You can travel by car, van, camper van or bicycle. Cycling is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in the current economic climate, as people seek freedom. Nevertheless, there are a few tips to follow when embarking on such a journey by bike. All bikes can be made for travel. But some are better equipped than others. So let’s take a look at the essential criteria for choosing the best bike for travel. To do this, you can consult the many specialized sites on the French-speaking web(meilleur-velo-electrique.com, velocity.fr etc). You’ll find a wide choice of electric bikes that are just right for a trip.
The best frame
There are several types of frame, including carbon, titanium, aluminum and steel. But the one we recommend for your trip is an aluminum frame. This material has many plus points, such as:
- it’s quite flexible
- comfortable and dynamic
- solid and sturdy
- more accessible in terms of price
Secondly, aluminum is a material that is so widespread in the world that it is fairly easy to repair. Nevertheless, steel is a little heavier than aluminum, for example. If you’re looking for a model that’s sturdier and stronger, yet still quite solid, then steel is for you. What’s more, steel is easier to repair.
The best wheel size
As far as wheels are concerned, the debate revolves around three different wheel sizes:
- 26″: this size isextremely widespread in the world of bicycle travel. It’s a format that’s less rolling because the wheel is smaller. You get a little less pedaling efficiency and less comfort.
- 28″ and 29″: this size offers better balance and traction on the road. It’s a more comfortable model. But top speed is slower. At the same time, when you’re traveling, it’s not speed you’re looking for.
For these 3 wheel sizes, you have the same rim size. In short, for greater dynamism, handling and comfort, we recommend you choose a 29-inch size.
The best type of braking
When it comes to braking, there are several choices to choose from:
- v-brakes: this type of brake is generally found on older touring bikes, as it has pads which are easy to adjust and parts are readily available. On the other hand, they do have certain shortcomings, such as when it rains.
It loses a great deal of efficiency, and the pads consume very quickly. What’s more, V-brake pads work on the rim. So, in addition to your weight, the weight of your luggage and the work of the brake on the rim, this will machine the rim around the brake band, damaging it as it goes along.
- Disc brakes: In this brake category, there are two alternatives: mechanical disc brakes (with a cable) or hydraulic disc brakes (with a liquid). These offer much greater braking power, and work on the hub rather than the rim. The result is greater durability for wheel-related parts.
So, as you can see, our top recommendation is to opt for disc brakes, whether mechanical or hydraulic. Even though hydraulic braking offers better performance, because it’s more sensitive, more powerful and more regular.
The most comfortable saddle
This is one of the most personal criteria. Everyone has their own sensations. Above all, you need to be as comfortable as possible, because your buttocks can be in contact with your saddle for hours on end. The only thing we can tell you is which saddles are the most popular for touring bikes:
- Brooks saddles in leather or cotton (especially Brooks B17)
- Smp saddles (the front lip of the saddle plunges down to provide greater comfort for the perineum)
- Proust saddles (they have an axis of rotation that allows you to be accompanied in your movements)
To be really comfortable in the saddle, you need to have ridden for miles. And what better way to cover a lot of miles than on a VTC, especially an electric one. This type of bike can be used on all types of terrain. If you’d like to find out more about this type of bike, visit a specialized site(meilleur-velo-electrique.com/vtc-electrique, for example).
The best handlebars
Like the saddle, the choice is also very personal. You can choose between several options, such as straight handlebars, racing handlebars (which return downwards) and butterfly handlebars (which return sideways). The type of handlebar most popular with travelers is the butterfly handlebar, as it offers many different positions. This limits tingling and allows you to adopt different hand and grip positions. In conclusion, all these little tips will help you travel more quietly and, above all, more comfortably. When it comes to discovering the landscapes offered by our cities, countryside or nature, what could be better than being at ease when you’re on the road?
