The best travel bikes 2024

Introduction to the article

Cycle touring is a passion that allows you to discover the world at a leisurely pace, while enjoying the fresh air and getting some exercise. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cyclotourist, choosing the right bike is a crucial step in making the most of this adventure. In 2023, the travel bike market is more diverse than ever, with options to suit all tastes, budgets and travel styles. In this article, we've selected the best travel bikes of the year, taking into account the latest technological innovations, market trends and feedback from cyclists around the world. Whether you're looking for a rugged bike to take on tough roads, a light and versatile bike for quick jaunts, or a customisable bike to fit your needs perfectly, our guide will help you find the perfect mount for your two-wheeled adventures in 2023.

Must-haves: 18 brands of travel bikes for all adventurers

Surly Bikes

Surly Bikes is an American brand of travel bikes renowned for their reliability and durability. Their rugged bikes, like the popular Surly Long Haul Trucker, are designed to withstand the rigours of long-distance travel and challenging terrain. Surly's chromoly steel frames offer an excellent compromise between strength, comfort and weight, making them an ideal choice for touring cyclists looking for a strong, versatile bike. Surly travel bikes are also equipped with high-quality components, such as Shimano drivetrains and mechanical disc brakes, to ensure reliable performance on the road. Although Surly bikes can be heavier and more expensive than some competitors, their reputation for longevity and reliability makes them a wise investment for cycling adventurers.

Koga

Koga travel bikes are synonymous with quality and customisation. This top-of-the-range Dutch brand offers made-to-measure bikes, hand-built according to the customer's preferences. The Koga Signature range is particularly popular with touring cyclists who want a bike that is perfectly tailored to their needs. Each Koga model is equipped with high-quality components, such as Rohloff or Shimano drivetrains, hydraulic disc brakes and carbon forks. Koga's lightweight aluminium frames are also renowned for their strength and comfort. Although Koga bikes can be expensive, their build quality and customisation make them a top choice for cyclists looking for the very best in travel bikes.

Salsa Cycles

Salsa Cycles is an American brand focused on adventure and off-road expeditions. Their range of travel bikes includes models for bikepacking and gravel, such as the famous Salsa Fargo. Salsa bikes are designed to offer maximum versatility and comfort on a variety of terrains, thanks to their adapted geometries and choice of high-quality components. Salsa's steel, aluminium and carbon frames are renowned for their durability and impact resistance. Salsa travel bikes are often equipped with SRAM drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes, guaranteeing optimum performance in all circumstances. Although Salsa bikes can be more expensive than some competitors, their versatility and quality make them a popular choice among adventurous cyclists.

All Terrain

Tout Terrain is a German brand offering innovative, high-quality touring bikes. Tout Terrain bikes are equipped with advanced technologies, such as hubs with integrated gears (e.g. Rohloff Speedhub) and Gates Carbon Drive belts, to offer low maintenance and reliability. Tout Terrain's chromoly steel and aluminium frames are designed to withstand the rigours of long-distance travel and difficult terrain, while offering optimum comfort and performance. Tout Terrain travel bikes are also equipped with high-quality components, such as hydraulic disc brakes and Schwalbe Marathon tyres, to ensure maximum safety and durability. Although Tout Terrain bikes may be more expensive than some of their competitors, their build quality and innovative technology make them an attractive choice for touring cyclists looking for a high-performance, easy-to-maintain travel bike.

Thorn Cycles

Thorn is a British brand specialising in bespoke travel bikes, offering exceptional quality and attention to detail. Their hand-crafted approach creates bikes tailored to the specific needs of each rider. Thorn's chromoly steel frames are renowned for their durability, comfort and impact resistance. Thorn bikes are equipped with high quality components, such as Rohloff drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring reliable performance and low maintenance. Although Thorn bikes can be expensive and take some time to build, their bespoke quality and durability make them the preferred choice for discerning cyclists.

Trek Bikes

Trek is a popular American brand that offers a diverse range of travel bikes, suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. Trek's flagship travel bikes include the Trek 520 and Trek 920, designed to offer comfort and performance over long distances. Trek's aluminium and chromoly steel frames are renowned for their strength and comfort. Trek travel bikes are equipped with reliable components, such as Shimano drivetrains and mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes. Although quality may vary from model to model, Trek offers good value for money for cyclists looking for an affordable and versatile travel bike.

Santos

Santos is a Dutch brand offering top-of-the-range, customisable travel bikes. Santos bikes are renowned for their build quality, durability and comfort over long distances. Santos aluminium frames offer an excellent compromise between strength, comfort and weight. Santos travel bikes are equipped with high-quality components, such as Rohloff transmissions and hydraulic disc brakes, to ensure optimum performance and low maintenance. Although Santos bikes can be expensive and less available than some other brands, their quality and customisation make them a popular choice among discerning touring cyclists.

Dawes Cycles

Dawes is a long-established British brand offering a range of affordable and reliable touring bikes, such as the popular Dawes Galaxy. Dawes' chromoly steel frames offer a good compromise between strength, comfort and weight, making them an ideal choice for beginner and intermediate touring cyclists. Dawes touring bikes are equipped with reliable components, such as Shimano drivetrains and cantilever or mechanical disc brakes. Although Dawes bikes may be less customisable and heavier than some competitors, their value for money makes them an attractive choice for cyclists looking for an affordable and reliable travel bike.

Co-Motion Cycles

Co-Motion is an American brand specialising in high-quality travel bikes and tandems. Co-Motion bikes are hand-built and can be customised to the rider's needs, ensuring optimum fit and performance. Co-Motion's chromoly steel and aluminium frames offer excellent strength, comfort and lightness. Co-Motion travel bikes are equipped with top-of-the-range components such as Rohloff, Pinion or Shimano drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes. Although Co-Motion bikes can be expensive, their bespoke quality and performance make them a popular choice for discerning touring cyclists.

Oxford Bike Works

Oxford Bike Works is a British brand of bespoke, hand-crafted travel bikes. Oxford Bike Works bikes are designed to offer optimum comfort and reliable performance over long distances. The brand's chromoly steel frames are renowned for their durability and comfort. Oxford Bike Works travel bikes are equipped with reliable components, such as Shimano transmissions and mechanical disc brakes. Although Oxford Bike Works bikes may be more expensive than some competitors, their bespoke quality and durability make them an attractive choice for discerning cycle tourers.

Roberts Cycles

Roberts Cycles is a legendary British brand that has been making bespoke travel bikes for decades. Roberts Cycles bikes are hand-built and customised to the rider's preferences, offering exceptional quality and performance. Roberts Cycles chromoly steel frames are renowned for their durability, comfort and impact resistance. Roberts Cycles travel bikes are equipped with top-of-the-range components such as Shimano drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes. Although Roberts Cycles bikes may be more expensive and less available than some other brands, their bespoke quality and performance make them a preferred choice among discerning cycle tourers.

Vivente

Vivente is an Australian brand offering durable, well-equipped travel bikes. Their flagship model, the Vivente World Randonneur, is renowned for its robustness and versatility. Vivente's chromoly steel frames offer an excellent compromise between strength, comfort and weight. Vivente travel bikes are equipped with reliable components, such as Shimano transmissions and mechanical disc brakes. Although Vivente bikes may be less available than some other brands, their durability and comprehensive equipment make them a popular choice among cyclists looking for a reliable and versatile travel bike.

Ridgeback

Ridgeback is a British brand offering a range of affordable and versatile touring bikes, such as the popular Ridgeback Panorama. Ridgeback's chromoly steel frames offer a good compromise between strength, comfort and weight, making them an ideal choice for beginner and intermediate touring cyclists. Ridgeback touring bikes are equipped with reliable components, such as Shimano drivetrains and mechanical disc brakes. Although Ridgeback bikes may be less customisable and heavier than some competitors, their value for money makes them an attractive choice for cyclists looking for an affordable and reliable travel bike.

Cinelli

Cinelli is a legendary Italian brand of stylish, top-of-the-range travel bikes. Cinelli's chromoly steel and carbon frames offer excellent strength and lightness. Cinelli travel bikes are equipped with top-of-the-range components such as Shimano drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes. Although Cinelli bikes may be more expensive than some competitors, their refined Italian design and performance make them a popular choice for discerning touring cyclists.

Cube Bikes

Cube is a popular German brand offering a diverse range of travel bikes, suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. Cube's flagship travel bikes include the Cube Travel and the Cube Kathmandu, designed to offer comfort and performance over long distances. Cube's aluminium frames are renowned for their strength and lightness. Cube travel bikes are equipped with reliable components, such as Shimano drivetrains and mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes. Cube offers good value for money for cyclists looking for an affordable and versatile travel bike.

Giant Bicycles

Giant is a Taiwanese brand well known for its quality bikes at an affordable price. Giant's range of travel bikes includes models such as the Giant ToughRoad and Giant Revolt, which offer comfort and performance over long distances. Giant's aluminium or carbon frames offer good strength and lightness. Giant travel bikes are equipped with reliable components, such as Shimano drivetrains and mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes. Although Giant bikes may be less customisable than some competitors, their value for money makes them an attractive choice for cyclists looking for an affordable, high-performance travel bike.

Cannondale

Cannondale is an American brand known for its high-quality, high-performance bicycles. Cannondale travel bikes, such as the Cannondale Topstone or the Cannondale Touring, offer excellent comfort and reliable performance over long distances. Cannondale's aluminium and carbon frames offer exceptional strength and lightness. Cannondale touring bikes are equipped with top-of-the-range components, such as Shimano or SRAM drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes. Although Cannondale bikes may be more expensive than some competitors, their quality, performance and innovative design make them a popular choice for discerning touring cyclists.

Condor Cycles

Condor Cycles is a top-of-the-range British brand offering stylish, high-quality travel bikes. Condor's chromoly steel and titanium frames offer excellent strength and lightness. Condor travel bikes are equipped with high-quality components, such as Shimano or Campagnolo drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes. Condor bikes can be customised according to customer preferences, in terms of geometry, frame size, colour and other options. Although Condor bikes may be more expensive than some of their competitors, their build quality and attention to detail make them a first-rate choice for discerning cyclists looking for a stylish, tailor-made touring bike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best travel bike for your road adventures can seem difficult, but with a range of brands and models available, you're sure to find a bike that suits your needs and budget. The travel bike brands featured in this article offer a wide range of options for both novice and experienced cyclotourists, from affordable and versatile bikes from Ridgeback and Giant Bicycles to high-end models from Cinelli and Condor Cycles.

Chromoly steel and aluminium frames are popular materials for travel bikes, offering an excellent compromise between strength, comfort and weight. Carbon frames are also used for top-of-the-range models, offering exceptional strength and lightness.

The components of the bike are just as important as the frame, and the brands featured in this article offer a range of high-quality drivetrains, brakes and other components to meet the requirements of every touring cyclist. Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo drivetrains are common on touring bikes, offering reliable performance over long distances. Hydraulic disc brakes offer better modulation and greater stopping power than mechanical disc brakes, but are often more expensive.

Finally, customisation is also an important consideration for cycle tourers, and some brands, such as Condor Cycles and Koga, offer customisation options to suit individual preferences in terms of geometry, colour and other options.

It's important to consider your specific needs, personal preferences and budget when selecting a travel bike. Whether you're looking for an affordable, versatile bike for weekend adventures or a high-end, customised bike for long-distance travel, the brands featured in this article offer options to meet these needs.

Ultimately, choosing the best travel bike depends on your personal preferences and riding style. Take the time to research and try out different models to find the one that best suits your needs and travel goals. With a little patience and thought, you'll find a travel bike that will accompany you on your road-trip adventures for many years to come.