The 12 BEST Touring Bikes For 2020!
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- Опубликовано: 25 июл 2024
- After analysing more than 160 bikes in my buyer's guide, here are the best touring bikes for 2020!
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📕 The Touring Bicycle Buyer's Guide: www.cyclingabout.com/touring-...
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1. Cube Travel 3:46
2. Fuji Touring 4:19
3. Diamant 135 5:00
4. Vivente Anatolia 5:55
5. Kona Sutra 6:40
6. Diamondback Haanjo EXP 7:30
7. Salsa Journeyman Sora 8:19
8. Surly Bridge Club 8:53
9. Masi Giramando 9:37
10. Salsa Fargo Apex 10:00
11. Canyon Pathlite AL4 10:41
12. Koga World Traveller 11:11
Thank you for this.
No Cinelli lol
The best as Last Koga
Your amazing! 🤩
Vsf fahrradmanufaktur?
You can really tell when a designer loves the types of rides they're designing a bike for. Great choices and excellent video.
Nice to hear a clear, succinct rundown on these great bikes. The market is so saturated and the lines are really getting blurry with addition of “gravel” bikes. Great video and presentation.
there is not one biker dude on youtube thats more detailed and incredibley useful to help anyone no matter their level of understanding bikes. your amazing and thank you.
I appreciate that!
100% agree with You. He make amazing content movies.
My wife and I have toured the world (from Japan to Cuba, Norway, Portugal, ...) using two KOGA WorldTravellers.
I think the key for touring is NOT weight: the bike must be strong and stiff to carry the full load safely. Our bikes are 17 kg.
I agree one must be ready to spend some money: cheaper is not better.
I agree that very short gears are necessary, as we will carry load, climb, and get tired at the end of the day, when the stop is still 20 km away.
Mudguards may not sound sexy but are very useful. We had a 2 weeks holiday in Norway with a couple of sunny spells only.....those mudguards helped keep the bike and us cleaner, and the chain and gears thanked me!
Schwalbe Marathon 37 mm are perfect in my opinion.
Hydraulic brakes are overrated. We came down in the rain from Norwegian passes with mechanically operated V brakes: we had a lot of braking power! Besides, hydraulics are more susceptible to failure/ malfunctions.
The side stands is undoubtedly useful, but comes at a price: weight.
Ortlieb bags are the way to go.Of course one must learn the art of taking only what one REALLY needs.
Happy cycling to all!
Love my Giramondo 27.5. I ditched the aggressive tires for some Panaracer Gravel King slicks as I ride mostly paved roads. Just a fun and capable bike that is very comfortable. Very impressed by the mix of components, they are very well chosen and work as a coherent whole.
You know your bikes and specs 🤓 I am absolutely in love with my Santos 2.9 (and their other models too) Everything is highly customizable. They are a Dutch brand as well as Koga and in my opinion they both make superb touring bicycles. But the prices are well.... just as steep as climbing that hill in your video 🤪 Have a great day! ❤️
Hey! So what other touring bikes do you think are crushing it for 2020, and why? 💪🏼
(And for those who haven't found the book link in the description: bit.ly/touringbuyersguide)
I think the Surly Ogre, it's a nice all rounder at a decent price. I'm surprised it didn't make your list.
@@Tmazx I was tossing up between the Ogre and Bridge Club. Ultimately, the 20% lower cost and smaller climbing gears of the BC won me over.
Was kind of hoping to see the Breezer Radar on this list, with what a great value it seems to be. Curious if it was considered.
The Bombtrack beyond
Surly KTM finished My Bike Across America last year fully loaded,converted with Dropbar it's a Monster gravel bike
I am in awe of the amount of information and knowledge this content creator is dishing out. Thank you
Thanks for watching! 😊
I love 3x drivetrains. Their a life saver to my R. bad knee when climbing hills. And i hate it when other You Tubers talk badly about them.
Best thing I've found for when my knees are acting up is an electric-assist bike.
It's really useful to get to know some bikes I haven't heard of before. Great video, thanks.
Hi, thanks for the video. My personnel choice was the Fahrradmanufaktur tx400. Perfect for crossing Europe from west to east. Equiped with Shimano XT transmission, and Magura hydraulic brakes.
So good this video! Really really interesting and informative ! I have a Kona Splice and I intend to start touring with it this year as soon as the lockdown ends
I tour on a Thorn Nomad with a Rohloff drivetrain (chain, not belt); Schmidt SON dynamo lighting and USB charging and XT rim brakes on CSS hardened rims. Apart from the absence of a kickstand, it's a lovely setup.
Thanks for your video. Lots to enjoy.
Safe travels.
If you really want to build a custom bike, the Soma Wolverine frame can run anything from a single speed up to a Rohloff hub with a belt drive (my preference). It also handles 700c tires up to 47cm with fenders.
Great list Alee, some really interesting brands I hadn't heard of. I can attest to the DB Haanjo being a great bike; it's served me well on a couple of extended tours. Doesn't stop me from lusting after some of these other bikes though :)
I love my Cannondale Topstone 105 alloy. I realize the drive train might not be beefy enough for crossing a continent, but given that half my riding is on pavement, I love the efficiency.
Thank you for this video! I hope to start touring next spring!
As an east German, growing up with Diamant bikes, I am giddy to see one featured, here.
The funky handlebar is a tribute to the old handlebars, and yes, it's awful 😅
The Simplon Inissimo shown on the right at 1:59 is a beauty!!! I'd love to have it!
I agree, it's a very well-proportioned bike!
Nice video with a great pace of the commentary ... I would request you to kindly share your views about the Bergamont RD 7 please.
I’ve had my eyes on the Kona Sutra for awhile but the idea of a kickstand is enticing. Thanks for giving me food for thought. Currently riding a cheap entry-level Motobecane Turino. I’ve already had to replace the disc brakes in first 3yrs.
late to the party and 1st view of amazing, detailed, and simple no-nonsense human reviews.
Thank you for all that great information.Ian just starting out in touring.
REI Co-Op ADV 1.1 (AKA Novara Randone). Fit is very important, so being able to try a bike before purchasing should be a key criteria.
But in the US, few shops carry touring bikes. REI seems to be the exception. So that's what I picked, and have ridden cross country 2 1/2 times. Comfortable, stable and strong.
Why is the weight limit on that bike 250 lbs though
Awesome video! I appreciate the time and effort you put into your research.
My pleasure!
Awesome breakdown! Thank you.
I bought a 2018 Kona Sutra last year. Pleased to see it on your list. 40mm Schwalbe Marathon Mondials, a nice wide flared bar, and bottle mounts on the fork tick enough gravel bike boxes to make it just the right thing for me. More than I expected and for a mere $1500 Canadian.
Thanks again, really enjoying your videos.
That sounds great! Thanks for dropping by.
Bloody brilliant review and just what I needed, many thanks 😁 👍
I went with a Salsa Journeyman Apex 1. Origin 8 Batbars, Bontrager mudguards and lights, Racktime rack, Ergon saddle and grips. Panaracer tubeless setup and it's a dream to ride all day long.
IMO, the Santos Travelmaster is a very well-engineered and thought-out tourer.
‘For cheaper, buy older’ solid advice 👍
For better, buy older.....like the Miyata 1000. The best touring bike ever made. This is a bike that truly stands out and is timeless. The second hand market is awesome!
Why, thank you for the ❤️. 😊
boneshaker panniers: thanks for the heads up 👍
@@themoodyteam 8
The bonuses you get giant eyebrows
Excellent review and video. You have only forgotten to mention SANTOS, another Dutch brand building you from the ground another best bike called the Worldtraveller 3.
Awesome review! Thank you!
Any thoughts on the Trek Checkpoint? Ryan Van Duzer rode across the US last year. No major modifications that I am aware of.
This is great. Somebody talking sense about bikes. Fantastic!
thanks for the gear inches!!! Great video.
My Finna Landscape steel rigid fork flexes too much when braking downhill, even with no luggage. It is scary. An interesting topic for a video, imo. Thank you for the channel!!
Another great vid!! Ive done a few local trips local "Scotland" on my Trek 920 2019 like it so far and love getting the racks off and buzz around my local woods.
Sadly 2weeks today would be the start of our 10 day trip to Georgia "Russia" on my Ritchey Commando with its 29+ tyres and Jones bars.
I hope you get over to Georgia soon enough! Stunning part of the world, and an excellent destination if you love drinking alcohol (7AM roadside shots, anyone?). 😂
That was a nice round up. I still think lower gears are needed. I got mine down to 16.5 inches using a combo of ultegra at the front and Deorre XT at the back. Any one of those bikes can have their gears extended with a wolf tooth and a stupidly large dinner plate on the back. I wouldn’t worry about gears as all of those would still need a mod. Comfort and wheels would be top of my list. Great round up.
16.5" is very low! Nice work. My next bike might be similar if I switch to a 50-24t Rohloff setup...
I just wanted to say, and hope you see this, that based on this video I ended up buying a Vivente Deccan (the drop bar model). So far I've put about 1700km on it and it has been great. :)
That's awesome! Congrats. 👍🏻
Love your comprehensive videos. What is your view on Thorn bikes? Seen a nice Raven with a Rohloff hub. Be interested in your views.
I have a Fuji Touring series iv from the 80’s; buying older definitely works well!
Wish I had more money, would pick myself a nice dynamo hub cube or koga, also have to be able to afford it getting stolen aswell! Looks a great review list
I've never had a bike stolen! I think when you are really careful with your bike you can really minimise the risk. 😎
Flex of the year: “Bike designers often don’t tour themselves”
I just bought a Disk Trucker to replace my Fargo. I enjoyed the Fargo but being 6"6' needed a larger frame. Got the Trucker in a 64cm. Wasn't on his list, hopeful I won't be disappointed.
You won't be disappointed. The Trucker is owned and loved by more people than any other touring bike. 👍🏻
I just rode a Disc Trucker from Alaska to Baja Mexico. You will not be disappointed in the bike.
I love your videos... watching you two across different nations has just been some of the most enjoyable videos I've ever watched especially the one with Iran totally shot me with how misunderstood the Iranian people and Landscape are yes the government's crazy but we now know there's some of the most hospitable people in the world thumbs up keep traveling and your tutorial videos are amongst the best I just upgraded my old man trike it's a sun trike actually with a pinion gearbox. I had to weld in my own Bridge but I love it
I am living in Melbourne and was considering the vivente. Great to see an Australian bike has made your shortlist. So hard to find a bike that comes standard with Rack, Hub Gear, Dynamo, Fenders and Belt Drive.
Go for it! Vivente are always tinkering with their spec, they get better by the year.
I ride a Surly Troll with Marathon plus touring tires...26×1.75 this turns my bicycle into an All Terrain Bicycle...I am also using Lone Peak Panniers front and back a Rogue Panda frame bag...and a Carridice Super C Saddlebag as a Handle bar roller pack...I have Butterfly handlebars, with a tall stem riser, and a B17 brooks saddle and tall seat post...I am also using Surly Nice Racks...for the large top rack...
I have Bombtrack Beyond touring gravel bike that can 29x2.1 tires. I would have the Bombtrack Beyond+ ADV on this list as it can do 29x3.0 tires, come with the Jones bar, mounts galore, & a carbon fork. It's also a bit more mtb geo than the Fargo, which means a bit more stable descending.
I have a 2020 Diamondback Haanjo 5C Exp Carbon which I bought at $1700 after discount. I rode about 150 miles (241km) so far. A nice solid bike. I am coming from MTB so I am still adjusting my body to the lower height of drop-bar handles. I installed a rear rack, a saddle bag and a frame bag, and it is ready to grind gravels. It is lightweight and fast. It makes me want to ride so bad. The pretty brown color makes me want to drink coffee.
Derailleurs already need some truing though.
First and foremost, as a novice to touring, I really appreciate your thorough insights. I ended up with a Fuji Touring with rim brakes and would like to get a kickstand for it. I actually went for the pletscher multi as recommended in the video, but it doesn't look like it fits largely because of the lower mounting of the rear rack that comes with the Fuji Touring. Do you have other recommendations for a 25kg+ capacity kickstand?
Gears... you're right on the button. Wide slicks, yes. They must be super durable with "flat protection". I never buy new. Just grab excellent bikes that were new, "latest and greatest" say around 2000 days ago or so. Thanks!
Well... I bought a 2018 new on pretty much the day that the 2020s came out. 20% off an already reasonable price leaves me with a warranty, and free support from the retailer. (Which turned out to be necessary, as their initial assembly was merely adequate.)
I'm mechanical enough to buy used, but not everyone is capable of rotecting themselves...
Almost half a million view fir this video in less than a year ! Congrats mate ! I really like your videos.
Thanks a lot!
Hi, What about Marin Four Corners. It seems like great value for money and it looks like a solid bike. Would you recommend it? Cheers.
Great information,
What is your opinion of the 2021
Surly dic LHT, thinking of getting frame and doing a 1x 52 drive train if possible.
Thanks Craig
Surly Bridge Club with 2.4" Super Moto? Jepp, that's what is standing in my garage. Drop in SKS 75U fenders, a Rohloff Speedhub and a good rack and you'll have a good allrounder. I drive every day to work with it and some touring in between. Once you get used to the Speedhub you'll never want to go back to "normal" shifting...😉😎👍
I picked up a Diamant 135 and love it. Those 29er tires are redic.. awesome roll over. I just monster truck right over everything.
It's awesome that touring bikes now have nice big wheels and tyres! And if you don't want them, you can also fit 40mm slicks. 😎
Alas, no love for Soma. Bought my Saga on the cheap and after the mods it has proven itself to me. Thanks for all the hard work; it's easy to salivate over some of those models!
Cheers! Soma don't get to make this list because they're only available as frame sets. 👎🏻
@@Cyclingabout do you have any knowledge if they ship outside of north america?
@@sisaktamas I'm not too sure.
@@Cyclingabout well after reading your previous comment from 6 months ago I immediately went to their website, clicked through all the ordering steps and at the end there's simply no button to click on to PLACE ORDER. I'm from eastern europe 😫
Nice review. Love my Trek 520. Thanks for the video. Take care and stay safe, Al
Thanks, you too!
Much cheapness, 2019 kona dew, pizza rack on front cube rear rack, 40mm rise fatbar cut to 760 and tioga power studs, wtb resolute tyres is what I ride
Thanks for this 👍
I love Butterfly handle bars for all kinds of touring...
They'd be a great fit on many of these bikes.
Great clear video. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the great video.
Very helpful for a touring beginner.
I'm in the uk. Any thoughts on the new mk3 Thorn nomad??
Thank you 🖒
The Nomad looks great! Oversized steel tubes, stable geometry, lots of touring features, won't break the bank.
Excellent presentation, sir! Not a word wasted.
Thanks!
Thank for your videos, they just give me a lot ideas and wanting to travel again.
Me and my partner just come back from doing the Carretera Austral and travelling Bolivia and Perù it’s was amazing.
Unfortunately due to the coronavirus pandemic we had to live our bicycle behind...
I found your video very interesting as we are looking to get ourselves new touring bikes.
Is there any printed copy of your guide on touring bikes? Especially we are interested in the companies easy to get in the U.K.
Thanks again for you video and help
Inspiring
Thanks for the kind words! I don't print my guides because they're constantly being updated with new bikes and tech, and I want people to have the best information possible.
Question from a newbie: when u multiply w front chainr. /divide by the rear cog what is the ring/cog that you use? The smallest / biggest? Thank u so much!
That diamondback haanjo exp looks amazing!
Love this video, but where is the Tout Terrain Silkroad? Could you perhaps talk about that sometime? You are awesome!
For me it's Santos 2.8 travel master. Together with IDworx an Koga, Santos is the absolute top of the Dutch Bike Market (IDworx is a German Company founded by a Dutchman). At Santos and IDworx every detail is looked at, and parts are hand made.
thanks great info from your experience 🤙
Video Top. What do you think about the Cube Travel sl like first Touring Bike?
Thanks!!
I'd put the Salsa marakesh in that list. With its 42mm stock tires, disk breaks, amazing geometry it can take all terrain like its a smooth road. Plus it comes with a back rack that can handle 60 pounds.
It was very close between the Marrakesh and Sutra! The Sutra ended up winning because of the spec and price, but I think the Marrakesh is the nicer frameset.
Time after time I'm astonished by the quality of your content, and knowing that you do most of it all by yourself is truly magnificent. Keep it up, and hope to see you on the road someday!
Nice Video. By the way what is your opinion about Tout Terrain, Norwid, Velo, & Patria. Do you know any of the brands?
Have had a Thorn Raven Tour for 10y. It's a great bike. Lowest gear I have 18 inches. Rohloff brilliant. Rear wheel very strong. Bike is heavy but tank-like. V brakes with tungsten impregnated rims. So far have done 30,000 miles. 26in wheels.
Awesome content man, are those prices Aud ?
I think the best bike is one with a personal made frame which fits on you perfectly. The parts like Schmidt Dynamo Rohloff Hub and other parts like Tubus and you got the best bike
it's very impressive how you're able to tour, make videos and answer question on all different platforms! And your content is really good as well!
It would be interesting if you could get your hands on the Alfine 11 speed since they have upgraded it 2019 for e-bikes, supposedly it's stronger.
Cheers! I've had an Alfine 11 before, didn't know they'd re-worked it. It'd be interesting to know what they did to make it stronger.
@@Cyclingabout i have no clue, did spend some time trying to figure out but all it says it's that they made it stronger for e-bikes. As far as i understand you're still not able to shift while pedaling. Like so many others I'd love to have a gear hub and maybe, just maybe Shimano had offered a less expensive option now.
I used an 8-speed Alfine for years and couldn't kill it. It was super easy to rebuild too. Definitely recommended if you want to try a low-cost option. Main downside is drive efficiency, which is around 90% on average compared to 96%+ on a derailleur drivetrain.
@@Cyclingabout great to hear it from a trusted source! I understand 8s is grease filled and 11s oil filled. I think i could live with the effect loss and get used to it. Thanks for the input.
That's right. You can see the efficiency graphs over here if you're interested: www.cyclingabout.com/speed-difference-testing-gearbox-systems/
It doesn't really matter what bike you ride. It's important why you ride. My wife and I rode from Europe to Australia on budget non-touring bikes, which cost 350 euros each .. And we were happy!
👍
the trek 520 can’t get it now for a year mine was stolen and now i have to wait a year!! i appreciate your input so i can look for something else
raleigh sojurn. It is a bit heavy, with a BIG down tube but I call it THE ROCK. it just don't break. I salute you by the way and follow you every where
It was sad to see the Sojourn not appear in the 2016 Raleigh catalogue. Those oversized Reynolds 631 tubes were great for a touring rig - and rarely seen in other bikes.
Absolutely love my Trek 920 (2019). Comfiest ride I’ve ever had. Handles most surface. Just wish it had a better selection of gears - it’s very, very slow on flat surfaces (which is okay when fully loaded, but not when lightly loaded and shorter rides).
I'm a big fan of the 920. The big gear shouldn't be too bad, that's 32KPH @ 60RPM cadence, and 48KPH @ 90RPM cadence! You must be a lightning fast rider to be averaging those kind of speeds on the flat on your 920. 💪🏼
CYCLINGABOUT I wish I was fast! I think I average 12mph on my trek (when going downhill with the wind behind me) 😂🚵♀️
I was going to Cycle Beijing to Hong Kong in 2020. Covid came and spoiled that. I'm watching for next year.
There's a big predujice for small wheels but if you want a super stiff frame with comfort suspension a Moulton it's the best.
Also you miss CO motion they specialize in touring bikes only
Nicely done. Ty
I'm only just thinking about getting into bike touring.
I really like the look of the Surly Disc Trucker with 26" wheels.
Will I regret it?
Are there any problems with that bike?
Hi, nice video :), you forgot Santos Bikes and IDworx :) I use my IDworx easy transport for over 13 years now and is still super stiff and comfortable, Idworx has also killer discbrakes, much better than the shimano's. Too bad i cant use them so I still use my magura rimbrakes:).
Santos has an option for Hope Discbrakes, at an extra price of €500....
i have been driving a cube travel pro model 2017 for three years and i am very satisfied. it is comfortable for shorter and longer rides. my recommendation for cube touring bikes. and my wish is to one day own a cube e-bike or koga.
I had a kickstand on my first tour ever, one of those mounted on the side of the frame, by the rear wheel. It buckled under the weight on the bike. The mounting screws simply gave up and the mount kept turning around on the frame bar. When I tried fastening it harder the nut eventually broke off.
Sounds like you need a better quality kickstand then! I've been using Pletscher stands the past 8 years and haven't broken anything.
Not sure if you have it in your book but I've recently discovered the Merida Silex which seems to follow the basic idea of the Salsa Fargo (more of a drop bar MTB than a fat tyre road bike) at a pretty reasonable price although probably with a bit less utility. Might be something for you to check out.
The Fuji Touring is available with disk brakes so you don't have to compromise on braking power. BTW it makes every touring bike top 10 list because it's a very good bike, is available in eveny market in the world and is so damn cheap (which is always a major consideration for bike tourers). No wonder it's been around almost unchanged for 40 years. Thumbs up on very good list of bikes overall!!!
Thanks! I probably should've mentioned it is available with disc brakes too. But I think the rim brake model is the particularly good value option.
Cube travel seem to be best value for money. And it's nice looking too.
I love my fuji touring, very good touring bike at great price
I have my fuji for two years, I am very happy, a great choice!
thanx for the vid! was the Giant TOUGHROAD SLR GX 1 not good enough to make your list? I don't know much about these bikes, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can before I buy one. thanx! Clay D
did you buy/find one? i am really keen on this bike but can't track one down for the life of me
Love the channel. In response to your question, what do you think of Jeff Jones' bikes? He has a video where he makes the case for his bikes being a great platform for so many different use cases and including touring. I'd love to hear your take on his designs. Have you ever tried one? I came across someone who had a company build up a Jones touring setup for them. They had to split the frame and insert a coupling to accommodate the belt drive. I can't remember where I saw that now but the customer was very happy with the result apparently.
Thanks for the detailed listing Alee. What is your opinion of the geometry of the Avaghon X29 ?
Unfortunately, Avaghon don't publish the geometry for their bikes. I've asked for the numbers but nobody has ever responded.
I am retired now and so don't have a lot of spare cash. I am thinking of converting my old Specialised Rockhopper mountain bike to a touring bike. I would change the front suspension fork to an ordinary fork to reduce weight. Would love the belt drive pinion system on a Koga World Traveller if I could. What do you think of titanium? Enjoyed your video thanks.
Good call on the Cube Travel !! I have an 2018 Cube Travel Exec 29er and it's been a fantastic touring bike. The Schwalbe 29er Balloon tires ride like a dream over all terrain. It's like riding a suspension bike. Bought it online for pick up in Germany at the beginning of a 3,500 km bike tour. Came with the rear rack, kickstand, lights and dynamo hub for a great price.
Very belated thanks for this. On your recommendation I bought the Canyon Pathlite 4. I have since toured cycling from Aberdeen to the Shetlands on a section of the North Sea Coast Cycle Route - Eurovelo 12. The bike was amazing. As you advised I got a couple of Ortlieb panniers and a Kletscher kickstand. The bike was super comfortable on any terrain and I had no ill effects whatsoever. Note - this model is now discontinued and the entry level bike is now the Pathlite 5.
Great to hear! All the best.