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 most popular touring bicycles that are used today are road, recumbent and tandem bikes. Each of these cycles has its own unique advantages and disadvantages and should be purchased according to your individual requirements.

A classic road-touring bicycle has 700C wheels. The wheel diameters are the same as racing bike wheels, but they have wider rims and better frame clearance. In recent years, manufacturers have modified the 26" mountain bike tires to provide better resistance and greater strength.

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.

Tandems are essentially meant to carry two riders, and are popular choices for couples wishing to travel long distances economically. However, these bikes can't carry any extra weight, so the riders often have to hitch a trailer.

Many modern touring bikes are equipped with front and rear luggage racks, road handlebars and specialized saddles to provide long distance comfort. These bikes also feature rugged hubs, heavy-duty rims and 36-spoke wheels to increase their stability and reliability. A long wheelbase and stable steering arrangement add to the ease of use and practicality. Many models feature longer chain stays to help cyclists ride longer distances with less 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.

When you need a bike that can handle the elements and take you over long distances, look for a touring bicycle. With parts and a frame made of sturdy, long lasting materials, these bikes can handle fast ascents and descents, even when loaded down with gear. The usual caliper brakes found on racing bikes are replaced by lever-pulled or cantilever brakes, and some manufacturer use disc brakes to provide even better 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.