Touring Bike Explained? 

Are you passionate about long-distance cycling and touring? It would be a wise decision to glance at the touring bikes. These bikes are designed for long-distance riding and carrying heavy loads, ideal to take a long journey. Touring bikes are divided into gravel bikes and hybrid bikes which are purposed for different usages.  

In terms of shape, gravel bikes are similar to road bikes and hybrid bikes are similar to mountain bikes. These bikes are made for comfort and durability to conquer multiple surfaces during long-distance cycling. Designed with a more upright position to reduce strain on your body, allowing you to take longer journeys for hours, days, or even weeks at one time.  

These bikes are typically equipped with robust yet lightweight frames, wider tires, and multiple mounting points to carry luggage like bottle cages and bike bags. Touring bikes’ frames were designed to carry multiple pieces of luggage, allowing you to carry all your touring stuff during your enjoyable journey. 

Let’s take a look at the touring bike types, including gravel and hybrid bikes for various touring needs. 

What is a Gravel Bike? 

Gravel bikes are an all-rounder option for those who are looking for exceptional versatility. These bikes work well both on smooth paved roads and rough terrain like gravel paths. Making them became a popular choice for cyclists who want the next cycling level, not just above the paved roads. They are designed with wider tires to absorb vibration from the tracks, offer the riders extra comfort when passing through wavy and uneven roads.  

Are Gravel Bikes Perfect for? 

Gravel bikes are perfect for riders who are looking for a versatile bike that is able to conquer either smooth paved roads or uneven gravel paths. Gravel bikes excel on various routes and have a lot of mounting points for attaching luggage hence, they’re popular for backpacking.  

What is a Hybrid Bike? 

Looking for comfortable, stylish, yet powerful bikes for touring? Go for the hybrid bikes! Hybrid bikes are multipurpose bikes that blend the features of mountain bikes and road bikes. Designed with a similar frame and character to mountain bikes, hybrid bikes can perform well on smooth surfaces and light-off road terrains. Equipped with multiple mounting points, they’re able to carry multiple gears for your journey. Hybrid bikes typically have wider tires and fork suspension, offering a good balance between comfortability and reducing road bumps. 

Are Hybrid Bikes Perfect for? 

Hybrid bikes are perfect for cyclists who need a versatile bike that excels in urban roads and light off-road terrains. Hybrid bikes offer more upright riding positions and wider tires, making them ideal for commuting on the city streets, running errands, and playing on semi-off-road trails. With their multiple mounting points, hybrid bikes are suited for adventure, exploring mixed terrains, or taking leisure trips. If you’re looking for a bike that performs well in mixed terrains, a hybrid bike is the answer. You can take them on a long cycling journey with their features that give you peace of mind. 

The Origin of Touring Bikes  

Touring bikes have existed for a long time ago, but the golden age is from around the 1970s to 1980s. At that time bike touring was massively popular, making the bike companies at that time compete in creating bicycles with the most cutting-edge technology for long-distance cycling. Starts from the lightweight yet robust frame, and powerful brake components. Touring bikes are separated into two different categories including gravel bikes and hybrid bikes. Understand their history in depth!  

The Origin of Gravel Bikes 

Gravel bikes emerged as a response to the cycling demand for a versatile bike capable of handling mixed terrains such as smooth pavements, light off-road terrains, dirt roads, and obviously gravel paths. Gravel bikes’ origin can be tracked back in the popularity of traditional cyclocross bicycles which were built for endurance and unpaved roads. Simply, the gravel bikes’ design and cyclocross bikes are similar in using the road bike frame. However, gravel bikes can accommodate fat tires, not like cyclocross bikes.  

The demand for more specific bikes that can travel fast above unpaved roads revived around the 2010s. Back then, gravel bike development began to increase due to that demand. Gravel bike features such as drop bars, wider tires, & multiple mounting points offer unbeatable stability and comfort riding. Hence, gravel bikes nowadays have become the go-to option for cyclists who love to conquer either mixed terrains or smooth pavement.  

The gravel bikes modern popularity is influenced by gravel race as the most obvious cycling celebration. Currently there are a lot of leisure gravel events that are purposed to build and strengthen gravel community engagement. Gravel cycling doesn’t require special equipment and skills, just start on your own. Hence, the social value of gravel cycling explodes the gravel bikes growth over the last ten years. 

The Origin of Hybrid Bikes 

Hybrid bikes emerged as a response to the advancement of mountain bikes around 1970s – 1980s. At that time, manufacturers began to equip their mountain bikes with various technologies, creating a market gap for cyclists’ practical options. Mountain bikes were given new technology such as hydraulic disc brakes, robust frames, and wider tires for mountain trail efficiency. However, those are too much for smooth paved roads efficiency.  

Hence, Hybrid bikes are the implementation of mountain bikes that can be ridden on the road with optimal road performance. Hybrid bikes are then built based on the mountain bikes’ structure adjustment, modifications like narrower wheels, and hardtail suspension usage are applied to the hybrid bikes for road efficiency. They are excellent for urban commuting and light touring on moderately rough paths. 

Gravel Bikes vs Hybrid Bikes 

Both gravel and hybrid bikes are designed for long-distance touring with efficiency as the foremost. Cyclists often face a dilemma in choosing the perfect match touring bikes for their needs. When choosing the correct touring bike, it’s really crucial to consider each bike’s intent. For example, gravel bikes with their endurance geometry and all-rounder performance tires conquer rugged terrains and are ideal for long-distance cycling. Aside, hybrid bikes possess great comfort and stability for urban commuting. This guide will breakdown the key differences to provide you with insights on how to select the most ideal bikes for your cycling journey. 

Gravel Bikes & Hybrid Bikes Key Features Differences 

• Geometry: The most visible differences between these two bikes are in their geometry. Gravel bikes have more aggressive & aerodynamic geometry that allows cyclists to go faster and cover longer distances. The frame’s shape is similar to the road bikes and the drop handlebar usage. Gravel bikes have a longer wheelbase and lower bottom brackets that prioritize comfort while tackling uneven roads. 
  On the other hand, hybrid bike designs prioritize comfort over everything with their upright cycling position and shorter wheelbase. Hybrid bikes use flat handlebar that enhances maneuverability but lack aerodynamic variables like the gravel bikes. 
• Suspension: In suspension terms, gravel bikes typically don’t use any suspension. Gravel bikes are rigid to unleash their maximum speeds on the road and uneven terrains. As a replacement, gravel bikes use wider tires to absorb road vibrations.
  Whereas hybrid bikes use hardtail suspension like mountain bikes. Their narrower tires are a perfect match for urban roads. The hardtail suspension mechanism led to more stable and comfortable feelings to absorb the bumps. 
• Tires: Commonly, gravel bikes use wider tires compared to hybrid bikes to deliver stronger grip and tractions on the road. Both gravel and hybrid bikes possess 700 CC tires however, gravel bikes have better tire clearance of around 40-45 mm compared to hybrid bikes’ tire clearance that come around 28-32 mm. 
• Braking mechanism: You have to consider the braking mechanism before deciding to buy any bikes. This part is crucial to control your speed for cycling safety. Hybrid bikes typically use both rim and disc brakes. Aside from that, gravel bikes are commonly equipped with hydraulic disc brakes for better stopping power because gravel bikes are used to catch the speed. 

Cycling Thrill & Performance 

• Gravel Bikes: This bike offers adventure all the time. With their aggressive geometry and wider tires, gravel bikes ensure cyclists feel the thrill of ultimate versatility. Robust frame and wider tires contribute to powerful grip precise control in tackling all trails. Experience the ultimate versatility with gravel bikes, embrace the excitement of the ultimate touring journey. 
• Hybrid Bikes: If you are looking for a leisurely smooth ride, hybrid bikes are the answer. Inspired by mountain bikes design, these bikes offer seamless performance on the road and light unpaved roads. Experience the most comfortable pedal stroke in your cycling journey with hybrid bikes. 

Final Thoughts: Gravel vs Hybrid - Which Is Right for You? 

These two touring bikes have their identity and purpose but the similar things between gravel bikes and hybrid bikes both offer seamless blend between performance and comfort. It’s all about preferences, which one do you want to choose?  

Gravel bikes are more into speed and performance on mixed terrains, ideal for those of you who are looking for adventure and pedaling efficiency on unpaved roads. Otherwise, hybrid bikes prioritize great stability and comfort, ideal for urban commuting, leisure rides, and light off-road trails. 

While gravel bikes became a trail monster, hybrid bikes offer a more practical solution for running errands every day. So, choose your fighter! 

Touring Bikes Brand in Singapore  

Here there are a lot of cycling brands that provide their cycling products like bicycles, spare parts, accessories, apparel, and many more. Due to the rapid growth of touring and long-distance cycling here, touring bikes like gravel and hybrid are massively popular. If you’re looking for touring bikes as your special daily partner, we’ve collected the best brands to fulfill your needs, read carefully & don’t miss it! 

Polygon Touring Bikes  

Polygon is an exclusive cycling brand from a neighboring country, Indonesia. Their products are well-known as one of the best in the current cycling market because they prioritize quality and build sustainable innovation. They produce bicycles for all intent like mountain bikes, city/urban bikes, road bikes, folding bikes, kids’ bikes, touring bikes, and more. Let’s closely look at their touring bikes.  

Polygon revived touring back through its versatile collections of gravel and hybrid bikes. Whether you’re a beginner or road veteran, Polygon provide the best match touring bikes for you. Craving rugged terrains with speed? Polygon gravel bikes are ready to conquer! The Tambora lineup like Tambora G4, G5, G7, & G8X. Excel on giving excitement on rugged gravel trails. 

For the most seamless commuting experience, Polygon hybrid bikes offer advanced and latest technology that easily handles urban roads and light off-road terrains. Featuring innovative hardtail suspension and cutting-edge design, the Polygon Heist lineup like Heist X2, X5, & X7 offer smoother rides with their multiple mounting points, lightweight frame, and wider tires. 

Marin Touring Bikes 

Marin bikes is an international cycling brand from the US. They make a sustainable commitment to crafting a world-class cycling lineup for the best cycling experience. Their touring bikes are also no exception, Marin touring bikes are crafted with world-class standards and designed to fulfill every need of touring enthusiasts. 

Marin presents both Marin hybrid bikes and Marin gravel bikes as cyclists’ touring options. If you want to feel the excitement of speed on all surfaces, Marin gravel bikes came with a lightweight frame yet cutting-edge design with multiple mounting points for backpacking. Starts with the Marin Nicasio lineup like Marin Nicasio and Marin Nicasio 2, affordable options to start jumping into the world of gravel cycling.  

For leisurely urban commuting, Marin hybrid bikes are excellent options. Built well-suited for medium-distance commuting. With an affordable price point and ultra-friendly geometry, the Marin Kentfield 2 and Kentfield 2 2021 stand out as a reliable and affordable choice for enjoyable rides. Meanwhile, Marin San Anselmo DS1 and DS2 are featuring woman-friendly frame which simplifies getting on and off the bike. 

Touring Bikes Pricing  

Here, touring bicycle prices are influenced by various aspects such as brands, specifications, features, and technology. Let’s see the complete pricing range of touring bikes across Singapore as your reference for budgeting before purchasing your touring bicycle.  

The Lowest Price 

The estimated lowest price for touring bikes starts around $600. At this price you will get the most basic hybrid bike for leisurely rides equipped with disc brake, Shimano drivetrain, and multiple gear options for fun rides. These bikes are ideal for beginners and daily commuters because they are easy to use and don’t require specific high skills. 

The Highest Price 

The highest price range for touring bikes here comes up to around $1.000 to $5000. The more expensive for better quality, you will get more features advancement from the previous price range, especially in terms of component selection like smoother gear systems, upgraded braking mechanism, and enhanced durability. 

Please be aware that these are the general prices we've collected for touring bikes, and they may vary depending on the market, location, or specific model. Be sure to set a realistic budget and carefully select a bike according to your perfect match. And if you’re looking for budget-friendly touring bikes, go on Rodalink Singapore, because we have the perfect budget-friendly touring bikes for your adventure! Additionally, consider investing in touring equipment such as bike bags, water bottles, and bottle cages, as they are crucial for ensuring an enjoyable journey.  

You already know the price range and consider your budget? Check on tips on how to choose a touring bike based on your perfect needs. 

How to Choose a Touring Bike 

Before you decide to choose a touring bike, make sure that you consider several things below to make a wise decision to choose the bike that suits you the most. Otherwise, you might get lost and invest in some random bicycles.  

1. Determine your Touring Style 

First of all you must know your touring style. Will you use it for fully loaded or light touring? If you a beginner who wants to try the thrill of touring bikes, or you just use your bike once or twice a week, we suggest you pick anything between hybrid and gravel bikes. Both can be used for light touring that covers short to medium distances. 

However, if you will use it for fully loaded touring, we suggest you pick gravel bikes instead. Gravel bikes have a more aerodynamic design and wider tires that allow you to cover longer distances. 

2. Mounting Points 

Plan to have an outdoor camping during your adventure? Ensure your bike is capable of handling all of your camping gear with multiple mounting points. Opt for a gravel bike designed for compatibility with bike bags like saddlebags, top tube bags, and many more. So, you can have peace of mind while carrying all of your stuff.  

3. Preferred Load Capacity 

If you’re planning to bring various gears, you will need a bike with robust frame but lightweight. Choose a bike that is made from carbon fiber instead of alloy and steel. Carbon fiber is the current lightweight frame material and it’s popularly known for its strength.  

In contrast, you can use any frame materials if you don’t plan to carry diverse gears. You can use a bike that prioritizes efficiency and comfort such as Polygon Heist X5. This bike offers great stability and comfort above smooth and unpaved surfaces. 

4. Test Ride your Bicycle 

Stop! Before you spend a lot of money on a bike, you must try the bike first. Ride tests are crucial to ensure the bike meets your expectations of different aspects such as size, geometry, handlebar & saddle position that contribute to an exciting cycling experience. 

After you pay attention to these aspects you can finally choose the perfect bike for your match. If you want to explore more on how to choose the best touring bikes for your partner, click here to explore more about the complete guide. 

The Excitement of Cycling Tour  

Cycling tour is an alternative, healthy, and fun adventure unlike adventure with a car or a motorbike. A touring journey with bicycles offers freedom, challenge, and connection between the participants. Bike touring is more than place A to place B, it’s an adventure where every mile owns a story, and every turn reveals something new. Cycling tour excitement lies in its combination of physical exercise, mental resilience, and deep appreciation from other cyclists. 

New World Exploration 

One of the greatest thrills of cycling tours is unlocking new places to explore. Take your touring bikes to the mountain lanes, hills, charming villages, and even the quiet coastal path. On a bike, you can enjoy the natural charm of your surroundings quietly without getting exhausted by cars and other modern transportation.  

That means tour cycling also reduces air pollution which contributes to creating cleaner and fresher air. The road is your canvas for new world exploration, cherish every second, every mile, and discover hidden treasure on every journey. 

Physical Exercise & Mental Resilience 

Cycling tour is a way more fun activity to train your body compared to other activities. Whilst your body keeps moving, you can enjoy coasting from the hills and pedaling across different terrains for a deep thrill of accomplishment during your touring journey. It’s easy, enhancing your stamina, and training your cardiovascular. 

Cycling tour is an excellent activity with high impact on mental resilience because it forces you to adapt, preserve, and overcome every possible challenge on the track. By facing different terrains, weather, and long-distance roads, you can learn how to stay calm under various pressures. In the end, you can gradually build your mental resilience, navigating more challenges with greater confidence.  

Navigating More Challenges with Greater Confidence  

Touring with a bicycle allows you to transform your mind, fostering a resilient mindset and providing first-hand experience in navigating tougher life challenges. During your touring journey, you’re going through diverse terrains that require great flexibility and problem-solving skills. You successfully conquer steep hill climbs, cycle under the sun and heavy rain, and maybe fix minor errors on your bike.  

Those small achievements reinforcing your confidence in navigating various challenges. Various challenges you meet whether on or off the bike, shape your problem-solving skills to think critically and quickly adapt in unfamiliar situations, your physical and mental also prepared to be ready for conquering the next challenges in your life.  

Touring Bikes Popularity in Singapore  

Bicycles are one of the favorite vehicles here. At least once a week, our citizens are doing cycling activities with various bicycles including touring bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, and urban bikes for daily commuting. This shows that bicycle popularity is increasing over time because of our commuting demand, tour cycling is no exception. This activity lets the cyclists explore and unlock a very new cycling pathway. The tour cycling trend rapidly increasing driven by cycling events, infrastructure, and the tour cycling community.  

The tour cycling event like Tour de France Criterium 2024 highlight our cyclist's enthusiasm. The best athletes going through the new route in Downtown Singapore, engaging the public to watch this annual tour cycling event. This year’s edition featuring new tracks showing iconic city landmarks, emphasizing the massive growth of Singapore’s cycling infrastructure. The new cycling plan by Singaporean government is to connect parks and neighborhood with over 1.300 cycling path in 2030. This development resulted in engaging the cyclists’ interest in leisure rides looking for scenic routes to explore.  

The best place for tour cycling in Singapore are located on several areas for example the East Coast Park, Sentosa Gateway, & the Marina Barrage. Dive down and start exploring these amazing tour cycling areas, unlock new experience and feel the breeze of the clean Singapore air. 

The tour cycling community also influence the rapid grow of tour cycling trend in 2024. These communities foster strong bonding and networks between tour cyclists and encourage participation in every available cycling event. Cycling communities are frequently organized cycling events tailored for various cycling skills. These events are conducted to explore new routes and opportunities here in Singapore. Many cycling events are commonly intended to blend fitness with sightseeing, offering a refreshing way to refresh and recharge our energy during the breaks after the demands of daily life.  

Buy Your Touring Bikes from Rodalink Singapore 

Curious about the thrill of touring and bikepacking with bicycles? Go on for touring bikes and get it from Rodalink Singapore where we provide exceptional touring bikes with unbeatable deals. Rodalink Singapore is one of the largest bicycle stores across Singapore. Visit our offline store to discover numerous cycling items aside touring bikes including bicycles, spare parts, accessories, and even nutrition for cyclists.  

Want to explore about touring bikes? We can guide you slowly. We provide excellent choices for touring bikes. Rodalink offers premium yet exclusive collections of gravel bikes and hybrid bikes. We bring the most powerful cycling brand in the world for you, Polygon bikes and Marin bikes. Discover the adaptability and comfort of our Hybrid bikes! Their adaptability allows you to smoothly cruise on the pavement or tackle light off-road terrains with ease. Aside, our gravel bikes are crafted with excellent versatility to conquer long endurance rides, ensuring you always catch the speed without sacrificing its comfort.  

What makes our touring bicycles very special? Let’s find out: 

• Hybrid bikes:  

  • Our hybrid bikes are manufactured by the biggest and the current best cycling manufacturer today including Polygon bikes and Marin bikes. 

  • Built from robust yet super lightweight material such as AL6 chosen by experts’ bicycle engineers for optimal performance 

  • Executed with the latest technology and features such as hydraulic disc brakes, advanced shifting mechanism, new tire pattern for better grip, and latest hardtail suspension. 

  • Designed to fulfill users’ experiences and meet the current lifestyle standards with the latest cutting-edge design. 

  • Crafted with the latest technology and innovation driven by the experts’ creativity for the most intricate hybrid bikes ever. 

• Gravel bikes: 

  • Crafted by the biggest and the most reputable cycling brand across the world including Polygon bikes and Marin bikes. 

  • Built with the most cutting-edge frame design combined with the robust yet lightweight frames for ultimate comfort and speed in conquering all surfaces. 

  • Equipped with the most exclusive tires for the smooth cycling experience and feeling the ultimate thrill of tractions with their unbeatable grips. 

  • Carried multiple mounting points, allowing you to take various luggage during your touring adventure. 

  • Our gravel bikes possess powerful abilities to crawl all surfaces thanks to their reliable drivetrain from an exclusive brand like Shimano that drives a responsive pedaling experience. 

If you’re looking for the best touring bikes Singapore, no more confusion again because as one of the biggest bike shops in Singapore, we provide these bikes including the best gravel bikes and the best hybrid bikes. Looking for more benefits in buying a bicycle? Check out why you should buy from us, Rodalink Singapore below! 

Why Choose Touring Bikes from Rodalink Singapore 

Looking for a fun cycling time? Enjoy with our exclusive selection of touring bikes, from gravel to hybrid bikes everything was available at Rodalink Singapore! Here are some excellent benefits if you buy a touring bike from Rodalink Singapore. 

• Product Quality 

Our touring bikes were crafted with quality and component selection as the prominent. We promise to provide the best cycling products for our lovely customers.  

Our touring bikes are no exception, we collect the most reliable gravel and hybrid bikes across the world for the ultimate thrill of long-distance cycling, touring, and bikepacking. Touring bikes from Rodalink Singapore are popularly known as one of the most reliable bicycles that prioritize performance for long-lasting use. 

• Price Guarantee 

If you consider budget as the most value-for-money touring bike Singapore, you’ve landed on the correct store. Rodalink Singapore is earnest in providing premium gravel and hybrid bikes accessible to everyone.  

You’ll enjoy long-lasting value with the most plausible prices ever in Singapore. Our plausible prices don’t mean the basic, it means cutting-edge design and reliable performance 

• Latest Innovation  

Experience the latest innovation with touring bike selections. Rodalink Singapore shove regular bicycle advancement. We pick the best components starting with drivetrain, groupset, and the latest frames technology. We promise that our customers will have the best touring experiences.  

Innovation for the future also has become our priority, we provide our touring bikes with integrated tech such as cyclo comp and app connectivity to track your cycling progress! 

• Bike Warranty 

You don’t want to spend that much on bicycle damage? Rodalink Singapore provides a bike warranty to protect your bank! We cover the essential part of every Polygon and Marin touring bike. Hence, you don’t have to worry about any additional repair costs. 

Have fun discovering our touring bike collections. We understand the customers and try to give the best answer for all your needs. As one of the most favorite Singapore cycling stores, we aim to provide all cycling needs not only bicycles, but also apparel, accessories, and spare parts.  

Explore our touring bike selections and don’t forget to equip yourself with premium yet affordable touring gear such as helmets, bike bags, bike lights, and even shoes for an enjoyable touring experience. Shop and Rodalink today and enjoy all the benefits for every transaction!