Bike speed is an important factor to consider when choosing a touring bike. Touring bikes are designed for long-distance riding, and as such, they need to be able to maintain high speeds for extended periods of time.
When choosing a touring bike, it is important to consider the terrain that you will be riding on. If you plan on doing a lot of climbing, then you will want a bike with low gears. However, if you plan on mostly riding on flat terrain, then you will want a bike with higher gears.
Another factor to consider is the weight of the bike. Heavier bikes are more difficult to pedal, but they are also more stable at high speeds. lighter bikes are easier to pedal, but they are not as stable at high speeds.
Average Touring Bike Speed
The average touring bike speed is between 20 and 30 miles per hour. However, some touring bikes can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
This is significantly slower than the speeds at which many cyclists are used to riding on paved roads, and it’s important to take this into account when planning a cycling excursion. While some destinations may be accessible at this pace, others may require faster speeds in order to avoid fatigue or injury.
Bicycling enthusiasts of all levels will enjoy touring at a comfortable speed on an average touring bike. A few things to keep in mind when choosing a touring bike include the gearing, frame size, and saddle height.
Are Touring Bikes Fast?
Touring bikes are not designed for speed, but for comfort and endurance. They are built to carry loads over long distances, and so they have a more relaxed geometry than a race bike. This makes them more stable and comfortable to ride, but it also means they are not as fast.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t go fast on a touring bike. If you are a strong rider, you can still ride at high speeds on a touring bike. And if you are using a touring bike for racing, there are some things you can do to make it faster.
For example, you can choose lighter components, such as wheels and tires. You can also use aero bars to improve your aerodynamic position. With the right setup, a touring bike can be quite fast.
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to using a touring bike for speed. Firstly, they are not as efficient as race bikes. Secondly, they are not as comfortable at high speeds. And finally, they are not as maneuverable.
Why Are Touring Bikes Slow
One of the most common questions we get asked here at Bike Touring HQ is “Why are touring bikes slow?” There are a few different factors that contribute to this perception, but the two main ones are weight and gearing.
Touring bikes tend to be on the heavier side, as they’re built to be durable and able to carry a lot of gear. This extra weight can make them feel sluggish on the road, especially when climbing hills.
Gearing is another factor that can affect a bike’s speed. Touring bikes usually have a lower gear ratio, which means they’re geared more for climbing than for speed. This can make them feel slower on flat or downhill sections.
Of course, these are just generalizations and there are always exceptions to the rule. Some touring bikes are lighter than others, and some have higher gear ratios that make them more suitable for faster riding. Ultimately, it’s up to the rider to decide what type of bike is best for their needs.
How To Make Touring Bike Faster?
There are a number of ways to make your touring bike faster. Some are more expensive than others, but all of them will help you get where you’re going quicker. One way to make your bike faster is by upgrading the wheels. A lighter set of wheels will help reduce the amount of effort required to pedal, making it easier to go faster.
You can also choose to upgrade your tires to a set that has less rolling resistance. This will make it easier for your bike to roll over the ground, making it easier to pedal and go faster.
Another way to make your touring bike faster is by upgrading the drivetrain. A lighter-weight chain and cassette will help to reduce the amount of resistance when pedaling, making it easier to go faster.
You can also choose to upgrade your derailleurs and shifters to a lighter-weight set. This will help to make shifting gears quicker and easier, allowing you to maintain a higher speed. Finally, you can also choose to add aerodynamic upgrades to your bike. This could include adding aero bars, aero wheels, or even a fairing.
Change Handlebar Of Touring Bike
Aero bars, triathlon bars, or clip-on aero bars are handlebar extensions that position the rider in a lower and more aerodynamic posture. By getting your body lower to the ground, you create less of a target for wind resistance. This can be especially beneficial if you’re racing against the clock. To install aero bars, you’ll need to remove your old handlebars and replace them with new ones that are compatible with aero bars.
Use Good Tires
To go fast on your touring bike, then you need to make sure you have good tires. Not all tires are created equal, and some are better suited for speed than others. You’ll also want to make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires can cause drag and slow you down.
To get the most out of your tires, it’s important to choose the right type of tire for your riding surface. For example, if you’ll be doing mostly road biking, then you’ll want to get smooth, slick tires. These types of tires have less rolling resistance and will help you go faster.
Use Clipless Pedals
Clipless pedals are a type of pedal that locks your shoes into place. This provides a more efficient pedaling motion and can help you go faster. To use clipless pedals, you’ll need to purchase special shoes that are compatible with the pedals. You’ll also need to install the pedals on your bike.
Installing clipless pedals is generally a pretty straightforward process, but it’s always best to consult with your bike mechanic to make sure everything is installed correctly.
Conclusion
Touring bikes prioritize endurance and comfort over sheer speed. While their average speed hovers between 20 to 30 miles per hour, they’re not built for high velocities, emphasizing stability and durability instead.
Weight and gearing, optimized for carrying loads and climbing, contribute to the perception of slower speeds on these bikes. However, riders can enhance their touring bike’s pace through upgrades like lighter components, improved tires, and aerodynamic adjustments.
Despite not being speed champions, touring bikes offer reliability and comfort for long rides. Their design strikes a balance between endurance and speed potential, making them a dependable choice for distance cyclists.