A touring bicycle, as the name suggests, is used by a cyclist who wants to carry supplies while traveling. Built for travel, these bicycles have racks mounted on the front and rear of the frame to carry extra gear like a change of clothes, food and other necessities. They also feature triple water bottle mounts, mudguard mounting points a large wheelbase and a frame that's designed to accommodate wider tires.

The three most popular touring bicycles in use today are road, recumbent and tandem bikes. Each of these bikes has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages, and should be purchased according to an individual's requirements.

A classic road-touring style of bicycle has 700C wheels. While these wheel diameters are the same as racing bike wheels, road touring bikes have wider rims and better frame clearance. Recently, manufacturers have begun to modify the 26" mountain bike tires to provide more strength and increased resistance.

A recumbent touring bicycle has a unique appearance because of the position of the seat. The recumbent rider sits on a reclined seat, low to the ground, with legs outstretched in front. Steering is positioned above or below the seat level.

Also known as "bicycles built for tow", tandem touring bikes are perfect for a couple looking for an economical way to travel together. These bikes can't handle the additional weight of storage and gear, so the riders may want to hitch a trailer to bring their supplies along for the ride.

Modern touring bikes are usually equipped with front and rear luggage racks, road handlebars and saddles for long distance comfort. These bikes also feature rugged hubs, heavy-duty rims and 36-spoke wheels, increasing their stability and reliability. A long wheelbase and stable steering arrangement adds to the practicality. Many models have a longer chain stay to ensure that the cyclist can ride longer distances without discomfort.

There are various attachment points on touring bikes to keep luggage, fix fenders, and store those all-important water bottles. Some models even allow additional space to store spare parts. Attaching a trailer is another option, and pulling the extra gear behind the bike can provide a low center of gravity.

Touring bicycles are born to ride and able to withstand elements and take the cyclist over long distances. The frame and parts are built with sturdy, long-lasting materials, allowing the bikes to handle fast climbs and descents while loaded down with gear. The normal caliper brakes used in racing bikes are replaced with cantilever or lever-pulled brakes. Some manufacturers have implemented disc brakes to provide excellent stopping power.

What's gained in ruggedness and utility can be lost in speed, but it's a compromise that most touring cyclists are happy to make. With all of the available features and benefits of a touring bike, these are the obvious rides of choice for so many adventurous tourists looking for a new way to get up close and personal with the countryside.