How to choose the best trekking bike

You have decided to buy a trekking bike, but do you need some advice to choose the model that best suits you? Then you're in the right place!

This is undoubtedly a very versatile type of bike: it is suitable for off-road routes, but at the same time it offers the comfort necessary to face long distances.

It's no wonder that trekking bikes are among the most popular. To get what you are looking for from your bike, you have to choose it the right way, so here are some suggestions that might come in handy.

What is the trekking bike for?

Before starting our review, let's start from the basics: what is the trekking bike for? We have already mentioned its versatility and in another article we have already talked about the difference between trekking and MTB. The time has come to understand well what is the vocation of this bike increasingly loved by cyclists and not only.

The trekking bike is a hybrid bike, halfway between the hybrid racing bike and the mountain bike. It performs very well on the dirt road because it is strong and agile, but at the same time it is comfortable on long routes on the asphalt. In fact, it is a bike with many uses, which you will like to use both in the city and in the countryside, both for hiking and sports.

Cycling enthusiasts know that these are characteristics that go very well with the needs of the cyclist. Anyone who is riding a bike for miles doesn't know what the terrain will be like, and with such a versatile two-wheeler, you can leave your worries at home and give way to pure fun.

Since it is a middle ground between a road bike and a touring bike, the position on the saddle is comfortable and does not cause back pain problems. A further advantage is the possibility of equipping the trekking bike for long-distance rides with capacious and lightweight bike bags.

Anatomy of the trekking bike: characteristics of each component

Touring bikes or trekking bikes are not all the same. They certainly have in common their robustness, the reliability of the components and the possibility of installing some useful accessories, such as luggage racks and mudguards, but some will be more suitable for easy dirt roads and others for asphalt. Let's analyze the characteristics of this type of bike, so as to evaluate it in all its parts.

Saddle

If you want to travel long distances you need to be as comfortable as possible and you need to travel without back pain. Compared to expensive leather saddles, gel saddles are the most popular, but you should be careful to choose them well. It's better to prefer wide saddles at the back and narrower ones at the tip.

Handlebars

If you are going to ride your bike for miles, you should bear in mind that you will need to change your grip and posture in order to make your trip more comfortable. Choose the handlebar according to your preferences: lower posture for improved performance or more upright if you want to ride more relaxed, without putting all the weight on your arms.

Frame

There are only two alternatives for travel bikes: steel or aluminum. The first one is more robust, but also heavier. The second one is lighter and less resistant, but if it's of good quality it guarantees you the reliability you're looking for.

Wheels

The outer diameter of the rim can be 26 or 28 inches. With a 26" wheel you will have more stability and control, while with a 28" wheel the pedaling becomes longer and the roughness of the ground feels less.

Covers

The covers must have a fair amount of tessellation, so you won't have any problems if you ride on a wet road or travel with luggage afterward. Alternatively, you can choose tyres that have notches on the outside of the tread and are smooth in the middle.

Brakes

Do they often ask me for advice on trekking bikes disc brakes or v-brakes? Both are good solutions, but it is important to make some clarifications. Disc brakes are the most efficient, but require periodic pad changes. V-brakes are a good compromise and do not require frequent maintenance.

Suspension

For the suspension, too, a choice must be made between comfort and robustness. Trekking bikes with shock-absorbing suspension forks are more susceptible to vibrations from uneven terrain, while those with rigid suspension forks are more robust.

Which trekking bike: tips to choose the best one

We have screened every component of the trekking bike, scattered tips and characteristics of this type of bike. Now comes the most difficult part, because you have to put together each piece and choose.

Of course, the budget will also be a determining factor in the selection, but the good news is that even with a few hundred euros you can enjoy cycling adventures with a touring bike. An example? For about 500€ you can buy the Lombardo Matera 500 Man bike, with aluminum steel, hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano 8-speed gearbox.

Before you buy a touring bike, consider that you will also need accessories that will prove very useful. You can't get on the road without cycling bags where you can put everything you need, whether it's maintenance kits, camping equipment or everything you need for your picture postcard shots.

You can also think of equipping yourself with a bike rack and in this case you will have different solutions in front of you, from universal models to the front or rear. Evaluate the load-bearing capacity of the rack and its compatibility with your bike.

If you need advice or more detailed information to find your new touring bike, contact me without any commitment and I will be happy to help you make the best choice.