Aka “tourers”, are bikes built for serious long riding where carrying capacities and comforts are paramount. It can also be used for commuting in urban environments and on uneven surfaces, but unsuitable for off-roads.

Tourers borrow handlebar from all types of bikes according to the owner’s preference and body shape, but the deciding factor always on what is comfortable. In a typical tourer you will find these characteristics.

• Frame – similar to road bikes with lower saddle, so the rider’s riding position is more natural and up right.

• Gears – similar to those being used in mountain bikes with low ratio to aid uphill with heavy load.

• Wheels – same as hybrid bikes, for multi conditions use.

• Carriers – alloy frames attached to the front fork and above the rear wheel, ready for tourers’ specific bags (panniers) to hold all your touring needs.

Pros…

• Comfort – if you want to be on a bike 5 to10 hours a day for weeks or even months, comfortable setup is not an option but necessity and a tourer will provide that happily.

• Quality – rarely things are built to last these days, tourers are one of them.

• Practical – go many places with the ability to carry load.

• Female options – although you may not usually find women’s specific tourers, but they usually have many adjustment options to fit any body shapes.

Cons…

• Price – again quality stuff don’t come cheap, a tourer will set you back at least £700 (US $1,200) but worth it if you need it.

• Weight – they are usually heavier than most bicycles, if you don’t require to carry a load, a hybrid may be a better idea.