People start cycling for various reasons:
to stay fit, hang out with family, or challenge themselves.
When it comes to planning a cycling trip, whether for vacations, creating graduation memories, or during career changes, many people are inspired to challenge themselves or create lasting memories with loved ones. If you’re new to cycling or looking to embark on a cycling adventure, recommend road bikes or touring bikes. So, what’s the difference between a Road Bike vs Touring bike, which bike is going to be right for you?
Road Bike
Road bikes are a popular choice among beginner cyclists because they are designed for riding on smooth roads. They have lightweight frames and gear systems that make them well-suited for such conditions. The main objective of road bikes is to provide riders with a fast, agile, and efficient riding experience.
- Tires: Road bikes have thin and smooth tires, which reduce rolling resistance and allow for faster speeds and improved efficiency. These tires are usually high-pressure tires that provide minimal resistance and great maneuverability.
- The position of the handlebar more lower, it can be divided into drop-bar and flat bar: the design position of the handlebar is lower, and the purpose is to reduce wind resistance during riding. Flat bar road bikes allow beginners to quickly adapt to the feeling of riding a road bike. The handlebars of road bikes are designed with drop bars, allowing the rider to adjust the grip position according to different road conditions and riding needs. For example: the lower bar position can be used for sprinting and high-speed riding, and the upper bar position provides a more comfortable sitting position and rest for long-distance riding.
- Frame Geometry: Aerodynamically focused, featuring a lightweight and aerodynamic frame designed for speed. Its narrow tires, shorter stack and drop bars create a low and aerodynamic riding position.
Touring Bike
Additionally, it offers a comfortable, stable, and reliable riding experience for extended travel. Here are some features of the Touring Bike:
- Material: Touring bikes are designed with the consideration of long-distance travel, which often requires carrying a large amount of luggage. They are commonly made from durable steel tubing. While this material adds around 1-2 kilograms to the overall weight compared to other bike models, steel provides not only durability but also excellent shock absorption. This helps reduce fatigue during long rides, making your journey more comfortable.
- Tires: Touring bikes have wider tires that provide more stability and grip. These tires are designed to handle rough roads and give you better control. They are also built to be strong and resistant to punctures, with reinforced patterns and thicker sides. This ensures that the tires can handle different types of roads you may encounter during long trips.
- Load-carrying features: Touring bikes typically come with front and rear racks, facilitating easy installation of panniers, bike bags, and other accessories. These features allow riders to conveniently transport a significant amount of gear, including tents, sleeping bags, clothing, and food, making long-distance travel more convenient.
- Comfortable riding position: Touring bikes provide a more upright riding position, which reduces strain on the lower back and increases comfort during long rides. This position not only improves stability and control but also enhances the overall riding experience.
Challenges in Cycling Around Taiwan
Before choosing Road Bike vs Touring bike, let’s take a look at the challenges and things you need to consider when cycling around Taiwan.
The Geography and Road Conditions of Taiwan
Taiwan has various types of landforms, which create a wide range of beautiful sights. As a result, the roads in Taiwan include not only flat highways but also long uphill slopes, steep downhill descents, and curvy coastal roads.
Cycling Distance and Time
When cycling around Taiwan, you will need to travel a distance of about 1,000 kilometers. For beginners, it is suggested to plan a journey of 13-15 days (around two weeks). Of course, you can adjust this based on how fast you ride and your travel plans. So, it’s important to choose a bike that is comfortable and easy to ride.
Gear and Luggage
Going on a cycling adventure around Taiwan takes about two weeks, which is a long journey. It’s important to bring some personal items and equipment for your bike, like clothes, water, and supplies. So, how you carry your stuff is also really important.
Detail gears and luggage we will recommend: Best Cycling Equipment List: What To Bring On Bike Tour?
Road Bike vs Touring Bike: Choosing the best bike for cycling around Taiwan
Let’s start a cycling adventure after understanding the differences between Road Bike vs Touring bike and taking note of some tips for cycling around Taiwan.
- Purpose: Why do you want to ride a bike? Do you want to feel the thrill of speed? Look for a lightweight bike with fast tires. Or maybe you prefer a relaxed pace, taking in the scenery as you ride. In that case, choose a comfortable bike made for longer trips.
- Road Conditions: Taiwan has diverse landscapes, so you’ll encounter different types of roads during your trip. Choose a bike that suits the road conditions you’ll encounter along your route. This way, you can fully enjoy the beauty of each destination.
- Budget: Take your budget into account when selecting a bike. Road bikes and touring bikes come in various price ranges. You can find a bike that strikes a balance between performance and affordability. If you’re just visiting Taiwan, renting a bike can be a convenient option.
- Comfort: Road bikes have a sporty riding position with a forward lean, which may not be as comfortable for beginners and can strain your back. However, you can make adjustments to the bike’s frame and your position to increase comfort. On the other hand, touring bikes are designed for longer rides, with higher handlebars and a more relaxed riding position that puts less stress on your shoulders and elbows. They also have a strong frame to carry your travel gear.
- Ask for advice and Test Rides: It’s helpful to ask experienced cyclists, bike experts, or people who have done bike trips for advice. They can give you helpful tips and suggestions. Also you can try out different bikes to see how they feel and if they’re comfortable to ride. Choosing the right bike will make a great time and feel comfortable during your cycling adventure around Taiwan. Get ready to explore the island and have a fantastic experience!
Road Bike vs Touring Bike
|
Features |
Road Bike |
Touring Bike |
purposes |
Speed and racing |
Long-distance touring |
Riding Experience |
Leaned forward position |
Upright position |
Road Conditions |
Smooth roads |
Various road conditions |
Load Capacity |
Limited (up to 6 kg) C夾公路車：可安裝貨架 |
材質耐重並有前後貨架鎖孔，可乘載更多行李。 |
Comfort |
Less comfortable for long-distance rides |
More comfortable for long-distance rides |
Materials |
Lightweight materials (aluminum, carbon fiber) with relatively lower durability |
Sturdy materials (steel) with Higher durability |
Road bikes are designed for fast and easy riding on smooth, flat roads. They are a good choice for experienced riders who want to ride at high speeds. Even beginners can consider using a road bike for cycling around Taiwan, but they should think about their comfort and ability to handle long rides. If you are familiar with road bikes and comfortable with their riding position, and if you plan to ride mostly on flat roads during your trip, a road bike is a suitable option.
On the other hand, touring bikes are specifically designed for long-distance travel. They provide a comfortable riding position, excellent stability, and ample storage capacity. They are well-suited for tackling Taiwan’s diverse landscapes, including ,both hilly and flat regions. If you are planning a long cycling adventure around Taiwan, a touring bike will be a reliable and comfortable companion.
Both the Road Bike vs Touring bike have their unique features. When you’re unable to make a decision, it’s best to test ride them yourself and seek advice from experts.
FAQ's for newbies cycling trip!
MathewBike：Rent the best bike for your needs.
Excited to explore Taiwan and see all those amazing photos of cyclists touring the island? If you’re new to cycling or having trouble deciding between Road Bike vs Touring bike, MathewBike is here to help! You can test ride our bikes for free for half an hour before deciding to rent one. We also offer an hour-long appointment to teach you how to change a tire.
At MathewBike, we have a variety of bike options for you to choose from Road Bike vs Touring bike. We constantly upgrade and add new models, so you’ll always get the latest and greatest bikes. Your safety is important to us, which is why we replace our bikes every two years to ensure they’re in top condition. We’ll guide you through the entire process and even show you how to change a flat tire. Our goal is to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
