Giramondo touring bike the best value on the list.

Read more about the Masi HERE .

The Salsa Marrakesh is a well-designed bike that comes with a smart and reliable specification. The triple-butted steel tubing helps to create a stiff chassis, there are eyelets for everything from fenders to cargo cages, the dropouts are Rohloff hub compatible and the bike comes in six progressively larger sizes. The Marrakesh offers an ultra-wide gear range (21-122″), clearance for 29×2.0″ tyres, cable disc brakes and barend shifters. The price for a complete Salsa Marrakesh is US $1599 and you can get the frameset for US $799 .

Read more about the Salsa HERE .

The Kona Sutra touring bike has come a long way since it was introduced over a decade ago; the latest iteration getting closer to touring perfection. Kona has recently optimised the frame geometry to increase the fork rake, increase the chainstay length and lower the bottom bracket, resulting in a more stable ride. It has a smart build of cable disc brakes, 29×2.2″ tyre clearance, relatively low climbing gears (20-119″) and barend shifters. The bike comes with a touring favourite, the Brooks B17 saddle, plus fenders and a rear rack and is available for  US $1499 .

Read more about the Kona HERE .

The Fuji Touring is finally available with cable disc brakes! The all-new steel frameset is available in seven sizes and still offers a solid spec including an ultra-wide gear range (20-119″), barend shifters, a rear rack and strong 36-spoke wheels. Get your hands on a Fuji Touring Disc for  US $1199 .

Read more about the Fuji HERE .

For a long time, Surly was the  touring standard. The bike’s geometry is great and it’s the only bike that’s available with 26″ or 700C wheels. The bike comes with ample braze-ons for water and gear, an ultra-wide gear range (20-119″) and a rock-solid spec. The 700C bike will fit a 700x45C tyre and the 26″ bike a 26×2.10″. Although it’s remained relatively unchanged for quite a while now, it still ranks as one of the best and that’s why you’ll see them everywhere. You can get a Disc Trucker for US $1550 .

Read more about the Disc Trucker HERE .

The Trek 520 has been slowly evolving into a super-capable steel touring bike. These days it offers a bombproof spec including cable disc brakes and the ability to fit 29×2.0″ tyres, plus a great frame geometry and good climbing gear of less than 20-inches. It’s US $1679 for the complete bike or US $709 for the frameset, it’s also available in grey and it comes with the Bontrager front and rear racks shown in the image.

Read more about the Trek HERE .

The Marin Four Corners has been getting better and cheaper by the year! This steel touring bike has generous tyre clearance (700x50c), cable disc brakes and braze-ons everywhere. It offers a rather high climbing gear of 25 gear inches, but with a crankset change, you can easily achieve lower climbing gears. Find the Marin Four Corners for  US $1039 .

Read more about the Marin  HERE .

The Co-Op may be a bit different to the other bikes in the list, but don’t overlook it. It offers an insanely low 16 gear inch climbing gear, which will effortlessly get you up any climb in the world. While it’s technically more of an off-road touring bike, it can easily be re-purposed for road and gravel use by fitting some Schwalbe Super Moto-X slick tyres. In terms of parts, it offers a Jones Loop handlebar, Shimano SLX hydraulic disc brakes, Microshift thumb shifters, front and rear racks and a Cane Creek suspension seatpost. It’s US $1999 which isn’t half bad if you consider what it comes with.

Read more about the ADV 4.2 HERE

Want To Compare These Touring Bikes With Dozens of Others?

Check out The Touring Bicycle Buyer’s Guide  which compares touring bike steering, sizing, gear ratios, specification, pricing and more. The Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide does the same thing, however, with a focus on lighter bikes and models with more off-road capability. Both of these guides are updated annually with the latest models at no extra cost!

Helpful Resources

All About Touring Bike Brakes Frame Materials for Bicycle Touring How to Select Touring Bike Gearing Understand Bicycle Frame Geometry What’s the Difference between Cyclocross and Touring Bikes?

Touring & Bikepacking Bike Overview

2016 Advocate Lorax 2018 All City Gorilla Monsoon 2016 Basso Ulisse 2016 Bianchi Volpe and Lupo 2016 2016 Bombtrack Beyond 2017 Bombtrack Beyond 2018 Bombtrack Beyond 2018 Bombtrack Arise Tour 2019 Bombtrack Beyond 2016 Brodie Elan Vital 2016 Cannondale Touring 2019 Cannondale Topstone 2020 Cannondale Topstone 2016 Cinelli Hobootleg Geo 2018 Co-Op ADV 4.2 2017 Curve Grovel V2 2017 Diamondback Haanjo EXP Carbon 2016 Fuji Touring 2017 Fuji Touring 2018 Fuji Touring 2018 Fuji Touring Disc 2016 Genesis Tour de Fer 2016 Giant ToughRoad 2017 Giant ToughRoad 2018 Giant ToughRoad and ToughRoad GX 2016 Jamis Aurora and Aurora Elite 2019 Jones Plus SWB 2020 KOGA WorldTraveller-S 2016 Kona Big Rove 2016 Kona Roadhouse and Sutra LTD 2016 Kona Sutra 2017 Kona Sutra 2018 Kona Sutra 2018 Kona Sutra LTD 2019 Kona Sutra and Sutra LTD 2020 Kona Sutra and Sutra LTD 2020 Kona Unit X 2016 Marin Four Corners 2017 Marin Four Corners 2018 Marin Four Corners 2016 Masi Giramondo 2018 Masi Giramondo 2016 Niner RLT9 2016 Rawland Ulv and Ravn 2016 Salsa Deadwood 2017 Salsa Fargo 2018 Salsa Fargo Ti Frameset 2018 Salsa Journeyman 2016 Salsa Marrakesh 2017 Salsa Marrakesh 2018 Salsa Marrakesh 2020 Salsa Marrakesh 2017 Salsa Vaya 2019 Salsa Warbird 2016 Specialized AWOL 2017 Specialized AWOL 2017 Specialized Diverge 2018 Specialized Diverge 2019 Specialized Diverge 2017 Specialized Sequoia 2018 Specialized Sequoia 2019 Specialized Sequoia 2018 Surly Bridge Club 2017 Surly Troll 2016 Traitor Wander 2019 Trek 520 2016 Trek 920, 720, 520 & CrossRip 2017 Trek CrossRip 2018 Trek 920 2018 Trek 1120

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42 comments

Great article, thanks. What do you think of REI’s Randonee? It gets very good reviews and the specs are excellent for the price

The Randonee is another great value touring bike. It used to be the best value option, but the Masi and Fuji don’t make it look as great when you do a side-by-side comparison. I actually prefer the Mazama and Safari for three reasons: they use disc brakes, they can fit larger rubber and they’re $100 cheaper.

Nice selection! Just got a Marin Four Corners which is also a good potential contender for the list

Thanks Tarique. I really like the Four Corners ( https://www.cyclingabout.com/2016-marin-four-corners-touring-bike/ ) – the reason I left it off this list was because it is lacking the climbing gears that these touring bikes have. Maybe next year!

I would have assumed that 22 gear inches on Four Corners would make the cut… Or may be my calculations are wrong.

Thanks for the list of touring bikes. It’s very helpful. I’ve been on a few tours and have ridden my own road bike (Cannondale Cadd 9) on the van supported tours, and borrowed an REI brand bike from a friend for the self-contained tours. I would like to have a touring bike of my own. Because I have to be price conscious, I am drawn toward the least expensive bikes- Masi Giramondo and Fugi Touring. But since there isn’t a huge difference in price, I’m wondering what I am scarifying by buying the least expensive. Is it components/smoothness of shifting? Stability? The life of the bike? And, other than price (because I’m only slightly bike-savvy), what are the main specifications I should be looking for? I’m 55, female, strong, weight is slightly on the heavier side, but I’m in shape & athletic. My Cannondale is a 52 cm frame. I want a good climber. Sorry if these questions force you to repeat things you may have already made clear, but hopefully you can help me with just a few thoughts. Also, what is you opinion of buying a used touring bike? And is there a site where one can find used touring bikes? Thanks very much for your help!

Very good article, its nice to have all your favorite touringbikes on one page so you can scroll up and down to compare geometry and looks. When I look at sutra and marrakesh it looks as the sutra have been squeezed together – the wheelbase seem so short, marrakesh looks like it has a very long wheelbase (I like that, its like the oldschool bikes). I like the choises made in this article – proffesional!

When comparing the Sutra and Marrakesh Drop Bar, the Marrakesh is ever so slightly longer in wheelbase due to the longer chainstays. It works out about 10-15mm longer. The Marrakesh Flat Bar on the other hand has a 60-70mm longer wheelbase due to the additional reach required for a flat handlebar!

Ahh,, thats explain the long, beautiful wheelbase on the flat handlebar Marrakesh. I guess that allso explain the long beautiful wheelbase on my Genesis Longitude 2015 (just a magic bike that they sadly totally fucked up in the 2016 year version). /Noa

Why are the co-motion bikes so expensive? The frame is 2k

They’re made in the USA using some of the best steel tubing. Plus you can customise the geometry and choose from a huge range of colours. Although expensive compared to mass produced bikes, they are a great investment because custom frames tends to be something you keep for life. If you can justify the cost, why not? 🙂

Do you know of any touring bikes that come standard with hydraulic disc brakes?

Specialized AWOL Expert & Comp, Marin Four Corners Elite, Cannondale Touring Ultimate, Kona Sutra LTD and many of the European flat bar touring bikes.

Thanks for the info!

What does everyone think about the Nashbar TR1 Touring?

You’ll get a much better bike if you can stretch your $$$ to a Fuji. It has lower gears for climbing, a slower steering speed, a more upright position, longer chainstays and much nicer parts!

I am comparing a Marin four corner base model and trek 520. I like the look of the Marin and will also use the bike as a commuter. Some concern about bar end shifter.

How would the MEC National compare to any of these 8 bikes? https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5041-062/National-Bicycle

What is your opinion about Co -Motion Pangea

They’re about as good as it gets (provided you can afford the US $2k premium). Ultra-stiff steel tubing, handbuilt wheels, wide gear range, no shortcuts on parts and they can be customised in terms of colour, fittings and geometry. 🙂

@AleeDenham Yes I’m also curious to hear how it compares. Great article by the way!

This list is awesome! Thanks so much for putting it together! I was wondering if you had thoughts on either jamis aurora elite or raleigh tamland.

On paper, very similarly. The frame geometry, gear ratios and specification are certainly in-line with our options here. I haven’t heard anything from any MEC National owners however.

Jamis: Not quite as low gearing as I’d like, hydro disc brakes can be a pain to ‘bleed’ on a tour, a little pricer than similar models. Raleigh: It’s a ‘light touring’ bike compared to these so it won’t be able to take similar loads.

Hi, Great stuff here. No Koga proposition? Cheers

I’ve been really happy with the way my Koga has been riding, the WorldTraveller is sure to be added to the list soon. 😉

Alee….i would like to know the exactly amount in kilos These bikes can hold on each front and back rear racks…specially the fuji touring bike which has a 700×32 tires compared to the other ones that have 700×40….is it possible to load this bikes with 30kg on the front and 30kg on the back….i am Going to be cycling a few years and I need a bike where i can put all these amount of kg beacuse i will be selling things to support my trip….i itried to Find this info about kg limits but i couldnt Find anything….does anyone know about it?…. Thanks a Lot……

You don’t want to put that much weight on the front because it greatly affects the bike’s handling. I generally don’t recommend more than 15kg.

With regards to handling 30kg+ on the rear, I’d suggest that all frames will be fine with that load. What may not be fine is the rear wheel and the rack. I’d suggest custom building a rear wheel using a Ryde Andra rim ( https://www.cyclingabout.com/the-best-rims-for-bicycle-touring/ ) and using a Tubus Logo or Cargo 28 rear rack which has a 40kg weight rating ( https://www.cyclingabout.com/all-about-rear-pannier-racks/ ).

I think your best option for carrying 60kg in total will be by distributing your load onto a trailer. Here are some options: https://www.cyclingabout.com/best-bike-trailers-bicycle-touring/

Thanks a Lot Alee…very good advices…to be honest i really like the fuji touring but i Dont know if its possible to put bigger tires…fuji comes with 700×32…i would like to put 700×40 or bigger ones which i dont know if this change is possible or not on this bike…if i can do this then with the change of the rims to ryde andra i have a real touring bike that can really handle a really good load with no worries about it…..do you think the fuji touring fork allows to change to bigger tires than 700×32? Thanks Again for Being that helpful…….

The Fuji can just squeeze in 700x40c tyres, with some fenders…

Unless you’re sticking to paved roads with your load, I’d recommend something that can go to 700x50c.

Hey…what about the cinelli hobootleg 2018 bike….it looks a Pretty good bike for 1500 dollars…what do you think about it?….would you recommend it?…..here is the bike Link…. https://www.cinelli-usa.com/cinelli-hobootleg-complete-touring-bike-railway/ Thanks…..

Hi. Which one has the strongest frame? Which one has the best geometry? If you have one option for buying which one will you choose for yourself? I think masi and specialized are more for offroad than others? They also have shorter seat tube lenght.why? I live in Iran. I have read a lot about these 8 but still i am confused to choose which one of them. I wanna have a long trip around the world and i am from iran and i dont know how can i buy them here. Thanks

– I don’t know which one is the strongest, but I’d suggest they’re all within the same ballpark. – I’d pick a bike that has 2.0″ tyre capability with fender, and as low gear ratios as possible (18-20″ preferably). – These bikes will all perform similarly well on-road and off-road with the same tyres. – The short seat tube lengths allow your seatpost to flex more, providing additional comfort over a long seat tube. From a design perspective this is preferable, but most people like the traditional aesthetic of a long seat tube and horizontal top tube.

Thanks for your answer alee. So the only one of this list that has 2.0 tyre capacity with fenders is masi giramondo. Right? Is it possible to make all of this 8 bike gear ration 18-20? So as you said these 8 frame with a same stack and reach, the one has a shorter seat tube lenght is more comfortable? Did i understand right?

32h or 36h? Is it difference for a long trip around the world?

Is specialized awol a bikepacking bike or is it a right bike for having a long trip around the world?

In this list, in fuji, trek and surlys fork is kind of bend but others fork is more straight. Why? Is the straight one more strong?maybe in off road

– Fitting 2.0″ tyres and fenders will depend on the individual tyre and fender combination. The Surly, Trek and Fuji are the ones that probably won’t. – You can modify any drivetrain to achieve lower gears. It just depends on your budget. – Yes, more exposed seatpost provides more seatpost flex. But comfort more than this of course, it’s a function of bike fit, tyre width and your seat/handlebar/bartape too.

The quality of the wheel build, that is, the evenness of spoke tension is probably more important than the spoke number when comparing these bikes. Get any of these wheels checked regularly by a mechanic and they should be fine.

It’s designed for touring, but you can of course fit bikepacking bags to it.

Mostly aesthetics. You probably won’t find a difference in strength between them.

Thanks for your answer. They were so helpful. They told me its easier to find a 26 tube and tyre in the middle of nowhere or asia but its hard to find 700 somewhere. Is it right? If yes im going to get surly 26 disc trucker. Do you suggest surly 26 disc trucker for a long trip around the world? Is it comfort?

Comments are closed.

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27 Cycle Touring & Bikepacking Apps For Every Imaginable Purpose

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While I’m a big advocate of low-tech bike tours, almost every long-distance rider today is bringing along their smartphone for the ride. But what exactly are the best apps for cycle touring and bikepacking?

It’s a tricky question. To my knowledge, there is no single app that does everything an cycle tourer or bikepacker wants when exploring the world by bicycle.

And that’s probably because the cycle touring or bikepacking lifestyle is a complex, multi-faceted thing, taking in a diverse range of activities that go way beyond route planning and navigation. No one app could possibly serve all of them!

This list is therefore a suite of apps for life on two wheels.

In other words, I’ll be listing apps that help with all aspects of cycle touring and bikepacking. For example, as well as the obvious route planning and navigation apps, you’ll find accommodation and hospitality exchange apps, weather forecasting apps, crowdsourced maps of wild camping sites , apps to help with budgeting and communication , apps to monitor battery usage , and a diverse selection of other apps I’ve found useful on long cycle tours.

This is not a comparison of navigation apps like the blog posts you’ll find if you search for “cycle touring apps” or “bikepacking apps”. That list would be hundreds of entries long. In any case, the big cycling sites all publish such lists in the battle for search engine traffic, and I don’t really need to compete with them.

Technology moves fast, and the app scene is constantly changing. That’s why – like everything else in my library of free content covering all aspects of planning a cycle tour or bikepacking trip – I’ve been updating this post regularly since I first published it waaaay back in 2012. 

My goal for the original post was to answer the frequently-asked question of what were the best apps for cycle touring or bikepacking at the time. The version you’re reading today has been curated with the same goal in mind.

I’ve included links to Android and iOS (iPhone/iPad) versions of each app wherever they exist, and broken the list down into eight handy categories covering navigation , accommodation , transport , communication , weather , photography & media , finance , and everything else .

So grab your smartphone and let’s begin…

The Best Route Planning & Navigation Apps For Cycle Touring & Bikepacking

Know this for a fact: there’s no single best app for cycle touring or bikepacking where route planning and navigation is concerned. 

That’s because the industry is still young, there’s money to be made by influencing where people go, and so there’s a ton of competition for this huge potential user base.

In any case, you may prefer to navigate with paper maps, road signs, or just following your nose. Despite rapid advances in digital mapping, there’s still lots of alternative ways to find routes on a cycle tour or bikepacking trip .

But if you do intend to use a smartphone to plan routes and navigate, and you don’t already have a favourite app that works for you, I would suggest trying all of the following apps to see which one best matches your riding style. Most have free trials or some way to try them out before upgrading to a paid premium version.

Unlike AI-written spam blogs about cycling apps, by the way, I have actually used all of these apps on my own bike trips , so what you read is based on first-hand experience.

1. Organic Maps (the Maps.Me alternative) (Android/iOS, free)

Years ago, an app called Maps With Me (aka: Maps.Me) fought off all the competition to become the most popular free offline mapping app for travellers.

Then the developers sold it, and the app slowly turned into yet another ad-infested, user data-harvesting, corporate money-making platform.

Luckily, someone was clever enough to make a copy of the original open-source app and re-release it under a new name. And that name, dear friends, is Organic Maps .

Simple and with a wealth of offline functionality, it’s easy to see why people love it. When you first open the app, you are prompted to download parts of the world region by region, starting with your current location. All of the app’s main functionality will then work offline within these regions.

Usefully for cycle tourers and bikepackers, this includes bicycle-optimised routing and directions. This means you can conserve battery power by activating flight-safe mode while retaining the ability to use your phone as a GPS navigator.

On my 2018 trip in Thailand , I used these features daily. Typically, I planned my route by cross-referencing Organic Maps’s routing suggestions with Google Maps’s walking directions, and then used Organic Maps to follow quiet, back-road routes across the country. This combination worked like a charm.

You can also search offline for nearby points of interest such as cafes, grocery stores, lodgings, drinking water fountains, etc – all of which are downloaded with the offline maps.

Like most of the other apps in the mapping and navigation section of this list, Organic Maps depends on the OpenStreetMap (OSM) database to generate its basemaps. This can make it vulnerable to coverage issues in less-visited and/or less well-mapped regions, although not necessarily any more so than Google. In some regions, you’ll find the mapping is actually better, more detailed, and more up-to-date than commercial mapping platforms, simply because of the strength of the mapping community contributing to it.

If I have one issue with Organic Maps, it’s that the map does not display any topographical data (contours, hillshading, elevation colour coding, etc). This is partly compensated by the elevation profiles generated along with the cycling and walking routes. 

If detailed elevation data, tracktypes, and other detailed cycling-specific navigation functionality is important to you, however, you may be better off with one of the other navigation apps in this list.

• Download Organic Maps for : Android | iOS

2. Google Maps (Android/iOS, free)

Yes, Google Maps is an ad-infested, user data-harvesting, corporate money-making platform. But whether you like it or not, commercial mapping is often your best friend in places there’s money to be made – ie: urban areas.

Most bike trips start in, end in or pass through urban areas – towns and cities – where you also often need to find specific street addresses or business. This is where platforms like Google Maps excel, as business owners have a vested interest in keeping their listings up-to-date.

In terms of navigation, bicycle-friendly routing is offered alongside directions for motor vehicles in cities across much of the developed world. Where it isn’t, using the walking directions will often offer you a low-traffic route. You can also bookmark places and categorise these bookmarks into preset and customised lists. This is all helpful stuff, but best considered part of a wider cycle touring or bikepacking app suite.

The latest versions of Google Maps have incorporated Street View functionality from what used to be a separate app. I tend to use this handy 360º VR imagery if I’m heading for a specific spot in a city, such as a Warmshowers (see below) host’s house or a local bike shop , and want to visualise the location in advance.

In short, if you’ll have good cell service throughout your ride and you’re sticking to paved roads in developed parts of the world, Google Maps may well do everything you need in terms of navigation.

Using Google Maps on a bike tour becomes more limiting when you switch off mobile data or stray beyond the reach of cell service. The app does allow you to download offline maps in the default style, and your lists of saved places will be accessible, but it won’t cache terrain or satellite basemaps, which makes it difficult to judge a route’s elevation profile and impossible to use aerial imagery for following unmapped routes. Nor can it store anything about saved places other than their name and street address, plus any text notes you may have made about them. Many aspects of route planning and directions also depend on being online. 

Finally, map coverage remains poor in some parts of the developing world, and even in remote regions of developed countries where there’s little or no no commercial activity. This is why it’s always worth pairing Google Maps with one or several of the other mapping apps in this list

Pro tip: In the former Soviet Union and in other countries where Russian is the default second language, you’ll usually find that the Russian equivalent to Google Maps, Yandex Maps , has better map coverage and traffic data.

• Download Google Maps for : A ndr oid | iOS
• Download Yandex Maps for : Android | iOS

3. BackCountry Navigator Free/Pro (Android, free/£12.99/$14.99 per year)

With its raster maps, dated-looking interface, and lack of route planning or sat-nav style navigation features, it may not be immediately obvious why the Android-only app BackCountry Navigator is still recommended for cycle touring or bikepacking, given the move towards vector maps.

For me, the main reason is the wide variety of specialist basemap styles available beyond the often simplistic vector maps that come with most other apps. 

Preconfigured styles include OpenCycleMap , which (as its name suggests) is an OpenStreetMap-based map style for cyclists, showing cycle-friendly infrastructure and points of interest; OpenTopoMap , which resembles a modern outdoor-oriented printed topographic map; and high-resolution satellite imagery layers from various sources.

The Pro version (annual subscription) allows any of these basemaps to be downloaded for offline use. Offline aerial imagery at this level of detail is a rare feature among apps in this list, and riders going off the beaten track to explore off-road, off-grid routes will find plenty of reassurance in having satellite imagery to refer to while navigating.

There’s plenty of other functionality in BackCountry Navigator that will be more familiar to hikers and outdoorspeople, such as the ability to load in GPS tracks in various formats and overlay them on the basemap, and to navigate on a compass bearing, as well as keeping a tracklog of your movements if you so desire. 

Really, though, it’s the diversity of offline maps at your fingertips that make the Pro version of this niche app worth the annual subscription fee.

• Download BackCountry Nav (free) for : Android
• Download BackCountry Navigator Pro (£12.99/$14.99 per year) for : Android

4. Russian Topo Maps Free/Pro (Android, free/£15.49/$15.99)

Formerly known as Soviet Military Maps, this wonderful app has now been renamed to Russian Topo Maps, but it still offers a fantastic mix of genuinely useful topographic and landcover detail and Cold War nostalgia which may hold particular appeal to map nerds (like me).

Produced during Soviet rule and reissued every few years until the late 1970s, the scanned sheet maps offered by this app cover the entire world at the 1:100–200,000 scales. In places where OpenStreetMap, Google/Yandex and paper map coverage is sketchy or non-existent, and particularly in the former USSR, these may still be the best maps you can find without raiding the Kremlin. I wish I’d known about it before that time I went to Outer Mongolia . (Then again, it was 2010, and this app probably didn’t exist.)

The free version allows you to browse these maps and use all of the GPS features, while the paid version allows you to also download the maps for offline use. 

• Download Russian Topo Maps Free for : Android
• Download Russian Topo Maps Pro (£15.49/$15.99) for : Android

5. RideWithGPS (Android/iOS, free/$9.99/mo)

Offering some of the most in-depth navigation and route planning features available, RideWithGPS is also the only mapping and navigation app in this list which is built specifically for cyclists (as opposed to the range of outdoor activities catered for by some of its rivals). 

The result of this focus is that RideWithGPS has grown into an established favourite in the long distance cycling community, particularly among off-road bikepackers, who often need to plan extremely detailed routes in remote regions. Indeed, Bikepacking.com use it as their preferred platform for delivering their vast library of community-created routes.

The platform has a web interface with plenty of additional screen real-estate, allowing you to plan routes at your laptop and then seamlessly switch to navigation mode on the smartphone app. Once you’ve planned or recorded a route, you can also use the platform’s social features to share it with friends, followers or fellow riders. 

As with many apps of its kind, there’s a free version with basic functionality or a premium subscription version currently priced at $9.99/month or $79.99/year. Upgrading unlocks the app’s turn-by-turn navigation mode, offline functionality, and a couple of other features you’ll probably find useful if you decide to make RideWithGPS your primary route planning and navigation app.

In short: if you’re keen to plan, track, analyse and share your daily cycle touring or bikepacking activities, and you prefer extreme detail over simplicity in your route planning, RideWithGPS is currently a hot favourite. If, on the other hand, you’re after a simpler and perhaps more passive way to get directions from A to B, you should probably look elsewhere in this list.

• Download RideWithGPS for : Android | iOS

6. komoot (Android/iOS, free/£4.99/$4.99/mo)

komoot (with a small ‘k’) is a relative newcomer to the smartphone mapping and navigation scene. Its particular strength for the cycle tourer or bikepacker is in its automated route planning features, which will appeal to those who want to spend less time poring over waypoints and more time actually riding.

Using one of the most powerful routing algorithms of any of the apps in this list, komoot draws on the OpenStreetMap database and combines it with third-party elevation data to calculate an optimal route via any number of points. Usefully, it allows you to specify variables such as the type of bike you’re riding (road, mountain, touring, e‑bike, etc) and how fit you think you are, resulting in a variety of generated routes and accompanying information on gradients, road surface types, etc.

It has some nice social features, too, which set it apart from competing platforms. Users can submit highlights of places they’ve visited – either specific points of interest or favourite segments of a route – which are then rated by the community and included in future generated routes based on their favourability.

Like RideWithGPS, komoot has a web-based interface which makes route planning a little easier to manage.

The free version contains all the basic functionality but only works online. Thereafter, you can pay one-off fees to unlock offline maps with prices reflecting coverage, and there’s a premium subscription at £4.99/$4.99 per month for additional, advanced functionality (I personally haven’t found this necessary for touring).

All said, komoot is my personal favourite of all the apps in this category when I’m exploring new places – so much so that I’ve published a full review of the app separately from this post.

• Download komoot for : Android | iOS

Weather Forecasting Apps For Cycle Touring & Bikepacking

For reasons of comfort, safety and route planning, it’s good practice to check the weather forecast before setting out on another day of cycle touring or bikepacking, or indeed when looking for a place to wild camp .

While there’s no substitute for learning how to read nature’s signs, the following apps will at least help you confirm what you suspect, or highlight something you’ve overlooked when it comes to upcoming weather conditions.

7. Windy (Android/iOS, free)

I’ve tuned into the finer details of the weather in recent years as a result of spending a ton of time in the mountains, where the effects of weather tend to be multiplied. In terms of sheer quantity and range of data, nothing I’ve found beats Windy, which visualises almost every weather factor you could ask for on a zoomable interactive map, as well as generating 11-day forecasts for specific point locations.

As the name suggests, Windy’s featureset was originally designed for outdoor pursuits in which wind is a major factor, such as sailing and surfing. But it’s easy to switch the map overlay to show cloud cover, cloud base elevation, precipitation, ground temperature, and a wealth of other metrics. You can even see isobars and air pressure across altitude bands if, like me, you’re into that level of nerdy detail. When it comes to forecasting, Windy can draw from a variety of models, including ICON for Europe and ECMWF for global coverate.

There is a premium version (£18.49/year) which enables 1‑hour forecast resolution and higher data precision, but in my opinion the ad-supported free version is more than enough for 99% of cycle touring or bikepacking scenarios.

If you’re into making your own forecasts or want an in-depth perspective on what you’re seeing and experiencing, give Windy a data connection and it will give you all the information you could wish for.

• Download Windy for : Android | iOS

8. Yr.no (Android/iOS, free)

Alternatively if you just want a local forecast at a useful level of detail for the outdoorsperson, the Norwegian weather agency’s official app is often recommended. It’s free and covers the whole world.

• Download Yr.no for : Android | iOS

Accommodation Apps For Cycle Touring & Bikepacking

When you’re ready to stop for the night, here’s my pick of the currently-available apps to help cycle tourers and bikepackers find a bed for the night – whether that be staying with hospitable local people, checking into a nearby hotel or campground, or wild camping for free under the stars.

9. iOverlander (Android/iOS, free/donation)

Though primarily aimed at overland travellers with motor vehicles, iOverlander ’s app is incredibly useful to cycle tourers and bikepackers. Why? Because it’s the closest thing to a ‘wild camping app’ in existence.

With an active community behind it, this user-generated global database of points of interest includes vehicle- and bike-friendly hostels, paid campsites, wild/free camping sites, mechanics’ workshops, water refill points, and more. Other apps do exist that aim to serve the wild camping niche, but none as successfully on a global scale as iOverlander.

As with so many community platforms that rely on user-generated content, iOverlander is free and volunteer-run. You can contribute either by making a donation, adding your own content (including reviews of existing points of interest), or both.

It’s worth mentioning that in some countries you may find that another platform has, for whatever reason, gained preference over iOverlander. For example, when I began planning a ride along the New South Wales coastline and noticed that iOverlander content was lacking, a friend told me that in Australia – a country with a huge bush camping culture – WikiCamps was in fact the ubiquitous platform.

• Download iOverlander for : Android | iOS

10. Booking.com (Android/iOS, free)

When it comes to paid accommodation in many parts of the world, you’ll often find that the Netherlands-based Booking.com features the widest range of hotels and guesthouses, having grown over the years into a global leader in the lucrative business of online accommodation bookings.

One of the features I like best about it is that you can often book accommodation at extremely short notice, ie: for the same night, as well as being able to search accommodation based on your current location on the map. Google’s partnership with the platform means you can often click through directly from a Google Maps search results listing to the Booking.com app reservation page for that property, making it possible to source nearby overnight accomodation on the fly and with minimal friction.

Be aware that booking platforms like this charge accommodation providers a lot for the privilege of appearing in their listings – up to 15% of the value of the booking. While big hotel chains can build this into their pricing and negotiate for discounts, the impact on revenue for a small accommodation provider can be substantial. For that reason, if you want to help give small businesses a fairer deal, I recommend you do your research on Booking.com or its local equivalent, find the phone number on Google Maps, and then contact the provider directly to make your booking. You’ll often find that guesthouse owners will thank you for this gesture.

Note that in specific locations you may find another platform has gained prominence. In South East Asia, for example, the Singapore-based Agoda often has a bigger selection and better prices.

• Download the Booking.com app for : Android | iOS

11. Hostelworld (Android/iOS, free)

Low-budget hostels are underrepresented at Booking.com (perhaps because they can’t afford the fees!), but Hostelworld steps in to fill this niche. 

Especially in the developed world, you’ll find way more cheap beds here than through the mainstream booking sites.

There’s little more to say – with Hostelbookers having been bought out, Hostelworld now holds the monopoly on hostel bookings, and its free app has all the features you’d expect of any accommodation booking platform.

• Download the Hostelworld app for : Android | iOS

12. AirBnb (Android/iOS, free)

Though it’s by no means the quirky and inexpensive alternative it used to be, AirBnb is still worth checking out, particularly if you want your own self-catering apartment for a few days off, or if you like the B&B experience as it used to be (ie: an actual person hosts you in their home and cooks you breakfast).

• Download AirBnb for : Android | iOS

13. WarmShowers (Android/iOS, £2.79/mo)

The original online hospitality exchange platform for cycle tourers and bikepackers was Warmshowers . Starting as a passion project, it is today incorporated as a nonprofit organisation based in Colorado, USA, with nearly 200,000 members worldwide. My profile page tells me I’ve been a member for nearly 17 years.

The original Warmshowers app was a volunteer-led effort. It was replaced by a new professionally-built app, which makes searching for willing hosts much easier and has an interface that’s better and more user-friendly. The map search function is particularly useful. 

The trade-off is that using the app to find hosts now requires a small subscription fee – £2.79/month as of the time of writing, which is a small price to pay for keeping the app updated. (Using the web interface remains free.)

The distribution of hosts is not exactly even in a global sense, but it’s always worth looking at the map to see who’s about on any given route. Other hospitality exchange networks do of course exist, but none offer the instant common ground you’ll share with people who’ve signed up specifically to host people on bicycles.

• Download the WarmShowers app for : Android | iOS

14. Couchsurfing (Android/iOS, free)

Where WarmShowers hosts have not yet reached, Couchsurfing is still there with its however-many-million users, and if you can be bothered to wade through the oceans of inactive profiles and unresponsive hosts you might still find someone to stay with. The lack of a map search is a woeful omission, but most other aspects of the app interface are fine.

Personally, I use Couchsurfing more now to meet travellers and locals for a drink and a wander in a new city than to find a host, for which I either use WarmShowers (see above) or – now I’ve been around a few years – ask my contacts and usually end up finding a friend of a friend to stay with.

If you do use it to find a host, make sure they know you’re showing up on a rather expensive bicycle and that you probably won’t want to leave it locked to the fence outside!

• Download the Couchsurfing app for : Android | iOS

Travel & Transport Apps For Cycle Touring & Bikepacking

Sometimes you need to take a plane, train or bus to get yourself and your bike from A to B. This could be at the start of a cycle tour or bikepacking trip, at the end, or even in the middle if you’re taking an open-minded approach to where you travel by bike . That’s where the following apps may come in handy.

15. Kayak (Android/iOS, free)

When it comes to searching for and booking flights, Kayak is my go-to platform these days. As well as extensive search result filtering capabilities, it also usually turns up the cheapest tickets – especially if your dates are flexible, as it’ll search for the cheapest fares in a given month or in a 7‑day window.

Of particular interest to the cycle tourer or bikepacker is the ability to filter by airline, which can make a huge difference at the check-in desk depending on the baggage policy of the carrier in question (a topic for another article, perhaps).

Kayak is mainly just a search aggregator – you have to click through and book elsewhere, though they have started selling tickets direct now too.

• Download the Kayak app for : Android | iOS

16. TripIt (Android/iOS)

This one is a simple itinerary management tool. Allow TripIt access to your inbox and it will pull in confirmation emails for flights, hotels and what have you and spit out a simplified, offline-accessible itinerary with all the details you’re likely to need while you’re in transit.

• Download TripIt for : Android | iOS

Communications Apps For Cycle Touring & Bikepacking

You’ll be wanting to communicate while you’re on the road, both to the people you meet and to the people back home. Guess what? There’s an app for that…

17. Signal / WhatsApp / Viber / Telegram (Android/iOS, free)

I’ve listed four phone number-based instant messaging apps here because, at the time of writing, three of them predominate depending on what country you’re in, and one of them won’t harvest and sell your data (Signal).

You’ll be likely to use these apps for such common travel tasks as communicating with Warmshowers or Couchsurfing hosts; making enquiries with local businesses such as guesthouses, hostels, bike shops, etc; or joining group communication channels with other riders in the areas you’re passing through. Telegram in particular, with its ability to locate groups and users within your local area, can be a good way to connect with other travellers you’d otherwise struggle to meet.

Don’t forget that you’ll also likely use at least one of these apps for keeping in touch with friends and family back home.

Such is the competitive nature of this market that other apps may one day replace those listed here. But for now, if you’re heading off on a bike and you plan to use your smartphone to communicate, you may find it’s best install all of the following:

• Download Signal for : Android | iOS
• Download WhatsApp for : Android | iOS
• Download Viber for : Android | iOS
• Download Telegram for : Android | iOS

18. Google Translate (Android/iOS, free)

I’m listing Google Translate here as an aid to face-to-face communication with people whose native language you are unable to speak.

It’s more and more common to find travellers realising they can dictate to the app in their mother tongue and have a translation audibly read out to their conversation partner – then simply reverse the direction of translation for the reply. I’m sure it won’t be long before this evolves into near-simultaneous translation, probably via some kind of futuristic earpiece or neural implant.

Translate also allows you to download offline translation dictionaries for a large (and growing) number of languages.

One tip I recently learned is that if you rotate your phone to landscape orientation, the word or phrase you’ve translated will be enlarged to fullscreen, thus allowing you to brandish it at roadside noodle stands while trying to order a stir-fry with ‘no onions’.

• Download Google Translate for : Android | iOS

Finance & Budgeting Apps For Cycle Touring & Bikepacking

Here are a few selections on the financial end of things, which may ease your pedal-powered wheelings (sorry, couldn’t resist) and dealings:

19. XE Currency (Android/iOS, free)

Based on the highly popular xe.com currency exchange website, the XE Currency app will allow you to choose a handful of currencies and convert between them all at the latest mid-market rates.

I mainly find this useful to ensure I’m not getting ripped off by money-changers, but also to watch for spikes in conversion rates that may affect my travel budget (other Brits abroad may remember 23rd June 2016 particularly well).

• Download XE Currency for : Android | iOS

20. Toshl (Android/iOS)

My travels of late have tended to involve a slightly more complicated financial picture than the ‘spend as little as possible, preferably nothing’ approach of my earlier cycle tours. To track and visualise what I’m spending, I use an expense tracking app called Toshl, into which I spend a few minutes each day putting my expenses.

For someone who was more or less financially illiterate, this has shed a remarkable amount of light on the actual flow of funds through my travel activities and, in turn, helped me adapt my ways to better fit my means.

If keeping track of travel money is a source of stress for you, I would highly recommend starting to use a simple tracking app such as Toshl as the first step towards a remedy. It can also simply produce an interesting summary of the financial aspect of your journeys, which I’m planning to demonstrate in a future article.

• Download Toshl for : Android | iOS

21. Starling (Android/iOS) [UK only]

Among other things a fee-free overseas spending debit card provider, Starling Bank relies on this app to communicate with its customers. For what I hope are obvious reasons, I can’t post an actual screenshot of it! 

Though technically not just an app but also a bank account, I’m including Starling here because of its particular relevance to the bicycle traveller looking to keep their overseas card withdrawal and spending fees down.

Here’s a full write-up of my experience with Starling  if you’re keen to read more.

Readers from countries other than the UK might try Revolut instead.

• Download the Starling app and sign up for an account here .

Photography & Media Management Apps For Cycle Touring & Bikepacking

Most new smartphones come with absurdly good cameras, sensors, processing algorithms and editing software built-in, so I no longer consider any third party app truly essential in the photography department. Keeping your photos backed up is another story, however…

22. Google Photos (Android/iOS)

My main reason for including Google Photos here is for its automatic backup feature, which upon detecting a WiFi connection will upload in the background all the photos you’ve taken since the last backup, storing them in your Google Storage account.

In its free incarnation, Google Photos used to allow you to backup an unlimited number of compressed photos a slightly reduced quality in ‘storage saver’ mode. Nowadays, only the owners of Google smartphones up to and including the Pixel 5 get this perk. You can, however, pay to upgrade to a 100GB or 1TB capacity account if you need it. Connect with a compatible ‘proper’ camera, copy the images over, and it’ll backup these photos too.

Recently-added features I also find useful as a cycle tourer and blogger include the ability to search my image library by location and keyword.

But for me, this app is mainly for backing up my images automatically over coffee-shop WiFi, rather than photography per se .

• Download Google Photos for : Android | iOS

23. Dropbox (Android / iOS)

If you don’t like everything being Google-oriented, the Dropbox app will perform exactly the same backup function for your photos via its Camera Uploads feature, though I find Google’s web interface and in-app editing features more appealing. Again, free and paid options differ mainly in terms of the amount of storage you get.

• Download Dropbox for : Android | iOS

Other Apps For Cycle Touring & Bikepacking

Finally, I’ve come across many other useful apps for cycle touring and bikepacking that just don’t quite fit into any of the other categories. Here are a few:

24. AccuBattery (Android, free)

AccuBattery will give you detailed stats on your phone’s power consumption, including estimates of how long it’ll currently last with the current fleet of running apps; useful when you don’t know where the next charging opportunity is going to be. 

It’ll also prompt you to disconnect your charger at a level that’ll reduce battery wear and help prolong its life – useful if you’re charging your phone on the go with a power bank or dynamo hub.

• Download AccuBattery for : Android

25. Sky Map (Android, free)

I’ll probably never learn the constellations unless I actually need to navigate by them, but the (formerly Google-owned) Sky Map app is great fun when you’re lying out under a starry sky and you want to identify what you’re looking at. It’s also great for picking out other celestial bodies when they’re visible to the naked eye.

• Download Sky Map for : Android

26. AnkiDroid / AnkiMobile (Android/iOS, free)

The apps accompanying the open-source flashcard platform Anki allow you to memorise things effectively on the go, using the scientifically-proven learning technique of spaced repetition. 

I find it particularly useful for language learning, memorising words, phrases, letters of new alphabets, etc. The open platform gives you access to shared, community-created ‘decks’ of cards covering most such topics.

The Android app is free; the iOS equivalent is paid and the revenue supports the broader Anki project.

• Download AnkiDroid for : Android
• Download AnkiMobile for : iOS

27. One Trusted VPN App

Ride for long enough and you’ll inevitably reach a country where some website or app or service you rely on has been blocked by the government. Pre-empt this by installing a VPN (virtual private network) app and setting it up in advance.

What these services essentially do is make it look like you’re accessing the internet from somewhere else, encrypting your data in such a way that your actual whereabouts is untraceable.

There are thousands of free VPN apps out there. Choose one that’s been audited by a trusted and impartial source with a reputation worth losing. TechRadar have an updated list for 2024 . I personally use ProtonVPN* , which is included with my ProtonMail subscription.

That’s it for 2024’s best cycle touring and bikepacking apps! Any I’ve missed that you’d recommend to another adventurous rider?

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Also relevant to this post:

• komoot: The Most Powerful Route Planning App For Bikepacking & Cycle Touring?
• How To Custom Build The Ultimate Expedition Touring Bike (With Pictures)
• Biologic ReeCharge: A Dynamo-Powered USB Charger for Smartphones & More

Comments ( skip to respond )

63 responses to “27 cycle touring & bikepacking apps for every imaginable purpose”.

Tom, thank you so much for maintaining this! And I can’t thank you enough for telling me about Organic Maps. I’ve used maps.me since its start, and have become increasingly frustrated with the recent developments. Just downloaded Organic Maps, and it feels like coming home. Ever in your debt. In the deep frustration stage, I discovered OutdoorActive, which I’ve used for the last year. I find it easy to use with its ‘cycling’ layer showing bike paths and routes, and cycle-friendly roads allowing me to quickly plot a day’s route. You can upload gps routes, and use routes uploaded by others. Several mapping sources, too. I never quite got the hang of Komoot, but I like this one. Happy pedalling! Leaving next month to travel by bike and ferry from Scotland to Iceland and back – with many loops along the way ?

My pleasure! And thanks for mentioning OutdoorActive. I met the German team behind it a couple of years back. They are very destination focused, meaning the platform is packed with good information and routes in certain countries but not so much in others. Europe seems well catered for in general. Hope you have a good ride!

As usual, a good and very comprehensive list Tom. Many thanks!

As much as we’d like not to be the case, the truth is that nowadays most of us tour with our phones, relying in many of the apps you mentioned which creates another challenge for a multi-day tour: how to keep our devices charged?

My first long tour was in Japan where I used mainly paper maps and my phone to confirm my position every now and then. Fast forward 6 years and now I use mostly my phone. I have survived with a 10,000mAh battery pack and plugging my phone at the campsite but I find that quite inconvenient as you don’t want to leave your phone(s) lying there for a couple of hours in a random plug you found available, neither you want to sit next to it for that many hours so I’m looking at alternatives to generate my own power and quite surprised I couldn’t find much information about that on your site.

It will be great if you could share your view on the different options available and if you’ve tested them: dynamo hubs, solar, and even a reincarnation of the bottle dynamo that claims to be a lot more efficient than hubs! ( https://pedalcell.com/ )

Thanks Carlos! This is a topic I plan to cover soon. In fact, on my recent tour in Australia I used a generator hub to power my smartphone, and on previous tours I’ve used solar power and power banks. It’s going to be a big and detailed post, so keep your eyes peeled.

https://cycle.travel has recently expanded from UK to East Europe/Aus/NZ and more. VERY useful for me in the UK.

Excellent recommendation, Steve. Looking forward to the Android version of the app, but the web interface will do for now!

Not an app but a website: FallingFruit.org has a map of publicly accessible fruit trees, orchards, etc globally. Great for grabbing some free fruit fresh off the tree/bush/vine while cycling touring.

Their database is also downloadable, either in full or just for a region, so you can grab it and open it in a spreadsheet while offline as well.

Also publicly editable, so you can add any new places you find.

I love this! Thanks so much!

Great list. I also allow myself to add Cyclope which is very good. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Illusion.Cyclope https://www.cyclope.dev/

2021 THE best app for bicycle navigation is cyclers plus! even the free version is outstanding. best route planning. i use maps.me, Sygic (the best for motorcycle), naviki, OpenTracks, Brouter (also extremly good), Komoot. But Cyclers is the best.

Very hepfull list of many good tools. For my last holiday I used roundtrips4you to plan my trip. It is still under development, but is a great tool to list all your stops etc.

Thanks, Marco. I assume you are involved in roundtrips4you in some way?

A big recommendation for very easy, intuitive cycle navigation is the app from mapy.cz — You can download offline maps freely worldwide. Using the app ist easy. GPX import and export ist possible. You can plan on Your PC and use the routes on the app on the smartphone then (with free account). Tracking and sharing of tracks is also possible and simple. Based on OSM.

For the ones looking for an offline maps app, Magic Earth is the best I’ve ever used. I was a big fan of Google Maps, then used Maps.me for few years but both are violating the privacy through telemetry trackers. Magic Earth works better than Maps.me, but with respect to privacy of the user. https://www.magicearth.com

OsmAnd+ is a good app too, worth to pay the extras. But the interface is too confusing although that confusion is due to extensive features only it offers.

Hi, I took a look, but can´t find any cyclepaths indicated on magic earth app. Is it somehow possible, to make cycle infrastructure (not in every country it exists, that´s clear, but in many parts of Europe it does!) visible? thanks

Thanx for a great site. I’ve done a lot of touring in Europe, and can only agree and get inspired by everything you say ! I’ve used OsmAnd all the time, great offline maps for every country. Worth mentioning. But mostly when I got lost, or to find the nearest shop or campground. Very useful.

Recently cycled through Spain,France and Belgium and although paper maps ( Michelin Regional) have always been my preference, I now find them harder to come by. In the past I would just purchase the next required map at a Tabac or newsagent, but fewer people stock them now. In fact one lady in a store just said no one buys anymore and held up her phone. I still prefer paper maps, you get the big picture of travel and it doesn’t tell you where to go but just gives you options. However nowadays it makes perfect sense to use both and Google maps for towns and cities is great. It’s a pity but it won’t be long until the traditional maps are a thing of the past.

(Maybe a stupid question ) What is the app used on the first picture (On the Huawei in the orange cover)

It looks like the map is showing together with the elevation profile.

That would be komoot.

Thanks a lot Tom. We have been using these apps for our Cycle Touring & Bike packing AnkiDroid / AnkiMobile (Android/iOS), Sky Map and DropBox. If you want you can use IOS App for Roadtrippers https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ezroadtrips/id1455625472 Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ezroadtrips.planner

Agreed on the first tour being electronics-free.

Having (hurriedly, admittedly) attempted to plan routes on Komoot and load them to my garmin for a tour of Portugal (north border to south coast — it was amazing), I found I went on crazily indirect routes. It was my first tour, and — had I been sans Garmin — I would have just put my faith in the good old paper map we had with us a lot earlier and paid attention to the rough direction of travel, and where the balance was between an interesting and direct route.

As it was, it took me until the third day to decide to track where I’d been on the garmin, rather than plan ahead. Two days of effectively being the car driver that followed the sat-nav in to a ditch and couldn’t get out again. Lesson learned, never again.

Since then I have ditched the pre-loaded maps and just track my route retrospectively rather than planning each turn, and find this a much better balance. For me, the joy comes from uploading my routes to Relive afterwards and seeing where I actually went, rather than confirming that I followed the route I planned.

Also, agreed with Jeff, above. Revolut is exceptional. We rarely travel without it now, by bike or otherwise.

Thanks for this really helpful summary Tom. We’re finding Revolut incredibly useful for managing our various currencies whilst travelling. Loads of powerful features, it’s essentially a card for pre-loading with multiple currencies (purchased at wholesale rates!) and moving cash between them as required. The app is great, and whilst we started cautiously, Revolut is now our new go-to for managing money whilst travelling abroad.

Great list. Thank you. For currency conversion, check out Elk. No need for typing. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/elk-travel-currency-converter/id1189748820

Thanks for putting together this list, you’ve mentioned quite a few handy apps that we’ll have to look into!

Looking back, both Paul and I wish that we could have had smartphone route finding technology on our first trip. It is SO handy! With just paper maps – there was the continual anxiety of getting lost, not arriving at stores before they shut, having to ride crowded roads because the back roads didn’t appear on maps, etc. etc. 

But as for social media and the ability to blog – so glad that that wasn’t available during our first tour. With nothing to distract us — it made us focus on experiencing our trip as it happened. Nowadays even long-distance cyclists have gotten sucked into going after ‘likes’ on social media. But on the other hand, they can stop twittering, Instagramming — whenever they want without any recriminations. 

But that can’t be said for charity cyclists. For many of them, it’s their first bike trip and they’ve never blogged before. So they put together a website, and announce that their final destination is some far-away school in Asia or Africa. And that they’re accepting contributions. 

Once they’ve collected some money, they feel guilty about wanting to change their route. Plus they feel pressured to keep blogging. So for these long-distance cyclists, the advantage of electronics (being able to blog, social media, etc.) can turn on them.

I don’t read all but one App i use is “windy map” for Android and ios. It is free and all country arepossible to use offline. I use it in Sweden and denmark and it Works great!!!!!!

Fantastic map! It´s the same app under a different name as the mapy.cz app! Used it all over Europe so far, but compared it with detailed paper maps of the Pamir HWY area and Cuba, and it looks that no tiny road or track is missing. Great!

I use Locus ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=menion.android.locus.pro ) for routing, planning, mapping, … Even the unpaid version is very useful. Very active development, too. +1 for GPS Logger ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mendhak.gpslogger ), especially for long recordings: can be configured to use very little of system resources.

maybe not part of ‘free’ apps, but ASCI offers (for a small amount of money) access to list of campsites in Europe (you can easily search on the map). I was using it already on my bike trips in France and was of a great use if you want to stay flexible on the way and just check which campsites are on your way 🙂

Can’t believe you didn’t mention mtbproject.com, another good ride planning software with great routes for biking in the USA.

Hi. Planning a phone guided trip across France atm for sept. Hav you or others suggestions for an app to enable dot watching? Family and friends got hooked on a friends progress in the TCRno5 and want to do the same with me as I wobble back to Blighty from Basel.

Hi Tom in 2006 I cycled around Europe and used cycling map books. All in german but awesome as the day to a page ride had camping options. I can’t recall their name but they were easy to get for any cycle path. 

Im wanting a cycle path app that includes the camping options for my ride in Germany and Switzerland in June 2018. 

Have you found anything?

Here a few campsite app for North America. Free Campsites(free), WikiCamps USA (free), RA Camping (free)

Hi Tom. ‘Overdrive’ for the readers out there. If you’re a member of a public library there’s a good chance it may be supported by this app (mine is — small town NZ). Borrow books for free to your device for 2 weeks — deletes automatically. Cheers.

Great site, very useful! I’m very satisfied with OSM-AND for navigating. Detailed maps, including height profiles and hillside shades, can be downloaded for offline usage. There is a max however, but it’s possible to delete some maps and download new ones.

I agree with Osmand, actually bought it a while ago and always have current map updates. The details are better than anything I have seen, for exploring where I am when out on tour. For planning on the pc I often use bikemaps.net or Komoot, but Osmand allows full offline routing. Great in combination with Brouter as a routing machine.

A great list Tom

I adore this app: PeakFinder — Panoramic Mountain View https://www.peakfinder.org/

If you cycle through hills and mountains and ever wonder, what is that peak there in the distance, this app will tell you. Fantastic! You can screenshot its views to make great labelled line-drawings of the terrain you’re looking at. I love this app. It works worldwide. Often best to download relevant data st home.

Thanks John! Do you think it does a better job than ViewRanger’s Skyline feature? I mainly ask because the latter is free, whereas PeakFinder is paid-for.

I can’t comment on Viewranger as I haven’t used it. The screenshots of it on the appstore look nice. But I like the simplicity of PeakFinder’s line-drawing views and the way you can get info on how far away a peak is, it’s height etc. It also has a new feature of superimposing its data on what the phone camera sees. I haven’t tried this.

Hi Tom ! Great article. Recently I bumped into an app called Komoot which includes navigation by voice, I find it quite useful especially in urban areas where I keep on earplug in and listen to the voice commands while cycling (and it saves a lot of battery since the screen is black all the time)

A lot of people have flagged up Komoot. I’ll give it a try and add it to this piece on the next update. Thanks!

Yup, been using komoot for quite a few years now. Nothing beats it really both for planning routes and using it for navigation. Has been stable and reliable enough for long trips too.

For navigating I use MotionX GPS or Gaia GPS which allow downloading of maps for offline navigation. Gaia is expensive, MotionX is not very intuitive but you get used to it.

Great list, some nice new one for me — Windy is perfect, and some classics. My 2c: *Pocket Earth* (iOS only, sorry) has become my favourite map. Much like Maps.me but has detailed topography and geotagged Wikipedia articles, all offline. Can import GPX files which I’ve not seen very often. Has an impressive layer with water taps on it and some nice routing features. Only slight drawback is calculating a route requires a connection. *Komoot* A fantastic bike tour planning tool, similar to RideWithGPS et all, but I like how it shows the road surface. +1 for iOverlander: bit sporadic and more van / RV based but has been useful.

Thanks Tom for the update!

I try to rely on my phone as little as possible, but I find it indispensable for one reason mainly (regarding routes). I can avoid the busiest roads easier and discover the beautiful tracks. Every time I put my phone away and go with my instinct, or ask locals for good scenic routes, I would end up in the middle of traffic or just plain boring asphalt roads. Using satellite view on google maps helps a lot in this matter!

For anyone who might concern, these are my recommend apps:

Another app that I use everyday is MoneyLover. It is the only finance app that I recommend. I’ve used dozens of finance apps, some paid, and all of them didn’t fulfil my needs, I’d stop using them after a period of time. Then I found MoneyLover, it has the most appealing and easy user-interface, nice looking colours, it’s very customisable, there’s a handful of features that helps you track your expenses in a easy detailed way. And the apps is updated regularly with good customer support. There’s a free good version, and a paid version, which is paid once and it’s around 5€, a great deal since it helps you manage your money efficiently and end up saving a lot (or spending it wisely). You may even access your account on your desktop and add transactions. I’ve kept record of all my transaction since 2015, every cent. https://moneylover.me

One other app that might be useful for the cycle touring community is BikeMap. Very similar to Ride with GPS, but it has a nicer user interface and the useful features are free. They claim to have the largest cycle route collection, and you can search these routes marked on a world map. I think I’ll be using this to record my future tours on-the-go. https://www.bikemap.net

And one more, Strava! I know that this app is more oriented to the sports community, but some of its features are very useful. Specially the route planner, it supports bike routes all over the world, unlike google maps and other apps, so it’s easy to make estimations. I use the route planner to plan ahead, and then I’ll export the GPX onto Maps.me or Google Maps. I also like to keep record of my rides, it will record the route, elevation, time etc, all offline if i wish.. Handy if you want to share them later. All the basics are free, and the paid version is only useful for professional cyclists. 

And finally, Furkot. Furkot is a trip planner, a very good one. You can use it to plan ahead, or record your trip later once it’s finished, as a way to share it with friends or other cyclists. There is no official smartphone app, it’s mainly for desktop, but they say you can use it on you phone browser and it even supports it offline. For me the best thing about it is that I can record, day-by-day, my touring trips, adding all the POI along the route, lodging, and even the means of transportation, it’s very very complete, you have to give it a try to see its full potential. There is 2 drawbacks that I hope they will fix it in the future. The first is bike routes, some countries don’t support it so you will have to chose “walking” or “motorbike”. The other is that, while editing your route, the plan looks very detailed, but once you publish it, it gets stylised and not all the POI get to be seen by the people you share it with, but every detail will be on the right-side panel day-by-day. You can have a look at my Spanish tour on the link below to get an idea, I made this map once I got home, it’s around 90% accurate. Luckily Spain supports bike routes. https://trips.furkot.com/ts/FuDxox

Luis http://www.instagram.com/loistouring

iOverlander! Becoming popular on the road for recommendations of campgrounds, hotels, hostels — even ‘boondocking’ sites, as well as info about border crossings and places to eat. We’ve found some great places through this, and Overlanders are often looking for the same things as cyclists — economical, safe, etc. Getting better all the time! This reply template doesn’t like my website for some reason: http://www.cycletruant.com . See technology!

I’ve recently started using MapOut https://mapoutapp.com to plot/plan routes

Tom there’s an app called Rome2rio it gives every travel option to any destination so if you ride to somewhere and dont want to make it a round trip or want to start somewhere and ride back home its a great resource.

Hi! Does any of these digital maps have distances? I mean all proper paper maps do. It would make it easier to use offline.

Yes, Maps.Me supplies distances for offline generated routes. All the maps at least include a scale.

Thanks! I’m taking my family on a bike tour this summer and these apps will be very useful.

Thank you Tom, you write a great article. I am today is rarely travel by bicycle, but quite often traveling to a place that has not been known before. Several times I tried the app maps from Google and today I’m wearing a maps application from Here WeGo. It’s quite easy to use in addition to Here WeGo maps application can be run without the use of internet access but previously had downloaded the data in advance and stored online in Smartphone devices.

Hey Tom , thanks for putting up all these infos. I am going to have a bike tour from Berlin to south italy and back over Spain france and … I was wondering if there is an app for free/paid camping places. Thanks in advance.

Yes – check out iOverlander. It’s mentioned in the list above!

Great blog post Tom. The world of cycle touring and technology are forever changing and it’s difficult to keep up. I posted a blog post about my favorite Offline Mapping Tools for Cycling Touring and it’s already stale. Would love to see an updated post.

All good apps. I’m especially excited to try Orux out. My suggestion would be Wikipedia Offline. It’s incredible — like something from a Douglas Adams novel. i have almost the entirety of wikipedia on my phone accessible any time anywhere without the internet. Such a joy for finding out some of the general history of a city/region etc. as your travelling through.

Wow — I had no idea that existed. Thanks! Do you have a direct link to the app on Google Play?

Backcountry Navigator is a worthwhile alternative or accompaniment for mapping and navigation.

Just seen you’re riding through my second homeland… enjoy!

Hey — I cycled from Munich to Scotland this year, and these are the sites I used to plan my routes:

Belgium: http://www.fietsnet.be/ UK: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ (App available)

hi Fabian, could you give some more details how did you plan your route? Given that im leaving in Munich now, it sounds pretty interesting 🙂

Nice apps. Using MapDroyd, Compass, GPSLogger, WSAndroid, CouchSurfing and Foursquare here.

Thanks Mathieu. I’ll check these out for sure.

Last month I traveled to France, the most useful app I used was French Flashcard by BH Inc. It was a big help, I learn a lot of new words and phrases for everyday use. Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bh.superflashcard.french.android They also have apps for many other languages too

Nice one — thanks Rodney!

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10 best places for a cycling vacation in 2022

Jan 19, 2022 • 6 min read

The rolling hills and cypress-lined roads of Tuscany around Siena are sublime for cycling © SimonSkafar/Getty Images

Some of the most beautiful places on earth are best explored on two wheels. You can go at your own pace and stray far from the tourist trail. After a good pedal, local dishes taste so much better. Here are some of the best places to go on a cycling vacation in 2022.

1. Siena, Italy

In the cycling world, Siena is famous for the Strade Bianche , an early-season race that twists and turns over the surrounding region’s hilly, white gravel roads, before arriving at the finish on the Piazza del Campo . Riding those same roads at an easier clip is about as fun as cycling gets. It’s like being on a cypress-lined rollercoaster through vineyards and olive groves. You will want a bike with wider tires, so you can enjoy the views and worry less about keeping the rubber on the dirt. After exploring the countryside, enjoy a hearty Tuscan meal and a few glasses of Brunello.

2. Vancouver

Vancouver ’s North Shore is a legendary place to ride mountain bikes. Situated a short drive from the city center, steep tracks twist down through old-growth red cedars, aided by a range of man-made bridges and teeter-totters (see-saws). The riding there will leave you giddy with laughter if your skills are up to it. Mt Fromme and Mt Seymour are home to the most renowned and difficult trails. For those looking for gentler rides, don’t worry; there are lots of cross-country trails about as well.

3. Yorkshire, England

The likes of Bradley Wiggins, Lizzie Deignan and Chris Froome have inspired hundreds of thousands of Brits to take up cycling over the past decade. The UK still isn’t well known as a cycling destination though. That should change soon. Quiet country lanes in places like Yorkshire are as enjoyable for riding as Europe’s more famous roads. Up in the Dales, the hills might not be as long as grand tour cols, but they are as steep as heck and come one after the other. After an hour or two, you will want to stop for tea and scones. The spa town of Harrogate, which hosted the 2019 world championships, is a great place to stay.

4. Stavanger, Norway

Riding amid Norway ’s rocky, windswept mountains, waterfalls, forests and cavernous fjords will leave you humbled by nature’s sheer scale and power. Perhaps that is why Norwegians are so friendly. Stavanger , a prosperous mid-sized city located on the southwest coast, is a great place to start a Norwegian cycling adventure. The surrounding countryside is magnificent. From its tidy harbor, lined with colorful wooden buildings, you can even take a ferry to the bottom of Lysebotn, a wonderful switchbacked climb that rises for 9km from the sea up onto a rugged plateau. From there, it is about a 120km loop around the fjord back to the city.

Moving mountains: Norway’s top 9 hikes

5. Girona, Spain

Good year-round weather, quiet roads, nearby mountains, not far from the Mediterranean coast – it’s no wonder so many professional cyclists call Girona home. The colorful Catalan city sometimes feels as if it's a cycling resort; there are so many top-notch bike shops, tour companies and cafes that cater specifically to cyclists in town, not to mention the grand tour riders who will race past you on climbs such as Els Angels and Rocacorba. There is a tonne of local heritage to discover as well though. After your rides, go for a walk around the old city walls, visit the cathedral or one of the museums or have a soak in the Roman baths, before heading out for a good meal and night on the town.

6. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Visit Amsterdam , and you’ll be stunned by the number of bikes you see on the streets. Bankers in expensive suits, clattering over the Dam square on rusty rattletraps; students carrying crates of beer on their handlebars and girlfriends on their rear racks; grandmas doing their shopping on e-bikes; whole families traveling together on cargo bikes – every day, hundreds of thousands of Amsterdammers pedal wherever they want to go. Join them. A day touring the canals and Vondelpark , perhaps visiting a couple of the city’s excellent art museums and then cycling from restaurant to bar (or coffee shop) will give you a respectable number of kilometers. Stay sharp though. Navigating Amsterdam’s busy bike paths can be like riding in a peloton.

How to spend a perfect weekend in Amsterdam

7. Athens, USA

A southern college town with one of the best music scenes in the United States , Athens, Georgia is nestled at the center of an awesome array of roads, which get even better when you stray onto dirt. The local cycling community is as friendly and welcoming as can be. Keen riders head there in December, January and February to enjoy the pleasant weather and build fitness for spring. Join them for a segment or two of the Winter Bike League , a series of Saturday group rides that take in the best routes and gas-station stops in the region. Or just head out and enjoy the beautiful countryside at your own pace.

8. Cape Breton, Canada

Circling Cape Breton Island , off Canada’s Atlantic coast, the Cabot Trail passes through fishing villages where Gaelic is still spoken, Miꞌkmaq reserves and Acadian towns. It winds through old-growth forest to the edge of rust-colored bluffs, before dropping hundreds of meters to sandy beaches and picturesque ports, where the locals sell fresh lobster and chowder. Whether you do the 300km loop in a day or a week, the Cabot Trail is one of the best bike rides in North America . Go in the spring or fall. It can get very busy in summer, and winter is, well, winter in Canada .

On Québec’s Route Verte, not knowing what I was getting myself into was the best part

9. Boulder, USA

Locals call it the People’s Republic of Boulder . In many ways, it is a place unto itself. Located 50km northwest of Denver , in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains , the home of the University of Colorado is a haven for tech types, academic hippies and Bobo athletes. On its bike paths, you’ll come across Olympians and Ironman champions, though you likely won’t be able to distinguish them from the other locals, as Boulderites are about the fittest people on the planet. Pros and faux pros alike have been coming to the city for decades for its altitude and college-town vibe. For a real challenge, take on the Fearsome Foursome, climbing Flagstaff, Sugarloaf, Magnolia and Sunshine for 2600m of climbing in 80km. There is plenty of pleasant riding around too.

A beginner's guide to hiking in Boulder

10. Chihuahua

If you want to experience the real Wild West, head to Chihuahua, Mexico. Cowboys on horseback outnumber bike riders by far in the rugged, mountainous state. Nevertheless, it is a spectacular place for a cycling adventure. Long climbs rise past scrubby pines and desert to well over 2000m, before plunging down switchbacks and back into forests. Make sure you visit Copper Canyon , which is larger and deeper than America’s Grand Canyon, and sample all of the street food when you do come across a town or village.

Related articles: In Iceland’s remote Westfjords region, a new bicycle route takes shape These are the world's best cities for cycling    The best cycling tours in India

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before  traveling during Covid-19 .

This article was first published Dec 2, 2019 and updated Jan 19, 2022.

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Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel 2024

Protect your bike and reduce stress when you travel with one of these best bike bags and boxes

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The quick list

• 1. Best overall
• 2. Easy to use
• 3. Best value
• 4. Most portable
• 5. Most versatile
• 6. Most robust

How we test

Best bike bags and boxes 2024

The list in brief ↴ 1. Best overall 2. Easy to use 3 . Best value 4. Most portable 5. Most versatile 6. Most robust

Advice How we test

Riding new roads and exploring different places bathed in warm sunshine is one of the great joys of cycling, but getting you and your bike there safely can be the most stressful part of a cycling holiday . Some riders choose to hire a bike whilst on holiday, but for others, part of the attraction is the opportunity to ride their familiar bike up famous climbs or through beautiful landscapes - no one wants a week of cycling spoiled by an ill-fitting bike or uncomfortable saddle.

If you decide to fly with your own bike, then you have the choice of using a hard box or a soft bag, each with pros and cons which we will investigate below. If you choose to drive to your destination instead, however, you can read our guides to the best bike racks for cars  and the  best caravan and motorhome bike racks .

Best overall

The AeroComfort's soft exterior houses a metal structure to which you fasten your frame so it's held securely. There is very little disassembly required and as the bag is pretty light there is plenty of potential to pack extra kit inside and still be within your airline's limits.

Read more below

Best for ease of use

As the Evoc Bike Bag is soft, it's light and easy to store when not in use. There is plenty of padding provided to protect your bike when it's in the bag, and the large side opening makes it simple to put the bike in place.

Best value 

Very light and compact, LifeLine's EVA Bike Pod also offers excellent value for money. Its semi-rigid design offers more protection than a soft bag but they are still quite flexible and as it only has two wheels it can be a little awkward to manoeuvre around an airport.

Most portable

Another light option, the Orucase B2 even includes rucksack-style straps which are handy if you have packed very light. There is a fair bit of disassembly required though and it can feel a bit lopsided when wheeling it around.

Best with integrated stand

Thule's RoundTrip Pro XT bike bag uses an internal frame that can also double as a workstand whilst on holiday, which is very handy. It's more of a reinforced bag than a hard case though and as such is quite pricey.

Most robust

One of the heavier boxes available, the VeloVault2 provides very reassuring protection for your bike. Its quality construction and overall sturdiness will ensure that your lightweight carbon frame should emerge unscathed, but there might not be much weight allowance left once this gets on the scales.

Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel: Our picks

Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag

1. Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The AeroComfort 3.0 from Scicon is a firm favorite among the Cycling Weekly tech team. We've flown test bikes all over the world, and we like to use this carry case because it makes travelling by bike easy, hassle-free and incredibly quick. It takes just 15 minutes to pack the bike away, and even less time to put it back together.

How so? The outside is a soft, fabric bag, but inside you'll find a metal structure. You simply remove the wheels, loop your chain over a specially designed T-bar and use your quick releases to stand the bike on the metal frame, so it's immovable inside and thus a lot more secure. It couldn't be easier.

There's no need to remove anything aside from the wheels, the handlebars stay straight and don't need twisting. This does make the front end quite bulky, but we found that the protection is good, with a thick soft fabric, designated pockets for wheels, helmets and shoes, and most importantly the rear derailleur is kept off the ground. 

Read more: Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag full review

Evoc bike travel bag

2. Evoc Bike Travel Bike Bag

Whilst hard cases give the ultimate reassurance that your bike is well protected, they also take up a lot of room when out of use, and, they're heavy - limiting your ability to pack kit alongside your bike and stay within airline limits.

Enter soft cases, and this Evoc bike bag is an excellent option. Yes, it offers less protection - but the Cycling Weekly team has used it to transport press bikes on plenty of occasions (NB, we once even used a cardboard box for a personal bike, the theory is that baggage handlers will be more careful!).

This Evoc Bike bag excels in terms of ease of use, too. The side opening makes getting the bike in a cinch, and the handy Velcro makes getting the parts in the right place a piece of cake. The newer model reviewed here now has a reinforced front zip, meaning it should last longer.

Read more: Evoc bike travel bike bag full review

LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

3. LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

Although it's a reasonably compact bike box, the LifeLine Bike Pod will take a smaller-sized bike without too much disassembly. It rolls on two rear wheels, with two front feet to stand on. Quick-release wheels, although not wheels with thru-axles, can be secured to the outside of the case.

Our tester found that the LifeLine Bike Pod is relatively easy to move around, although since you have to lift the front end and the carrying handle doesn't let you wrap your hand through it, longer carries can be tiring. 

The sides of the bag are quite flexible, so it would be advisable to wrap wheels and frame well inside to prevent crushing. We were also concerned about how robust the feet would be and how well the zip would stand repeated use, but overall, the LifeLine Bike Pod is a relatively inexpensive option for the less frequent flyer.

Read more: LifeLine EVA Bike Pod full review

Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

4. Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

We've taken the B2 bike case on several domestic and international flights and were left impressed. It sports many welcomed features, including backpack straps and a rollable chassis. Combined with its compact, space-saving size it makes for a sleek, highly portable and trustworthy bag that we think is a great option if space is limited or you'll be traveling on serval modes of transport during your trip.

We did find that it's not the easiest to pack, and required some disassembling of your bike - so you'll need to be confident of putting your bike back together once you've arrived. It's also far from cheap, but in our opinion, it's likely a worthy investment given the ease of portability and the posibbility to save on extra fees due to its smaller size.

Read more: Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case full review

Most versatile

Thule Round Trip Pro XT bike bag

5. Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Bag

The Thule RoundTrip Pro XT falls into the not-quite-a-bike-bag category. It's a softshell but has some structural implants that should keep your bike safe through the worst of it.

However, the bag does have some weak areas and for the price you pay this doesn't induce confidence. But, maybe we're being picky. This is a solid purchase, undoubtedly, and we always add extra bubble wrap around our frames, whatever we're packing them into.

The base, which holds the bike static in the case, can have three legs added, transforming it into a workstand for when you get to your destination - which is a rather 'nice to have' too.

Read more: Thule RoundTrip Pro XT review

Blue Velovault2 bike box

6. VeloVault2 bike box

We really liked the VeloVault2 bike box when we had it in for test. It's big and robust, which is what many cyclists need to achieve peace of mind when flying with a bike.

However, weighing in at 12.5kg means it should sneak under most airline weight controls. The company has sweated the small stuff, too: the clasps are quality, it's easy to close and it rolls well.

VeloVault2 bike box has a new carrying handle, longer wheelbase, improved strut design and it is roof box ready. Oh, and it's now bright blue... other colours are available if that's not to your liking.

Read more: VeloVault2 full review

How do I pack a bike into a bike bag or box?

Packing the bike into the bag or box sometimes takes quite a bit more effort than expected. The process may differ slightly depending on the specific box or bag, but the general process goes something like:

- Remove the pedals - Partially deflate tires and remove the wheels - Remove the seatpost and saddle - Remove the handlebar from the stem or remove the handlebar and stem together from the steerer - Undo rear derailleur (but leave it on the chain) - Secure the frame and components in the box via the manufacturer-approved method - Pack the tools required to rebuild the bike!

There are a few more mechanical adjustments you might make, and if you’re handy with a spanner they shouldn't cause too much grief. For example, you might have to remove the chainset. This will keep it protected en route but it’s worth bearing in mind that you’ll have to reassemble it when you arrive on your hols, so if you're no spanner wizard it might be best to avoid this. It may also mean packing extra tools, which means extra weight to carry around.

Best bike bags vs best bike boxes: which is better?

You might think this is an easy question: it's surely a box, right? However, that's probably before you’ve taken weight into consideration.

A lighter weight bike bag influences two things: how comfortable it is to carry and lug about but also how much of your baggage allowance it eats into - and how much the baggage supplement might be.

The trade off is in the level of protection: a hard flight case like box is going to take the knocks better than a soft bag. That said, soft bike bags will usually protect your bike from the worst of it and they also tend to be cheaper than bike boxes.

There is an in between option. The best bike bags tend to have some more structural inserts inside but retain more of a bag's lightweight nature. Other bike bags can have nifty, in-built storage techniques. For example, some have built-in dropouts that allow you to stand your frame upright and hold it tight.

Do I need to add extra padding to my bike bag?

Regardless of how tough your bag or box might be, you’ll definitely want to pad the important parts inside it. We’d recommend bubble wrap and foam piping. If you’re lucky, your local bike shop might have excess from all the bikes they get sent in. Don't forget to put it around the frame in places where other items in the box might rub against it.

Riding in the mountains

A good bike box or bag has to tread the line between providing the best protection for your bike and yet still being light, easy to carry and simple to pack. These boxes have been used to carry various bikes on multiple flights, being packed and unpacked several times each. They all protected the bikes from any transport damage and none were particularly difficult or awkward to pack but each has its advantages and disadvantages that may clinch the deal for you.

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Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer. In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends most of his time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.

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The 12 Best Bikes For Men in 2024

For off-roading, grocery-hauling, head-clearing, and everything in between.

Best Overall

Trek verve 3 disc.

Best City Bike

Cannondale bad boy 3.

Best Bike Under $400

Schwinn discover 2.

Best Overall Fixed Gear Bike

State bicycle co. wulf.

Best Fixed Gear Upgrade

Brooklyn bicycle co. wythe fixie.

Best Cheap Mountain Bike

Mongoose dolomite fat tire mountain bike.

Best Mountain Bike

Specialized stumpjumper comp.

Best Overall E-Bike

Rad power bikes radcity 5 plus.

Best Cruiser E-Bike

Aventon pace 500 e-bike.

Best Cargo E-Bike

Trek fetch+ 2.

There are so many reasons why we support being Bike People. You're healthier . If you're riding your bike to work , you're not staring at your phone on the bus, and you've gained some valuable time back from Big Tech. On the weekends, you're not glued to a laptop or bingeing a new show . You're taking afternoon rides by the beach , weekend off-roading adventures, or more regular trips to downtown areas where cool people hang out. Regardless of where you are, as long as you’re on the saddle, with a slick bike helmet , you’re living the good life.

To get you started on your two-wheeled journey, our experts found the 12 best bikes for men. The list includes e-bikes that’ll that make light work of city streets, mountain bikes, and daily commuters. Grab one of these, a car rack , some bike bags , and accessories . Then, you're good to go. No matter which you choose, these 12 bikes for men will do your life as a cycling enthusiast justice.

If you’re a one-stop-shop kinda biker, this hybrid model that’s fast on the road and also steady on loose terrain will satisfy your needs. Its lightweight, sporty form will transition you smoothly from flat pavement to light off-road surfaces, even holding up after you log miles after miles. Lastly, if the weather isn’t cooperating, the powerful disc braking system will work just fine and let you slow down or stop on a dime.

Type: hybrid bike

Best for: commuting, cruising, light off-road riding

A city bike needs to be fast, easy to store, but most of all, maneuverable through populated streets. Cannondale's Bad Boy 3 is all of those things. It has fast-rolling, grippy tires and nimble handling for taking on tight corners, reckless drivers, and equally reckless pedestrians. It also packs quite a bit of speed, making commuting no problem and allowing you to see even more of your city on recreational rides. There's also its wide gear range, disc brakes, and reliable durability to help you take over the city.

Type: hybrid commuter bike

Best for: commuting, cruising, urban cycling

While this touring bike is the cheapest on this list, it by no means feels, looks, or rides cheap. It's basic, sure—a seven-speed twist shifter for quick gear shifts, a linear pull brake for precise stops, and a rear carrier for easy storage are the only noteworthy features it's got. But it manages to look invaluable in its streamline frame and fork. Whether you cruise it around the neighborhood or zoom it down the city skylines, it'll turn heads.

Type: hybrid cruiser bike

Best for: commuting, cruising

Hey, we'll make fun of fixie guys as much as anyone, but you can't deny that the preferred mode of transportation from the hipster years has its place. When you're in a city, especially on that's not especially hilly, there's few better ways to get around. They're easy to maintain and easy to ride in traffic, so long as you get one that has brakes.

We love this fixed gear from State. It looks good, it has front and rear brakes, and there's a handful of customization options to fool around with.

Type: fixed gear

Best for: city riding

Want a fixed gear bike? Get one from Brooklyn, the capital of the genre—sorry to other hipster locales. Just like the last one, this bike has front and rear brakes. That might hurt your street cred in Greenpoint, but it makes the bike a lot more practical.

Brooklyn Bicycle Co. tends to have the edge on other brands making new fixed gears because of a few key things. First, the bike gets shipped to a pro shop near you, and they do all the assembly. Second, there are nice performance touches like a fancy steel alloy frame, puncture-resistant tires, and a smooth steel drivetrain.

So, you just got into mountain biking? This is where you should start. Instead of getting a lightweight, blazing fast single track bike, get this cheap slow and steady style from Mongoose.

The fat tires will slow you down, and they might even inhibit you on certain tracks. But they will carry you over all sorts of shit. Stray off the trail a little? They'll keep turning. Hit a gnarly rock or root? They'll keep turning. Bump a tree with your front end? They just keep turning. Before you dive into the sport and fuck up a $3,000 bike, buy this beater.

Type: mountain bike

Best for: trail riding

Ok, if you're looking to go in on a true mountain bike, this is one of the best overall mountain bikes on the market. Between its meticulously developed suspension kinematics, a mid-travel ripper to finely carve terrain, and FlipChip adjustability to tune your fit, what more could you ask for? Nothing. If you've gotten the single track bug and want to get serious about it, this is the bike for that.

E-bikes are great but can run large and heavy. That's what makes Rad Power bikes in general , but especially its newest bike, the Mission, so damn special. It feels like a standard city bike—that is, until you ride it. The RadCity 1 is built with strong brakes and is portable like any good city bike, but also has the added bonus of E-bikes: Trekking long distances or up hills without getting sweaty. It's ideal for commuters who don't want to show up to work drenched. Rad does an excellent job at manufacturing accessories too, like electric brake lights and front spots, back crates, and more. The bike blends the best of both worlds, giving you that extra electric boost to compete with traffic.

Type: hybrid e-bike

Best for: commuting, cruising, light terrain riding

A bike is a great way to keep you active on vacation. Typically a cruiser—which allows riders to sit upright, even lean back, and stretch their limbs—is ideal for this kind of riding, on both paved pedestrian lanes and dirty, bumpy paths. Pace 500 is perfect for that billing. It’s an e-bike with a potent motor that’ll take you to destinations faster, all while saving you energy. Once perched on its relaxed frame, you'll be set for a comfortable riding posture for the beach or the city, and if you know there are a few potholes or gentle hills on your route, turn up the pedal assists to help you crush them.

Type: cruiser e-bike

Want to replace a vehicle? Trek's Fetch+ 2 is our favorite bike for it. You can tote two kids or a whole lot of groceries in this thing, and it is ridiculously easy to ride. That comes down to the Bosch drive unit. You can ride it uphill in summer heat, and you're not going to get tired. The bike does all the work for you.

Add to that a lightweight aluminum frame and a surprisingly sleek build, and you've got the ultimate weekday car replacement.

Type: cargo e-bike

Best for: commuting and cruising, especially with families

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2 Electric Utility Bike

We love Rad Power Bikes, if you can't tell. They make simply the coolest E-bikes we’ve seen, with one of the best ecosystems of any bike company out there. While the RadMission is a great city bike, the RadRunner is practically a motorcycle (but far less dangerous because, well, it's still an E-bike). This thing has huge terrain tires, a sturdy frame, and so much room for crates and accessories. If you're someone who lives miles away from work, this guy will get you there without you needing to break a sweat. Couple its long battery life with its accessories, and it has no problem with late-night riding. Even if you're a guy who'd drive to a neighbor's house, you'll find yourself riding it to get to work every day, rain, snow, or whatever. It's also ideal for delivery drivers. The bike gives you the freedom of short-distance driving, a perfect beast for anyone who'd rather not Uber three to seven miles.

Swagtron Swagcycle EB-7 Elite Electric Bike

We love well-designed things, especially when that design saves space. A lot of folks have jumped on the folding bike bandwagon, but the good people over at Swagtron have mastered it with the Swagcycle EB-7 that we had to endorse . It's an e-bike with a seven-speed gear shift that'll thrust you from peddle-only to full-throttle. And the ride is simply smooth, courtesy of its enhanced rear suspension. Even on the hills, its motor and electric pedal assist will get you up. Then, simply fold and sling it on your shoulder—yes—or tuck it away.

Type: folding e-bike

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How to fly with your bike | Packing, weight limits and surcharges explained

Our complete guide to travelling with your bike on a plane

Benedict Pfender

There’s always good riding to be had at home, but sometimes you need to get your bike fix somewhere else.

Often, flying remains the easiest way to get abroad, but figuring out how to transport your bicycle can sometimes feel like a bit of a battle. So we’ve done some research to make it easier for you.

We've also got 15 tips for travelling with your bike from our readers, a separate article with detailed advice on how to pack your bike , our pick of the best bike boxes and bike bags , as well as our guide to bicycle insurance - just in case things do go wrong on your flight.

How to pack your bike for travel

If you’re flying with your bike, you’re going to have to pack it up. The days of chancing it and showing up at the airport with an unpacked bike are over. Instead, we recommend you take a bit of time to prepare.

Whether you’re using a basic bike bag or a more elaborate hardshell case, always ensure your pride and joy is stowed securely and safely.

As a rule, you’ll have to take off your wheels, pedals and bars.

We’ve put together two detailed guides on how to pack your bike for travel, which should provide you with all the information you need to keep your bike safe in transit.

Note too that your airline may have additional restrictions on carriage of the battery if you plan to travel with an electric bike . Some ban batteries altogether, while others stipulate a maximum capacity, usually 160Wh, that's a lot smaller than most electric bike batteries .

Do I need to deflate my tyres and shocks?

Many airlines, but not all, stipulate that tyres and shocks should be deflated or part-deflated for carriage. Aircraft cabin and hold pressures are lower than that at sea level, around that experienced at 2,500m (8,000ft). This might not cause your tyres to explode, but it's probably worth letting some air out.

On the other hand, some air left in your tyres will help to protect your wheel rims, so squidgy, not flat, is probably best.

What to pack it in – a bike bag or box?

We would advocate a dedicated bike bag or box, but recognise that the cost can be off-putting, especially if you don’t plan on travelling with your bike very often. So, there are some cheaper alternatives you could consider.

A cardboard box

You could try to get a cardboard bike box from your local bike shop, though it’s unlikely to be a particularly compact option, so it’s worth checking the baggage size restriction with your airline.

Cardboard is also not the most impact-resistant material (nor durable if it’s sitting outside in the rain), so we’d recommend padding out the box to protect your bike.

It is worth bearing in mind that some airlines don’t accept anything other than a 'recognised bike bag', so you should check beforehand precisely what is meant by this.

While this option is decidedly cheaper than buying a dedicated bike bag or box, if you are travelling regularly then the prospect of investing in a bike bag can seem more reasonable as a purpose-built solution for transporting your bike. It should protect your bike better as well.

A dedicated bike bag or bike box

There are two options here: a hard or a soft case. The former will usually provide a bit more security and protection, while the latter is generally a little cheaper, lighter and easier to store when not in use.

You also get hybrids that are designed to combine the best of both worlds. That usually means a soft shell that has an internal frame to add extra rigidity and protection for your bike.

The main advantage of a dedicated bike bag is it's designed specifically to hold your bike and as such has padding in all the appropriate locations. Being purpose-built means it will also have compartments, straps and all the necessary measures to hold its contents and accessories securely.

We have additional reviews of bike travel cases on site.

As always, the sky's the limit when it comes to protecting your ride – we reported on this decadent $50,000 bike case from Fairwheel bikes a while ago, but there are definitely some more reasonable options available.

We’ve listed some of our favourites for you below:

Evoc bike bags

Evoc bike bags have become a go-to in the cycling world. We gave the Travel bag a 4.5-star review . It’s not the cheapest, but provides very good protection and still comes in cheaper than a hard case.

Scicon Aerocomfort

The Aerocomfort is a soft-sided bag, but includes an internal bike stand and the design provides space to keep the bars and seatpost in place. There are options for MTBs and triathlon bikes, as well as road bikes. Look out for airlines' maximum linear dimension limits though.

Biknd produces soft bags that add additional protection with inflatable side panels. We’ve reviewed the JetPack in the past, and while it's pricey it performed very well.

B&W hard case

If you want the ultimate in protection, a hard case is the way to go.

Something such as the B&W Bike Box is a cheaper option that provides good protection. However, it doesn’t appear to fit mountain bikes.

BikeBox Alan

There are numerous other examples out there. One we have particularly liked in the past is the BikeBox Alan, although it's another box that might fall foul of airlines' maximum linear dimensions regulations.

• Buy the BikeBox Alan

Split your bike in two

In order to pack bikes smaller, frequent travellers might choose to go with travel bikes that have a frame that can be split in two.

These usually enable you to then check your bag as normal, rather than as outsize luggage, saving significant costs.

One of the slickest solutions we’ve seen is the Ritchey Break-Away.

We've reviewed the Break-Away Carbon , and while it's quite an investment, it could easily be used as your only bike. There’s no compromise on ride quality, just a tiny bit of added weight due to the fittings that enable the frame to be disassembled.

S&S couplings

S&S couplings are a precision-fitted, threaded linkage that can be retrofitted to many (round-tubed) frames.

The tubes of your bike can then be split for transport but reassembled without any performance impact. In fact, S&S couplings are said to be stronger than the tubes themselves.

There are a limited number of approved frame builders and you can check out the list here . S&S makes cases specifically to fit the compact, disassembled frames.

Take a folding bike

If you just want a bike to get around a city when you arrive, a folding bike can be a compact solution that will pack into a case that's a lot smaller than a standard bike bag.

Brompton sells a wheeled soft case for its folders, and B&W has a hard-case option with a drag handle. Other folding bike brands also offer soft or hard cases for their bikes, such as Gocycle's travel case for its electric folding bike .

You may be able to avoid airlines' oversized baggage restrictions, but look out for baggage weight limits and, if you're taking an electric folding bike, restrictions on carrying batteries.

What else to pack

Don’t forget, you’ll need to take all your riding accessories with you too. Make sure you have your essential tools, pump, nutrition, bottles, clothes, helmet and anything else you usually take with you when riding.

Bear in mind that bike bags tend to add quite a bit of weight on top of the bike itself (and so will your padding if you’re doing a DIY version). Keep an eye on the maximum weight limit for luggage on your flight and make sure you don't exceed this or pack any restricted items.

Some airlines stipulate that a bike box can't be used to transport anything except your bike.

If your bike goes missing in transit, you can potentially hire a bike while you're at your destination. However, other items such as cycling shoes in the right size and your favourite helmet are going to be trickier, so you might want to take those in carry-on luggage.

There's usually a maximum packed weight for the bag, that's often 32kg but may be lower. Airlines may also stipulate maximum 'linear dimensions', which is the sum of a box's length width height.

Travelling without a bike

So far, the focus here has been on travelling with your bike. However, you may want to consider just leaving your bike behind and hiring one at the other end when you arrive.

There are an increasing number of providers who offer high-quality bike rentals in various destinations, and in some cases this can work out cheaper or easier to organise than transporting bikes yourself, especially when you consider transfers. Often they're dream bikes and stock is updated annually, so you might get to ride an almost-new top-spec bike – and not have to clean it.

Getting your bike on a plane – fees and weight limits explained

The above information is all well and good, but when selecting your flight things start to get complicated. As a rule, we will use a comparison site such as Skyscanner or Tripadvisor to figure out which flights are cheapest, although you might find a better deal on an airline's website and some airlines are not covered by comparison sites.

However, hold fire before booking your tickets – figure out how much transporting your bikes will cost because we’ve found that in some cases choosing an initially more 'premium' flight can work out cheaper overall.

Different airlines will treat bikes differently, with some accepting a bike bag as part of your baggage allowance, even though it's outsized, while others will require you to pay a surcharge on top of your flight cost to be able to carry your bike with you.

Sometimes, we have found it cheaper to upgrade your class of travel rather than adding additional baggage to your booking. You’ll often have a more generous baggage allowance, so it can be worth looking through the fine print to figure out what will work best.

One thing we would add is it’s always worth calling ahead to let airlines know you intend to carry your bike. Find out all the information you need in advance because paying for excess weight allowance or excess baggage at the airport is almost always prohibitively expensive. Keep a note of who you talked to and when.

If you have a transfer flight on a different airline, you should make sure both carriers will accept your bike on board.

It's recommended that you insure your bike because airlines won’t cover any damage to your bike. Make sure to check your bike over once it arrives at the other end too so that you can flag up any issues immediately.

We’ve collated the terms and conditions of the major airlines here, but do please also take the time to double-check them yourself - they do change, usually for the worse.

Flying with a bike from the UK and in Europe – rules, costs and weight limits explained

Most of these airlines fly internationally and long-haul. However, for the purposes of this article we’ve done a rough grouping according to whether the airlines fly predominantly in Europe, the US or Australia.

Details updated 23 March 2023

• Requires approval from customer service department at least 48 hours before flight
• Bikes are not a part of baggage allowance
• 23kg maximum weight
• Bike transport within Europe and to some French DOM-TOMs costs €55
• Price ranges from €40 to 125 depending on five different flight zones
• Max dimensions of 120x90cm
• Max ebike battery 160Wh, must be removed from bike
• Weight limit of 23kg
• For more details visit Air France here
• A bike will cost €50 per flight or €40 if booked online
• Weight allowance up to 23kg
• Part of standard baggage allowance for flights to/from North America
• For flights to/from North America, bikes can be carried as part of your luggage allowance
• Extra luggage is charged at €75 / $100 each way
• Business class passengers carry sports equipment for free
• Electric bikes: contact customer services
• For more details visit Aer Lingus here

British Airways

• Bikes allowed as part of your free checked baggage allowance if packed
• Call 72 hours ahead of time to confirm your bike reservation
• Permissible dimensions of 190x95x65cm
• No clothing or other personal items to be packed with bike
• Above 32kg, you will have to ship anything as freight
• No electric bikes
• For more details visit British Airways here
• A bike is counted as large sports equipment
• One piece per booking, no refunds
• Costs £45 per flight pre-booked / £55 at airport with weight allowance up to 32kg
• Must be packed in a bike box
• No items other than your bike may be transported in the bike box
• 32kg maximum weight
• For more details visit EasyJet here
• Okay, we know this one doesn't leave the ground
• Email [email protected] to book a space
• Drop off at luggage area before departure
• Only available on certain services from London to Paris
• Folding bikes in a protective bag/case up to 85cm long can be taken on board
• For more details visit Eurostar here
• Register in advance to reserve space
• 32kg max weight
• £43/€50 for short haul flight
• For more details visit Eurowings here
• Bike counted as part of luggage allowance for long-haul flights
• A €40 fee applies for short-haul flights if booked in advance, €50 for medium-haul
• Weight allowance up to 32kg
• Permissible dimensions of 131x72x21cm
• Can buy a 131x72x21cm box for €20 at some airports
• No ebikes, no tandems
• For more details visit Iberia here

Ita Airways

• €60 per flight in Europe, €100 per flight intercontinental if booked in advance
• Not larger than 300cm
• For more details visit Ita Airways here
• Must be pre-booked
• Taking a bike starts at £30 / €37
• For more details visit Jet2 here
• Not a part of baggage allowance
• Within Europe €55
• Prices range from €40 to €100 depending on five different flight zones
• Max linear dimensions 300cm, up to 23kg
• Ebike batteries must be removed and be smaller than 160Wh
• For more details visit KLM here
• Register bike at least 24 hours before departure
• Bikes counted as part of your baggage allowance (except in Economy Class Light)
• Weight allowance up to 23kg for economy, 32kg for business
• Sum of linear dimensions of 2.8m maximum
• Additional baggage costs from €70 to €250 / $80 to $287
• For more details visit Luthansa here

Norwegian Air

• Adding a bike will cost £30 online / £50 at airport
• Max size 250x79x112cm
• Print and take travel receipt to airport
• For more details visit Norwegian Air here
• Fixed £60/€60 fee per flight
• Max weight 30kg
• Must be packed in a bike box or bike bag
• For more details visit Ryanair here
• Space must be reserved in advance
• Bikes are part of your baggage allowance
• Must be packed in a box or bag
• Additional fees outside allowance are very expensive
• ebike battery must be removed, max 160Wh capacity
• For more details visit Swiss Air here
• Considered 'Special Luggage' and subject to a minimum €100 fee
• Add to booking online
• Max weight 32kg
• Max linear dimensions 2.7m
• For more details visit Vueling here
• Subject to Sporting Equipment fee of €45 if booked in advance, €65 at airport
• Add to booking online or via call centre
• Can carry an ebike battery up to 160Wh separately in carry-on baggage
• For more details visit Wizz Air here

Flying to, from or in the US with a bike – rules, costs and weight limits explained

• Bikes must be registered at least 24 hours in advance
• Specifically requests bikes are packed in purpose-built bike bag
• Bike can be counted as part of your baggage allowance, except on some flights where there's a $50 (CDN/US) fee
• Weight allowance up to 32kg for bikes, with no overweight charges for bikes below 32kg
• Maximum linear dimensions of 292cm
• No other items in bike box
• For more details visit Air Canada here

Alaska Airlines

• Alaska will waive $100 oversize and overweight baggage fees and charge bikes at standard rate of $30 for first bag, $40 for second bag, $100 for each additional bag
• Weight under 51lb, sum of dimensions less than 115 inches
• No items except bike in box
• For more details visit Alaska Airlines here

American Airlines

• Bike can be taken as part of checked allowance if in bike box/bag
• Must be under 50lbs / 23kg
• Must be under 126 inches / 3.2m in linear dimensions
• Above this will incur a fee of $150, increasing allowance to 70lbs / 32kg and 126 inches / 3.2m
• For more details visit American Airlines here
• Bag can be carried as part of your checked luggage on most flights
• Weight allowance up to 50lb
• Maximum linear dimensions up to 292cm
• Above those limits, bicycle is charged at minimum $150
• Limited release form must be signed unless in a hard case
• For more details visit Delta here
• Carrying bikes between US and Europe costs £66 / $83 within Europe, £92 / $116 to/from US per flight leg
• Pre-book for 20% discount
• Weight allowance up to 70lbs / 32kg
• Maximum dimensions of 87x22x40in / 221x56x102cm
• For more details visit Icelandair here
• Carried as part of checked baggage if under 50lb/62 inches
• $100 / £80 / €90 per leg plus any applicable checked bag fee for larger items
• Must be under 99lbs
• No liability for damage if packed in a soft-sided case
• No other items in bike case
• For more details visit JetBlue here

Southwest Airlines

• Bikes can be carried as part of checked allowance for a $75 fee per flight leg
• Must under 62 inches / 1.57m in linear dimensions
• For more details visit Southwest here

Spirit Airlines

• Bikes are charged at $75 each way
• Counts towards part of your checked allowance
• For more details visit Spirit here
• Bike can be carried as part of your luggage allowance
• Maximum of 292cm linear dimensions
• $150 for travel in North America if limits are exceeded
• $200 for travel everywhere else if limits are exceeded
• For more details visit United here

Virgin Atlantic

• Bikes allowed as part of your free baggage allowance, unless travelling Economy Light
• Pre-booking not required
• Overweight baggage charge from 23kg to 32kg
• Overweight luggage or adding extra bags starts at £65
• For more details visit Virgin here

Flying to, from or in Asia Pacific – rules, costs and weight limits explained

Air new zealand.

• Items can be carried as part of your checked allowance
• Must be in a bike box/bag
• Items may weigh up to 23kg
• May not exceed 2m long
• Can pack accessories in box
• For more details visit Air New Zealand here

Cathay Pacific

• Contact at least 72 hours in advance to book bike
• Bike must be transported in a hard case or "recognised bicycle box"
• Bike counts as part of checked allowance
• For more details visit Cathay Pacific here
• Bikes must be booked at least 24 hours in advance
• Can be carried as part of your checked baggage allowance
• Weight limit of 23kg or 32kg depending on the class you are flying in
• Maximum linear dimensions of 300cm
• Additional charges are rather expensive
• For more details visit Emirates here
• Bikes are exempt from oversize rules
• 300cm linear dimensions
• For more details visit Etihad here
• Bikes can be carried, but must pay oversize fee
• Charged at AU$25 per flight
• Max 32kg weight
• Make sure to purchase enough weight allowance
• For more details visit Jetstar here

Malaysia Airlines

• Bikes will usually be accepted as checked baggage, with different allowances by cabin class
• Maximum 158cm linear dimensions
• Maximum 204cm linear dimensions to carry as oversize baggage
• Fees vary depending on airport
• For more details visit Malaysia Airlines here
• Bike can be carried as part of your baggage allowance
• Maximum weight of 32kg
• Dimensions of 140x30x80cm
• For more details visit Qantas here
• Bike will be carried as part of free baggage allowance
• Minimum $200 to add extra items of luggage to your booking
• For more details visit Qatar Airways here

Singapore Airlines

• Bikes are carried as part of free baggage allowance
• Weight limit of 32kg
• No stated dimension restrictions
• For more details visit Singapore Air here

Virgin Australia

• Bike accepted as part of checked luggage
• Must be packaged in specific bike case (soft or hard)
• Weight limit of 23kg (32kg in business class)
• Size restriction varies by type of aircraft
• Must be checked in at least one hour prior to departure
• ebike batteries maximum 160Wh
• For more details visit Virgin Australia here

At the other end

Once you land at your destination, be sure to consider how you are going to transport your bike. In all likelihood, you’re not going to be riding away from the airport, so check luggage restrictions on any public transport that you might be taking so you don’t run into any trouble.

Make sure you know how to get your bike to where you're wanting to go.

It may also be worth considering whether you need to fly. There are quite a few options that offer to transport you and your bike more conveniently. For example, in the UK, Bike Express offers transport to mainland Europe at relatively reasonable prices.

Always make sure you double-check terms and conditions before making your booking, and if in doubt contact the airline you intend to fly with.

We've flown with our bikes countless times and while it can seem a bit of a logistical headache, with a little bit of effort it's easy enough to get everything sorted out.

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The Best Road Bikes for Racing and Endurance

Hit the pavement with these five dynamic picks

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Shopping for a new road bike can be as fun as it is nerve-wracking. There are hundreds of options, from practical picks to WorldTour-level bikes ridden by the pros. The sheer number of builds, features, and specifications can confuse even the most avid riders.

Fortunately, we have a team of experts who spend their days obsessing over what exactly makes the best road bike for racing, recreation, and endurance. We tapped them to test this year’s crop of 42 bikes all over the world to help you make the right decision.

At a Glance

• Editor’s Choice: Cannondale SuperSix EVO ($8,300)
• Best High-End Performance Race Bike: Specialized Tarmac SL8 ($14,000)
• Best Value: Trek Domane AL ($1,699)
• Best Fast Road Race Bike: Scott Foil RC Pro ($8,999)
• Best Endurance/Performance Hybrid: Lauf Uthald ($4,690)
• Best Versatile Aero Bike: Giant Propel Advanced SL 0 ($12,500)
• Best Sequel: Cervelo Soloist Ultegra Di2 ($6,800)

How We Test

Meet our lead tester, how to choose a road bike.

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more .

Editor’s Choice

Cannondale supersix evo.

$8,300 at Cannondale

Test bike: SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 2 (56 cm) Weight: 16.1 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Lightweight ⊕ Comfortable ⊕ Relatively aerodynamic ⊗ The rider will feel more small bumps and vibrations at the saddle in comparison to the previous generation bike

The SuperSix Evo is Cannondale’s updated lightweight racer. It’s not quite as aerodynamic as the American brand’s aero-at-all-cost SystemSix or as smooth as the Synapse all-road bike, but it is far more comfortable, lighter, and still offers agile handling considering its extremely fast pace. Though this new iteration doesn’t represent the same performance leap as the first model, the upgrades to this version make the bike easier to work on and generally more aerodynamic.

Much of those aero gains are found at the front end. On the previous SuperSix, Cannondale made the well-intentioned decision to route the cables largely internally but in front of the headset bearings, which added bulk to an otherwise slim-tubed bike. It also limited just how much the bars could turn left or right. In the latest system, the cables are routed through the headset bearings using a triangular steerer tube. This allowed Cannondale to make the headtube area much more slender, making for a trimmer, more aerodynamic (and therefore faster), profile.

There are three different tiers of carbon frame construction within the SuperSix Evo family. Most riders will be happy with the standard carbon option, though the Hi-Mod and Lab71 frames are even lighter (and more expensive). We tested the SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 2, which featured a Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain, Hollowgram R-SL 50 wheels, and a Vision aero carbon handlebar. One small downside: in our 51-centimeter test model, we found the bike to be a touch less compliant at the saddle than the previous generation. Swap from the stock 25-millimeter tires to 28 millimeters or wider, however, and you’ll get one of the best fast road bikes you can buy today.

Read the Full Review

Best High-End Performance Race Bike

Specialized tarmac sl8.

$14,000 at Specialized

Test bike: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Dura-Ace Di2 Weight: 14.72 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Energetic on the uphill ⊕ Stable on the downhill ⊗ Pricey

There’s no denying that there’s a lot of hype surrounding the Tarmac SL8 race bike —you’re just as likely to see it at the group ride as on your favorite influencer’s Instagram account—and we’re here to report that the hype is real.

The eighth generation of Specialized’s Tarmac comes with all the customary claims of being lighter, smoother, and stiffer. What makes this bike stand out from the competition is how it rides. Its low weight makes it feel eager up punchy climbs, and the frame’s stiffness provides direct, confidence-inspiring steering. As a whole, this bike will make you want to ride farther than you have before.

Specialized offers the Tarmac SL8 in an ultra-lux S-Works model (with their lightest-weight 12R carbon frame) and a range of build kits using a less expensive 10R carbon frame. Both are available in myriad drivetrain configurations from SRAM and Shimano and a range of colorways that we noticed invoked jealous commentary from cycling friends. While our test bike was a top-spec S-Works model—which nets a top-tier drivetrain and wheels alongside their best frameset—the standard Tarmac frames are still among the lightest road bike frames available.

All of this comes at a price—$14,000, to be exact, which is the biggest drawback to the new Tarmac. But if you’re willing to shell out, we recommend models with the less-costly 10R carbon frame, as it offers the same stiffness, compliance, and ride quality as the ultra-luxe S-Works. Those start at $6,500 and still net you a race-ready bike with electronic shifting. Trust us—your bank account will thank you.

Trek Domane AL

$1,700 at Trek

Test bike: Domane AL 4 Gen 4 (56 cm) Weight: 22.8 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Extremely affordable ⊕ Versatile ⊗ Heavier compared to other options

The aluminum Trek Domane (pronounced ‘dough-MA-knee’) is the brand’s least expensive way to get into road cycling. It is also one of the most popular first road bikes out there, thanks in part to its ability to wear several hats. Some cyclists will use this endurance road bike as a swift recreational ride, while others might use it for commuting. For the fair price of $1,699, the iteration we recommend—the Domane AL 4—does both competently.

Much of the Domane’s long-time popularity comes thanks to a comfortable riding position, generous tire clearance, and predictable, composed handling. None of that changes in this iteration. While the Domane offers a choice between several carbon-framed builds, our recommendation is for the Domane AL (AL for its aluminum frame), which offers all of this capability in an unassuming and budget-friendly package.

The Domane is an endurance bike with geometry to match, placing the rider more upright than most road bikes, and ensuring the handling is approachable rather than aggressive. This makes the bike stable-feeling on fast downhills without feeling clunky on the climbs. The generous 38-millimeter tire clearance means you could reasonably ride gravel aboard the Domane AL as well. The touch points—the handlebars, the saddle, and even the bar tape—are high-quality and help the bike feel more than the sum of its parts.

Best Fast Road Race Bike

Scott foil rc pro.

$9,000 at Scott

Test bike: Foil RC Pro Weight: 15.9 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Extremely confidence-inspiring at high speeds ⊗ Pricey and aggressive geometry make it a non-option for some cyclists

What goes up must come down, and going down is when we fell in love with the Foil RC, designed with the singular purpose of going fast. Not only is it stable and confidence-inspiring at the highest speeds, but it gives you enough feedback to feel the speed, too. Its one-piece bars and overall lateral stiffness deliver a responsive ride that makes you want to push harder on every bend of the descent. Its unique seat post provides the comfort of a thin seat post with the aero benefits of a deeper aero-foiled post. The benefit is that the bike rides so comfortably that we felt more confident more quickly than we did while riding many others while going that fast.

Aero bikes are normally heavier than other options, due largely to their larger tube shapes that optimize for aero efficiency first and low weight second. However, our medium-sized Scott Foil RC Pro was light enough that even our climbing-focused testers were happy with its uphill performance.

The Scott Foil RC features an aggressive fit and handling geometry, so it’s not for beginner cyclists. Further, while the Foil RC is less pricey than many other aero road bikes, its high performance comes at a cost. $4,799 nets you the bike itself. An upgrade to carbon wheels will cost you extra, which makes the Foil RC a worthwhile proposition for only a select few. But those riders will be treated with one of the fastest-feeling, confidence-inspiring race steeds available today.

Best Endurance/Performance Hybrid

Lauf uthald race wireless.

$4,690 at Lauf Cycles

Test bike: Uthald Race Wireless Weight: 17.5 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ A comfortable, high-value option that will work well for most cyclists ⊕ Easy to maintain ⊗ Out-of-the-box experience takes some getting used to

The Lauf Uthald is either an anomaly in the road bike world or a bike ahead of its time. Lauf calls it a “fast performance bike,” its spec sheet labels it an “endurance road bike,” and the overall package challenges several performance bike norms. Our verdict: The Uthald (Icelandic for “endurance”) is a versatile ride that would work for a wide swath of riders. First, the frame geometry makes it slightly slower to turn than the race bikes on this list and more settled in a straight line at speed. Further, its fit geometry isn’t quite as back-breaking as a race road bike, and not as upright as many endurance bikes. This makes it a great option for riders who want to ride long distances on the road without sacrificing comfort.

Lauf aimed to make the Uthald both versatile in its handling and easy to maintain for the end user, and they succeeded. The traditional stem and bar are easy to swap for fit; the threaded bottom bracket is easy to replace when it wears out; and the bike comes with a high-end but easy-to-fix SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH).

As much as the bike’s geometry stands out, its value is what’s truly unique. A complete Lauf Uthald Weekend Warrior Wireless starts at $3,490 which nets you a Uthald frame, a carbon bar and seat post, and DT Swiss alloy wheels. The SRAM Rival AXS drivetrain with wireless electronic shifting does its job wonderfully and comes equipped with a power meter to boot. Overall, the Uthald is a hard-to-beat value proposition with some of the most sensible features on the market.

Best Versatile Aero Bike

Giant propel advanced sl 0.

$12,500 at Mike’s Bikes $12,500 at Giant

Test bike: Propel Advanced SL 0 Weight: 15.2 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Some of the best aerodynamics we tested ⊕ Very light and stiff ⊗ Fully-internal cable routing makes fixes more difficult

Giant set out to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the 2023 Propel while also making it more of an all-around performer. This bike is still intended to slice through the air, and makes use of truncated airfoil tube profiles everywhere it matters: namely, the down tube, seat testing tube, seatstays, head tube, and fork blades. However, the Propel also now strikes a much more svelte-looking profile that further blurs the lines between the all-out aero machine it’s supposed to be and semi-aero lightweights like Giant’s own TCR Advanced SL.

Even without wind-tunnel testing, it was clear from our first pedal stroke that the Propel Advanced SL 0 is a proper rocket ship. It’s easy to bring up to high speeds and requires less effort to hold them. During group rides, we inadvertently kept riding away from our buddies on non-aero road bikes.

Perhaps more important to everyday riders is how the Propel feels when going fast—it’s a glorious bike to ride. It’s tangibly light and stiff—not just for an aero bike, but for a good road bike, period. The Propel is a wonderful partner on long climbing days and when you feel inspired to attack steep pitches. Sharp stabs at the pedals are rewarded with quick bursts of speed with no hint of delay or hesitation. The handling is equally precise and responsive. It feels somewhat buzzy and electric, but without being harsh or unwelcoming like many other aero road bikes. It’s a veritable eager puppy, always up for another go and brimming with more energy than you.

There’s a smorgasbord of great choices in this category right now. If you’re after the ultimate aero gains, you’ll either have to head into a wind tunnel or do some instrumented on-road testing to find out which offers the most performance for your particular body. However, if you’re the type of roadie that wants to go fast without giving up much in the way of other performance aspects—such as comfort and handling—the Propel is an incredible machine.

Best Sequel

Cervelo soloist.

$6,800 at Backcountry $6,800 at Competitive Cyclist

Test bike: Soloist Ultegra Di2 Weight: 16.5 lbs

Pros and Cons ⊕ Precise handling ⊕ Exceptional power transfer ⊗ Harsh ride on bumpy roads

For 2023, Cervelo revived its game-changing Soloist franchise with an impressive list of updates and improvements that make for a compelling race bike at a fair price. The new Soloist is equipped with a completely redesigned frame, featuring a new carbon layup that has increased stiffness and reduced weight. The bike’s aerodynamics are also far better, with the incorporation of Cervelo’s latest Squoval Max tube shapes.

The cockpit includes Cervelo’s “externally integrated” two-piece handlebar and stem system, which provides a clean and aerodynamic cockpit but still allows tinkering—the cables run underneath the stem and through the headset bearings. It’s not perfect, but the system allowed for easy fit adjustments, and the ergonomic design of the bars provided a comfortable grip.

During testing, the Soloist proved to be incredibly responsive and fast. The bike’s new frame design made for exceptional power transfer, and the tube shapes minimized drag. The bike’s handling was also noteworthy, with precise cornering and stability at high speeds. One thing to note: while we expect a stiff ride from such a machine, it was notably harsh on less-than-perfect roads.

With its upgraded frame design and aerodynamics, the Soloist is a force, and one we’d happily toe a start line with. It might become the most popular Cervelo among self-funded racers for years to come.

What is the difference between a road bike and a gravel bike?

A road bike is designed first and foremost to be ridden on harder surfaces. That generally means roads and bike paths, but chip-sealed, cracked, and pothole-littered roads can be ridden in a pinch on a road bike, too.

A road bike will typically offer a lightweight frame, wheels, and components to match. Almost every road bike these days features a drop handlebar that curls from the top down, as it offers the rider several hand positions while riding. The tires are almost always narrow, typically ranging from 25 millimeters to 38 millimeters, and have essentially zero tread on them in the name of more efficient riding.

Road bikes don’t come with suspension, but they don’t need it for performance on pavement—modern road bikes are smoother and more comfortable to ride than ever. You’re likely not going to find suspension or even wider tires on a road bike, as that’s the territory of a gravel bike.

A gravel bike, which is designed for riding on dirt and gravel roads first, will prioritize grip and comfort for the seat and handlebars. It will do so at the expense of weight and speed on smooth roads and tarmac. Be sure to see our Best Gravel Bikes of 2024 guide for more information.

If you know you want to ride mostly on-road, and you don’t intend to carry any extra gear, then a road bike is the right choice. Choose the gravel bike if you know you want to ride predominantly gravel and dirt paths, or if you’re uncertain exactly where your riding will take you.

What type of road bike do I need?

There are two broad categories of road bikes: race road bikes and endurance road bikes. Each of those has subcategories that can quickly become confusing.

The type of road bike that is best for the majority of riders is an endurance road bike, occasionally called an all-road bike. An endurance road bike emphasizes comfort and approachable handling. They’re typically easier to manage as the speeds increase and offer up to 38 millimeters of tire clearance to smooth your ride. Further, they’re more likely to have mounts for fenders, racks, or even additional water bottle cages. All-road bikes offer as much as 40 millimeters of tire clearance but retain handling characteristics optimized for riding on roads.

The flashiest road bikes are typically race bikes. They’re more likely to place the rider in a lower, more aerodynamic body position that emphasizes speed over comfort. The frames are lighter and offer stiffer riding to help you go faster. Further, the handling is typically more responsive, sometimes bordering on twitchy. Race road bikes typically feature 25 to 28-millimeter-wide tires, and ditch any feature that doesn’t make the bike easier to ride quickly.

Not all race bikes are the same, however. Some are aero road bikes, which have deeper tubes and rims that prioritize aerodynamics and out-and-out speed. Others are called climbing bikes, which prioritize low weight and stiffness at the expense of aero efficiency.

How much do I need to spend on a road bike?

Most of the bikes we’ve tested qualify as high-end bikes, which can cost as much as a used car. However, there are some fantastic road bikes at a more affordable price point. Budgeting to buy a road bike isn’t just buying the frame. Getting the most out of your road bike requires having the right accessories. At a minimum, you’ll need a quality set of bike lights and a well-fitting helmet in the name of safety. Further, you’ll need to budget for a decent set of pedals, and matching shoes if you want to use clip-in style pedals rather than a more accessible flat pedal.

At the entry-level, one can expect to pay anything between $1,000 to $2,000, depending on what features the bike offers. Clothing, including a jersey, shorts, a helmet, and clip-in shoes can cost anything from $150 to $300. Those accessories we mentioned? Expect to pay $100 to 150 at a minimum, and more depending on your specific needs.

How do I choose the right size road bike?

Road bikes come in a range of sizes to fit riders of all heights. This size range is usually expressed in centimeters, though sometimes you’ll find an XS to XL range.

To figure out the correct size for you, go for a test ride. That means standing over the top tube of the bike (sometimes referred to as a crossbar) to see whether you can comfortably stand with both feet flat on the ground. The top tube can touch you, but the bike is a better fit if it doesn’t.

The right-size road bike will place your arms at roughly a 90-degree angle from your torso without feeling uncomfortable. Your knees will have a slight bend in them at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Most importantly, the bike will feel comfortable to maneuver around.

Of course, the best course of action is to go to a trusted bike shop to have a bike properly sized and fit. Having another set of eyes to help you find the correct size bike will ensure your money is well-spent. They’ll help you determine the right bike for you based on your riding experience, mobility, and needs, and they’ll help you determine proper sizing for features like handlebars, saddles, and even your frame.

• Number of Testers: 5
• Number of Bikes Tested : 42
• Longest Test Ride: 142 miles

Five dedicated riders from around the world put 42 bikes through their paces on varied terrain and across hundreds of collective miles—from west Texas to Steamboat Springs, Colorado to Glasgow, Scotland. The road bikes we tested—ranging from entry-level to ProTour worthy—were chosen to encapsulate the best range of bikes on the market today. Yes, we tested road bikes from all the major road bike brands, but we also tested the small brands to cover all bases.

Our test rides included local loops, big days out, group rides, and everything in between. After each ride, we asked each reviewer to judge a bike on the following criteria: Who is it best suited for, and what type of riding was it designed for? What were its strengths, what were its weaknesses, and was there anything that made it stand out above the competition? Every reviewer not only took the time to ride each bike to assess its performance but also built them out of the box and maintained them through weeks of testing to learn more about their ins and outs.

Alvin Holbrook is a tech editor for Velo. He’s been in the bike industry for almost a decade and covers road, gravel, and e-bikes. When he’s not geeking out over bike gear, he uses his background in urban planning to cover stories about active transportation, policy, tech, and infrastructure through the Urbanist Update series. He lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife and an ever-growing stable of bikes and kitchen utensils.

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The 16 Best Commuter Bikes for Getting Around Town

From cargo-hauling e-bikes to office-friendly fixies, we’ve got commuters for any budget and any space.

Wear your protection before hitting the road. Check out our picks for the best bike lights , helmets , and light sets to strap on your next ride.

What to Consider

How we tested, why you should trust us, best hybrid commuter bikes, best budget commuter bikes, best commuter e-bikes, the best commuter bikes.

• Best Overall: Cannondale Bad Boy 3
• Best Value: REI Co-op CTY 1.1
• Best Budget: Schwinn Collegiate Adult Hybrid Bike
• Best Commuter E-Bike: Aventon Level.2
• Best Budget Foldable: Zizzo Liberte

Commute Type

Just as there is no one type of commute or commuter, there is no singular type of commuter bike. It used to be that a typical city bike had upright geometry, flat pedals, minimal gearing, skinny tires, and a relatively comfortable seat. But thanks to new technology and a greater demand to live a two-wheeled lifestyle, the category of commuter bikes is sprawling.

The right commuter bike for you depends on the size of your city, the types of roads (or lack thereof), the length of your commute, how much cargo you plan to haul, your budget, whether or not your commute is multimodal, what your idea of “maintenance” means, how quickly you need to get from A to B, and your fitness level.

But, to simplify your choice: Consider a road bike or fixed-gear bike if you’re riding on flat pavement and well-maintained roads. Opt for a hybrid or gravel bike if you frequently encounter debris, branches, potholes, and rocks.

Frame Material

For this list, we focused on two frame materials: aluminum and steel. Aluminum is lightweight, sturdy, and stiff, while steel is heavy, flexible, and can take a beating.

Carbon and titanium frames are more expensive and lightweight, but for most commuters, we think it’s better to opt for aluminum and steel—not all commutes have to feel like race day, and expensive frames are more sought after by thieves.

While a $6,000 custom commuter bike might make you starry-eyed, plenty of sub-$1,000 possibilities may fit your needs. And while a $500 city bike is easier on the wallet, it might not offer the best features for longer commutes or those with mixed terrain.

Our experienced testers spent many hours and miles using each of these bikes for their intended purpose. We’ve commuted to and from work on them, used them to run errands, put their passenger-hauling capability to work, ridden them during rush hour traffic, loaded them up with groceries and beer, tested how easily folding bikes fold (and ride), and run the e-bikes’ batteries down to officially see how long they last on one charge.

We evaluate bikes on performance, price, comfort, handling, value, reliability, fun, and aesthetic appeal to come up with this list of bikes that will best serve the needs of anyone looking to get from point A to point B quickly, efficiently, comfortably, and in style.

Bicycling has been a leading voice in the bike industry for decades, delivering insightful, trustworthy reviews and in-depth knowledge to cycling enthusiasts of all levels. We have a long history of guiding readers through the ever-evolving cycling landscape, and our writers and editors are not only experts but also passionate riders.

For the latest update to this story, we worked with Bicycling test editor Dan Chabanov to vet each bike and recommend a few based on his riding experience. Chabanov brings a wealth of knowledge to our review process, having spent a decade professionally racing (earning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018) and reviewing everything from mule-worthy e-cargo bikes to premium aggressive racers . We’re confident that our picks stand on a foundation of real-world trial, professional evaluation, and a passionate commitment to cycling. Trust us to steer you right.

Specialized Sirrus X 4.0

We love Specialized as much as the next bike mechanic; the company has solid components and highly accessible parts that make it easy to work with and tune. The Sirrus X 4.0, a slightly high-priced hybrid bike, is one of the brand’s best bikes for commuting over potholes and gravel—if you can swing the price. It boasts the company’s proprietary Future Shock, a coil shock positioned above the head tube that provides 20mm of suspension to eat bumps and bobbling gravel, reducing rider fatigue. We deem this an upgrade due to its better-than-most components, but if the Sirrus X 4.0 is too steep for you, check out one of the brand’s other 20+ Sirrus models . You can’t go wrong with one.

Bicycling columnist, former bike mechanic, and assistant commerce editor Adam Schram, digs the Sirrus X for its ease of use and accessibility. “I built and maintained a lot of Sirruses when I was a shop mechanic—I’m talking hundreds—and it was always a relief to see one show up on my next work ticket,” he says. “Among the bikes I most commonly had in my stand, the Sirrus was always pleasantly straightforward. Most spec levels don’t offer much to impress, but the Sirrus X and its wider tires are especially reliable if you like to commute on mixed surfaces and in dubious weather. The newest iteration of the Future Shock suspension system under the stem also works much better than it did when it first came out, and it’s a heck of a lot easier to work on, too.”

Cannondale Bad Boy 3

The Bad Boy is Cannondale’s fast-riding city and urban commuter. Sporting the brand’s signature Lefty fork, the Bad Boy 3 stands out from the crowd, featuring a fully blacked-out look designed to blend in. It’s an exciting mix, but works perfectly for the Bad Boy. Other features include a Shimano Altus 2x8-speed drivetrain with a wide gear range, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and 650b wheels that blend durability and speed.

Priority 600

With a sealed, 12-speed Pinion Gearbox (inspired by an automotive transmission system), Gates Carbon Drive belt, full-coverage aluminum fenders, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, the Priority 600 is an all-season, all-weather—not to mention low-maintenance—commuter. Head- and taillights are powered by the Dynamo hub, which also has USB-charging capabilities, and 360-degree reflective decals on the aluminum frame help the rider see and be seen. WTB Horizon 650b Road Plus tires can easily transition from smooth pavement to gravel bike paths. Read Full Review More Images

Mongoose Envoy

This long-tail hauler isn’t equipped with a motor like many cargo bikes are, which is how it can be offered at such an affordable price ( e-cargo models can run anywhere from double the price of the Envoy up to six grand or more). You’ll have to put your work in on climbs, though, especially if you’re carrying cargo. But rest assured, the 8-speed Sunrace cassette with an easy-spinning 34-tooth cog combined with a 42/32/22 chainring up front will still get you where you need to go—just not as quickly. If you plan to use this bike for its intended purpose—hauling stuff—make sure your typical routes aren’t littered with steep climbs.

You also get fenders and a set of roomy, removable panniers (with a convenient carrying handle) with your purchase, and Mongoose outfits the Envoy with components from its in-house brand Xposure, another way it keeps cost down. Read Full Review More Images

Co-op CTY 1.1

Co-op Cycles is REI’s house brand of bikes, offering some of the best value on the market. For $600, you get a lightweight aluminum frame and fork, Shimano 24-speed drivetrain, a nice Comfort Plus saddle with memory foam, and fast-rolling 700x40c tires. The CTY 1.1 is offered in two colors, five sizes for the standard frame style, and three sizes in a step-through variant. This is your ticket if you want a fantastic deal and a well-featured bike.

Schwinn Collegiate Adult Hybrid Bike

In honor of its 125th year, Schwinn joined forces with Detroit Bikes’ expert frame craftsmen to produce a limited run of a cruiser inspired by the iconic 1965 Schwinn Collegiate Deluxe .

Fashioned with a Michigan-crafted chromoly frame, this special edition is available in step-through or straight top tube styles, featuring the classic Campus Green color scheme. It boasts a plush seat, gleaming fenders, a handy kickstand, and a commemorative book detailing Schwinn’s storied past to mark the milestone. Its 8-speed, grip-shift gearing system provides versatility for leisurely rides and hill climbs. The cruiser’s wide 38mm tires guarantee a smooth experience on bike paths or the boardwalk, ensuring that this dignified emerald bicycle makes you look as effortlessly stylish as you feel.

Read Full Review

Brooklyn Lorimer

Brooklyn touts the Lorimer as a “versatile commuter bike that’s just as ideal for running errands as it is for working up a sweat on city streets.” It has a Shimano Acera 3x8 drivetrain (a user-friendly, entry-level mountain bike group often found on hybrids and commuter bikes), puncture-resistant 700x32mm tires, and a springy, double-butted chromoly steel frame and steel fork.

Comfort features include a wide, squishy saddle that fits more rear-end real estate; easy-to-use, integrated Shimano EZ Fire Plus shifters and brake levers; and Brooklyn Bicycle Co.-branded parts like a flat bar, flat alloy pedals and comfy ergo grips. You won’t find fenders, racks, or a kickstand on this bike—then again, you won’t find these features on most bikes at this price—but all the eyelets exist should you choose to add stuff later. It’s a cool, reliable commuter that won’t shy away from unforeseen challenges and that’s happiest on pavement, hard-packed gravel paths, and park loops. Read Full Review View 30 Images

Specialized Roll 2.0 Low Entry

With one of the lowest step-through frames in the business, the Roll 2.0 Low-Entry is ideal for anyone who’s ever been apprehensive about swinging a leg over a top tube or being able to touch their feet to the ground at the last second. Beefy 650b x 2.3-inch tires roll smoothly on the road but come to your rescue when the pavement gets sketchy or a gravel detour piques your curiosity.

Electra Loft 7D

From across the street you might easily mistake the Loft 7D for a 1970’s vintage Schwinn or Raleigh, but when you get up close you will see it is a thoroughly modern around town bike. Electra combined retro styling and modern parts into one heck of a package. The springer saddle is comfortable, the mustache bars put your hands in the proper position, and the 7-speed Shimano drivetrain shifts smoothly. On top of that, the Loft 7D comes with fenders and a chainguard. The Loft 7D is also available in a step-through frame option.

ZiZZO Liberte

Can we say a lot about the Liberté? For that price, yes. At less than $500, you can grab this 20-incher foldable bike stocked with a decent Shimano 11-32T 8-speed cassette, solid wheel bearings, a sturdy adjustable seat post, and a nice, compact package. It’s agile and packs down easily in under 30 seconds, making it excellent for commuters who take public transit and live in tight spaces. Best of all, it’s only 23 pounds, shockingly lightweight given its price compared to other foldables in this category. (This is half the price of the Dahon Mariner D8 and two-thirds of the weight.) This bike is frequently on sale at BJ’s and Amazon, too. If you need a small bike for your space and commute, consider the Liberté, or, the even cheaper Campo for a further price cut.

Priority Bicycles Priority Ace

The Ace is Priority’s fixie with a touch of class. It’s designed for commuters who like a little pep in their daily ride but aren’t fans of bike maintenance. Recreational-focused riders will do fine with the easier gear ratio and budget-friendly parts of the $499 Ace of Clubs (which also comes in a Pantone limited edition for a fifty bucks more ). Performance-minded riders will appreciate the Ace of Spades for its carbon fork and seatpost, and higher gear ratio.

Both models feature a flip-flop hub with a cassette body and fixed thread that lets you easily swap between fixed and freewheel cogs with a standard bottom bracket tool. And all adult Priority models use a quieter, cleaner, less-mess Gates belt drive instead of a traditional chain and cassette. A 680mm-wide, flat handlebar and 28mm WTB ThickSlick tires round out this clean-looking, stylish city fixie.

Marin Bikes Larkspur 1

The Larkspur 1 is a comfortable, cruisy, mixte-inspired bike that delivers big doses of fun. It’s built around a tough steel frame and fork that’s not scared of rough paths or pub crawls. The hydraulic disc brakes, 1x drivetrain, and Vee Tire wide knobby tires on 27.5-inch wheels are borrowed from mountain bikes and add to the Larkspur’s go-anywhere capability.

Most people will probably use it as a townie, and it’s great at that, too. Its step-through frame lets you rest at stoplights with your feet on the ground.

Aventon Level.2 Commuter E-Bike

The Level.2 has excellent performance and smart specs, plus it comes out of the box nearly 100% ready for commuting use. Responsive and fluid, it’s a smooth ride for commuters and e-bike newcomers alike, with a premium e-bike package via a sleek and compact display, solid 8-speed Shimano Acera derailleur and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and an excellent torque sensor. We think it’s the best e-bike Aventon currently offers, and that’s doubly so due to its awesome price.

READ FULL REVIEW

Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Commuter E-Bike

The powerful and straightforward, RadCity 5 Plus is a city bike with commuter potential. Strapped with a 750w geared hub motor, this e-bike moves along at a comfortable 20 mph with a throttle to help you get up to speed or the top of punchy hills. Its range is pretty far at up to 50 miles per charge, and including fenders, a rack, and integrated lights is a nice bonus. Plus, the 27.5 x 2-inch-wide proprietary tires, along with a front-suspension fork, provide comfort on pavement and bumpy bike paths. This excellent e-bike combines utility with the sleekness needed for the city.

Co-op Cycles Co-op Cycles Generation e1.2 Electric Bike

The Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 is a solid city and utility e-bike with a quality build and reliable components, including a solid aluminum frame, Shimano gears, and Tektro brakes. REI’s nationwide support backs it, making tune-ups and flat fixes simple and, in some cases, free. It’s a great e-bike for errands, too, thanks to its front and rear racks and solid gearing. It also comes in attractive colors, so you can look good while hauling it all.

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0

The Vado 4.0 is one of the best commuter bikes on the market. Exceptionally well-designed, the Vado 4.0 has an SRAM NX, 11-speed drivetrain, powerful SRAM Level brakes, and an SR Suntour Mobie A32 suspension fork for a smooth feel. Power settings are adjustable via an easy-to-manage phone app, plus all of the needed accessories for commuting—rack, fenders, and lights—come standard. While the Vado is pricier than some other bikes in the class, it has a refined feel, a strong global dealer network in case of motor issues, and is a thrilling e-bike to ride.

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer. 

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Vote for your favorite bike tour!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

One of the best and greenest ways to experience the beauty of the world is by bike. Just start pedaling and the journey becomes as important as the destination. These top companies have been nominated by an expert panel for their fantastic guided and self-guided tours that take you around the globe on two wheels.  Which bike tour company would you most like to tour with? Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, May 27 at noon ET. The 10 winning tour companies will be announced on Wednesday, June 5. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules . 

One of the best and greenest ways to experience the beauty of the world is by bike. Just start pedaling and the journey becomes as important as the destination. These top companies have been nominated by an expert panel...   Read More

Best Bike Tour Nominees

Photo courtesy of Adventure Cycling, photo from Bruce Malarky

Adventure Cycling

A dedicated advocate for all forms of biking, Adventure Cycling has compiled more than 50,000 miles of bike routes across North America since their inception in 1973. While seasoned cyclists are welcome to peruse their interactive map as they plan their next journey, the company also offers a wealth of guided tours, with regions ranging from the Florida Keys to the Pacific Northwest.

Photo courtesy of Backroads

Backroads believes in the transformative power of going at your own pace, which is why the company offers bike tours for every type of rider. Guests ride custom-built titanium bikes on itineraries in some 55 countries. In the United States, tours include everything from Death Valley or Saguaro National Park to Martha’s Vineyard or the Hudson Valley.

Photo courtesy of Bicycle Adventures

Bicycle Adventures

Bicycle Adventures’ motto is "stay curious, eat well, and pedal happy." With more than 35 years of experience in the industry, that’s just what many a guest does, whether biking the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway in Wyoming or riding through Oregon’s Columbia Gorge. Itineraries cover 11 states, along with around a dozen countries.

Photo courtesy of BikeHike Adventures

BikeHike Adventures

With curated tours across five continents, BikeHike Adventures showcases the diverse landscapes and cultures across the globe from the comfort of a bicycle. While strictly-cycling excursions can be booked across destinations like Colombia, Ireland, and Morocco, ambitious adventurers can also sign up for a multi-sport itinerary for some added hiking and kayaking.

Photo courtesy of Kruck20 // Getty Images

BikeTours.com

BikeTours.com specializes in organizing biking tour experiences in over 30 European countries. They offer both guided and self-guided tours geared towards all experience levels from leisure riders to biking enthusiasts. Riders can also enjoy family-oriented tours and a combination of biking/boating adventures.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Laughlin

Bubba's Pampered Pedalers

Bubba's Pampered Pedalers offers the ultimate bicycling vacation options. Whether taking a weeklong or cross-country tour, or simply overnighting at a hotel or bed-and-breakfast, you'll experience some of the best scenery from D.C. to Colorado or the sunny coasts of Florida. 

Photo courtesy of Carolina Tailwinds

Carolina Tailwinds

Carolina Tailwinds offers multiday, inn-to-inn bicycle tours to destinations largely around the eastern United States, with all bicycle vacations providing a nice balance between physical activity and relaxation. From flat and easy to hilly and challenging, there are bike routes to choose from for all levels of riders. Guests stay at boutique hotels and country inns, with breakfasts and most lunches and dinners included.

Photo courtesy of Ciclismo Classico

Ciclismo Classico

Ciclismo Classico is a woman-founded bike tour company that specializes in educational trips to European countries and the Northeast United States. Cyclists are fully immersed in the local art, language, music, and delicious cuisine of each unique area, aiming to meet the company's goal of providing an adventure their guests will never forget.

Photo courtesy of DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co. / Gwen Kidera

DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.

DuVine's mission is "for every traveler to experience the world by bike." These luxury bike tours focus heavily on food and wine, and itineraries often include family-run restaurants and boutique accommodations. You’ll find tours around the globe, including domestic options in California, the Hudson Valley, Maine, and Vermont, among others.

Photo courtesy of Exodus Adventure Travels

Exodus Adventure Travels

Founded 50 years ago, Exodus Adventure Travels offers small group and self-guided cycling trips to over 100 countries. Cycling tours include leisurely exploration in places like Portugal and the Baltics, as well as more challenging routes in places like Sicily, Panama, and Sri Lanka.   

Photo courtesy of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours

ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours

ExperiencePlus! is one of the oldest and most well-respected bike touring companies based in the United States. For more than a half-century, adventurous cyclists and active travelers have joined their guided bike tours and followed along some of the most delightful roads in the world. ExperiencePlus! provides both novice and seasoned cyclists alike with local tour leaders, thoughtful routes, and plenty of cultural immersion.

Photo courtesy of Daniele Mazierli / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Great Explorations

Built around being environmentally conscious, Great Explorations believes in leaving the environment around the biking trips the way it was found. As a boutique travel company with tours taking place across multiple continents, they create one-of-a-kind experiences that include charming hotels and unique dining experiences with cycling days that range between 25-40 miles.

Photo courtesy of Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel

Launched in 1989, Intrepid Travel offers more than 1,000 voyages across the globe — and cycling tours are no exception. In addition to classic biking destinations like Provence and Tuscany, the company has mastered the art of shining a spotlight on underrated regions, operating bike excursions to Sri Lanka, Slovenia, Tanzania, and a wealth of other countries.

Photo courtesy of REI Co-op / REI Adventures

REI is a household name for adventure seekers and outdoorsy tourists alike. Cycling enthusiasts will want to check out their biking adventures around some of the nation's best national parks, which range from three to six days in duration.

Photo courtesy of Summer Feet Cycling

Summer Feet Cycling

Summer Feet Cycling was founded more than two decades ago, offering bicycle tours of Maine. Today, the company continues to introduce visitors to the Pine Tree State, with additional tour offerings in Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Europe.

Photo courtesy of Barbara Hoyt

Timberline Adventures

Timberline Adventures provides guided and self-guided cycling tours throughout the United States and Canada. All guided adventures include lodging, support from a sag wagon, and most meals. Destinations include Death Valley National Park, the Northwest Passage, Aspen, and more.

Photo courtesy of U. J. Alexander / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Trek Travel

Trek Travel leads all kinds of adventure tours to all corners of the globe, but the company got its start in bicycling trips. From North America to Europe, and South America to the Asia-Pacific region, see the world with personalized care and fantastic guides for your type of cycling style. 

Photo courtesy of VBT Bicycling Vacations

VBT Bicycling Vacations

Guests traveling with VBT can choose their trip by activity level: easy, easy/moderate, moderate, or moderate/challenging. Guided and self-guided itineraries explore destinations around the globe, including the Vermont countryside, South Carolina Lowcountry, and the Sonoran Desert of Arizona.

Photo courtesy of Wilderness Voyageurs

Wilderness Voyageurs

From the arid depths of New Mexico to the lush forests of the Olympic Peninsula, Wilderness Voyageurs provides guests with an opportunity to traverse some of the most gorgeous bike paths across the lower 48. While road, gravel, and mountain bike tours are all available, the company's inn-to-inn rail trail tours offer a more relaxing perspective on the sport, combining outdoor adventure with cozy accommodations throughout the trip.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Brandon withrow.

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in...   Read More

Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in Northwest Ohio, covering ecotourism, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly stays, as well as the secrets of underrated cities. He appears in The Daily Beast, BBC Travel, Canadian Geographic, Business Insider, The Hill, and Sierra Magazine. You can find him at  www.brandonwithrow.com ,  @bwithrow  on Twitter, and  @bgwithrow  on Instagram.

Chelle Koster Walton

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Best cycling trousers of 2024: Six options so you can ride to work and not get changed

Ride in comfort without having to take a change of clothes to the office

Best Overall

Most comfortable, best cycling jeans, lightweight option, cycling sweatpants, how to choose.

1. Quick List 2.  Best Overall 3. Most Comfortable 4. Best Value 5. Best Cycling Jeans 6. Lightweight Option 7. Cycling Sweatpants 8. How To Choose

Cycling to work has many benefits, not least of which is 'more time on the bike, but there is admittedly a lot of additional faff. Into a pannier or one of the best cycling backpacks has to go your laptop, lunch, change of clothes, and a towel and toiletries. If your commute isn't too intense though you can easily ditch the change of clothes and ride in wearing some of the best cycling trousers instead.

Cycling trousers, as the name suggests, are designed for riding, but off the bike, they more or less resemble a normal pair of trousers (or pants, for our North American friends). They use materials with more stretch for better freedom of movement, are cut higher at the back so you don't show off your rear end while riding, and are often water resistant too.

I've been testing a load over the winter - as I don't have a car I get around purely by bike, so these have taken me to and from the office, as well as to and from the pub, on errands, and just generally becoming a part of my day to day life.

The best fit, the best materials, the best finish, comfortable to ride in and smart enough for most workplaces. If you can stomach the price these are nearly impossible to beat.

Read more below

A little softer and more stretchy than the Signal, these are great for every day, are brilliant for riding or doing anything else active, and they come in a lovely range of earthy colours. 

A thinner material makes these lighter, and a vented gusset keeps them cool in the heat. You can usually pick them up cheaper than most cycling trousers and they are a bargain.

Cycling jeans are hard to do, but these from Vulpine are great. The cut is well done, and there is enough stretch to allow movement without them ever feeling like late 2000's jeggings. 

Just as at home in the city as they are on bikepacking trips. The Rapha Explore Pants are superlight, resist spray, and will dry off the fastest of any on this list. After work gravel ride, anyone?

These are perfect for riding to the gym and, if I'm being honest, kicking about around the house, but they are cut for cycling and are far more breathable than any normal pair of sweatpants. 

The best cycling trousers available today

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

1. Mission Workshop Signal Pants

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If I had to only keep one pair of cycling trousers from this list it'd be the Mission Workshop Signal. The RRP is noticeably higher than the others, but the quality is also noticeably better. 

The fit is perfect for a pair of cycling trousers - slim, but not skinny. Let's be honest, skinny jeans have gone out of fashion, but these have a very neat silhouette that, especially in black or navy, could be worn in all but the smartest of workplace environments.

The material is a classic 4-way stretch softshell, but it's a little stiffer than that used on the (confusingly similar sounding) OrNot Mission pants or the Chrome Brannan. More abrasion resistant, and longer lasting, though a slightly less comfy feel next to the skin.

The pockets, too, are excellent. The leg pocket is mirrored on the OrNot pants, but the main front pockets are deeper - You're not going to lose anything out of them while riding. 

The only couple of downsides, besides the price, are a lack of reflective detailing and belt loops that are larger than usual, so slimmer belts don't work well. Though to be honest, I never see reflective details as anything more than a nice addition - good lights should do the job well, and it makes them smarter when you're actually at work. 

2. OrNot Mission Pants

The OrNot Mission pants are in many ways very similar to the Mission Workshop Signal. The fit is similar, and the pocket arrangement is also more or less identical, though one of the back pockets here has a zip, so if you are a back pocket valuables kinda person then these might suit you better. They're also a lot cheaper and have a reinforced gusset.

In truth, these are basically a viable option for best overall, especially if you value comfort - the material has a softer lining and is a little more stretchy. They are however slightly less smart looking than the Mission Workshop Signal, but if you are after a pair just to ride in and not to wear around the office too then these should absolutely be on your radar. 

The lack of DWR, plus the lighter colours generally mean they pick up stains a little more easily, but a decent set of mudguards should help this. They are a little thicker than both the Mission Workshop and Chrome options, too - Great for riding in colder weather, but it does make them a little hotter when the mercury rises.

For the visibility conscious, there are reflective details on the inside of the leg, which become visible when you roll your trouser leg up.

In short, if comfort trumps smartness then pick these.

3. Chrome Brannan Pants

While the RRP for the Branna is similar to the OrNot Mission, they pack a bit more in and are more frequently seen discounted, and so represent better value in my eyes.

Like the other two options above these are a classic softshell pair of pants, though in this case the knees are pre-articulated. This means these trousers are the best for actually riding in, though when wearing them off-bike they hang a little differently, strangely being loose at the shin. 

The reinforced gusset also has a pair of vents to help direct airflow into what can become a quite sweaty area in hot weather. This, combined with a slightly thinner material, makes them a great warmer-weather option.

While the material also features a DWR coating to help a light shower bead off, it does feel less sturdy than both the OrNot and Mission Workshop options, but if you're not absolutely murderous on your trousers then it shouldn't be much of a concern; they are hardly flimsy by any measure.

If you value extra features or are buying a pair predominantly to ride in, then these are the ones to pick... as long as you like black.

4. Vulpine Opus Jeans

Cycling jeans are a hard one to do well, which is why so few people make them. These Opus jeans from Vulpine are very good, even against normal jeans, but with cycling features packed in they're a winner.

The fit is prime cycling trousers, with the highest rear waist of the lot - if you're riding in an aggressive position rest assured you're not going to be showing anyone your bottom. The knees, like the Brannan pants, are also articulated, and the stretch denim is stretchy enough that it allows movement, without losing that sturdy 'denim' feeling that is key. 

The reflective details are subtle too, hidden away in pocket piping. There are no zipped pockets, so be sure your valuables are safe, but the pockets themselves are deep and well-positioned so as not to interfere.

My main gripe was really with the fit - These size a little large, so if you're between sizes go a size down. Also, if you've got bigger legs or want a wider leg just for the look of it then Vulpine has the Opus jean, which has all the same features in a looser fit.

5. Rapha Explore Pant

Rapha's Explore Pant is designed as a gravelly/mtb pair of cycling trousers, but I've taken to using them around the city far more than I have on the trails. If you want to add a splash of gorpcore aesthetic to your city riding then these are a great shout, as you get the style but with the added benefits of a pair of trousers designed for riding.

The main reason I love these is the fact that they are feathery-light. This means they stay cool even if it is warm, and dry out super quick if they get wet too - I've worn them over a set of tights in winter, and on their own in warm weather.

There are no rear pockets, but I never use them when riding anyway as they lack the security and you end up sitting on your keys if you're not careful, to make up for it there are a pair of side pockets that extend around the back of your thighs so you don't have anything on the front.

Lastly, you needn't worry about a belt - they have a built-in lightweight one that's far less obtrusive when you're riding than a standard buckle, and the end of each leg also features a cinch tab so you don't get them caught in your drivetrain.

6. Altura Grid Softshell Pants

Altura markets these as a 'softshell' pair of cycling trousers, but don't be fooled; these are sweatpants, just cut for cycling. They bear no real resemblance to the first three options on this list, which are actual softshell pants.

While they aren't what they claim to be, they have found a place in my life nonetheless, and are a particular favourite for when I ride to the gym. Also, I just wear them around the house too, as I would with any other sweatpants. 

I wouldn't want to wear these to the office, or for extended riding, as despite the grid fleece being more breathable than normal sweatpants they are still warm. There's also a DWR, but I wouldn't want to spend any time in a downpour.

The tapered leg and high rear waist, plus some reflective details make them far better on the bike than any other sweatpants I've ridden in, but I'd say these are perfect for riding to the gym and not a great deal else. Still worthy of shouting about for that, as on some days I happily work out in them too, but unless you work in an extremely casual workplace you may look like you're wearing pyjamas at your desk.

Most cycling trousers, whether you're using them for commuting or just zooming around the city for fun, have a few things in common; a higher waist at the back, more secure pockets, and stretchy materials. Beyond that, things diverge, so it's only natural to have a few questions - I've tried my best to answer the common ones below.

How should cycling pants fit?

Basically, they should fit like normal trousers, but the waist will be higher at the back to preserve one's modesty. The cut of cycling trousers will invariably be slim, as baggy trousers flap and are more prone to getting caught in chainrings.

The leg length also tends to be longer, in the expectation that you'll roll them up, though this isn't universal. 

Are cycling trousers waterproof?

Waterproof cycling trousers are a different product entirely, akin to a waterproof jacket. With 'normal' cycling trousers none are waterproof, but many offer a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating that causes light rain to bead off. If it's heavy rain though, you'll want proper overtrousers. 

Do I have to roll one leg up when I cycle?

No, but it helps - Rolling one leg up, the driveside one, a few times keeps it out of the way of your chainring, which can cause anything from dirty marks through to actually ripping your trouser leg if you aren't careful. 

Many cycling pants also feature reflective patches inside the lining that are only visible when you roll one leg up.

Do I wear padded shorts under cycling trousers?

Only if you need to for extra comfort - I tend not to, because I have a saddle I get on very well with, but there is no reason not to. The best thing in my mind is to wear specific padded undershorts that do away with the bib straps, though even these aren't hugely comfortable if you wear them at your desk all day.

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Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. There are very few types of cycling he's not dabbled in, and he has a particular affection for older bikes and long lasting components. Road riding was his first love, before graduating to racing CX in Yorkshire. He's been touring on a vintage tandem all the way through to fixed gear gravel riding and MTB too. When he's not out riding one of his many bikes he can usually be found in the garage tinkering with another of them, or getting obsessive about tyres. Also, as he doesn't use Zwift, he's our go-to guy for bad weather testing... bless him.

Rides: Custom Zetland Audax, Bowman Palace:R, Peugeot Grand Tourisme Tandem, Falcon Explorer Tracklocross, Fairlight Secan & Strael

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The Best Bike Routes for Exploring New York City, According to an Avid Cyclist

I began my exploration of the countless bike paths in New York City as soon as I arrived. As a longtime cyclist in London , I knew that cycling is a satisfying way to get to know a city as a newcomer, and it’s no different in New York: you whip through neighborhoods, witnessing the landscape changing character dramatically between blocks. (My first ever bike ride took me past the copper-colored mansions of Brooklyn Heights, along the tourist-crowded cobbled streets of Dumbo, through Hasidic South Williamsburg  and ended outside a crummy dive bar on Grand.) Riding a bike also requires a certain mindset, a kind of calm hyper awareness as you assess your surroundings. It means that you really notice things on a bike: potholes and perfectly flattened rats that need dodging, but also scraps of conversations, or the gauzy silhouette of the Empire State Building peeking out behind skyscrapers to signpost where you are.

While  biking  through Manhattan has its chaotic charms, I love to cycle around Brooklyn most of all, past elaborately named churches and along brownstone-lined streets, getting splashed by the water from hydrants as children play in the water on scorching summer days, wheeling my bike down streets closed for block parties, or pausing to admire families’ dramatic Halloween decorations. And when you puff uphill over the bridges from Brooklyn to Manhattan on a bright winter morning, the saturated colors of the city etched onto a clear sky, New York can literally take your breath away.

Navigating the bike paths in New York City can be intimidating, even for locals, but with a bit of research and planning you can take advantage of both official bike lanes and quieter backstreets. There are also riverside bike lanes running up both the east and west sides of Manhattan (with a thirty-block gap around the United Nations on the east side), as well as cycle paths contouring the key routes through Brooklyn. Whatever your style, on a bike, the city reveals itself to you.

Here are some of my favorite routes through New York 's various boroughs.

Brooklyn Bridge Park to Red Hook

I love to cycle this route at sunset, when the skyscrapers glow pink above the East River. Start at the Dumbo entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge Park , and ride slowly through this cleverly landscaped park with its baby-blue umbrellas, families grilling, and piers speckled with joggers and soccer players. The park’s cycle path turns into a “waterfront” route (the actual waterfront is somewhat hidden by the Port Authority and Brooklyn Cruise Terminal ), before curving into the cobbled streets of Red Hook. You can follow signs to Valentino Pier, taking in the sensational view of the Statue of Liberty amid buttery wafts from Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie —be sure to grab one. Maybe wind your way around the neighborhood’s old wharfs and small brick houses; or lock up your bike and check out an exhibition at the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition , then grab lunch at the kitschy crab shack Brooklyn Crab . Don’t leave without a visit to the much-loved (cash-only) dive bar Sunny’s , where there’s live bluegrass and country music most nights.

East and West Village gardens

The East Village can be strangely quiet on weekday mornings, which is when I like to zigzag on my bike between Avenues A and D, exploring the neighborhood's community gardens . The more than 50 gardens—ranging from scrappy lots with intriguing artworks to beautifully landscaped city oases—are the legacy of 70s and 80s activists, and are maintained by local volunteers. Peach Tree Garden, named for the tree in its center, is a personal favorite; while La Plaza Cultural , with its amphitheater, pond and shady trellis, is one of the loveliest. Stop in Tompkins Square Park (with a BEC from Tompkins Square Bagels ), then cycle west down W 9th Street, watching the buildings get grander as you near the West Village . You’ll pass Jefferson Market Garden , a gorgeously manicured quiet spot beneath the fiddly gothic turrets of Jefferson Market Library, then continue down Christopher Street to the Hudson, pausing in the garden at St. Luke in the Fields to breathe in the scent of Buddleia.

Prospect Park, Green-Wood Cemetery, and Park Slope

There’s always great people-watching in Prospect Park : on the cycle path (which is one way), you might see pro-cyclists whooshing through, baseball matches on scrubby diamonds, music lovers lining up for the park’s free summer concerts, and endless dogs. Enter through Grand Army Plaza—where there’s a fantastic farmers market on Saturdays—and ride down the west side of the park, exiting at Bartel-Pritchard Square. Continue along Prospect Park West until you hit Green-Wood Cemetery. Leave your bike outside and meander through the sloping hills covered in stubby graves, statues of veiled angels, and grand mausoleums. You can potter towards Jean-Michel Basquiat’s grave, taking in the view of the Manhattan skyline rising beyond the grassy hills. Once you’re reunited with your bike, cycle north up 7th Ave through leafy Park Slope, taking in its fat brownstones and maybe even an enormous fried chicken and fennel slaw sandwich from local favorite, Winner .

Domino Park, Brooklyn to the Noguchi Museum, Queens

This route hugs portions of the Brooklyn and Queens waterfront. Start at Domino Park , then cycle along Williamsburg’s busy Kent Ave, where in the summer, there’s usually a high concentration of topless male joggers. You’re in Greenpoint when Kent Ave becomes Franklin St, which is dotted with excellent cafés and restaurants (it’s worth stopping at Taqueria Ramirez for a suadero taco). Turn right, admiring the neighborhood’s pretty, pastel-colored wooden houses, and then left onto the dusty Pulaski Bridge and into Queens. Hop over to Vernon Blvd, and it’s a straight line from there to the Noguchi Museum : past the New York Architectural Terra Cotta Works Building, an abandoned peach-colored gem tucked under the Queensboro Bridge, and Queensbridge and Rainey Parks. The museum, which houses the collection of the architect and designer Isamu Noguchi, is on the corner of 33rd St. After wandering through the galleries, with their snaking marble sculptures and somber gray stones, settle in the meditative calm of the sculpture garden.

Along the Hudson River Greenway to the Met Cloisters

The Hudson River Greenway stretches up the west side of Manhattan and is one of the loveliest cycle routes in the city. It’s a long way up to the Met Cloisters , so, while you can set off anywhere along the Greenway, Christopher Street Pier is a good starting point; it’s about an hour up to the Cloisters from there. Start by dodging roller skaters in the West Village, continuing past Little Island and the shimmering angles of Hudson Yards . You’ll hit the tranquil greenery of Riverside Park around the 60s, and higher up, buildings melt away entirely and all that’s visible beyond the grassy banks of the river is the George Washington Bridge. Immediately after the bridge, turn right and uphill, following signs over the footbridge to W 181st St, through Washington Heights to Fort Tryon Park . The pink stone courtyards, scented herb gardens and fountains of the Cloisters—which contains the Met’s medieval collections—are a restful place to catch your breath after the cycle.

Through Brooklyn to the beach

This uneven cycle cuts south through Brooklyn, across the Gateway National Recreation Area and over the Marine Parkway Bridge to the Rockaways . Start anywhere on Bedford Ave (it’s a couple of blocks over from Prospect Park , where I like to start), cycle all the way down, before nipping left around Avenue N, through suburban Midwood, with its timber-fronted houses, until you reach the southern stretch of Flatbush Ave. This busy road eventually arches into the bridge, which deposits you in Jacob Riis Park and its bright stretch of beach. It’s a route that lets you glimpse the many, changing faces of Brooklyn: one Sunday, church bells rang out in Little Caribbean; the faded art deco grandeur of the boarded-up last Sears in the city glowed in the sun; students handed out flyers on the Brooklyn College campus; and cyclists in swimwear made their steady way over the bridge to the sea. And those who looked back saw the Manhattan skyline, hazy and purple in the far, far distance.

From Prospect Park to Coney Island

If you’re after a simpler beach route , the five-mile long, tree-lined Ocean Parkway bike path (America’s first ever, dating back to 1894) runs a straight course from the bottom of Prospect Park to  Coney Island . If you’re planning to take a Citibike down there, don’t–astoundingly, there are no docks once you arrive. The rather lumpy bike path ends at the beach; lock up your bike on the boardwalk or wheel it along to candy-colored attractions of Luna Park for a ride on the Wonder Wheel or the Cyclone, the fairground’s beloved wooden roller coaster . There’s always a crowd at the original Nathan’s Famous , but the hotdogs are well worth the wait. Alternatively, walk over to Neptune Ave to Totonno’s , an old-school pizza joint with walls crammed with pictures and some of the best slices in the city. Finally, grab a gelato from Coney’s Cones and sit on the beach, watching the ferries go by and locals dedicate themselves to some serious sunbathing.

The perfect Central Park loop

Cycling through busy Central Park can be something of a stop-and-start affair, but the changing moods and delightful follies of Olmstead’s most famous creation are best enjoyed at a slower pace. The cycle path runs a strict one-way loop counter-clockwise around the park: start at the bottom west corner by the zoo (and perhaps check in on the sea lions in their octagonal pond), then follow the path north past the lake, behind the angular glass back of the Met, and up to the reservoir. Keep on past baseball diamonds, the Lasker public pool (due to reopen after an extensive renovation this summer), turning east through the quieter wooded north and then down along the west side, as the spindly towers south of the park dip in and out of sight between trees and the lake glimmers again on your left. You can cut across over Bethesda Terrace, where the cycle lane runs in both directions, or exit the park at 72nd St for some sustenance on the Upper West Side. Work your way up north through its sleepy streets lined with chunky townhouses and green-awninged apartment blocks to Zabar’s for a warm slice of babka, or up Amsterdam to 86th St for a pile of scrambled eggs and Nova in the mural-lined dining room at Barney Greengrass .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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Cycle lane plans scrapped from active travel scheme – despite council identifying road as “priority route” for cycling; The UK’s most useless ‘cycle path’?; CiCLE Classic organiser speaks; Alison Jackson: Cycling’s best celebrator? + more on the live blog

• Cycle lane plans scrapped from active travel scheme – despite council identifying road as “priority route” for cycling
• And… that’s enough internet for today
• Marianne Vos delivers (again) with stunning sprint ahead of Charlotte Kool after crash splits peloton inside final 3km at Vuelta Femenina
• Britain’s Natalie Grinczer involved in serious crash at Vuelta Femenina
• Cycling UK launches new free cycle loan scheme in Greater Manchester and Inverness for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
• Cyclists and bike shops urged to take advantage of Local Bike Shop Day 2024, as Association of Cycle Traders promotes offers and events
• Is Cervélo on to a winner with its new Áspero gravel bike?
• “I love it!” Moulton Double Pylon owner on the “super smooth” ride of the “the greatest work of twentieth-century British design” (turned up to 11)
• Emma Norsgaard abandons Vuelta Femenina due to injuries sustained in crash during yesterday’s stage
• “Intimidating” cyclist angered by close passes should be investigated by police, claim mum and daughter... who both admit close passing rider
• “They promised me co-leadership for the GC”: Emanuel Buchmann hits out at Bora-Hansgrohe after missing out on Giro d’Italia
• Keep the creative Giro announcements coming…
• “It was a decision I never believed, or hoped, that I would ever be required to make”: CiCLE Classic organiser says race cancellation due to flooding was “dark moment”, thanks everyone for “overwhelming support”
• Alison Jackson: Cycling’s best celebrator?
• Why don’t cyclists use the cycle path? #1,567,809
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Just a month after it was told to “get its act together” and “step up its game” when it comes to cycling infrastructure, after a series of abandoned and much-criticised projects, North Yorkshire Council has this week decided to ignore that advice by scrapping plans to install protected, 1.5m-wide cycle lanes on Harrogate’s Victoria Avenue.

Yesterday, the council announced it was holding a month-long consultation on proposed changes to the wide avenue, which will begin in the autumn and include a new bus stop, improved pedestrian crossings, measures to prevent motorists from illegally driving straight ahead at a junction, the removal of some parking bays, and public realm improvements, the Stray Ferret reports.

However, despite the council last year identifying Victoria Avenue as a “priority route” for cyclists and announcing that it intended to install protected cycle lanes with buffer zones on both sides of the road, the new plans include no reference whatsoever to cycling infrastructure of any kind – a glaring omission the local authority has put down to “budgetary constraints”.

> Councillors urge Tory-led council to “get its act together so people can get out of cars” after series of “failed and abandoned” cycling schemes

“Unfortunately budgetary constraints mean that the previously envisaged cycle lanes cannot be included within this initial phase of this Victoria Avenue scheme,” a council letter to residents announcing the consultation said.

“Following advice from Active Travel England, we have therefore concentrated on improvements for pedestrians and improvements to the public realm.”

Active Travel England awarded North Yorkshire Council funding for the Victoria Avenue scheme in November 2020, with the road regarded as a crucial part of plans to create a joined-up, off-road cycling route from Harrogate’s train and bus stations to Cardale Park.

> Campaigners accuse council of “failing our children” after failing to deliver “significant cycling infrastructure for nine years”

However, since then, the Conservative-controlled council has come under fire due to its failure to implement safe cycling infrastructure in the town, after phase two of the widely criticised Otley Road cycleway was scrapped, along with a Low Traffic Neighbourhood on Beech Grove and a one-way system on Oatlands Drive – prompting Harrogate District Cycle Action to accuse the local authority of “failing our children” and failing to deliver any “significant cycling infrastructure for nine years”.

Last month, we reported that opposition councillors also took aim at the council’s apparently shoddy cycling record.

“To improve things you have to acknowledge there’s a problem. Active travel is absolutely terrible,” Liberal Democrat councillor Matt Walker said at a council meeting.

“Roads are gridlocked and full of potholes, buses are missed all the time between Harrogate and Knaresborough. We have to make improvements and the council needs to step its game up.

“It needs to get its act together so people can get out of cars and get around in a quick and environmentally-friendly way.”

Green councillor Arnold Warneken: “The frustration of people who want to cycle in Harrogate and Knaresborough isn’t being taken seriously.”

> Council scraps £500,000 Harrogate cycle lane expansions… even though majority support plans

However, in its letter to residents yesterday, North Yorkshire Council said it is still committed to delivering some kind of cycling infrastructure on Victoria Avenue.

“The works proposed support North Yorkshire Council’s desire and vision to increase active travel in and around Harrogate town centre by proposing a number of measures to increase pedestrian safety as well as improved bus provision,” the letter said.

“Whilst unfortunately is it not possible to include the desired cycle lanes within this proposed scheme, the proposed works will not prevent the installation of the cycle lanes in the future, and this will be the ambition within a future funding bid. North Yorkshire Council is committed to delivering a cycle scheme on Victoria Avenue.”

To be honest, I’m not sure cyclists in Harrogate are holding their breath…

> Cyclists dumbfounded by bizarre online conspiracy theory claiming bike inner tube valve is a “5G antenna tracking device” inserted under skin after Covid jab

When Marianne Vos sets her sights on something, she very rarely disappoints.

The resurgent Dutchwoman, who has been on blistering form throughout 2024, continued her late-career renaissance with a stunningly dominant sprint on stage three of the Vuelta Femenina into Teruel – the 252nd pro road win of her unique, incomparable career – finishing bike lengths ahead of DSM-Firmenich’s Charlotte Kool.

Such was Vos’ confidence in her finishing kick at the end of a draining, lumpy day, she set her Visma-Lease a Bike team to work throughout the stage, keeping things under control before eventually reining in Mireia Benito, the courageous AG Insurance-Soudal rider who spent a long and lonely 110km as the sole breakaway rider out front.

The day 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨 to Marianne Vos! 🟡⚫ The Visma-Lease a Bike rider storms past the bunch sprint to win Stage 3 at La Vuelta Femenina! 🙌 #LaVueltaFemenina pic.twitter.com/14g9z5Qprt — Eurosport (@eurosport) April 30, 2024

Vos then found herself on the right side of a bunch splitting crash with just under 3km to go, before surfing the wheels to perfection, launching her sprint at the right moment – just as Kool, who fought hard to make the front after some poor positioning, began to toil – for one of the more straightforward sprint victories of the 36-year-old’s illustrious career.

“Yesterday we worked and tried hard, but had some bad luck in the final. And today we again went all-in. All the girls worked really hard for this, so it’s really nice to finish it off,” Vos said at the finish, her 2024 comeback tour continuing to reach new heights.

More deeply worrying news from the Vuelta Femenina this afternoon, as Roland’s British rider Natalie Grinczer appears to be seriously injured following a crash inside the final 30km of today’s stage three to Teruel.

The 30-year-old fell after what appeared to be a touch of wheels in the middle of the bunch, which took down several riders. Grinczer, who didn’t seem to be moving in the moments after the crash, was treated immediately by medical staff and taken to hospital in an ambulance.

No other rider appeared to be injured in the wake of the crash.

We’ll update you with more information when we get it. We wish Natalie all the best.

A new free cycle loan scheme has kicked off in Greater Manchester and Inverness, in a bid to help and encourage people with long-term health conditions and disabilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling.

Launched by Cycling UK and funded by the Motability Foundation, the Inclusive Cycling Experience features a variety of bespoke and customised cycles, including tricycles, e-cycles, recumbent cycles, and tandems, which the charity says will “help overcome many of the problems that prevent people with disabilities, such as visual impairment, limited mobility, or dyspraxia, from using a standard upright two-wheel bicycle”.

The loans, which first became available in Greater Manchester on 17 April and in Inverness on 19 April, also come with confidence-building taster sessions and expert support, ensuring each person gets a cycle that is right for them and their cycling needs.

“Cycling is not only a joyful experience that everyone should have a chance to enjoy, but it can significantly boost independence for people with long-term health conditions or limited mobility,” Cycling UK’s deputy director of behaviour change Jenny Box said in a statement.

“With the right support and the right cycle, almost anyone can benefit from cycling. The Inclusive Cycling Experience will make congestion-busting, healthy, and energising travel accessible to everyone.”

Lisa Jones, director of charitable operations at the Motability Foundation, added: “We’re excited to award Cycling UK with this grant to introduce inclusive cycling training programmes at mobility hubs for disabled people in Manchester and Inverness.

“We know that active travel, such as cycling, can benefit wellbeing for disabled people, by increasing mobility and reducing social isolation. Awarding grants to important organisations like these helps us to make an immediate difference to the transport needs of disabled people.”

This Saturday, in case you didn’t know, marks Local Bike Shop Day 2024, and cyclists across the UK, as well as the shops themselves, have been urged to get involved and take advantage of the events, activities, and good deals on offer at local independent bike shops up and down the country this weekend.

Sponsored this year by Cytech, the international training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians, the annual event aims to raise the profile of independent bike shops, specifically focusing on their particular levels of expertise and customer service.

For this year’s event, the Association of Cycle Traders has highlighted a number of ACT-affiliated shops, such as Summit Cycles in Aberystwyth, which will be celebrating Local Bike Shop Day by offering up to 50 per cent off on selected clothing and helmets, along with free bike health checks, e-bike test rides, and a prize draw to win a £150 voucher.

Meanwhile, Bicycle Links in Norwich will be hosting a small yard sale, showcasing their selection of second-hand bike parts and accessories, which they hope will act as a distinctive way to encourage people to visit the shop.

In East London, bike and repair shop Aztecs if offering 10 per cent discount on everything in the shop, while at De Ver Cycles in Streatham, Maurice Burton, Britain’s first black cycling champion, will be in conversation with co-author Paul Jones about their new book, The Maurice Burton Way . Visitors can also head out on a ride with Maurice at 9am, departing from De Ver Cycles’ Streatham shop.

“Independent bike shops across the UK have a particular culture, service and level of expertise that places them at the heart of their local cycling communities. Local Bike Shop Day the day we all get to celebrate that,” says the ACT’s Jonathan Harrison ahead of this Saturday’s festivities.

“Whether it’s for accessories, for servicing or repairs, for accessories, or just for specialist advice, independent bike shops provide a knowledgeable and invaluable service to cyclists of all ages, and this is a chance to support them and celebrate them. For bike shops it is a chance to reinforce their customer relationships and promote themselves to new audiences.”

> Cervélo updates Áspero gravel bike to be “faster, more comfortable, and more versatile” – we’ve ridden it and here’s what we think so far

After Suvi delved into the history of Moulton bikes and the brand’s New Series Double Pylon model, with its 20-inch wheels and £22,000 price tag, for Sunday’s Bike at Bedtime feature , one owner of the bike in question (albeit one from 2007, so we assume the price may not have been as astronomical back then) got in touch in the comments to share his views on one of cycling’s great designs – turned up to 11, as Suvi put it, channelling her inner Spinal Tap.

> Get a load of the Moulton Double Pylon, a 20-inch wheel bike with a £22,000 price tag

Posting a photo of his stainless steel Double Pylon, handily tucked away in luggage, showcasing one of its key traits, road.cc reader Colin Rose wrote: “Got it in 2007 and has been upgraded by factory to similar to current specs, it’s done a huge mileage yet still looks new (no paint to chip).

“It can easily be converted to long distance touring with purpose designed racks and luggage used on cross-Europe and camping trips as well as day/credit card touring with day rack and bag. Pack it in a suitcase and it travels as luggage. 

“It’s surprisingly capable off-road, although gets put out by rutted roads, and on good roads it’s super smooth and untiring on long rides. It’s light for a steel bike, super-light for a touring bike. I love it!”

Anyone got £22,000 spare?

🇪🇸 #LaVueltaFemenina Por desgracia, hemos de informar del abandono de @emmanorsgaard1 durante el arranque de la 3ª etapa de @lavueltafem . La danesa recibió ayer puntos de sutura por las heridas en su codo, amén de numerosos golpes, en las multitudinarias caidas del tramo final.… pic.twitter.com/9GDAmTi0aY — Movistar Team (@Movistar_Team) April 30, 2024

After Anna Henderson was taken to hospital with a broken collarbone following a nasty crash inside the last three kilometres of Monday’s second stage of the Vuelta Femenina, Movistar’s Emma Norsgaard has become the latest casualty of Spain’s slippery roads, abandoning the race today due to injuries sustained yesterday.

The Dane, a winner of a stage at last year’s Tour de France Femmes, injured her elbow after being involved in a crash that took place just a few hundred metres after Henderson, Marianne Vos, and Lizzie Deignan fell during yesterday’s wet and chaotic run-in to Moncófar, and which also involved Lianne Lippert, Georgia Baker, and others.

While Norsgaard attempted to start today’s stage to Teruel, she pulled out of the race soon after the stage got underway, her Movistar team confirmed this lunchtime.

“The Dane yesterday received stitches for the wounds in her elbow, in addition to numerous blows, in the massive falls of the final stretch,” Movistar posted on social media. “We will confirm Emma’s circumstances and condition as soon as we can.”

A mother and daughter who both admit having close passed the same cyclist two months apart, the younger motorist accepting a training course after driving “without reasonable consideration”, believe the cyclist on the receiving end should be investigated by the police for “intimidating and abusive behaviour” .

The pair have also accused the cyclist of “targeting motorists” and becoming “aggressive” when close passed, with the mother –  who says she “pulled in a bit” to avoid a traffic island during the close pass – claiming it “should work both ways” as cyclists “close pass” cars when filtering.

Bingo cards at the ready…

Read more: > “Intimidating” cyclist angered by close passes should be investigated by police, claim mum and daughter... who both admit close passing rider

In the midst of all the creative, and weird spaghetti-based social media team announcements, Bora-Hansgrohe’s Emanuel Buchmann has hit out at the German team’s decision to leave him out of their Giro d’Italia squad, claiming that he was only told two weeks ago of his omission after spending time at altitude camp in Tenerife.

Bora will head to Italy with Dani Martínez as their main GC threat, after a last-minute change to the team following provisional co-leader Lennard Kämna’s horrific training crash, when he was struck by a motorist and seriously injured while training in Tenerife, earlier this month.

> Lennard Kämna update: German rider in “stable condition” and “awake and responsive” after motorist turned across lane and struck him during training ride

“Our strategy for the Giro d'Italia has changed radically in the last four weeks,” the team said, while a announcing an eight-man line-up that also includes Giovanni Aleotti, Jonas Koch, Florian Lipowitz, Ryan Mullen, Maximilian Schachmann, Danny van Poppel, and Patrick Gamper.

“Up until then, it was clear that we would go to Turin with Dani and Lennard as co-leaders. Our support team was heavily focused on the mountains.

“After Lennard’s serious accident, we were forced to reorganise. We now have only one GC leader and several versatile riders as back-ups who are looking for opportunities on the hilly terrain themselves.”

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Emanuel Buchmann (@emubuchmann)

However, Buchmann – who finished fourth at the 2019 Tour de France but has so far underwhelmed this season, placing 32nd overall at the recent Tour of the Basque Country – clearly had a different perspective on Bora’s pre-Giro plan, taking to Instagram to vent his frustration yesterday.

“I cannot describe my disappointment and frustration [to] not [be] nominated for the Giro this year,” the 31-year-old German champion wrote, along with some, ahem, interesting hashtags, including #bandofbrothers (Bora’s team slogan) and #freeeumu.

“All year was planned for the Giro and even Bora-Hansgrohe promised me the co-leadership for the GC. The training went well, the shape is good. The last three weeks at [Mount] Teide I wanted to do the last preparation, but 16 days before the start of the Giro I got the call that I won’t be in the lineup.”

Bora management trying to stop Buchmann getting on the team bus pic.twitter.com/AEnZkbRo0E — Joshua Carnn (@JoshuaCarnn) April 30, 2024

Buchmann’s very public display of frustration may not be the last time Bora are faced with team leadership issues this year, considering their squad is now stacked with potential stage race contenders (and big egos), including Giro winner Jai Hindley, Aleksandr Vlasov, Martinez, and new arrival (and obligatory Tour leader) Primož Roglič.

And even beyond the GC wannabes, Bora’s Giro squad also raised eyebrows due to the omission of sprinter Sam Welsford, whose lack of form at the Tour of Turkey saw him sidelined from his team’s Italian job.

Which also means that Danny van Poppel – arguably the best lead-out man in the world – will once again head to a grand tour… without a sprinter to lead out.

Make it make sense…

And while we’re on the subject of Giro team announcements and WorldTour social media admins working overtime, UAE Team Emirates have this morning officially unveiled their line-up for Italy – otherwise known as ‘Tadej Pogačar and friends’:

We’re going to race the first grand tour of the season! Here’s our lineup for the #Giro 🇮🇹： 🇩🇰 @mikkelbbjerg 🇦🇹 @gro_felix 🇳🇴 @VSLaengen 🇵🇱 @majkaformal 🇨🇴 @sebasmolano_ 🇸🇮 @DomenNovak 🇵🇹 @roliveira57 🇸🇮 @TamauPogi #UAETeamEmirates #WeAreUAE pic.twitter.com/45qkj6mxw2 — @UAE-TeamEmirates (@TeamEmiratesUAE) April 30, 2024

Meanwhile, Israel-Premier Tech have gone for the postcard approach, as Michael Woods looks set to lead a team that includes grand tour debutant Ethan Vernon:

All set for our three-week trip 👋 We'll be sure to send you a postcard from the @giroditalia ! Race preview 👉 https://t.co/JzgEWyNaDZ #GirodItalia 🇮🇹 #YallaIPT pic.twitter.com/kpHu6tEnLX — Israel – Premier Tech (@IsraelPremTech) April 30, 2024

This morning, two days after the CiCLE Classic was cancelled due to heavy rainfall and flooding, the race’s organiser Colin Clews has spoken about the “gigantic” efforts of his team to try to ensure it went ahead, while praising the “overwhelming support” they’ve received since Sunday’s cancellation.

The 18th edition of the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, the iconic Belgian classic-style race that thunders along Rutland’s farm tracks, was cancelled on Sunday as floods rendered some of the race route impassable.

I think it was the right decision although very painful for Colin ⁦ @CiCLEClassic ⁩ pic.twitter.com/pxkXVcahYA — Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling (@SpiritTBW) April 28, 2024

After originally attempting to delay the start time, Clews and his organising team ultimately (and correctly) had to pull the plug due to the flooded roads and extreme weather – the first time, barring Covid, that the race has been cancelled, in what is a bitter blow for a struggling domestic scene and yet another example, as journalist and Halesowen Academy DS William Fotheringham wrote on Twitter, of “cycling in the era of climate breakdown”.

“Following discussions in line with the UCI extreme weather protocol, with the Organisation Commissaires Panel and representatives from teams and riders from Israel Premier Academy and Saint Piran discussing the safety and management of the route, it has reluctantly been decided to cancel the 2024 CiCLE Classic,” the organisers said on Sunday afternoon.

“The decision has been taken after the best efforts of the organisation to design a reduced route, but significant flooding at different sections of the routes have sadly made this impossible. The race organisation wishes to convey their thanks to the team’s riders, officials, volunteers and supporters for the patience and understanding.”

And this morning, posting a photo of his painfully ironically sunny back garden, Clews thanked his organising team and the UK’s cycling community for their support following the race’s cancellation.

“After the 'deluge' that was Sunday. On behalf of myself and all the organisational team at Sigma Sports /Schwalbe UK of (what would have been) the 18th Rutland-Melton International CiCLE Classic, I wish to thank everyone for the messages and overwhelming support for the event and the decision taken to cancel due to the extreme weather conditions,” Clews wrote.

“It was a decision I never believed, or hoped, that I would ever be required to make. But, inevitably it was, but only after gigantic, best efforts of  my international and national commissaire colleagues to help keep the show on the road. You were all magnificent with your efforts and I'll never forget that. THANK YOU.

“Many 'dark' moments for me, and the team since then; three days set up, one and a half days clear up; but a major void between.

“But, the messages received from friends here and abroad only demonstrate for me what our great sport is all about, and why myself and so many others DO what we DO! A massive THANK YOU to you all. You deserve a bike race in return, and not just any old race.

“Looking forward to seeing you next April, and the sun is shining!”

I think it’s fair to say that the Canadian champion – famous, of course, for her post-Roubaix victory dance (along with actually winning the race, naturally) – enjoyed coming out on top in yesterday’s sodden, crash-marred sprint at the Vuelta Femenina into Moncófar…

Think Alison Jackson is a little bit pleased with this win today? 😅 #LaVueltaFemenina pic.twitter.com/yRdazcpoUz — Mathew Mitchell (@MatMitchell30) April 29, 2024

Another lumpy 130km is in store for the peloton today between Lucena del Cid and Teruel, as SD Worx’s newly installed race leader Blanka Vas hopes to retain her red jersey and perhaps improve on her second place yesterday.

But with Jackson nipping at her heels eight seconds behind, we could well be in store for some more brilliantly enthusiastic ‘shapes’ at the finish line from EF Education this afternoon.

When you break out the Orange Justice... 🍊 Looks like Alison Jackson pulled out the Fortnite dance move after winning Stage 2 of La Vuelta 😅 #InternationalDanceDay #Cycling #RoadCycling pic.twitter.com/mNnbQpbtWE — SBS Sport (@SBSSportau) April 30, 2024

Cyclists in my area get moaned at for using the road, rather than this crap. I rode it on Friday to see how pants it really is. pic.twitter.com/QsoVORbeVJ — Jim's Wheels (@JimsWheels) April 29, 2024

A terribly surfaced shared path with pedestrians, a few completely unnecessary sets of barriers, random lampposts plonked in the middle, protruding hedges, and lots of parked vehicles…

I think we can call it now – we’ve finally found what could well be the worst, most useless cycle path in the UK, courtesy of South Gloucestershire, where, as Jim notes, motorists tend to get a bit cross and “throw shapes” if you venture with your bike onto the adjacent road.

Remember cyclists, stay off that road (it’s for drivers after all) when quality infrastructure like this exists right beside it…

Police arrested a motorist in the US who allegedly fired three shots at two cyclists participating in a charity event , having earlier tried to run the riders off the road during a road rage attack.

The incident happened on Saturday morning in Maryland, on Hardesty Road in Huntingtown, the two cyclists part of the Ride to End Hunger event based out of the town. According to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, at around 10.10am officers were called to the scene following reports that shots had been fired.

Read more: > Road rage driver arrested for firing shotgun at cyclists on US charity ride

Ryan joined road.cc in December 2021 and since then has kept the site’s readers and listeners informed and enthralled (well at least occasionally) on news, the live blog, and the road.cc Podcast. After boarding a wrong bus at the world championships and ruining a good pair of jeans at the cyclocross, he now serves as road.cc’s senior news writer. Before his foray into cycling journalism, he wallowed in the equally pitiless world of academia, where he wrote a book about Victorian politics and droned on about cycling and bikes to classes of bored students (while taking every chance he could get to talk about cycling in print or on the radio). He can be found riding his bike very slowly around the narrow, scenic country lanes of Co. Down.

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11 comments.

“Unfortunately budgetary constraints mean that the previously envisaged cycle lanes cannot be included within this initial phase of this Victoria Avenue scheme,”

Because we all know that it's cheaper to make changes afterwards...

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Not cycling, but…  https://www.bristol247.com/sport/cricket/video-cricket-pedestrianised-st...

Quote: The original video was posted by Paul Goodier on Instagram on Sunday night. “This is as English as you can get,” wrote one reply to his video. “Go on lads!” … Someone else added: “I knew the cycle lanes would become useful.” A local resident was not happy with the cricket, calling it “most unpleasant” in an email to Bristol24/7. She said: “The crowd, which seemed to be alcohol-fuelled, was extremely noisy and scooters and cyclists who tried to pass were booed. “To my mind, this was most unpleasant, and not what pedestrianisation is meant to be all about.”

https://www.sciencealert.com/study-links-preference-for-loud-cars-to-some-unsurprising-personality-traits

The concluding line is depressing even if the rest of the article isn't too surprising.

Re Harrogate, what else do you expect? The Government have cut the level of support to councils year on year, mainly for political reasons, so that the Labour run councils (mainly big cities) can be pointed at when they collapse and labelled "incompetent", unfortuantely an ebbing tide strands all boats, and Tory councils are suffering as well. Bearing in mind the damage done to the Economy by austerity and Liz Truss, the fact that Brexit is going to harm our ability to recover for decades ahead, then the monies for this type of projet will be cut.

As my father said before he passed away in the early 2000's, "I've never voted Tory, you just can't trust the b*stards".

As much as I'd like to join you on this soap box the Active Travel funding is ring fenced afaik.

Thats not to say what you have said it not true, its just got very little to do with chosing to not build a cycle lane.

Thank you for the clarification. 

Or in some cases, like my council (Croydon) the Labour people were clearly incompetent.  The one problem I have with people moaning about cuts is that would be fine if the Tories were cutting taxes left, right and centre.  Instead we have a record highest tax burden, yet everything is apparently underfunded.  My first question to people is where exactly should the money be diverted from?  If so, which party will actually do that?  Personally I think they are all as bad as each other.

Sadly money that does get spent is often wasted.  In my local area there was a stretch of cycle lane created through part of the shopping area.  It is literally 100-200m long, but apparently cost £200k (according to a friend working in the council) and is worse than what was there before.

One thing we could do is rejoin the European single market, and increase our GDP by around 5%.

I'm not attracted to the 'they're all as bad as each other' argument.

It isn't true in any other sphere - hairdressers, tennis coaches, accountants, for example - so why would it be true of politicians.

Mr Sunak does not support active travel, and after the Uxbridge byelection he calculated that there were votes in cutting funding and political support for it.

In my view, Labour are more committed to reducing greenhouse gases from transport, and that will have to include modal shift to active travel.

squired wrote: Or in some cases, like my council (Croydon) the Labour people were clearly incompetent.  The one problem I have with people moaning about cuts is that would be fine if the Tories were cutting taxes left, right and centre.  Instead we have a record highest tax burden, yet everything is apparently underfunded.  My first question to people is where exactly should the money be diverted from?   If so, which party will actually do that?  Personally I think they are all as bad as each other. Sadly money that does get spent is often wasted.  In my local area there was a stretch of cycle lane created through part of the shopping area.  It is literally 100-200m long, but apparently cost £200k (according to a friend working in the council) and is worse than what was there before.

Michelle Mone.

Dido Harding

squired wrote: Or in some cases, like my council (Croydon) the Labour people were clearly incompetent.  The one problem I have with people moaning about cuts is that would be fine if the Tories were cutting taxes left, right and centre.  Instead we have a record highest tax burden , yet everything is apparently underfunded.

I'm certain "it's more complex that this" but "paying the interest on our debt" I think.  And from the little I understand (and each party will give a different story) that's: "we finally paid off WW1 (2016?) (and WW2 2006 ?)" then 2008 banking crisis + Labour's wild spending + Brexit + Debts due to lack of "preventative medicine" because austerity + Covid + Ukraine war + Liz Truss / Kwasi Kwarteng's fling with "bringing down the deep state"

https://www.statista.com/statistics/282841/debt-as-gdp-uk/

Don't trust me though - here's the briefing from the commons library .

squired wrote: My first question to people is where exactly should the money be diverted from? [...] Sadly money that does get spent is often wasted.  [...]

It's all choices and more or less subjective judgements.  Even when some criteria for measuring "good use of money" are put in people are going to disagree massively on those.

While everyone seems clear on the good parts of automobility the economic case (at least for mass motoring) is looking increasingly shaky , whereas there is growing evidence that boosting active travel is a great return on money invested [1] [2] [3] .

The problem is that cycling tends to save money and generate small, local sums - unlike more expensive / centralised industries like power and motor vehicle industries.  It's big bung theory - you can make far more happen for you with a big concentration of money...

The Victoria Avenue scheme is paid for by Active Travel Fund 2 - more than £1 million won by North Yorkshire in 2020 for 4 cycle infrastructure schemes.

None of those schemes have been delivered.

Ways to make the money disappear:

• spend it on consultants, doing abortive designs
• wait 4 years so that what's left is worth less due to inflation

In this case, it is largely the fault of the council.

It is true that Sunak has cut active travel funding, so that won't help in future.

Whether it is worth awarding active travel funding to North Yorkshire Council at all is another question.

Latest Comments

I hope the video/ plates are clear enough so the police can take action!

I'm not sure Sussex Police is correct. This subject was covered recently by the Black Belt Barrister on YouTube and he was clear that, in a public...

Except that the Tories want to defund it because they think it is biased AGAINST them.

So even the market for bikes which don't can't ever leave the house is tanking?

As a public body, they are....

Intersting article in The Spectator advocating drivers who have a dashcam to "snitch" on littering/flytipping by other drivers....

May not be in her manifesto but she has frequently said in interviews that she will remove any cycle lane that impedes traffic flow - obviously a...

My granny started driving before driving tests were implemented. When they were, she was grandfathered (grandmothered?) in, and she ticked all the...

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Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel:  4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

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• Travel Products

Alo Yoga Is Hosting Its Biggest Sale of the Year With Up to 60% Off Athleisure, Beauty, and More

Hurry, this sale ends on Friday, May 3.

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

Alo Yoga is currently hosting its largest sale of the year: its Aloversary sale . From now until Friday, May 3, shoppers can get up to 60 percent off sitewide on the brand's top-rated and celebrity-loved clothing, accessories, and beauty favorites. And beyond the brand’s strong fan base, it's also Travel + Leisure’s athleisure brand of choice for its “durable yet on-trend pieces that withstand the test of time, treks, and trips to the yoga studio.” 

With everything on sale (yes, everything) it can be a bit overwhelming even getting started navigating this major sale. But don’t fret, because I’ve done the heavy lifting and curated a list of the best deals from this once-a-year sale for you to shop ahead of your next trip. Complete with everything from the brand’s best-selling sweatpants and a do-it-all belt bag to the cutest tennis dress , keep scrolling to build the perfect travel wardrobe. 

Alo Yoga High-waist Pursuit Trouser

A pair of comfortable trousers are a travel must, as they can take you from the office to the airport, and then straight to dinner without compromising comfort. One of T+L ’s writers absolutely loves these trousers, gushing that they are “a perfect blend of everything you could ever want in a pant: it’s comfy enough for lounging the day away, and if you ever need to run out of the house in a hurry, you’re perfectly primed for a business casual look.” If you don’t know where to start with this massive sale, I recommend snagging a pair of these best-selling trousers while they’re 30 percent off. 

Alo Yoga Accolades Straight Leg Sweatpant

The deals are vast, so If I were you I’d prioritize the basics. Everyone needs a pair of cozy sweatpants in their everyday wardrobe, whether for daily wear or travel. And these unisex sweatpants have it all: comfortable fit, plush feel, and a sleek style that you’ll never want to take off. They’re an Alo best-seller for a reason, and almost never go on sale so don’t miss this opportunity to snag a pair for $82. 

Alo Yoga High-Waist Flare Leggings

I wear flared leggings nearly every single day. They’re stretchy and comfortable, and the flare adds a subtle style that makes for an easy put-together errand-running or long travel day outfit. Right now I have my sights set on Alo’s high-waisted flare leggings, which boast a slightly tailored look that allows them to be worn at the gym or out to dinner (depending on the right accessories). They’re available in black, a green hue, and brown, so be sure to snag a pair (or all three) while they’re 60 percent off. 

Alo Yoga Charmed Tennis Dress

Tenniscore is all the rage right now, and if you want to try your hand at it, why not treat yourself to this adorable tennis dress? Athletic dresses are the perfect garments to throw on during the hotter months, and this is designed with the brand’s exclusive Airbrush material giving it an ultra-soft feel and compressive fit that Alo compares to “wearing a hug.” Whether you’re heading to the courts, running errands, or getting brunch, this do-it-all dress is a must, especially because it’s half-off.

Alo Yoga Match Point Tennis Skirt

Speaking of tenniscore, no match is complete without a versatile skort. And shoppers absolutely “love love love this skirt,” noting how comfortable it is to wear “on a nice walk but also cute enough to throw on with some sandals.” Oh, and as an always-welcome bonus, this skort has seamless side pockets to hold your phone or lipgloss. This best-selling skort is on sale this week for $47 and has an effortlessly stylish look that I’m confident you’ll want to wear all season long. 

Alo Yoga Seamless Ribbed Bike Shorts

Bike shorts are my favorite garment during the warmer months; they’re like the summer’s version of leggings that keep everything in place while you're on the go while still offering modest coverage. Although I haven’t tried Alo’s bike shorts yet, I’ve placed an order and am eagerly waiting to test them out for myself. With their four-way stretch and front-smoothing waistband for a flattering fit, I just know that I’m going to be practically living in these shorts this season. 

Alo Yoga Alosoft Finesse Tee

Curating a collection of high-quality basics is key to creating a versatile and comfortable capsule wardrobe . And what better garment to add to your travel wardrobe than this best-selling T-shirt that’s 30 percent off? If that’s not convincing enough, shoppers have hailed it as the “perfect wardrobe staple” thanks to its comfortable non-restricting fit. Even more, that same shopper loves this top so much that they bought it in every single color. And with it on sale in three other colors, including white, gray, and purple, you may as well purchase them all. 

Alo Yoga Explorer Fanny Pack

In addition to stylish clothes, Alo Yoga has plenty of practical travel accessories including this fanny pack that our editors say is “compact yet roomy enough to store select everyday items from a phone to some cards and lip gloss without being overly bulky.” Beyond its practically, this fanny pack has a subtle sheen that’ll upgrade any look and features adjustable straps that can be worn as a crossbody or around your waist. 

Alo Yoga Mini Dry Shampoo

In terms of travel essentials, dry shampoo is pretty high on my list. The stress of long travel days and stale airplane air leaves my hair oilier than usual, and the only thing that keeps my hair looking great is dry shampoo. And if you didn't know, in addition to Alo’s vast catalog of top-rated athleisure, the brand also has a line of clean and effective beauty and wellness products including this travel-sized dry shampoo. It’s formulated with hair-friendly ingredients that not only absorb oil but nourish your scalp as well. 

Alo Yoga Foxy Sherpa 

Our T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco is absolutely obsessed with this shearling jacket that’s sporting an impressive 30 percent discount this week. Even though we’re approaching warm-weather territory, Cucco writes that this jacket is “warm enough to wear during the thick of winter yet versatile enough to throw on as outerwear as we transition into spring. Plus, it’s got a removable hood to protect your head and neck from wind and rain, which we don’t usually see in a fleece jacket.” If you need something to lounge around in your vacation rental or need a layer for your evening hot girl walks, this is the jacket for you. 

This is just a fraction of the great deals during Alo’s Aloversary savings event. Keep reading for other travel-friendly clothes and beauty deals before the sale is over on May 3. 

More Alo Yoga Aloversary Deals 

Alo invisible mineral body spf 30, alo yoga seamless chosen bra, alo yoga courtside tennis dress, alo yoga accolade hoodie, alo yoga chill short, alo yoga day and night pant, alo yoga conquer reform crewneck, alo yoga seamless chosen tank, alo yoga sleek back bodysuit.

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