What is The Best Bicycle?

After analyzing and summarizing more than a dozen professional reviews, we believe the 2019 Trek 520 is the best mid-range touring bike for most people. The Trek 520 and the Surly Disc Trucker (winner of our customizable pick) have struggled, but we've decided to go trek because we think it's better for a mid-range bike. Unlike other models we've considered, the Trek 520 comes complete with front and rear racks, pedals, and all-weather disc brakes, so it's ready to use when you buy it (though we recommend installing it professionally beforehand) to take it) on a long journey). Much of the sources we have consulted agree that the Trek 520 is a "bombproof" touring bike with a lifetime warranty. For More Information-- Click Here

THE BEST BICYCLE FOR MOST PEOPLE: TREK 520

We think it's good that the trek has excellent frame geometry (upright seating position, low center of gravity and chainstay length) to comfortably carry heavy loads. We also think it's good that it has a super low gearbox (aka grandma gearbox) that can withstand tough climbs. In addition, the Trek 520 can accommodate 700 x 38c tires with fenders and 700 x 42c tires without fenders, making it suitable for off-road or gravel conditions. While this is not a unique feature (Surly, Fuji, and Salsa also allow for thicker tires), if you spend money on a bike, you'll appreciate the versatility.

The Trek 520 is also a great choice for exploring the world or going to work. Touring bicycles make excellent commuter bikes because they are durable, reliable and designed to carry suitcases. We discuss this more in the section "Can I use my touring bike as a commuter bike?". One aspect that makes a touring or commuter bike reliable is the use of high-quality components. People on other review sites like Bike Radar and CyclingAbout praise the trek for its high-quality shifters, derailleurs, and brakes. Justin Black, owner of Doctor Roscoe's Holistic Bicycle Repair in Bingen, Wash., And longtime bike packer, said that both the Trek 520 and the Surly Long Haul trucker/disc trucker (our winner for a more customizable bike and the best international touring bike) were hired are the standard for touring bikes of the middle class, as they are well built, reliable and time tested.

Another reason why we have selected the trek as the best mid-range touring bike for most people is the proven lifetime warranty on the frame. As long as you are the original owner, Trek's warranty is granted regardless of the age of the bike or the miles you have set. My dad had ten years and more than 10,000 miles of fully loaded tours on his Trek 520 including Northern Tier and Pacific Coast routes as well as thousands of miles of training and commuting. When his mechanic discovered a small frame defect during regular maintenance earlier this year, Trek replaced his frame. Needless to say, my dad is a loyal customer. Customer reviews are in line with this assessment: Trek has one of the best warranties in the industry.

A PERSONALIZABLE TOURING BICYCLE: SURLY DISC TRUCKER

Another proven, solid mid-range touring bike is the Surly Disc Trucker. There is a longstanding debate between Trek 520 and Surly Disc trucker supporters about which is a better mid-range touring bike. Although we both consider it equally good, the Surly Disc Trucker is a pricier option as it is not equipped with racks and pedals. However, this may be better for people who want to customize their bike than using the front and rear racks and clip-in pedals included with the Trek 520 by default.

Surly makes no turns with this high performance touring bike. According to Tom's Bike Trip and Going Around Places, the Surly Disc Trucker uses high-quality components (shifters, derailleurs, and brakes) and a solid frame.

The Surly Disc Trucker is as sturdy and robust as the world-famous Surly touring bike that is the Long Haul Trucker. A world-touring bike is designed for harsh conditions, including gravel roads or places where there are few mechanics with suitable parts. The Surly Disc Trucker can accommodate wider tires for gravel or off-road driving. Unlike the Trek, the Surly's are available in a 26-inch, world-wide tire model, as it's more readily available outside the US.

We had a hard time deciding between the Surly Disc Trucker and the Trek 520, but the lower price of the Trek and its components have influenced us. The main reason why we did not opt ​​for the Surly Disc Trucker is that it's not equipped with racks or pedals. Surly's front and rear racks increase the base price of the Surly Disc Trucker by $ 265, and the pedals are likely to raise the price by another $ 50 to $ 120. That's why the Disc Trucker is nearly 20% more expensive when fully equipped than the Trek 520.

BEST TOURING BICYCLE WITH MEDIUM RANGE WITH WHEEL BRAKES: SURLY LONG HAUL TRUCKER

Disc brakes have become increasingly popular with touring bikes in recent years. However, rim brakes are still a popular option for many tourers due to their ease of maintenance. This can be especially useful if you are traveling in a remote location. (You are not sure if disc brakes or rim brakes are suitable for you? The differences between disc brakes and rim brakes are explained below.)

The Surly Long Haul Trucker is the best option for those who want rim brakes on their bikes. The Long Haul Trucker and Disc Trucker provide reliability and comfort when transporting loads over long distances. Like the Disc Trucker, the Long Haul Trucker is not equipped with racks or pedals.

Conclusion

There may be cheaper options for a road touring bike, especially if you want to use the bike primarily as a shuttle vehicle. However, if you plan to load the bike for long-distance touring, we should assume that the bike has the essential features of a good touring bike. These features include a sturdy frame, good components, a relaxed geometry, and a longer wheelbase. With the Fuji bikes recommended by us, you can mark all these boxes to make them an excellent value for touring or commuter beginners.