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Touring Bicycles: Trek, Schwinn And Raleigh
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Published: April 10, 2007
For those seeking the ultimate experience in outdoor sightseeing and leisure, it is difficult to do better than a bicycle tour. Whether winding down the boulevards of Paris on one of the many European tours or spending a day-trip cycling the New England countryside, bicycle touring offers even the most casually active vacationer a freedom and exhilaration that cannot be matched.
However, those seriously considering purchasing or renting touring bicycles for such a trip would do well to remember that not all bicycles are created equal.
Touring bicycles are specifically constructed to perform over long distances, minimizing the discomfort that would normally occur with wider tires, softer gears, and large fenders to deal with terrain as well as to help carry the variety of items one might want on a longer trip. This may sound as if it only applies to those who wish to tour for weeks on end, but these features are designed with even the most casual cyclist in mind, and should not be overlooked. So which bike is right for you? Here's a look at the options of three of the major manufacturers:
Trek- For touring enthusiasts, the Trek 520 is regarded to be one of the best touring bicycles available. The steel frame, though slightly heavier than some of the newer aluminum or composite options, provides a sturdiness and reliability that exceeds competing bicycles. The engineering and components on Trek bikes are second to none, and this results in an exceptionally smooth ride. The downside, however, to the reliability of steel is that it will tend to weigh a bit more, so if you're looking for a light-rider for steep hill climbs, you may want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, this is a fantastic bike for riders of all kinds.
Raleigh- With a lighter carbon-alloy frame, the Raleigh R-800 is well suited to smooth or rugged terrain of any incline. The triple chain ring allows for a great amount of flexibility when climbing hills, although it also slightly limits cargo options. Serious riders should consider upgrading the standard Mavic CXP wheels, which can be done relatively inexpensively. Additionally, the lightweight frame does mean that the ride will be slightly less smooth than a heavier-framed bike. Smoothness aside, however, Raleigh bicycles are known for their versatility and top-end performance, and the R-800 shines on both counts.
Schwinn- For someone interested in a more light style of touring bicycles without breaking the bank, Schwinn bikes offers the Super Sport DBX, a lightweight model that combines the durability and function of a classic touring bike with a value one won't find anywhere else. The DBX sits on a light and tough alloy frame, which offers the same benefits of speed and ease, and drawbacks such as a bumpier ride. However, the DBX is also outfitted with some surprisingly top-end Shimano disc breaks and shifters to ensure the riders comfort and control over the bike. At just over $1,000, this is a fantastic deal and while it may not offer enough for the expert rider, novice and intermediate cyclists would do very well to check out what bicycles Schwinn is offering.
The simple pleasures of touring bicycles can appeal to almost anyone. In order to maximize that appeal and fun, an educated rider should carefully select the proper bicycles to test or purchase. By carefully choosing the bike with the right price and features, the aspiring rider can quickly and easily join the fun and beautiful world of high-quality touring bicycles.
Sources:
Raleigh Bicycles. 2007. 14 March 2007. http://www.raleighusa.com/depts.asp?deptid=4
2006 Super Sport DBX. Schwinn. 2007. 14 March 2007. http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.p hp?id=607
520. Trek Bikes. 2007. 14 March 2007. http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=14 32000&f=6.
Touring bicycles are specifically constructed to perform over long distances, minimizing the discomfort that would normally occur with wider tires, softer gears, and large fenders to deal with terrain as well as to help carry the variety of items one might want on a longer trip. This may sound as if it only applies to those who wish to tour for weeks on end, but these features are designed with even the most casual cyclist in mind, and should not be overlooked. So which bike is right for you? Here's a look at the options of three of the major manufacturers:
Trek- For touring enthusiasts, the Trek 520 is regarded to be one of the best touring bicycles available. The steel frame, though slightly heavier than some of the newer aluminum or composite options, provides a sturdiness and reliability that exceeds competing bicycles. The engineering and components on Trek bikes are second to none, and this results in an exceptionally smooth ride. The downside, however, to the reliability of steel is that it will tend to weigh a bit more, so if you're looking for a light-rider for steep hill climbs, you may want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, this is a fantastic bike for riders of all kinds.
Raleigh- With a lighter carbon-alloy frame, the Raleigh R-800 is well suited to smooth or rugged terrain of any incline. The triple chain ring allows for a great amount of flexibility when climbing hills, although it also slightly limits cargo options. Serious riders should consider upgrading the standard Mavic CXP wheels, which can be done relatively inexpensively. Additionally, the lightweight frame does mean that the ride will be slightly less smooth than a heavier-framed bike. Smoothness aside, however, Raleigh bicycles are known for their versatility and top-end performance, and the R-800 shines on both counts.
Schwinn- For someone interested in a more light style of touring bicycles without breaking the bank, Schwinn bikes offers the Super Sport DBX, a lightweight model that combines the durability and function of a classic touring bike with a value one won't find anywhere else. The DBX sits on a light and tough alloy frame, which offers the same benefits of speed and ease, and drawbacks such as a bumpier ride. However, the DBX is also outfitted with some surprisingly top-end Shimano disc breaks and shifters to ensure the riders comfort and control over the bike. At just over $1,000, this is a fantastic deal and while it may not offer enough for the expert rider, novice and intermediate cyclists would do very well to check out what bicycles Schwinn is offering.
The simple pleasures of touring bicycles can appeal to almost anyone. In order to maximize that appeal and fun, an educated rider should carefully select the proper bicycles to test or purchase. By carefully choosing the bike with the right price and features, the aspiring rider can quickly and easily join the fun and beautiful world of high-quality touring bicycles.
Sources:
Raleigh Bicycles. 2007. 14 March 2007. http://www.raleighusa.com/depts.asp?deptid=4
2006 Super Sport DBX. Schwinn. 2007. 14 March 2007. http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.p hp?id=607
520. Trek Bikes. 2007. 14 March 2007. http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=14 32000&f=6.
