Choosing a bike for cycle touring can be a minefield. With so many different styles of bike available where do you start?

Let’s expel one myth straight away: You don’t have to spend your life savings on a bike in order to tour. There’s a good chance that the bike you already own is ample for your ride.

Obviously there will be some readers who find their current bike uninspiring and are keen to get a sparkly new bike for their touring, in the hope they will be inspired to get out and ride/train more. Believe me, just like with so many other things in life, the novelty of “new” wears off quickly. On a side note, this is the exact reason that the shelves in our house contain so many part-read Bibles.

Yes, getting a lighter bike with better gears can make a world of difference, but ultimately it comes down to a decision to ride and train and enjoy the experience.

Having said that, let’s get down to the basic requirements of a suitable bike for touring…