Or: Why Multi-Surface Adventure Bikes Make me Happy
If I were to buy a new car, it would almost definitely be an SUV/wagon of some kind with the ability to go almost anywhere and bring a lot of stuff along. I want it to be capable of exploring, of taking my stuff and me anywhere I can think of, but I want to avoid being too ridiculous. Fortunately, I already have this kind of car and I won't need to go car shopping anytime soon.
But this is about touring bikes.
As it turns out, most of my priorities for car ownership are also what I look for in a bike. As cool as the newest full suspension trail bikes or superlight aero road bikes are, they don't bring enough versatility for me. I want something that is easy to maintain, has classic looks, can go anywhere (within reason) and can bring a bunch of stuff along.
Just the physical bike itself is not enough, the magic of a touring bike is the fact that it is fun to ride and is very social. My best rides have all been on dirt roads with a good friend, a bit of beer at the end of the road and a nice slow pace. Whether that was a ride up to a brewery at the end of the summer or a early winter #coffeeoutside jaunt, the exploratory experience has always beaten the speed or agressiveness of other kinds of rides.
One of the first things people did after inventing bikes was take them on long rides in the countryside. From the heydays of constructeur-style frames in France to modern bikepacking rigs, overland exploration on a bike has been one of the best ways to get around.
Cyclocross and modern technology have made it even easier to explore on two wheels. Technology like wider tires, disc brakes, tubeless wheels, drop bars and slacker geometries have opened the world for more exploration and touring on bikes. What was once a concrete-only passtime has made way for off road and dirt exploration.
In the end, it all comes back to the ride. Touring bikes are comfortable, fast, capable machines that let you say "yes" to that weird dirt trail you see on the side of the road. They promote rambling, something that I think people don't do enough of these days. They make more people say yes to good times. They are about staying out late, discovering something new and getting lost.
My touring bike will always be my go to vehicle. It always gives me a smile and a good time, and that is what it is all about.
