trek women's touring bikes

Woman Touring! 9 Best Touring and Bikepacking Bikes for Women

Last Updated on 19 June 2024 by Cycloscope

The Best Women Touring Bikes in 2024 – Long Distance Adventure Bikepacking Bikes for Short and Tall Ladies From Cheap to Top – Reviewed

Women touring bikes? Are they even a thing? Is there something such as the best touring bike for women?

What is the difference between a man and a women-specific bicycle? Do I need to buy a woman’s bike for my tour? These questions often come up when ladies begin thinking about a bicycle tour.

Let’s start from this: it’s an absolute truth that women can ride any “men’s” bicycle, just adapting the contact points to fit the unicity of their body, just like everyone needs to do, no matter the gender.

So don’t be afraid to purchase a bike that you like just because it is supposed to be a man’s frame. If you’re looking for a new bike and are not willing to sell a kidney you can also check our article about 21 great touring bicycles under 1000$ .

So, if I can ride every kind of bicycle, what’s the meaning of having women-specific models? Well, while sometimes it can mostly be a matter of marketing, it’s undebatable that, generically speaking, women and men have different physiologies.

Women usually have a comparatively shorter torso and arms, longer legs, narrower shoulders, and less muscular mass (some say they are also usually shorter, but I think it strongly depends on ethnicity, when I was living in Nederland my Italian boyfriend looked like a dwarf compared to most women).

So bicycle brands built woman-specific frames and bikes with these generic parameters in mind, meaning a shorter reach (distance from the saddle to the handlebars), shorter top tube, smaller frame sizes, narrower handlebars, and so on…

Keep in mind that this might not be your case, so always try to have at least a test ride before buying a new bicycle.

Check Also > 15+1 Best Bikepacking Bikes in 2024: Gravel, Touring, Plus, MTB Hardtail, Fat, Full-Suspension & Folding

Disclosure: Some of our articles contain affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost for you and helps us keep this website up and running. (as Amazon Associates we earn commission from qualifying purchases)

How we compile our gear guides: during the almost 10 years of cycloscope.net our team personally tested dozens of similar pieces of gear. For what we can't test personally, we involve other people in the cycling community to give their feedback and opinion about gear they have used. Our decade-long experience in bicycle touring enables us to find the key cons and pros of every product we mention.

The best ladies’ touring bike in a nutshell

Best customizable touring bike for women, best adventure bikepacking bike for ladies, best cheap touring bike for women.

• Great woman touring bike for fast off-road touring
• Best woman’s gravel/tourer

Cheapest female light-touring bike

Best plus-mountain touring bike for girls, affordable multi-purpose touring bike, best touring bike for senior women, about trapeze frames or step-through frames.

Back in the early days of bicycle manufacturing, women used to wear skirts much more often than nowadays, and they were long skirts, usually to the ankle.

That’s the main reason for the so-called Step-Through frames, the kind of frame geometry where the top tube goes diagonally that are usually recognized as women’s frames.

Nowadays there’s almost no reason (besides the skirt/dress fact) for a step-through frame to be used exclusively by women, but still, people see them as girly bikes, that’s why many brands still produce women’s specific bikes in this fashion.

The main advantage of this geometry (also called “Trapeze”) is the ease of mounting, you don’t have to stretch your leg above the whole bike (and panniers!) it can thus be great for senior ladies or women with hip impairments.

The main downsides are an alleged weakness and less stiffness, compared to a diamond frame, which basically results in a few hundred grams more steel to match the diamond geometry’s features.

Check also > 6 Best Bikes For Plus Size Women > The best chamois creams to solve chafing problems

The 11 Best Women Touring Bikes in 2024

Stanforth kibo – (+/- $3,000).

The Kibo is Stanforth’s touring tank, a 26″ wheeled expedition bike designed to carry heavy loads, for long distances, on every kind of terrain – a great touring bike for ladies, what I used for our European Lap and our tour of Southern Africa.

Like all Stanforth bikes, the Kibo can be customized to suit any preference, from gearing to handlebars, stem, brakes, and even geometry.

This means all sizes are possible, which is great for a short woman. Simon and his team will take your body measures and build a really tailored bike.

Kibo frames are hand-made in England from air-hardened Reynolds 631 steel. The frames are assembled with the highest degree of skills and care to maximize their strength.

The components are top-notch, and carefully selected with expedition bike touring in mind. They include quality parts from Nitto, Velo Orange, Shimano, Paul Components, and Brooks.

Check  our full review of the Stanforth Kibo  for detailed info. 

Bombtrack Beyond Expedition Bicycle (+/- $1,800)

This expedition machine has been one of our favorites since it was introduced in 2016.

The Bombtrack Beyond features a single-speed chainring (30T) and a 12 speed 10-52T as the drive train of choice, a great set of gears capable of bringing you up the steepest and roughest hills.

The carbon fork reduces the weight but still offers triple fork cage mounts.

Although Bombtrack still offers different handlebar options, the Jones Loop Bar will be the standard now. They might seem a little weird, but they offer more hand positions, helping the shoulders and upper body stay relaxed for hours in the saddle.

Designed as a bikepackers dream, the Beyond features mounting options for front and rear racks as well as up to five water bottle cages.

Bomtrack comes in aid to short riders and small women by providing an XS version of the frame, with 27.5″ wheels. This will fit riders down to 150cm tall.

The Bombtrack Beyond is the best women touring bike for off-road bikepacking expeditions

> Compare all the versions of Bombtrack Beyond

Cube Travel Trapeze (+/- $1999)

The Cube Travel is not only one of the several bicycles the well-known German company assembles in its massive factory, but it is probably the most convenient bicycle on the market at the moment if you are looking for a flat bar 29er touring ready bike.

The Cube Travel Series is assembled with a unique combination of smart solutions that bring together all the capabilities of the latest adventure bike models but are adapted to fit limited budgets.

It’s a classy 29er bicycle equipped with all desirable gadgets for a conventional touring setup, as it comes ready to ride with lights, fenders, and a rear rack.

The frame is made with the patented Cube technology called “Aluminium Superlite’’, using 7005 alloy tubes. 

The rigid aluminum fork is as solid as a tree trunk. It is composed of two symmetric and aerodynamic blades with a massive crown the same size as the head tube, resulting in both an accurate and versatile fork with enough clearance to run 29er tires up to 2.15 inches wide.

The fork has eyelets to mount low rider racks for a classic touring setup, but it doesn’t support the cages which would be most convenient for bike-packing purposes.

The Cube Travel comes in a step-through version specifically designed to be a ladies touring bike (called Trapeze, the one in the picture), or with a traditional diamond frame, which is also perfect for women. The different builds for 2024 are priced this way:

• Cube Travel  – Price: $949
• Cube Travel PRO  – Price: $1,099
• Cube Travel EXC  – Price: $1,299
• Cube Travel SL  – Price: $1,899

Trek 920 (+/- $2,000)

Great woman’s touring bike for fast off-road touring.

The 2022 Trek 920 has already earned the thumbs up from all keen cyclists looking for a bike that’s worth an upgrade from their current beloved two-wheeler.

Trek 920 was launched back in 2015. Seven years don’t look much on paper, but nowadays the bicycle industry makes progress in leaps and bounds, and since its first appearance the 920 has stretched to perfection all its main characteristics.

The 920 is the middle sister among the trekking and touring bike family proposed by Trek. It sits precisely in the middle between the classic steel tourer Trek 520 and the ultimate adventure bike Trek 1150 .

The 920 here is definitely the most enjoyable and adaptable of the three. It has a rock-solid modern style, aggressive shapes, and an organic but elegant color, the Matte Sandstorm.

Is it really built for stability above all? Hell yeah, the chainstay at 465mm is pretty damn long and the bottom bracket drop is low.

These two details alone are enough to define this bike as the opposite of nimble, but stability isn’t the opposite of fun: with the Trek 920 you can just stop dodging stuff and simply smash through any road.

The geometry of this rig focuses on giving excellent pace and responsiveness on gravel and tarmac, and it lacks a punch of nimbleness only on MTB trails.

The smallest available size is a 48cm, perfect for female riders under 5″ or 150cm.

Cannondale Topstone Alloy – (+/- $1500)

Best women gravel/tourer.

The Cannondale Topstone is a highly versatile bicycle. Although sitting firmly in the gravel category it’s more than capable of loaded touring.

Being designed to be the ultimate combination of road racing and cyclocross bicycles, it can be considered a mixed-surface tourer as well as a 4 season commute bike.

At any time, with only a few adjustments, you can set up your rig for a bike camping trip, or join the group of your roadie girlfriends.

The big tire clearance allows plenty of room for bike touring tires up to 42mm wide for comfortable grip and adventurous capability.

Although the front fork does not support any eyelets for cages on either side, it is a beautiful piece of carbon fiber, with a longer-than-usual rake (55mm) for stability and hidden full-fender mounts. It is a light and performing fork, rare on a bike at this price range.

With mounts for three water bottles plus mounts for top tube storage Topstone is ready to go long. Multiple bottle cage positions on the downtube mount let you configure for big frame bags .

Read our Cannondale Topstone Sora Full Review

Creme Echo Mixte Solo (+/- $ 800)

Here we go with another step-through frame, not really a touring bike, in this case, more of a commuter/randonneur that performs great for bike touring holidays.

The Echo Mixte Solo Bike is built around a lugged mixte frame with a CrMo front triangle for fine handling and great looks.

The bike features a 16-speed drive-train with reliable components, and you will find some nice touches such as polished rims and a classic 1” quill stem. Not a lot of gears, but enough if you’re not planning to climb Alpine passes.

The Echo Mixte Solo Bike is suited for light touring, because of the restricted gear range (of course upgradable) and the narrow tire clearance.

6 Best Bikes for Plus Size Ladies – Road, Commuting, MTB, Utility, Electric

It could be the perfect bike if you’re planning to cycle the Danube trail or other similar easy cycle touring destinations .

Cinelli Hobootleg Geo

The Cinelli Hobootleg Geo is the latest release of the historical Italian bike manufacturer – big tires, and aggressive off-road geometry – it really is an interesting rig for bikepacking , but not just that.

Simona from BeCycling rode all the versions of this marvelous rig through Asia and the Americas, with plenty of different setups on any kind of terrain – she was never disappointed.

This style of hybrid bike, half-gravel, half-touring, and half-MTB is a more and more common sight nowadays. They are often referred to as Plus Bicycles .

Catering to the rising bikepacking scene, the Hobo Geo by Cinelli fulfills all the latest trends, and with the added appeal of the “Italian design” is most likely to become a dream bike for many.

The sloping frameset is made of Columbus Cromor triple-butted steel, which means no-bullshit great-quality Italian steel.

The frame is treated with anti-corrosion to provide reliable protection against the elements, adventure bikes shouldn’t rust. It features three bottle-cage and CNC rear dropouts, designed to support the disc brake clamps. It has the obvious eyelets for a rear rack and fender that every bike designed for touring should have.

The maximum tire clearance allows up to a 3.0″ tire to fit in, with a choice between 29 and 27.5 for shorter riders – of course, tubeless-ready.

The use of mudguards or certain models of rear carriers will reduce the clearance a few inches (of course), unfortunately, Cinelli doesn’t state the max clearance with fenders.

The New Carbon fork has 4 lateral eyelets and two bottom ones for each side, “anything you need eyelet” they say, it certainly offers a lot of options for bikepacking cages and low-rider front racks. Cable routing is external.

A fantastic rig ready for mountain bike touring

Kona Sutra LTD (+/- $1,600)

The Kona Sutra LTD is well known and appreciated in the universe of long-distance bicycle touring . It’s a reliable machine that has delivered adventurers in the most remote corners of the world.

The range of components are just perfect for bike touring, Shimano stuff is easy to find everywhere in the world, so no hassle for replacement and servicing.

The 2019 version available on CycleStore features SRAM components instead of the classic Shimano. SRAM is by no means inferior in quality, but availability might be rarer.

The smallest size is fits riders from 4’10”-5’1″, 147-155cm, one of the smallest available options for short female adventurers.

This is a bike we met often during our bike trips around the world, a real classic

Santos Travelmaster 3+ (from $3,000)

Santos Travelmaster series encompasses the greatest Dutch achievements in the field of bicycle craftsmanship.

Such inclination added to a long history of exploration and high technological standards has been leading them to reach top-notch quality in design and manufacturing.

Right from the long tradition of the Dutch bicycle industry, Santos roots its own philosophy to deliver to its customers ideal bicycles built by cyclists for cyclists. This means an unprecedented level of customization.

TravelMaster 2,9 and 3+ are indeed fully customizable to the smallest details; they are packed with all kinds of accessories you won’t anymore do without once you have tried them.

Robust yet agile, beautifully designed yet solid, these bicycles are sturdy pieces of art naturally equipped to nest the Rohloff gear hub or the Pinion gearbox.

Santos wanted a frame that would fit a 29’er suspension fork as well as a fixed front fork, that’s why the front of the bike is higher.

In addition, the head tube has been designed to be as long as possible, because that results in a stiffer frame and therefore more stability with full luggage.

Both frame cables run outside, in order to make their replacement easier. Furthermore, as much thread as possible has been kept outside the frame, also to save the frame from damage. No need to worry about getting stuck with mud in your fenders!

Santos offers a particularly detailed build program that allows you to customize the Travel Master just the way you want it. Not only do you get a choice of wheel sizes – 26″ or 700c – but you also get to choose frame material – aluminum or Chromoly steel.

A step-through frame design is also available, which would cover the needs of any physique. Indeed Santos, with its level of customization, could be the best touring bike for senior women.

The price asked for these indestructible rigs is quite stellar for a touring bike, but well worth it. Tiphaine rode it through Asia with her partner Marco ( Cyclolenti ) and the bike never failed.

Visit our YouTube channel

Looking for a Travel Bike? Check these!

Enjoyed it? Follow us on Social Media!

Please note that many of the links on our site are affiliate links. These are denoted with an *.  By clicking on them, Femme Cyclist gets a small commission on any sale.

5 Best Women’s Touring Bikes (and How to Choose)

Thinking of biking cross-country? Or maybe just a long weekend tour of wine country? In any case, for multi-day rides, a touring bike is the ideal setup.

A touring bike offers eyelets for racks and panniers, multiple water bottle cages, and more relaxed geometry.

The bad news for women is that there really aren’t many “women’s specific” touring bikes. While nobody needs a “women’s specific” touring bike, unisex bikes work just fine, it can make finding a smaller-size bike more challenging.

In fact, if you’re a little bit adventurous, you might want to try building up your own touring bike. That gives you the opportunity to pick out your own components including a women’s specific saddle, smaller brake levers, etc. If that sounds interesting, check out the Velo Orange Campeur below. It provides a great starting point for a custom build.

If you’re looking for a complete build, we’ve listed some of our favorite options here. All are true touring bikes and come in a wide variety of sizes so no matter how short (or tall) you may be, you should be able to find a good fit.

Need help choosing? Scroll all the way to the bottom of the article to find our tips on what you should look for when buying a touring bike.

Salsa Marrakesh

Headed out on an around-the-world trip? Take the Salsa Marrakesh . It’s durable, sturdy under a heavy load, and can handle just about anything.

The bike has space to strap on all sorts of gear. It comes with a rear rack, has space for three water bottle cages on the frame, and mounts on the fork legs.

Unfortunately, all of its durability and storage space comes at a price: the Marrakesh is pretty hefty. It weighs 32 pounds unloaded but does have a mount for a kickstand, so that helps some.

The smallest size frame is 50 cm. It also comes as a frame only, if you prefer to build it up on your own.

Price: $1,999

Surly Long Haul Trucker

The Surly Long Haul Trucker is a great bike for smaller riders (and bigger riders for that matter). It comes in a super-tiny 42 cm version with 26″ wheels which means even the most petite riders can find a good fit.

The bike can handle just about any adventure (as long as it’s paved). The steel frame is bomb-proof, their are eyelets for every sort of cargo and device you could want to mount, and the Tektro v-brakes are pretty much maintenance-free.

It comes in a complete build, or as the frame-set only depending on your preferences.

Price: $1,350

Masi Giramondo

The Masi Giramondo comes ready to rock and roll right off the bat. This touring bike comes with both a rear rack and front rack pre-installed.

The bike comes with tubeless-ready 700cc wheels but has tire clearance up to 29×2.0 which gives you plenty of options on where this thing can go. It also has high-quality components including a Shimano Deore drivetrain and TRP Spyre-C Dual Pistion mechanical disc brakes.

The smallest size fits riders as small as 5’1″.

Price $1,549

Specialized Diverge

The Specialized Diverge is marketed primarily as a gravel bike, but works well also a “light” touring bike. What does that mean?

This isn’t the touring bike you want to use for cross-country or world tours. What it does work well for is a quick weekend overnighter or a semi-supported tour.

The really nice thing about this bike is that it’s light (about 22 pounds) which means you can ride further, faster, and more comfortably. It has front and rear rack capability as well as mounting points for full fenders.

Price: $1,300+

Velo Orange Polyvalent

If you’re looking for a complete build, skip this option. That said, if you’re willing to spend a little time building your perfect bike, this is a great place to start. Velo Orange makes spectacular bike frames, and the Polyvalent is a perfect one for women who want to jump into bike touring.

The smallest frame size fits women as short as 5’0″ and the swooped downtube makes it easier to get on and off. There are fender bosses, 3 water bottle cage mounts, and front and rear rack eyelets.

Price: $925

Tips on Choosing a Women’s Touring Bike

Frame Material

Traditionally, most touring bikes have been made of steel. Why? Because steel is durable, can be repaired reasonably easily in all corners of the world, and it’s affordable. Unlike a road racing bike, you aren’t going to be riding that fast and you’ll be loaded down with gear, so frame weight becomes less of an issue.

That said, more and more touring bikes are being made of aluminum. Aluminum frames will save you a bit of weight (which can be particuarly helpful for petite women ), but expect these bikes to cost a bit more. And if you crack an aluminum frame in Bangladesh or wherever, know you’re going to be out of luck.

You’ll find three types of brakes on touring bikes: v-brakes, mechanical disc brakes, and hydraulic disc brakes. These are in order from cheapest to most expensive.

While on most bikes, hydraulic disc brakes are the best option, they might not be on your touring bike. Yes, they provide great modulation and stopping power, but they also require time-intensive maintenance. Nobody wants to deal with a brake-bleed in the middle of nowwhere .

On the other side of the spectrum, v-brakes are the cheapest option and are the easiest to maintain. Carry a spare pair of brake pads, and even the most mechanically challenged cyclist should be able to manage swapping them out. The only bummer about v-brakes is that they don’t stop as well as disc brakes which can be an issue when your carrying 30 pounds of gear.

Our favorite pick for a touring bike are mechanical disc brakes. They are affordable, reasonably easy to maintain, and provide good stopping power.

Racks and Cargo Capacity

If you’re touring, chances are you are going to need at least a rear rack and panniers. Some touring bikes come with a rear rack already installed; if not, make sure it has eyelets to accept a rear rack and you can add one yourself.

You may also choose to use a front rack. If you go this route, make sure to get a high one with plenty of clearance over the front wheel. And again, you’ll want to make sure the frame you choose has eyelets for a front rack if it doesn’t come with one pre-installed.

Finally, make sure to pay attention to the max weight capacity of the bike you choose. Some bikes are made for carrying a ton of gear, others have a lower max weight. You don’t want to find out after the fact that your bike can’t handle all the gear you’ve planned to carry.

Water Bottle Cages

Expect that when you’re biking long distances, water is not always going to be readily available. For this reason, we like to make sure that any touring bike we’re considering has plenty of mounts for water bottle cages. In fact, it should have AT LEAST three. More are even better.

Pavement vs Dirt

The type of bike you get will likely be very different based on whether you want to stick to paved roads 100% of the time, or if you’ll be headed onto dirt and gravel roads as well.

If you plan to venture off pavement, you’ll want to make sure your bike accepts wider, higher-volume tires.

Chances are, you’re going to be putting in a lot of miles on this bike. Therefore it’s important to make sure that every part on the bike is perfect for you. For women, this includes things like a women’s-specific saddle , a shorter stem, smaller brake levers, etc.

This is why it might make sense to build up a touring bike yourself!

If you’re carrying a bunch of cargo, your bike is going to be heavy. There’s no way around that.

For that reason, most cyclists don’t end up obsessing over the weight of a touring bike in the same way that they would in a carbon racing bike. Still, it’s worth paying attention to the weight of the bikes you’re considering. A five pound difference can make a big difference for a 120 pound woman.

We’ve got it listed last, but chances are, this is one of the first things you’ll be considering. The good news is that compared to most types of bikes, touring bikes are cheap. You should be able to find a great one for around $1,500.

If that’s still too expensive, I have even more great news. Because touring bikes are generally built to be super durable, they hold up well in the used market. With a little patience and searching, you should be able to find a used touring bike that will get you where you want to go without breaking the bank.

Most touring bikes have drop bars like a road bike, but you don’t HAVE to have drop bars. Some women prefer to have flat bars like those you would find on a mountain bike.

There are also more unusual handlebars you can add after the fact. These include Butterfy bars, H-bars, and mustache handlebars.

Compared to a traditional road bike, you want a larger range of gearing (especially easier gear) on a touring bike. With your bike fully loaded, it’s gonna be way harder to push it up big climbs in a hard gear. That’s why we like a really granny-ish granny gear.

Consider A Gravel Bike Instead

If you are planning on riding off-road as well as on (think dirt roads and rail trails), you might be well served by a gravel bike. If that sounds like you, check out our list of the Best Gravel Bikes For Women .

More Stuff You Might Like

• Podcast: A Bikepacking Adventure Thru Pakistan, India, and Nepal With Eliza Sampey
• 9 Best Women’s Road Bike Helmets
• 9 Best Women’s Bike Shorts

About The Author

Kristen Bonkoski is the founder and owner of Femme Cyclist.

An avid cyclist for a few decades now, she took to cycling during her late teen years — a time when she needed something to help boost her self-esteem and confidence.

Mission accomplished, the sport has become an important part of her life.  Kristen’s favorite disciplines are mountain biking and bike commuting, although you can also find her cranking out a century on her road bike and touring with her husband and son.  If it has to do with two wheels, she enjoys doing it.

Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach , and she runs  Rascal Rides , a website about biking with kids.

IG:  @femme_cyclist

9 thoughts on “5 Best Women’s Touring Bikes (and How to Choose)”

You skipped handlebars! What is the best handlebar for a woman on a tour? As you can see in the pics above many different options are available.

I have been using a hybrid with straight handle bar for 2-3 day bike trips. I like being more upright, but I am considering switching to a true touring bike with drop down handle bars because the I find the straight handle bars become uncomfortable by day two. With the drop down handle bar I have 3-4 different hand positions I can use, so no one part of my arm, shoulder or back gets too stiff. It really is personal preference, but hope my experience can help you make a decision. Either way, have fun touring!

I’m doing part of the Lands End to John O’Groats and was looking at a Trek Checkpoint AL5 – any good? We have a safety vehicle carrying all our stuff but I wouldn’t mind something on the back to put waterproofs in etc. I also need a good pair of clip shoes. Any recommendations?

Hi Catherine, First off, what a fun sounding trip! Awesome! As far as the bike, I don’t have any first-hand experience with the Trek Checkpoint, so take anything I say with a grain of salt. But just looking at the specs, price, weight, etc, I’d say absolutely it’s a great bike….As far as a rear bag, I have the Revelate Designs seat bag and would highly recommend it….Clip shoes, I like mountain bike shoes for touring. Totally a personal preference, but I find that they’re easier to walk in which you’re likely to do when touring. Hope that helps a little!

I’m looking for a bike that is lite weight to ride on country roads and in the city up alot of hills. I do the Dalmac which is a 100 mile a day for 5 days. I’m having trouble finding a brand to look at. Most bikes are for carrying your stuff. We are just carrying our selves . Any suggestions?

Not all women are small! I am looking for a tall women’s touring bike. Women’s proportions tend to be different than men’s. Women tend to have longer legs and men tend to have taller torsos. I am 6 ft tall but what fits my legs is sometimes too much of a reach to the handlebars and my shoulders get sore. Any suggestions?

Exactly! I’m 5’7” and a size S frame Salsa Marrakesh fits my height nicely but was too far of a reach, even with adjustments like short stem and riser.

I’m in the same boat! I’d also love to hear any suggestions for this situation 🙂

im planning a trip cycling and camping through France to Spain I have bought a Trek F2x and I’m now worried ( i week since I bought the bike) that its too heavy, Im 5’3” and the bike is about 27 IBs – does any one have any advice?

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

© Femme Cyclist 2024

Please note that many though not all, of the product links on our site are affiliate links. By clicking on them, Femme Cyclist gets a small commission on any sale.  Read our full  privacy policy  for more information.

Best women's hybrid bikes 2024 and how to choose between them

Our top picks of the best women's hybrid bikes, with lots of helpful advice on how to find your ideal bicycle for mixed terrain riding

• Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The Quick List

Best all-rounder, best for commuting, best for fitness, best on a budget, best for casual rides, best for comfort, urban focused, do-it-all versatility, how to choose a women's hybrid bike, best women's hybrid bikes 2024: jump menu.

The list in brief ↴

1. Best all-rounder 2. Best for commuting 3. Best for fitness 4. Best on a budget 5. Best for casual rides 6. Best for comfort

How to choose a hybrid bike

Capable of tackling tarmac or heading off piste, the best women's hybrid bikes take their influence from both road and off road bikes. They are a great option for anyone who is looking for two wheeled adventures, but who doesn't want to be committed to just one style of riding. 

Choosing a women’s specific bike is not for every female rider, and cycling brands have even flip-flopped over the years in their manufacturing of them. Our guide includes genuine hand picked options that we think make ideal women's specific hybrid bikes, as well as lots of helpful hints and tips on how to find your perfect match. 

Just because a bike isn’t labelled as a 'women’s bike’ doesn’t mean it can’t be ridden by a woman, we've even got a whole page on Is ‘women’s specific geometry’ still relevant? However, there are certainly benefits to be gained from purchasing a women’s specific bike. It's likely to have features like a women's specific saddle , shorter cranks or narrower handlebars for more comfortable riding.

As well as this, certain models will adjust the geometry of the bike so that it is more suited to the shape of the average woman. That includes, for instance, shortening the top tube, as traditionally bikes have been manufactured with long top tubes to accommodate men’s proportionally longer arms compared to their legs.

A wide gear range, mounts for fenders and a rack alongside clearance for wide tires make this a versatile hybrid indeed.

Read more below

Equipped with a front dynamo light, fenders and a rack it's ready for the daily grind. With reliable hub gears and belt drive.

Read more below  

Light, sporty and with a 10-speed drivechain, it's ideally suited for fitness pursuits - but has fender and rack mounts too.

A lower price point but still features an 8-speed Shimano drivechain and disc brakes. A tad heavy though.

With its cruiser styling and 650b wheels it's designed for comfort but also has 9 gears, disc brakes and mounts, too.

Wide tire clearance alongside a compliant seatpost, grips and pressure-relieving saddle make this a comfort focussed option.

Best women's hybrid bikes 2024: Our picks

1. Specialized Sirrus 2.0 Step-Through

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Over the years the Sirrus name has become synonymous with sporty yet practical hybrids - and the current 2.0 Step-Thru is just that.

It’s built around a lightweight aluminium frameset that’s uses Specialized's Fitness Geometry. It's been updated to include ‘modern’ standards such as flat-mount disc brakes and internal cable routing but still includes the all-important mounts for fenders and a rear rack. The combination makes for a bike that’s equally at home on the daily commute as it is on weekend fitness rides; its versatility is increased further by clearance for 42mm tires, although the bike comes equipped with 32s.

The gear range, using a 2x Shimano drivechain, is sensible. By matching a 46/30 chainset with an 8-speed 11-32t cassette, you’ll have a better than 1:1 gear for the steeper stuff while still having higher gear for flatter and faster roads - although you’ll find you’ll have to navigate some larger jumps between these gears.

2. Trek District 4 Equipped Stagger

If you’re looking for a commuter-friendly step-through hybrid you can use year round, Trek’s District 4 Equipped Stagger might be hard to beat.

Yes it’s not cheap but as the name suggests it’s a bells and whistles affair, meaning you won’t have to fork out for additional accessories. As standard it comes equipped not only with fenders, a rear rack and a kickstand but also a Herrmans front light, powered by the Shimano Nexus dynamo front hub.

And the bike’s practicality doesn’t stop there. It combines a Shimano Alfine internal 8-speed hub with a Gates CDX belt drive system that should add up to greater reliability and far less maintenance, especially when riding through winter. Add to this the hydraulic disc brakes and puncture resistant tires and you have a four-season ready machine. The potential downside? All this gear means the bike isn’t the lightest around.

3. Boardman HYB 8.8 women’s hybrid bike

Our expert review:

Coming in nearly 1 kilogram lighter than the previous Boardman HYB 8.6 model, the HYB 8.8 boasts lighter and better components to complement its reliable alloy frame and carbon forks. It was one of our Editor's Choice picks in 2021.

The 8.8 model is fitted with Shimano Deore 1 x 10 gears to ensure quick, smooth and reliable gear shifting. With one chainring at the front and a 11-42 tooth cassette at the rear, the drivetrain is lighter with less to go wrong or to maintain. The wide range cassette means there is still ample gearing for most situations.

Boardman have tailored this ride to the needs of females by kitting the bike out with narrower bars, shorter stems and a women’s specific saddle.

Mounts for mudguards and a pannier rack are also included in this model that delivers great versatility. Given that it's one of the lighter bikes here, and combined with the 10-speed drivechain, it's as equally well-suited to faster paced fitness rides as it is the daily commute.

Read more: Boardman HYB 8.8 Women's bike review

4. Carrera Subway 1 women's hybrid bike

For just over £300, this is a value for money option that will give even nervous riders confidence with its predictable handling and the stopping power of its mechanical disc brakes.

The Carrera Subway 1 comes with a subtle frame geometry tweak—a dropped top tube—for the women’s specific build.

With Kenda tyres designed with an extra Kevlar layer for puncture proofness, mudguard and pannier mounts, the Subway 1 is certainly versatile. Complementing this, its 2x8 gear set up is robust and has a broad range. But it is also not as comfortable as other options, so we’d not recommend it if you’re going on long adventures.

Read more: Carrera Subway review

5. Cannondale Treadwell Remixte 2

If your riding is varied but leans towards the more relaxed variety, then Cannondale’s Treadwell Mixte could be a great fit. It’s a bike designed for everyday use, taking the practicality of a regular hybrid and blending it with the comfort and looks of a cruiser. And the result is pretty interesting.

The Remixte frame with its step-through design makes it a good match for city riding, where you might be hopping on and off the bike throughout the day - and it's got mounts for a rack and fenders too.  It’s matched to 27.5” wheels shod in 47mm wide tires, which should translate to plenty of comfort. The stem and bars are noteworthy, too. The former has a mount that works with any SP-Connect compatible smartphone case, turning the stem into a handy dashboard. The latter take their inspiration from BMX riser bars; here it should aid a more upright and comfortable position.

As for the gearing and the brakes you get a wide range, easy-to-use 1x 9-speed Microshift drivechain and Tektro hydraulic brakes. Together they should make the bike pretty versatile across a variety of terrain.

6. Liv Alight 2 Disc

Liv is dedicated solely to making bikes for women. It’s Alight range is aimed at commuters and fitness riders, who want an agile yet comfortable and practical hybrid.

The Alight 2 appears to have all those bases covered. The aluminium frameset has integrated mounts for fenders, a rear rack, and a kickstand. Combine this with the hydraulic brakes it’s ready for the rigors of the daily commute.

It’s also equipped with a D-fuse seatpost that has built in compliance, shock-absorbing grips and a pressure-relieving saddle. The updated fork also means there’s clearance for 42mm tires should you wish to spec something a little more rugged in tread or voluminous for added comfort.

The Shimano 2x8 gearing, like several bikes featured in this guide, offers plenty of range for a variety of riding, but does mean you’ll experience some larger jumps between gears. 

7. Cannondale Quick Women's 4 Hybrid Bike

Staying true to its name, the Quick range are Cannondale ’s machines for speed and confidence when commuting and leisure riding.

Sitting in the middle is the Quick 4, which is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and a 9 speed drivetrain.

Fitted with a chromoly fork, this bike is designed to withstand the demands of city riding by reducing road vibrations. While the alloy frame has Cannondale’s OutFront Steering Geometry to provide added stability for sweeping your way across town.

The Quick 4, like all other Quick models, features bright 360° reflective components as an important safety measure. This model has also flat handlebars for a comfortable and stable upright riding position, which is useful when keeping an eye on traffic.

8. Pinnacle Lithium 3 women’s hybrid bike

The Lithium 3 can handle any terrain you dare to ride with ease, as a do it all hybrid. Pinnacle, the in-house brand at Evans Cycles, has combined a rigid 29er mountain bike with 40c tyres for ample rolling ability on tarmac. This bike provides controllability over rough terrain and speed down the streets.

With wide clearance and space for 2.2” MTB tyres, the Lithium is built with versatility in mind and can be easily adapted to explore local trails, fields and forests.

Coming in at 12.5kg, the Lithium’s alloy frame and steel fork doesn’t make for the lightest of bikes. But, equipped with Shimano Acera triple chainset (44-32-22) and a 11-32 tooth cassette, you shouldn’t struggle up the hills. The only noteworthy issue with weight comes when trying to carry the bike.

Read more: Pinnacle Lithium 4 women’s hybrid bike

At first glance, the sheer range and variety of hybrid bikes can seem overwhelming but they do have many features in common.

Key features to expect in a hybrid bike are listed below. In the women's specific models, you'll expect a women's saddle, and narrower handlebars as well as a spread of sizes more suited to shorter riders.

Mounting points for panniers and mudguards

Carrying weight on the bike is more pleasant than on your back as it takes the weight off your shoulders and lowers your centre of gravity. Using panniers also saves getting all sweaty from where the backpack touches your skin. However do bear in mind, backpacks are more versatile and can prove useful if your journey involves sections which are not done on the bike.

Mudguards are important in helping to keep you drier when it’s raining as you won’t be flicking additional water onto yourself. But significantly, and often overlooked, they also keep you dry when it’s not raining and there’s still water on the roads.

You will find points for mounting the panniers and mudguards by the front and rear axles, at the top of the seat stays and at the crown of the fork.

Clearance for wider tyres for comfort

As your only direct contact point with the ground, tyre choice has a large effect on the comfort of your ride and the terrain you can ride on. Wider tyres provide more grip and don’t sink into soft surfaces—like mud and gravel—to the same extent as narrower tyres. In having a greater volume of air over narrower tyres, they also are better able to absorb bumps and potholes and provide greater comfort.

A good starting point is to look for a tyre that is at least 35mm wide, although you can get tyres that are up to 60mm wide on some machines, although they tend to be better for off-road use and may slow you down on tarmac due to higher rolling resistance. 

Upright position for comfort and better view in and around traffic

A more upright position puts less pressure on your hands, as your weight is transferred to your sit bones instead. It can be more comfortable to be more upright if you have a backpack, as when you are bent over with a backpack it can be quite unstable and flop from side to side.

Another benefit of a more upright position is that it provides you with a better view of the traffic, helping you to safely navigate around the cars on your commute.

Flat handlebars for control, comfort and price point

With flat handlebars the shifting and braking are straightforward, which is especially useful if you are not used to a road bike set up.

There is the added benefit that the brakes and shifters are significantly cheaper for flat handlebars than the integrated brakes and shifters of road bikes. This keeps down the initial cost of these bikes and saves you money on any future repairs.

Wide range of gears

Gears are the way that your pedal strokes are converted into efficient forward motion. Given that there is a relatively narrow range of cadences that are comfortable to ride in (70-100rpm), but the speeds that we commonly travel at can range from 10kph to 60kph, it’s important to have a large range of gears so that we can ride at our preferred cadence, whatever the speed.

But absolute range is not the only consideration. Small and even gaps between the gears help us to fine-tune the gear we are riding in and prevent us from being stuck between two gears, one too big and one too small.

A triple crankset with an 8 speed cassette, for example, provides an affordable way of getting enough absolute range whilst still having acceptable jumps between the gears. While a double with a wide range 10 speed cassette is pricier, it is also lighter weight and provides a similar range with similar jumps to the 3x8.

If you are only riding on the flat and not carrying heavier loads, you will be able to do with a smaller range of gears, which will simplify riding and maintenance and save a little weight.

Disc brakes for controlled and reliable braking

Disc brakes provide greater power than rims brakes, and the price of this increase in braking performance is dropping all the time—so we are seeing far more hybrid bikes at all price points coming with disc brakes. Where disc brakes particularly excel is stopping in the wet. This is an important aspect for a hybrid that is being used for commuting as it is likely going to be needed in all weather conditions.

Hydraulic disc brakes also provide better modulation and have a significantly lighter lever action, so they are far easier to use than other braking mechanisms and they're a sealed system so there should be less maintenance needed.

Rugged tyres for fewer punctures

The last thing you want to be doing when commuting or on a leisurely cycle is to be having to change an inner tube. Although the more rugged tyres don’t roll as fast and are a little heavier, these are small trade-offs for the inconvenience of a puncture.

Many hybrid bikes are now coming with tubeless ready wheels and tyres, which help to lower the risk of being stopped by a puncture.

High spoke count for robust wheels

If you want to carry heavy loads, a high spoke count will help with that as less tension is put through each of the spokes, leading to a more robust, durable wheel.

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.

Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.

For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas. 

She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection. 

• Luke Friend Freelance writer

Young Frenchman powers to third stage win as three-man breakaway caught at the death

By Flo Clifford Published 7 September 24

Five o’clock in the morning is 2023 British Best All-Rounder Andy Critchlow's favourite time to train

By Cycling Weekly Published 7 September 24

Useful links

• Tour de France
• Giro d'Italia
• Vuelta a España

buyers-guides

• Best road bikes
• Best gravel bikes
• Best smart turbo trainers
• Best cycling computers
• Editor's Choice
• Bike Reviews
• Component Reviews
• Clothing Reviews
• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy
• Advertise with us

Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The 12 Best Bikes for Women Who Commute, Tour, and Enjoy Leisurely Rides

From gravel rides to e-bikes, these are the best women's bikes out.

Let’s be clear on one thing. If you’re a woman shopping for a bike, your choices aren’t limited to only women’s models. (Even some women’s bikes are a better fit for men!) The point is: If you love a bike, you love a bike. Simple. If it fits, it’s comfortable, and it makes you happy, you’ll ride it more often than one that doesn’t.

While some women benefit from the geometry and tuning characteristics of women’s bikes, others might not. Our list includes women-specific bikes and unisex models we love, tested, and highly recommend. Find the perfect ride to make you feel like a champion woman .

Gear up for your next ride. Check out our picks for the best women's shorts , bike saddles , and spin shoes .

Best Women’s Bikes

Best Overall

Liv avail ar 3.

Best E-Bike For Women

Aventon level.2 commuter e-bike.

Best Beach Cruiser for Women

Electra cruiser 1 step-through bike, what to consider, then and now.

Few bike categories have seen bigger shifts in the past dozen years than women’s bikes. When first introduced, the “shrink it and pink it” mentality reigned supreme, and “women’s bikes” often simply meant smaller frames with stereotypical paint jobs and a lower level of components than their unisex counterparts. Then women-specific geometry took over. Bike companies started cranking out frames with shorter top tubes to better accommodate the average female body’s tendency toward longer legs and shorter torsos.

While some companies like Liv have stuck to that philosophy, others like Trek , Specialized , and Santa Cruz instead favor using the same frame for their men’s and women’s bikes and adjusting some parts—primarily touch points like the bar, grips, and saddle—for the intended gender. Most women’s mountain bikes also come with a fork and shock tuned for lighter riders. And city bikes are often offered as step-over and step-through models, with the latter aimed at women.

Join Bicycling All Access for more gear advice

Know Your Fit

For city and mountain bikes, which generally run from XS or S to M or L, it’s easy to estimate the size needed based on your height. Road bike size can get a bit trickier. If you don’t know your bike size, getting measured at a bike shop—or even getting a professional fitter to assess you—can make an enormous difference in helping you choose a road bike that’s comfortable for you. Just remember, you can get a good fit on a women’s frame or a unisex one; it just depends on your body and riding preferences.

With so many different options these days, it’s a great time to be a woman on a bike. In addition to choosing from bike style and fit, you also have frame material : carbon, aluminum, and steel. All are strong options, though carbon is generally the lightest and most expensive, and steel is generally the heaviest and most durable.

You also want to choose between rim brakes and disc brakes , which cost a little more but offer better stopping power. Discs are pretty standard on mountain bikes and are becoming more common on road bikes that cost more than $1,000. Rim brakes are still popular on city bikes, but discs are gaining popularity there as well, because they offer more control and consistent stopping power in wet conditions.

How We Tested

Every bike on this list has been ridden and loved by women on our staff. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and engineers, and use our own experience riding these bikes to determine the best options. Our team of experienced test editors spent many hours and miles using these bikes for their intended purpose—from road races and trail rides to gravel adventures, commutes, and beach cruises. Then we evaluated them on performance, price, comfort, handling, value, fun, and—yes—looks (because the mere sight of your bike should get you excited, too).

While other brands on this list have shifted to gender-neutral geometry, Liv is one of the only ones still manufacturing women’s-specific sizing. Instead of strapping a cushier saddle and a pink colorway to deem a bike feminine, Liv produces in-house stems, handlebars, saddles, and seat posts to accommodate the female body better.

The Avail AR 3 is a gravel bike that can handle dirt and trails, and smooth pavement. It’s got sturdy aluminum Giant S-R2 Disc wheels, a D-shaped seatpost that dampens bumps, a carbon fork for extra absorption, a Shimano Sora drivetrain, and internal cables that make it stylish and sleek. Although its Tektro disc brakes feel a bit gummy, this ride does well on bumpy roads, steep climbs, and uneven terrain. This is an excellent option for commuters doing light off-roading, and anyone looking for a bike packing workhorse.

Read our review

This class-3 e-bike will spin you up to 28mph through pedal assist or you can use the throttle and hit a max speed of 20 miles per hour. Those speeds sound fast for newer riders, but the bike has strong brakes and a balanced ride. The battery is housed cleanly in the downtube and provides 672 watt hours of power. The controls are easy to use, the dip in the frame’s top tuber makes getting on and off a snap, and the price is hard to beat for everything this e-bike fantastic city and commuting bike delivers.

It’s hard to beat a cruiser’s simple, functional, stylish appeal. Made for boardwalks or rolling around town like it’s is a beach day in July, this one is full of summertime vibes.

The Electra Cruiser has high wide bars for a relaxed riding position, and Electra’s Flat Foot technology, which places the seat further behind the pedals, so you can ride with it lower, making it easy to keep you feet on the ground when you stop. A single-coaster brake helps control your speed and a single gear means no fussing with shifts or keeping your derailleurs in tune—but also means that this one is best enjoyed on flat roads and sandy boardwalks.

Aventon Pace 350.2 Step-Through E-Bike

The $1,000 price level is where e-bikes can get sketchy: Lithium-ion battery technology is still pricey, so corners must be cut elsewhere to keep costs down. At $1,199, the Aventon Pace 350.2 is one such bike, but our test revealed it’s not too cheap to be quality. The Class 2 e-bike tops out at 20 mph, whether you get there by pedal assist or a throttle. There’s a 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and five levels of e-assist, giving you various pedaling options. You don’t get lights or fenders, but the Pace 350.2 feels viable for daily commuting.

Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 Bike

Co-op Cycle’s ADV line of adventure bikes has impressed us for years, whether we’ve tested their lower-cost paved-path models or ones equipped for more ambitious rides like this one. The 2.2 is made for gravel and dirt roads but handles itself well on paved paths and city streets, too. You get Shimano’s excellent 1x10 GRX drivetrain, 40mm tires, a dropper seatpost, and a carbon fork to keep weight low and take some buzz out of bad roads. Plus, there are plenty of mounts for racks, bags, and other adventure gear should your trips extend into the next zip code.

Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Electric Commuter Bike

Rad Power Bikes has become one of the most popular e-bike brands based on its great pricing, reliable customer service, and, more recently, having products to buy. One of the brand’s latest offerings, the RadCity 5 Plus, comes in a traditional frame or this step-through model. Both are excellent options for spinning around the city, running errands, cruising on bike paths, or getting from point A to point B as blissfully as possible.

This model comes with a hub-mounted 750-watt motor, which saves cost over mid-drive options, hydraulic brakes, puncture-resistant tires, and a rear rack with a 59.5-pound capacity—enough for hauling groceries or a kid.

Cannondale Adventure Neo 4 Bike

In the world of e-commuter bikes, the Adventure Neo 4 hits a happy medium between a traditional townie and a larger, more cumbersome cargo model. With an excellent Bosch motor that assists you up to 20 miles per hour and wide, cushy tires, the Adventure is ideal for cruising along bumpy streets and bike paths. The alloy frame keeps weight modest, and the step-through frame makes it easy for anyone to hop on and start spinning. There are Shimano hydraulic disc brakes to slow you safely, and the 60-plus-mile range means you can ride for hours before recharging.

Cervélo R5 Force eTap AXS

Cervélo, the sponsor of one of the most dominant women's teams in professional cycling , Jumbo-Visma, makes one of the best road bikes available. The R5 Force eTap AXS is a carbon-framed beast with carbon wheels to match. It's built with highly component components that make it light for climbs and stable on descents. Its Full SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed drivetrain gives it power, and according to our tester Tara Seplavy, the longer you ride it, the more comfortable it feels.

Niner 2-Star Apex 1 Gravel Bike

Our tester liked this aluminum version of the RLT bike even more than the acclaimed steel model. The RLT 9 is burly enough (and has the gearing) to put up with whatever challenge you could sling into its path. The bike is stiff, agile, and responsive no matter how much weight you pack. With what Niner calls “fire road geometry”—longer chainstays, a lowered bottom bracket, and a slacker head-tube angle—the RLT 9 was comfortable enough to ride on gravel all day. Rack and fork mounts make multiple touring and commuting configurations possible, and the tire clearance of up to 42mm allows you to take it as far off the grid as you want. A carbon fork, disc brakes, and dual thru axles complete the package.

Specialized Fuse Comp 29

This hardtail 29er has a semi-slack setup and a 130mm RockShox Recon RL fork, making it a capable and maneuverable little ride. Adding to its ability to take on rowdier trails is the smooth-operating TranzX dropper post and the well-knobbed 2.6-inch tires. The grippy, wide tires are not quite plus-size (the frame accommodates 27.5+ tires and wheels, too), but they deliver handfuls of traction on rock, snow, and slick clay. On climbs, the combination of the steep seat angle and longer reach help keep the rear wheel driving you forward and the front wheel tracking where you want it to go.

For the price, this bike has a huge range of capabilities and features, including hydraulic disc brakes, a 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle 1x drivetrain, and a 750mm-wide handlebar (780mm on sizes medium and up), which slows steering for a more stable ride. Whether you’re new to mountain biking or a vet, the fun-loving Fuse can turn every ride into a party.

Cannondale Cannondale Quick CX 1 Bike

We love the versatility of this lightweight bike from Cannondale. It’s got a little suspension, excellent brakes, cushy tires with lots of traction in sketchy conditions, and great parts from Shimano. The 1x12 drivetrain eliminates the finicky front derailleur and gives you 12 gears to shift through—enough to keep up on fast bike path sprints or to spin up the town’s tallest hill. It’s made for fun, but with all the features you need to be a practical city or town bike capable of paved and dirt adventures.

Quincy CC GRX

What started as a dedicated ’cross race bike has turned into a ’cross, gravel, and bikepacking beast that is one of the liveliest and most versatile “gravel bikes” we’ve ridden. On the spectrum between ’cross and gravel geometry (the former prizes agility and the latter tends to prize stability), the Quincy remains ’cross-biased—Santa Cruz wanted this to be a bike you could race in between your gravel adventures. It rides like a road bike on pavement and a gravel bike on dirt, and when it hits mellow singletrack, it transforms into a mini mountain bike.

With its endless grip on long, fast, swooping fire-road descents and over gravel sections, the Quincy will encourage you to dive into turns faster, brake less, and test the traction of the 2.0-inch tires in corners. But its light weight and shorter wheelbase keep it agile enough to dodge or hop over obstacles and washouts.

Juliana sells two versions of the bike—this one and another with SRAM’s Force AXS electronic group and 650b wheels. Both use frames with the company’s premium CC carbon and accept 650b or 700c wheels. Read Full Review

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

Bike Reviews

The Spot Mayhem 140 is Brilliantly Unconventional

The 13 Best Road Bikes of 2024

Firefly’s Custom Gravel Bike is Cycling Artwork

The 14 Best Electric Bikes, Tested by Our Editors

Trek Checkpoint & Checkmate Gravel Bikes Reviewed

This Bike Made Me Laugh, Cry, and Puke—Buy It!

The Specialized Crux DSW Is Simple and Brilliant

Best Hybrid Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

The 10 Best Mountain Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

Giant TCR Advanced Improves on Its Legacy

Speed, Balance, Refinement: Trek's Gen 4 Top Fuel

Tested: Trek’s Eighth-Generation Madone

• Hiking Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Hiking Sandals
• Trail Runners
• Base layers
• Hiking Shirts
• Fleece Jackets
• Softshell Jackets
• Rain jackets
• Down Jackets
• Hiking Pants
• Hiking Shorts
• Base Layers
• Rain Jackets
• Hiking Bras
• Baby Carriers
• Cookware Sets
• Water Filters
• Water Purifiers
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Pads
• Hiking Poles
• GPS Devices
• Solar Chargers
• Dive Regulators
• Dive Computers
• Dive Watches
• Dive Wetsuits
• Dive Gloves
• Dive Lights
• Dive Knives
• Spearfishing Wetsuits
• Spearfishing Masks
• Spearfishing Fins
• Spearfishing Watches
• Freediving Wetsuits
• Freediving Masks
• Freediving Fins
• Freediving Watches
• Sit On Top Kayaks
• Inflatable Kayaks
• Fishing Kayaks
• Tandem Kayaks
• Touring Kayaks
• Kayak Paddles
• Kayak Seats
• Kayak Roof Racks
• Kayak Carts
• Stand Up Paddle Boards
• Touring SUPs
• Inflatable SUPs
• Fishing SUPs
• SUPs For Yoga
• SUPs For Surfing
• SUP Paddles
• Climbing Boots
• Belay Devices
• Climbing Shoes
• Women's Climbing Shoes
• Bouldering Shoes
• Approach Shoes
• Climbing Pants
• Bouldering Pants
• Mountain Bikes for Men
• Mountain Bikes for Women
• MTB Handlebars
• Bike Saddles
• Bike Computers
• Bike Lights
• MTB Jackets
• Bike Helmets
• Bike Packing Gear
• Fat Biking Gear
• Ski Bindings
• Ski Helmets
• Ski Goggles
• Ski Jackets
• Snowboarding Bindings
• Snowboarding Boots
• Snowboard Helmets
• Snowboard Goggles
• Snowboard Pants
• Snowboard Jackets
• Snowshoe Poles
• Avalanche Beacons
• Avalanche Probes
• Avalanche Shovels
• Ski Backpacks
• Surfboards For Beginners
• Surfboards For Kids
• Surfboard For Small Waves
• Soft Top Surfboards
• Foam Surfboards
• Body Boards
• Boogie Boards
• Kiteboarding Kites
• Kitesurfing Boards
• Kiteboarding Harnesses
• Surfing Wetsuits
• Men's Rash Guards
• Women's Rash Guards
• Board Leashes
• DLSR Travel Cameras
• Mirrorles Travel Cameras
• Point and Shoot Travel Cameras
• Fuji Travel Lenses
• Nikon Travel Lenses
• Tripods for Travel
• DLSR Landscape Cameras
• Mirrorles Landscape Cameras
• Point and Shoot Landscape Cameras
• Fuji Landscape Lenses
• Nikon Landcape Lenses
• Canon Landcape Lenses
• Tripods for Landscape Photo
• Wildlife Cameras
• Wildlife Lenses
• Wildlife Tripods
• Wildlife Monopods
• Birdlife Cameras
• Birdlife Lenses
• Surfboards For Small Waves

Best Women’s Touring Bikes of 2024

Going on my first bike tour changed my life. If you’re reading this article and you’ve never been on a bicycle tour before, then this could be the first step to changing your life for the better, too. In order to embark on a successful first (or fifteenth) bike tour, there’s just one thing you need: the best women’s touring bike!

There is really nothing quite like seeing the world via bicycle. Despite what you may think, it is very different from viewing the world from a car, bus, or other motorized vehicle. There is something extremely invigorating and incredibly rewarding about hopping on a bike and putting in the physical work to see new places. It’s the best way to truly immerse yourself in your travels! And since it’s the best, you need to make sure you’re also riding the best, right?! We sure think so. And that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the very best bikes for touring for you. In this article, we’ll cover everything from entry-level to top-of-the-line bikes, and we’ll provide you with all the info you need to choose one and hit the road. Bon Voyage!

For more of our top biking gear recommendations, check out the Best Touring Bikes . 

Quick Answer - The Best Women's Touring Bikes

• Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 View at REI
• Co-op Cycles ADV 4.2 View at REI
• Cinelli Hobootleg Complete View at Amazon
• Schwinn Discover Hybrid View at Amazon
• Giordano Libero View at Amazon

Comparison Table - Best Women's Touring Bike

Reviews - the best touring bike for women, co-op cycles adv 1.1.

• Frame Material : Chromoly Steel
• Weight : 33 Pounds
• Handlebar Shape : Drop Bar
• Brake Type : Disc
• Number of Gears : 30
• Pedals Included : No
• “Ultra-Low” Gear Option Makes Steep Climbs Easy
• Twenty-Nine Additional Speeds Allow You To Set Your Gear Just Right
• Front and Rear Rack Included

BEST FOR: HILLS

Okay, you want to get a touring bike, but you don’t want to break the bank. So you purchase your bike at what you think is a reasonable price, but then you realize you still have to buy all the accessories to go with it. Well ladies and er…ladies, this bike comes in at a higher price point than some on the list, but it may be worth the investment, and here’s why: This bike comes with both front and rear racks already installed. Plus, when you become a member of the REI Co-Op and purchase this bike, you get almost $200 back into your wallet that can you can put towards gear! Not to mention the free one-time tune-up offered by REI if you buy a bike directly from them (are we starting to sound like a broken record yet?)

This bike is cool for beginners and experts alike because it has (an impressive) thirty gears. There is literally a gear for every scenario, and that includes an ultra-low gear for super steep climbs. If you are just getting into biking and don’t yet have the leg strength for those big ascents, this bike could solve that problem until you work your way to Hulk-status.

Co-op Cycles ADV 4.2

• Frame Material : Aluminum
• Weight : 35 Pounds
• Handlebar Shape : Trekking Bar
• Number of Gears : 32
• Seat Suspension Gives Your Tush A Comfy Cushion
• Unique Handlebar Design Allows For Many Different Hand Positions
• Carries Up To 250 Pounds Of Gear

BEST FOR: COMFORT

The Co-Op Cycles ADV 4.2 was built for comfort, and it is unique in a couple of ways. First off, it is one of the only touring bikes on the market that has seat suspension. Suspension is a feature more common on mountain bikes and other off-roaders. Bikes with suspension have one or more parts that “give” or “play,” meaning they move up and down a bit when you go over bumps. Seat suspension is a feature that not many road bikes have, and it definitely provides extra comfort for those with a more delicate booty.

Another special feature of this bike is its one of a kind handlebar shape, also known as the trekking bar. The trekking bar is unique because it allows the rider to assume the traditional straight handlebar position, but it also has a U-shaped bar coming off the front of it. This allows for multiple hand positions and the opportunity to lean forward for increased comfort and aerodynamics. 

This bike also comes with a back rack, so you don’t have to worry about selecting one to go along with the purchase of your bike. REI will install it for you (as part of their free full-bike assembly). And if you’ve read any of the reviews that came before this section, then you know what I am going to say next…don’t forget about your free tune-up with purchase of any REI bike!

Cinelli Hobootleg Complete

• Frame Material : Steel
• Weight : 28 Pounds
• Brake Type : Cantilever
• Number of Gears : 9
• Pedals Included : Yes
• Anti-Corrosion Treatment Ensures Your Bike Is Protected Against Weather Of All Kinds
• Rugged Shifter Stands Up To Damage
• Protected Brake And Shifter Cables Diminish The Chance Of A Snag

BEST FOR: HEAVY LOADS

This bike boasts superior frame strength and protection. Weighing in at around 28 pounds, this bike is heavy duty. It comes with rear and front racks to carry multiple panniers, as well as rear and front fenders to keep water from splashing up onto the rider. It also has coverage for the brake and shifting cables to prevent damage from weather or brush. Its steel frame is strong and study and you can feel comfortable packing a whole lot onto it without losing your ability to steer and control.

This bike was also built with rider comfort in mind. Its drop handlebar shape allows for multiple hand positions, which is great for longer rides, and as a bonus, it has a super thick handlebar padding to prevent blisters and increase hand cushioning.

Schwinn Discover Hybrid

• Weight : 45 Pounds
• Handlebar Shape : Flat Bar
• Number of Gears : 21
• Front And Rear Tire Fenders Prevent Wetness On Tires From Splashing Onto You Or Your Gear
• Shimano Derailleur Makes For A Smooth Shifting Experience
• Ultra-Cushioned Seat Makes For A Comfortable Ride

BEST FOR: BEGINNER CYCLISTS

This bike is a great “midway” option in a lot of categories, meaning it is great quality without being too ritzy or advanced. Coming in as the most budget-friendly option on the list, it makes a great option for those who want something that will be reliable without a lot of extra features, like the base model of a car. 

It boasts a super comfy seat, light but durable aluminum frame, and handlebar suspension. The gearing system has twenty-one gears. Plus, fenders, a rear rack, and pedals are included in the already low cost of this bike. This puppy has the comfort of a beach cruiser and the shifting capability of a modern-day road bike. If you’re looking for a low-cost option to kick off your touring career, you won’t be disappointed with the Discover Hybrid!

Giordano Libero

• Number of Gears : 14
• Aluminum Cranks Assist In Climbs
• Available In Small And Medium Sizes
• Great Beginner Bike For The Price!

BEST FOR: OVERALL VALUE

This bike is another great pick for those looking to dip their toes into the world of bike touring who aren’t quite ready to commit to a complicated and expensive bike. This road bike comes in at an affordable price, and it has many of the features you need to get started. 

Its Shimano drivetrain is made by a trusted brand and promises a smooth and confident shifting experience for its rider. Its drop bar handlebar shape is a step up from the straight bar found on many beginner bikes. Its saddle design has women-specific comfort in mind. And its tough steel frame ensures stability and durability. This is no extravagant tour bike, but as far as value goes, it’s a pretty great bang for your buck.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A WOMEN’S TOURING BIKE

Bike touring is exciting because it can take you anywhere! But that doesn’t mean that everyone will want to go everywhere on their tour bike. Consider what kind of trips you may want to take – will you mostly stick to flat bike paths and designated bike routes? Will you venture onto other roadways with peaks and hills? Will you off-road? These are all questions to ask yourself when considering which features will be most important for your bike. Want to plan your first bike trip but not sure where to start? Take a look at this article that explains easy steps to plan a bike tour !

HANDLEBAR SHAPE

This may seem like a super basic option, but the shape of your handlebars is more integral to a comfortable ride than you may initially realize. Beginners may be used to a handlebar that goes straight across, but I would encourage you to consider a drop bar shape. Drop bars take a little bit of getting used to, but they allow for multiple hand and riding positions, and in turn result in increased comfort on longer rides. You should note that drop bar handlebars often come with a slightly higher price tag than the traditional handlebar shape (but we think they’re worth it!).

FRAME MAKEUP

Aluminum, Steel, and Carbon are the three most popular frame materials found on touring bikes, and each serves a slightly different purpose.

Carbon is ultra-light and increases bike speed and agility, while sacrificing the ability to stand up to rough conditions and carry large amounts of weight.

Steel is a heavy-duty frame material, often found on super sturdy bikes. Steel can make for a hefty bike that is slightly harder to control and maneuver.

Aluminum is a solid “in-between” material. It is stronger than carbon and less heavy than steel.

NUMBER OF GEARS

The bikes on this list showcase a lot of variability when it comes to number of gears. In general, it is useful to have many gears because you can fine tune the degree of effort you expend while pedaling (and therefore how much distance you gain with each pedal stroke). However, some folks prefer fewer gears because bikes with fewer gears still offer the ability to adjust the difficulty of pedaling, and they have a bit less to think about and fiddle with. Number of gears comes down to personal preference, and you’ll find a wide range on this list.

How could we leave out cost! This is a consideration on many a bike-buyer’s mind, especially since the price of this product in particular varies so greatly. When choosing a touring bike , be careful. While high cost will usually mean high quality, low cost does not necessarily mean low quality!

You can get a really great touring bike for only a few hundred bucks if you look for it. When considering the cost of your bike, you should first think about the other “things to consider” on this list. Make sure your bike has the features you need for the trips you plan to take, and then seek out a bike in your price range from there.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Perhaps surprisingly, there can sometimes be a lot that is not included when you make a touring bike purchase. Things like pedals, racks, and even bike assembly or bike tune-ups may or may not be included with your purchase. These are important considerations to factor into the overall cost. Don’t forget to budget for the extras. (Did I mention REI offers free assembly and one free bike tune-up with the purchase of any bike?).

P.S. Two of the most important extras you can buy to get started with bike touring are a rack and bike bags. Click on this helpful article for advice on choosing the right rack and bags for you .

FEATURES EXPLAINED

Drivetrain is a fancy word that refers to several different parts of the bike, all of which help propel the bike forward in different ways. Its main components are the bike’s shifters, chain, derailleurs, and crankset (the part that holds the pedals). Many of these individual parts are explained below.

Fenders are a piece of metal or plastic that sits just above the top part of the tires to prevent moisture from kicking up onto the rider or the rider’s bags.

Industry-wide, disc brakes are considered to be the highest performing brakes. They can stop the bike quickly, even in wet weather. Cantilever, caliper, and V-brakes are also common. Want to know more? Check out this article that explains how different brake types work.

Gears adjust how difficult it is to pedal. Lower gears make it easier to pedal, but each pedal stroke propels you a shorter distance. Higher gears make it more difficult to pedal, but each pedal stroke propels you a greater distance. For bike touring, you’ll want to find a bike with at least ten gears.

RACK AND BAGS/PANNIERS

A bike rack attaches to the front or back part of the frame and is designed to carry bike bags to store your gear. Pannier is the technical name for bike bags.

The part of the bike frame that holds the front wheel and allows it to spin and turn.

SHIFTER/DERAILLEUR

The shifter and derailleur work together to allow the rider to change gears. “Shifter” refers to the buttons or dial on the handlebars that is used to adjust the position of the “derailleur,” which is the actual mechanism that moves the chain into different positions along the gears.

For more of our top bicycle touring gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Touring Bikes

Bike Handlebar Bags

Touring Tires

Panniers for Touring

Touring Saddles

• Vuelta a España stage 20 Live - The final day in the mountains

Best touring bikes: Machines for old-school, long distance riding

The best touring bikes to load up for the long haul or just for local load-lugging

• How to choose

The best touring bikes are designed to be loaded up for comfortable long-distance riding, but they're also a robust, reliable option for local riding with a load or just for commuting .

They're a bit old school now, with bikepacking being the trendy fast and light way to ride far, either on one of the best endurance bikes or the best gravel bikes . The availability and range of models reflect that trend, although touring bikes still offer a great way to see the world.

They're built strong, often with a steel frame and fork and have reliable wheels with plenty of spokes for strength, as well as a wide gear range, which may be via a triple chainset with a smaller range of "speeds" in the cassette or hub gear. Expect an upright ride position and comfortable touchpoints.

Luggage is normally carried in panniers and bags attached to a rear rack, often supplemented by a front rack, as well as a bar bag. Mudguards are also normal, making riding more comfortable in all weathers, while multiple bottle cages mean that you can keep hydrated even when you're far from a tap.

Below, you'll find our pick of the best touring bikes and below that is our buyer's guide to how to choose the best touring bike for you.

Best touring bikes: our picks

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

This Genesis touring bike option comes fully loaded, with front and rear racks, lights and a bottle cage, while its 35mm wide tyres give a comfortable ride. There's a Shimano Tiagra triple chainset, which gives a total of thirty gear ratios, which head below 1:1 for loaded climbing. 

Read more below

Another steel-framed tourer with many of the extras you'll need already there. The Kona Sutra has a high ride position and is equipped with a Brooks leather saddle for a retro touring vibe, although the disc brakes and wide gear range keep it up to date.

Yet another steel-framed option with front and rear racks and an upright ride, the Salsa Marrakesh has 3x9-speed gearing and mechanical disc brakes. Its 42mm Teravail tyres should provide comfort and grip wherever you travel.

Another long-haul steel model, the Disc Trucker has a very upright ride position thanks to its riser stem and yet more rise to its bars. A triple chainset that goes as low as a 26x34t ratio helps with long rides over steep roads.

With 42mm WTB Resolute tyres, the Marin Four Corners is a bike that can handle poor road conditions. The steel frame and fork are robust, while the triple chainset, nine-speed gearing and mechanical disc brakes should prove reliable. 

The Giant Toughroad takes a slightly different tack from most touring bikes, with flat bars, an alloy frame and carbon fork. Its 50mm wide tyres and very wide gear range equip it for off-road adventures.

Best touring bikes

1. genesis tour de fer 30, specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Genesis Tour De Fer is a great option in this category. It's a top all-round bike, featuring a solid steel frame, durable tyres, disc brakes and all the practicalities such as three bottle cages, front and rear racks, mudguards and dynamo-powered lights.

Simply put, this is a bike ready for whatever you need to do straight away, whether it's commuting, leisure riding or touring. The bike offers an easy, calm ride, and is comfortable enough to get on and go right away.

35mm Schwalbe Marathon tyres come as standard, with their puncture-proof reputation. The Shimano Tiagra triple groupset gives you plenty of range including a sub-1:1 ratio to haul your loaded bike up the hills. You might need that range, with the extra features adding significantly to the bike's weight though.

2. Surly Disc Trucker

Another do-anything bike, the Disc Trucker features a sturdy and good-looking steel frame and fork. It is, however, more suited to road riding than exploring gravel and mud, though it's not to say that you can't tackle gravel tracks with it. The rise to the bars, paired with a long head tube gives a comfortable all-day ride position.

Mounts for three bottles, a pump, and mudguards add to the practicality, while the tyre clearance will let you get some meaty rubber in there. Surly quotes 2.1" tyre clearance on 650b wheels and the smaller frame sizes come specced with this wheel size for better toe clearance.

A Shimano Alivio MTB triple groupset with Sora road shifters provides steady and reliable 9-speed shifting, although it's quite a low end spec. Like the Genesis and the Trek, the Disc Trucker relies on TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes for reliable, low-maintenance stopping power.

3. Giant Toughroad SLR 1

What do you get when you combine a mountain bike, a touring bike and a gravel bike? No, this isn't the start of one of your dad's jokes, you get the impressively capable Toughroad SLR 1. More suited to the offroad than any of the bikes we've looked at so far, Giant calls it a do-it-all bike capable of commuting, but make no mistake, it's built primarily for dirt and gravel.

There's no suspension fork, but the giant 50mm tyres are a dead giveaway. An 11-42 MTB cassette on the back will also help with tackling the steep stuff, although there's not the absolute range of the triple chainsets on the bikes above. Pannier racks front and back and three bottle cage mounting points mean you can pile on whatever you need to take with you.

There are plenty of modern features on the bike, including thru-axles, hydraulic brakes, and tubeless tyres. A reliable Giant wheelset and Shimano Deore groupset round off this bike. You might find the lack of variation in hand position with the flat bar configuration gets tiring on longer rides though.

4. Kona Sutra

The first thing to strike you about the Sutra is its retro features; the Brooks leather saddle and steel frame give a different look to many of the bikes we've looked at. Disc brakes and thru-axles remind you that this is a thoroughly modern bike, though.

It's another bike for touring and commuting on the road and on some gravel/dirt surfaces. Mudguards and front and rear pannier racks are included, while there are other bosses for more additions if needed.

The 10-speed Shimano GRX gravel groupset with Tiagra shifters gives plenty of range, although not as much as a triple like that specified on the Trek, while the hybrid hydraulic/cable-operated brakes should give a bit more stopping power than the TRP Spyre cable brakes specced elsewhere, they are more of a faff to maintain though. It's a classy-looking bike that can work well anywhere.

5. Salsa Marrakesh

A great-looking steel frame is the first thing to catch the eye on this bike, while the fat 42mm tyres give a signal as to its intentions. It's as comfortable off-road as on, whether you're touring, commuting or just riding for fun.

As with the bikes above, front and rear racks are included, though if you want to add mudguards, be warned that the wide tyres will need to go on a diet ­– down to a 40mm maximum.

It's a solid entry into the touring selection, even if it is a bit on the weighty side, however, though not so much that you'll be struggling under the weight. Components include a Shimano Alivio groupset with Microshift shifters as well as TRP Spyre-C disc brakes and wheels and tyres ready to be set up tubeless.

6. Marin Four Corners

The Marin Four Corners is part tourer, part gravel bike. It's got the clearance for really wide tyres on 650b wheels (which is the stock wheel size specced on smaller-sized frames), but you can also set it up for a more traditional touring configuration with 700c wheels.

The steel frame is bombproof while the long head tube gives an upright ride position so you've got plenty of visibility all around. There are mounts for a rack, mudguards and to lash extra kit to the fork legs, so you can load up to head into the unknown. It's a bike more geared to gravel than the road, unlike the more traditional tourers like the Kona and the Genesis.

7. Trek 520

Marketed as a bike for long-haul travel, the Trek 520 is the longest-running bike in Trek's stable, although its days look to be numbered. The 520 is no longer sold in the UK or US, but international buyers in some countries still have a choice of two specs on Trek's site, including the Sora/Alivio option above.

Like the Genesis, the Trek 520 comes with front and rear racks, although you'll have to add mudguards for all-weather use. Small updates include mechanical disc brakes with a thru-axle alloy fork, while the 9-speed Shimano Sora gearing provides massive range from its triple chainset, albeit with quite large jumps across the 11-36 tooth cassette.

It's also nice to see tubeless-ready wheels specced (although not the tyres), so you can set up tubeless, which should up dependability on long rides. 

How to choose the best touring bike for you

Whether you're looking for a practical way to get to work, want that extra durability so that your bike will stand the test of time or want to travel to far-flung corners of the earth with nothing but a tent and a change of clothes, a touring bike a great addition to your stable of steeds. 

You can still get around quickly – whether you're hitting the roads, gravel paths or other rough terrain – but plenty of space for mudguards and racks, as well as a more relaxed position, make a touring bike a better all-round option than a road bike, a hybrid or a mountain bike. 

The relaxed geometry and more upright riding position are also handy for commuting, and the best touring bikes are often built with durable, easy-to-maintain components so they can be fixed when hundreds of miles away from a bike shop. This lends itself to fewer mechanicals and lower running costs. Steel frames also have a far better chance of being repaired all over the world compared to aluminium or carbon fibre if you're on a big trip.

What types of touring bike are there?

Touring bikes can range anywhere from predominantly road-going bikes with horizontal top tubes and 700c tyres, to rugged mountain bikes with knobbly mountain bike tyres. 

What the best touring bikes tend to share, however, is a durable design, comfortable geometry and the ability to carry luggage. Some opt for bikepacking bags , which usually consist of frame bags and oversized saddle bags, whereas others opt for the traditional rack and pannier bag method of carrying luggage. 

As with any bike purchase, consider the riding you plan to do with the bike. For those looking to travel far and wide, a bike with more luggage-carrying capacity will be preferred. For those who are looking to travel off-road, look for a bike that can handle the rough stuff. Live in the mountains? Look for a wide gear range. 

What's different about touring bike geometry?

Touring bike frames feature a relaxed geometry , with a taller head tube and shorter top tube for a comfortable and more upright riding position compared to a racing road bike. In addition to this, they feature a longer wheelbase, which keeps the bike stable even when loaded with heavy luggage. Since they're designed to be cycled over long distances, they're equally designed to stay comfortable for as long as possible.

If you're a geometry nerd you may notice the trail is a little lower than you'd expect for a relaxed ride, but this is often done to counteract the slowing effect on the steering of a heavy front load to avoid the bike feeling like a barge when laden.

Which gearing should a touring bike have?

Gearing-wise, what you should pick really depends on what type of riding you'll be doing. If you're taking on hills regularly, then you'll want a cassette with larger sprockets on the back. Some touring bikes offer a triple chainset too, with easier gearing on offer compared to a double chainset. The addition of extra gear combinations into the mix will add an extra component to maintain, so those on flatter terrain might prefer a single chainring at the front.

The majority of touring bikes offer standard external gear systems – the chainset, chain and cassette we're all used to. Some do have internal gearing though, with an enclosed rear gearbox which requires a lot less maintenance and is less prone to damage but is heavier and will cost you more. Belt drives are also available – this is a multi-tooth belt instead of a chain, so no regular cleaning or lubrication is required. Hub gears like the Rohloff system are favoured by riders taking on huge worldwide tours for their durability. 

Should I look for rim brakes or disc brakes?

As with much of the cycling world, rim brakes and disc brakes are both available, with rim brakes found more often on lower-end bikes. Rim brakes feature two pads grabbing onto the wheel rims to stop the bike, while disc brakes grip onto a separate rotor on the wheels instead.

Disc brakes feature better and more consistent braking performance, which is useful for a heavily laden bike, and are better in wet weather, though. Both adjustment and maintenance are far easier with rim brakes, however, with an Allen key and some new pads all you really need.

Rim brakes will wear down your rim eventually, prompting a rim swap and wheel rebuild or a new wheel. Whereas that's not an issue with disc brakes, and there's more leeway to keep riding with a buckled disc brake wheel or a broken spoke.

Hydraulic disc brakes are generally maintenance-free in operation, however, if you snag your brake hose on a tree in the middle of the Atlas Mountains, there's little chance of repair unless you packed a bleed kit and spare hose. 

What should I look for in touring bike contact points?

Saddles are an important factor, being the main point of contact with your body. Padded saddles may look more comfortable but looks can be deceiving, with thinner padding usually better for you once you've gotten used to it after a few rides. Saddles should support your sit bones, and additional padding can move the pressure elsewhere and rub more, making things more uncomfortable over time.

If you're planning a long trip and already have a saddle that you like, it may be worth swapping out the saddle that comes with the bike, if you're not sure how comfortable it will be for the long haul.

On a multi-day trip, handlebars need to be comfortable as well. Some bars have a slight rearward sweep, which can feel more natural when riding on the tops. A shallow drop is likely to be more comfortable to use as well.

Which pedals should I choose?

It's worth choosing pedals wisely too. While the best road bike pedals give good power transfer, the best cycling shoes that work with them are difficult to walk in, which could be an issue if touring or even for a trip to the shops.

On the other hand, flat pedals may make it difficult to keep your feet well-positioned for longer rides. They will allow you to use standard shoes, which are easier to walk in, but unless the soles are relatively stiff, your pedalling will be less efficient and you may get foot ache after a long day riding without adequate support.

Gravel bike pedals are a good option, as they still let you clip in for more efficient riding, but the cleats are recessed on the sole of the shoes and so can be walked in much more easily. You'll need gravel shoes to go with them that accept two-bolt cleats. These will have soles designed for efficient pedalling and foot support, but most are not too stiff to walk in comfortably.

Alternatively, some of the best commuter cycling shoes also allow you to fit two-bolt cleats.

You can learn more about the pros and cons of two-bolt versus three-bolt pedals in our explainer.on Shimano SPD vs SPD-SL systems.

Get The Leadout Newsletter

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Paul has been on two wheels since he was in his teens and he's spent much of the time since writing about bikes and the associated tech. He's a road cyclist at heart but his adventurous curiosity means Paul has been riding gravel since well before it was cool, adapting his cyclo-cross bike to ride all-day off-road epics and putting road kit to the ultimate test along the way. Paul has contributed to Cyclingnews' tech coverage for a few years, helping to maintain the freshness of our buying guides and deals content, as well as writing a number of our voucher code pages. 

Spotted: Primož Roglič looking for marginal gains at the Vuelta a España

Bont Vaypor road bike shoes review: Feathery and stiff, with some much needed improvements for comfort

Tour of Britain: Paul Magnier sprints to third stage win on stage 5

Most Popular

• Touring & Bikepacking Bikes

Here Are The 13 BEST Touring Bikes You Can Buy In 2022

Today, we’re talking about the best touring bikes you can buy – with their price factored in. This is going to be a long article with a tonne of advice, so strap yourselves in.

We’ll start by discussing the most important aspects of a touring bike. We’ll then go through each touring bike category where I’ll be revealing my picks.

The cool thing is that even if you don’t like my picks, you can apply this knowledge to any touring bike you’re looking to buy – expensive, cheap, new or second hand.

To arrive at this shortlist, I’ve narrowed down the 270 different models that are featured in my 2022 Touring Bicycle Buyer’s Guide . This book goes into way more detail than I possibly can in this article, so if you’re interested – grab yourself a copy.

How Did I Select The Best Touring Bikes?

The first thing I did was calculate the low climbing gear  of every bike in my book.

Low climbing gears are important for bicycle touring as they allow you to ride up hills at a sustainable effort with all of your luggage. When your climbing gear is too high, you’ll be working much harder than necessary, which results in more muscle fatigue, and frankly, makes hills much less enjoyable.

To compare the lowest climbing gear of different touring bikes, we’ll be using a unit of measurement called gear inches .

This is the diameter of the wheel, times the size of the front chainring and divided by the size of the rear cog. With this information, we can compare bikes with different wheel sizes, tyre widths and drivetrain setups.

I’m looking for 20 gear inches or less for paved roads, and less than 18 gear inches for dirt roads. But really, the lower – the better!

Don’t worry about the fact we’re using inches as the unit. These numbers aren’t ever converted, and they are relative too. For example, a bike with an 18-inch gear will climb 10% slower than a 20-inch gear, which means you’ll either find the same hill easier – or you can use this mechanical advantage to carry more goods.

I next assessed the frame geometry for each of these bikes. I’m looking for bikes that are long, upright and have the appropriate steering characteristics for the handlebar type.

More specifically, I’m looking for long chainstay and wheelbase lengths, a tall ‘stack’ height up front, and slower steering speeds (more trail) on the bikes that offer higher steering leverage (flat bar bikes).

I then narrowed things down further by determining the bike’s value for money .

As touring bikes have a pretty hard life, the price points I have chosen are where you get the most reliability and performance for your money. These bikes are almost always priced between US $1000 and $2500. If these prices are still too high for your budget, find an older version of these bikes second-hand and you’ll never be disappointed.

Frame stiffness is another important consideration for a touring bike.

The majority of touring bikes support a front and rear load, and your frame is the medium that needs to resist the twisting forces between these two points. A bike that is not stiff enough will feel unstable, and can more easily induce speed-wobbles.

When it comes to the handling, stability and general feel of a touring bike, we want our frames to be as stiff as possible without weighing a tonne. An appropriately stiff bike will use oversized frame tubes that make it feel very stable when it’s all loaded up.

Due to the heavy loads and uneven road surfaces, touring bikes really benefit from wide tyres.

Narrow tyres work well on smooth roads, but the reality is that there is very little speed penalty to using a wide slick, which you’ll find is more comfortable and will take you on more varied terrain.

The optimal tyre with fender clearance for most on-road touring bikes is around 50mm or 2.0″. This configuration allows you to fit narrower tyres on the smooth tarmac, but also switch to 2.2″ mountain bike tyres if you find yourself on dirt roads.

If you’re riding exclusively on dirt roads, you will find tyres wider than 2.2-inches to be the best option.

And lastly, I’ve prioritised bikes that have kickstand mounts.

It’s crazy how many touring bikes don’t have the option of fitting a kickstand. My kickstand is just 250 grams (9oz) and I use it dozens of times per day – that’s whenever I pack my bike, re-supply at the shops, take a photo or maintain my bike.

Coronavirus Supply Chain Issues

One last note, COVID has wreaked havoc on the bicycle supply chain, and there is also unprecedented demand for bikes. This means that you will likely have to wait a while for these bikes after ordering – some more than others.

Best Touring Bikes: Long-Distance

Long-distance touring bikes are optimised to carry heavy loads on a mix of road surfaces, however, they specialise in smoother surfaces. This is the kind of bike suitable for cycling around the world on primary or secondary roads.

2022 Masi Giramondo (US $1299)

My drop bar touring bike pick for 2022 is the Masi Giramondo. This bike stands out thanks to its price, which surprisingly went down recently.

The steel Giramondo offers a great climbing gear of 18 gear inches, which is 14% lower than the average bike in this category. You’ll find a generous 50mm tyre clearance, long chainstays, bombproof bar-end shifters, and excellent TRP mechanical disc brakes.

When you consider this bike comes with Tubus steel racks valued at US $250, it’s even more of a bargain.

If you haven’t heard of Tubus racks, these are the best in the business. I’ve never broken one, but in the unlikely event that you do, Tubus will send you a replacement, free of charge, anywhere in the world – for the first three years. They then go on to provide a 30-year guarantee.

2022 Co-Motion Deschutes (US $2645)

With popular mass-produced touring bikes like the Kona Sutra now cracking the $2000 mark, this makes the slightly more expensive, but USA-manufactured Co-Motion Deschutes a very appealing option.

The Deschutes features larger diameter tubes than almost every steel bike available, which results in one of the stiffest steel touring bikes. Even when it’s loaded to the brim, you can expect this bike to handle very well.

The quality of drivetrain parts is better than most bikes in this category too. It’s fitted with high-performing Shimano 105 shifters that are hooked up to an 11-speed mountain bike derailleur (via a shift-ratio converter). This allows the fitment of a larger cassette to yield the 20″ climbing gear.

2022 Riverside Touring 900 (€1299)

Moving on to flat bar touring bikes, the Riverside Touring 900 made it onto this list thanks to its exceptional price point.

This tourer is fully decked out, ready to go. It has racks, fenders, pedal-power dynamo lights, an ever-popular Brooks B17 saddle, ultra-tough Schwalbe touring tyres and a full Shimano XT groupset, which is about as good as it gets.

You can even charge your electronics from the front dynamo wheel using a USB charger conveniently located in the steerer tube. Independent testing suggests the Cycle2Charge unit performs quite well at 20KPH too.

The Riverside frame offers long chainstays, the steering speed is suitable for a flat bar bike, and the climbing gear is under 20 gear inches.

2022 Cube Travel (€899)

Speaking of value, I still cannot get past the Cube Travel.

This bike is more capable than many touring bikes on a mix of surfaces, as it has 29×2.2″ tyre clearance with fenders. The climbing could be better (22 inches) but you can always improve that yourself by fitting a cassette with a 36 tooth cog.

The Cube Travel comes with lots of great features including a rear rack, kickstand, Shimano 27-speed groupset, hydraulic brakes and even a dynamo hub and light set.

The frame is available in five sizes, and there are an additional three step-through frames if you fancy something easier to get on and off.

2022 KOGA WorldTraveller (€2199)

If you are after a top-tier frameset without the top-tier price, I don’t think you can beat the KOGA WorldTraveller.

These frames are incredibly stiff laterally, which allows them to handle very heavy loads with grace. There is fully-guided internal cable routing inside the frame, super-smooth welds, a steering limiter to prevent your front wheel from turning too far, super long chainstays to maximise the ride stability, and an abrasion-resistant powder coat paint job.

The WorldTraveller comes with everything you need to set off around the world, including super-strong wheels, dynamo lights, Tubus racks, Schwalbe touring tyres, a Topeak pump and a low 20″ climbing gear.

You can choose between a step-through or a traditional frame, which are both available in five sizes. And if you wanted to do some off-road touring like me, you can buy some rims in the 27.5″ diameter and then fit some wide 2.6″ tyres.

Please note: I am sponsored to ride KOGA bikes. But I simply could not find a bike this good at this price point!

Best Touring Bikes: Trekking

Trekking bikes are long distance touring bikes built around a suspension fork. The fork adds comfort on rough dirt and cobblestone roads. The downsides are that it’s harder to fit a rack for front panniers (most people just use rear panniers) and the suspension fork requires regular maintenance.

2022 Rose Multisport 1 ( € 1249)

The Rose Multisport 1 is a great option at an exceptional price point.

It has a coil-sprung suspension fork up front, which works out a little heavier than an air fork, but is less likely to experience problems on a long trip. You can lock the fork for the smooth road sections to ensure you aren’t wasting your pedal power.

The 21″ climbing gear is decent for most touring applications and the frame geometry is both very upright and stable.

The Multisport uses a Shimano Deore 30-speed groupset, dynamo lights, rear rack, fenders, kickstand, lock, chain protector and suspension seatpost. It’s a killer deal.

Best Touring Bikes: Light Touring / Gravel

Light touring bikes are designed to be lighter and faster on smoother surfaces. They aren’t as bombproof as long-distance touring bikes, but will comfortably handle 10kg of luggage or so.

2022 Kona Libre AL (US $2099)

At a touch over 10kg, the Kona Libre AL sheds more than 4kg/9lb compared to a dedicated touring bike.

What really draws me to the Libre is the frame geometry. Most bikes in this category have evolved from a race bike lineage, which results in a long reach to the bars, and a substantial saddle-to-bar drop. This puts your body in a speedy ride position but tends to be less comfortable over long distances.

Touring is about enjoying the ride in comfort and discovering new places, so I think more bikes in this category would benefit from being as relaxed and upright as the Libre. An added benefit of a tall front end is that you put much less weight on your hands, so you’re unlikely to experience numb fingers after a long day. Plus, you have better access to the drop section of the drop bars, which means more powerful braking and much better bike control.

The Libre has excellent tyre clearance (50mm), good hydraulic brakes and all the mounts you’ll need – but there are two downsides to this bike.

The climbing gear is high, so you might need to swap in some new drivetrain parts. And the large seatpost diameter will likely provide inadequate comfort, so factor in a carbon seatpost or suspension seatpost. Check out my comprehensive articles on suspension seatposts and carbon flex seatposts .

2022 Focus Atlas 6.7 EQP (€1899)

If you’re after something fast, lightweight (12.7kg), and with dynamo lights, fenders and a rear rack – the Focus Atlas is looking very good.

This frame is the stiffest gravel bike ever tested by Tour Magazin, which is a good thing when it comes to a bike that’s loaded with luggage.

The bike comes with 37mm tyres as standard, however, will comfortably fit 47mm tyres if you were to remove the fenders.

While the 24″ gear is a touch high by touring standards, keep in mind that this bike is designed for tarmac roads and lighter loads. Should you feel like pushing the limits of the drivetrain, the Shimano GRX rear derailleur that comes with the bike is known to handle cassettes with much larger sprockets.

The Atlas also wins my heart because it comes with a kickstand, and there’s also a flat bar version of this bike if that’s what you prefer.

2022 Cube SL Road Pro FE (€1199)

My light-touring-bike-with-flat-bars pick is the Cube SL Road Pro FE.

Like the Focus, it’s been fitted with all the touring accessories you need to travel, right down to the dynamo lights. It also offers the same 24″ climbing gear and 47mm tyre clearance without fenders.

The reason I picked the Cube over the Focus is that value-for-money is next level on this bike – it’s €400 cheaper with similar quality components.

Best Touring Bikes: Off-Road

Off-road touring bikes are essentially mountain bikes with tougher wheels and provision for racks, fenders and extra water bottles. A key characteristic is the wide tyre clearance on offer.

2022 Brodie Mega Tour (CA $1625 / US $1300)

The Brodie Mega Tour caught my attention for a few reasons.

The first thing was the price. Brodie is a Canadian company, so when we convert to US dollars and we end up with $1300 – which is hyper-competitive in this segment.

The next thing I noticed was the choice of a 2X drivetrain. While almost every off-road touring bike has switched to a 1X drivetrain, Brodie opted for a front derailleur.

What’s the advantage? Well, you get smaller jumps between each gear change, which is especially handy on flat or rolling terrain where you can better fine-tune your speed in accordance with your pedalling cadence. It can be more efficient too. You can read more about 1X vs 2X drivetrains in my article HERE .

The Mega Tour has a low gear of 18″, generous 29 x 2.6″ tyre clearance, a sweptback handlebar, Shimano hydraulic brakes (with large 180mm rotors)… and there’s even a kickstand mount out back.

This is not only a recipe for a great off-roader, but it could easily be a long-distance touring bike with some slicks.

2022 Genesis Longitude (£1199 / US $1600)

In the ‘plus bike’ category with 3.0″ wide tyres, I’ve picked the Genesis Longitude.

It just so happens that this is another 2X bike, but I primarily picked it because it represents excellent value for money. The climbing gear is 18 gear inches, however, you can quite easily replace the front chainrings to achieve a 16″ should you need.

The frame is a bit taller than average and is decked out with mounts. It’s tough enough too – I know quite a few people who are currently or have previously cycled across continents with this bike.

If the idea of a 14-speed Rohloff hub piques your interest, the Longitude also has horizontal dropouts that make it an appropriate fit .

2022 Panorama Taiga EXP (CA $3199 / US $2500)

This new steel off-roader is a great buy!

The Panorama Taiga has a carbon fork to keep the weight down (11.8kg/26.0lb) but it will also accommodate a MTB suspension fork should you need it. The stats on this bike are great – there’s 29 x 2.6″ tyre clearance, a 20″ climbing gear, a 52cm wide handlebar and the ability to fit a Rohloff 14-speed gearbox hub  and  belt drivetrain .

To achieve the low climbing gear, a SRAM MTB 12-speed derailleur has been hooked up to an interesting Gevenalle indexed shifter. These shifters are not particularly elegant but having used one previously, they’re fast-shifting and extra durable.

As you can see, the Taiga’s frame geometry is super upright. This is so that you can comfortably use the drops for long periods of time, where you have the best access to the brakes. And when you use the hoods or bar tops, you will have less pressure on your hands than a less upright bike. The frame also features long chainstays to keep your front wheel planted on steep climbs.

The only thing to note is that the Taiga is using a lightweight 28 spoke wheelset that’s very light. If you weigh more than average or are carrying a heavy load, you will want to replace it with something much stronger.

2022 On-One Rocky Road (£1299 / US $1750)

Ok, I never expected a titanium bike to end up on a value-for-money bike list.

This is the On-One Rocky Road, which retails for £1300 but can sometimes be found for under £1000 (US $1350). That’s smack-bang in steel or aluminium bike price territory.

By using titanium, On-One can build a frame with the equivalent stiffness and strength of a steel frame, with an 850-gram (1.9lb) weight saving. But the modest weight reduction isn’t the reason I would buy a titanium bike – it’s the scratch and rust resistance that I like most. You can easily buff out any scratches on the frame so that it looks as good as new.

Interestingly, the head tube angle is quite steep compared to modern mountain bikes, which results in a quick steering feel and reduced wheel flop. Given your front luggage weight slows the steering back down again, this is not a bad thing at all.

The bike comes with a carbon fork, hydraulic disc brakes and a 1X drivetrain. As the SRAM SX derailleurs are not known for their durability, I’d recommend upgrading it to an NX or GX model if you’re cycling anywhere remote.

To round things out, the frame geometry is quite upright, the maximum tyre width is 29 x 2.6″ and the climbing gear is ideal at 17.5 gear inches.

That rounds out the best touring bikes for 2022, with price factored in!

It was super hard narrowing this list down to so few but can see all the other great models in my 2022 Touring Bicycle Buyer’s Guide . In this book, you’ll learn about all the important features of a touring bike and can then use the tools at the back of the book to compare over 270 different bikes. It’s updated yearly for free, so expect to get great value out of it.

Are There Any Other Good-Value Touring Bikes That Should’ve Made This List?

Related Posts

• Touring VS Bikepacking Bikes: What Are The Actual Differences?
• best touring bikes

• Gravel Bikes

The 7 Best Budget Gravel Bikes With Drop Bars (Under $1000)

Here’s Why Gravel Bikes Will Get Much Better In 2025

The 9 Best Budget Gravel Bikes With Flat Bars (Under $1000)

• Custom Bikes

Analysing Lael Wilcox’s Around The World Record Bike (29,000km in 110 Days)

Keep up with everything Wheel! Sign Up

• Account Account
• Store Store
• Subtotal : $ 0.00 Checkout Cart

520 is a steel touring bike made for the open road. It's the longest-running model in Trek's lineup, and it's built to carry you and your gear on your longest journeys. Rack and fender mounts, a wide range of gearing for climbing, and a stable touring geometry make it the perfect choice for loaded multi-day trips and comfortable all-day adventures. It's right for you if... You measure the success of a ride in the number of beautiful views, and when you're not riding you're likely to be found planning your next escape. You hear the call of the open road, and want a stable touring bike that's just as capable of carrying a heavy load on multi-day trips as it is on everyday rides. The tech you get A road-smoothing chromoly steel frame, alloy disc touring fork with a ThruSkew captured quick release skewer, wide-range 27-speed drivetrain that's great for hauling a heavy load up hills, Shimano Sora brake/shift levers, Bontrager Tubeless Ready wheels with puncture-resistant tires, included front and rear racks, and all-weather mechanical disc brakes. The final word 520 is a comfortable steel workhorse that's capable of everything from daily rides to expedition tours. It's ready for adventure right out of the box, with an included rear rack and a drivetrain that's ideal for hauling a heavy load. Why you'll love it - 520 is built to hold up, and it's super reliable over the long haul—you'll leave this bike to someone in your will - ThruSkew ensures the front wheel will never drop out unintentionally, and makes it easier to remove your wheel without removing all of your front cargo - There's no better way to see the world than from the saddle, and this is the bike that answers your wanderlust - All-weather disc brakes and puncture-resistant tires give you the confidence to take on bigger adventures in any conditions - It's the longest-running model in our lineup, and we've kept it around so long because it's one of the best-loved, too

Geometry chart

* Subject to change without notice.

• Скидки дня
• Справка и помощь
• Адрес доставки Идет загрузка... Ошибка: повторите попытку ОК
• Продажи
• Список отслеживания Развернуть список отслеживаемых товаров Идет загрузка... Войдите в систему , чтобы просмотреть свои сведения о пользователе
• Краткий обзор
• Недавно просмотренные
• Ставки/предложения
• Список отслеживания
• История покупок
• Купить опять
• Объявления о товарах
• Сохраненные запросы поиска
• Сохраненные продавцы
• Сообщения
• Развернуть корзину Идет загрузка... Произошла ошибка. Чтобы узнать подробнее, посмотрите корзину.

Best Trek Bikes You Can Get: Complete Lineup Overview for 2024

Trek is one of the first brands that comes to the mind of both beginners and experienced cycling enthusiasts. But what are the best Trek bikes on the market? Let’s see

They have a HUGE range of bikes , in all price categories, for different purposes, many of which are often seen at top-level competitions, such as the Grand Tours. This American bicycle and product manufacturer enjoys respect in all cycling categories, including road, mountain, gravel, cyclocross, touring, and commuting.

We’ll take a closer look at the lineup of best Trek bikes across different model series and tell you more about each!

Where It All Began…

Marlin series, domane series, supercaliber series, émonda series, speed concept, roscoe series, fuel series, 520 – 920 – 1120 adventure series, farley series, slash series, powerfly series, checkpoint series, ticket series.

Trek Bikes was established in 1976 , in a small shed in Waterloo, Wisconsin. It is the brainchild of Bevill Hogg and Dick Burke who started making their first steel bikes with just five employees.

Trek made their first mountain bike in 1983, which quickly became very popular across the USA. The first carbon frames came off the production line a few years later, and Trek was already a well-known name worldwide by 1990s.

Among other things, Trek is also a big advocate for women cycling , being one of the first companies to design women-specific frames in the early 2000s.

Also read:  Trek vs. Giant Bike Brands Comparison

Perfect Trail Glider

Marlin is one of Trek’s most popular trail lines . It’s intended for beginners with prices that stay around $1,000 and includes both models suitable for both men and women.

The number of models changes, but it usually stays at around 5 or 6 models that differ in terms of components and colors.

All Trek Marlin models are hardtail , with 100 mm of front travel, lots of gears, Shimano components, and disc brakes.

What’s interesting is that these models are available with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels , depending on the size of the frame.

It’s an excellent choice for mountain biking beginners and casual riders who like hitting the trails from time to time.

Our Top Pick: Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2

Our favorite model and the true representative of this Trek’s versatile line is Trek Marlin 5. It is a reasonably priced hardtail bike that offers a lot for the money and will not disappoint any mountain biking newbie.

This bike comes equipped with SR Suntour’s 100 mm of travel and rolls on Bontrager tires that are 2.20″ wide . That makes it an excellent choice for XC riders, mild trails, and even daily commutes on less than ideally paved roads.

What sets Marlin 5 from other bikes that cost around $700 are hydraulic disc brakes . They’re a rare find in the entry-level trail world and they mean a lot to transform the on-trail experience.

Shimano Altus components and a 2×8 drivetrain are a good starting point and suit well with this model.

See the Model on Trek Bikes

Proper Road Warrior

Domane is one of Trek’s most popular lines of endurance road bikes . This line usually numbers between 20 and 30 models in different price categories. There are a few entry-level and mid-range bikes to choose from, but the majority are high-end road machines that cost thousands of dollars.

As expected, there are both men’s and women’s models to choose from, but the majority of them are unisex. Apart from these, the Trek Domane series also includes several e-bikes, such as the Domane+ LT.

As one can expect, Domane models come with nothing short but the best SRAM and Shimano component groups. Some of them sport V-brakes, whereas others brake with discs.

This line is also known for featuring Trek’s front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers that decrease vibrations in the headset and the seat tube.

Check out our reviews on Domane models:  2 –  3 – 4 .

Our Top Pick: Domane+ LT

Choosing one favorite Trek Domane model is not an easy job — most of them are jaw-droppingly good . However, when it comes to the electric models, Domane+ LT really stands out.

This high-end electric machine is built around a full carbon frame and fork with adjustable IsoSpeed decouplers both up-front and in the back.

Its e-parts are cleverly hidden in the oversized down tube, so this bike is pretty discrete. The motor and the battery will assist you up to 20 mph , and after that, you’re on your own.

Domane+ LT can also boast with a full Ultegra drivetrain and disc brakes, so it’s intended for serious roadies who will know how to use these components to their full potential.

This model sells for between $5,000 and $12,500 , but it’s well worth the money because it is one of the best Trek bikes you can get.

See the Models on Trek Bikes

True XC Machine

If you want the best of the best in the cross country world , then you should end your quest with Trek Supercaliber. This is a line of crème de la crème XC bikes with carbon frames, full suspension, and pretty steep price tags.

There are around 7 models you can choose from, but you’ll have to save between 5K and 12K  to own one. Ouch!

Trek Supercaliber models are light, fast, nimble, and swift. They feature strong and responsive carbon frames and short travel that makes these bikes precise in the corners.

Trek designed Supercaliber models with a rear shock IsoStrut design that puts the shock into the top tube. That gives Supercaliber models characteristics of both hardtail and full-suspension bikes.

Our Top Pick: Trek Supercaliber 9.9 AXS

Trek Supercaliber 9.9 AXS is simply the best you can get in the XC Mountain Biking world at the moment. This is a top-of-the-line XC racing monster that will instil fear in the opponents at the start line.

Like all other models in this line, Supercaliber 9.9 AXS comes with the IsoStrut integrated shock design that makes this bike fast and responsive. It’s extremely light as well, weighing under 21.83 lbs .

The drivetrain and the list of components are crowned with a fully wireless SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS groupset that shifts quickly, smoothly, and precisely.

Its 29″ wheels and 2.20″ Bontrager XR1 Team Issue tires will gobble obstacles like they don’t exist.

According to Trek, this is one of the lightest, fastest, and stiffest XC race bikes they have ever made. There’s nothing else we can do but agree.

Lightest Road Bikes

Trek created the Émonda series for roadies who are in the game because of speed, performance, and timed personal records.

These are high-end road bikes with racing geometry and some of the lightest carbon road frames Trek has ever made.

Trek Émonda consists of more than 10 models that cost between around $2,300 and $13,000 . This includes unisex models that can be ridden by all genders and no women-specific models.

The cheaper, ALR models, are made from aluminum, whereas the higher-specked SL models have stiff carbon.

Émonda was intended as a group of efficient climbing bikes , with up to 28 mm tires and disc brakes

Our Top Pick: Émonda SLR 9

If you’d fall asleep and dream about the world’s best and lightest performance carbon road bike in the world, you’d probably be dreaming about Trek Émonda SLR 9.

This bike exceeds expectations in all areas of road racing performance. It’s built around Trek’s lightest disc road frame that weighs just 665g, whereas the entire bike weighs less than 6.5kg (~14 lbs).

This mouth-watering package also includes Bontrager Aeolus carbon wheels, a carbon bar/stem combination, and a full 2×11 Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain.

All Émonda models are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. In the case of SLR 9, they’re Shimano Dura-Ace.

This bike costs $12,500 but comes with components and technological solutions that will allow the right pair of legs to win podiums and competitions on a regular basis.

Beat The Wind

Trek Speed Concept is a super-fast and super-light aero bike, ideal for triathlons and TT races . If you believe that time is valuable and that every second counts, you’ll fall in love with its tech and aerodynamics.

Related: Best Triathlon Bikes

Trek Speed Concept sells for between $8,800 – $14,000 , which is why it is common to see it both with pro and with amateur races.

Its main selling points include an adjustable aero frame developed in a wind tunnel , a headset integrated into the frame, deep carbon aero wheels, Ultegra components, and more.

Through Trek’s Project One , Speed Concept can be adjusted to fit your body perfectly and become 100% percent unique and yours.

Speed Concept is also known for the Bontrager Integrated Speed Storage that blends with the frame and does not affect the aerodynamic properties.

True Trail Hardtail 

Roscoe is a line of reasonably-priced hardtail bikes intended for trail-loving mountain bikers. There aren’t too many models in the Roscoe line (around 5) and one of them can be yours for between $1,200 and $2,800.

Here you’ll find both men’s and women’s models, each one being unique and offering different specs and colors. What’s common for all of them are massive 27.5+ tires that make no compromises on the trails.

Trek Roscoe bikes can also boast with light and efficient 1x drivetrains , playful frame geometry, and hydraulic disc brakes.

All but the cheapest Roscoe 6 also have dropper posts which is always a big advantage and a pleasant surprise in this price range.

Trail enthusiasts and first-timers will love the Roscoe line!

Our top pick: Roscoe 8

Roscoe 8 is one of the highest-specked models from this line.

Those who choose to spend $2,400 on it will get a capable and fun two-wheel package that offers excellent value for money.

You’ll get a 1×11 SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain with a wide-range 11-50T cassette. The 27.5″ x 2.80″ tires are massive; they’ll give you enough confidence to always choose the more demanding line and go out and ride no matter the conditions.

The frame is made of aluminum , which makes the bike slightly heavy (14.32 kg / 31.57 lbs), but the frame performs well on the trails and offers good responsiveness and great power transfer.

Trek Fuel is a line of versatile all-mountain bikes ideal for aggressive singletracks and descents. This is a gang of around 15 high-end bikes with lightweight aluminum or carbon frames, slack geometries, and lots of travel.

If you want to own one, you’ll have to spend between $2,500 and $4,000 for an aluminum model and up to $11,000 for a carbon frame. That’s steep but well worth it.

These are 29ers , but XS and S frames come with 27.5 wheels. When it comes to components, the list differs greatly relative to the price point.

Travel is usually in the 130mm to 140mm range , which makes Trek Fuel bikes real all-mountain monsters and gives them the necessary capabilities to dominate trails.

Our top pick: Fuel EX 8

We chose Fuel EX 8 as our favorite model from this Trek’s lineup. At $4,000 it’s not a budget bike, but it’s pretty reasonably priced considering the components you get with it.

It’s ideal for all-mountain enthusiasts who simply love hitting all types of trails and terrains and spending time outside.

This model has a lightweight aluminum frame coupled with 140 mm Fox Rhythm 34 fork and a 130 mm Fox Performance Float EVOL rear shock.

Apart from that, it has a 1×12 SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with a massive 10-50T gear range. Coupled with excellent Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes, you can climb and descend any hill that comes in your way.

Best for touring

Apart from excellent road and mountain bikes, Trek is also a commonly seen name in the bike touring and bikepacking categories.

Their offer for this type of adventuring includes three models called 520, 920, and 1120 . The first two are intended for bike touring expeditions, whereas 1120 is best for bikepacking. Their prices range between $1,500 and $3,000.

The 520 and 920 models feature touring frames with comfortable touring geometries. The frames are already equipped with lightweight aluminum front and rear racks, so you’re ready to rumble.

1120 is a bikepacker’s dream , ideal for off-road adventures thanks to the aluminum frame, carbon fork, wide wheels, and front and rear racks.

If your idea of cycling includes exploring the world , there are few better choices than Trek 520, 920, and 1120.

Our Top Pick:  520

Trek 520 is a bike touring beast, perfect for open roads and all-day explorations . This bike has a very long tradition, as the first model was built in the 1970s. It costs around $1,800, which makes it even more desirable in the bike touring world.

The 520 comes with a practical and durable steel frame and custom-made front and rear racks that can carry a lot of weight.

The drivetrain has 27 gears with Shimano Sora and Alivio components, ideal for long days when you need to pedal for 10 hours over a variety of terrains.

If you plan to spend months on the road and carry front and rear panniers loaded with food and gear, Trek 520 is a bike that can keep up.

Expand the borders

Farley is Trek’s collection of extremely capable fat bikes with massive tires and stocky frames. They’re ideal for men and women who find regular mountain bikes can’t keep up with their adventurous spirit.

If you want to ride on snow, sand, over sharp rocks, and through mud, then you need a Trek Farley. There are around 5 models you can choose from here, priced between $2,000 and $3,500 . But prices can vary.

Frame materials include both aluminum and carbon , depending on how much money you’re ready to spend. However, what’s common for all models are intimidating 27.5 x 4.5″ tires . They’re some of the widest you can find in the world of fat bikes.

What’s also commonly seen on all Farley models are 1x drivetrains with quality Shimano and SRAM components that can get you through any challenging terrain.

Our top pick: Trek Farley 5

Trek Farley 5 is by far our favorite model from this series. It’s the best value fat bike you can find around with a light and compliant aluminum frame and an even lighter carbon fork that’s stiff and responsive.

The first thing you’ll notice on it is its 4.5″ wide Bontrager tires that are unstoppable when you take them over rocks, tree stumps, and through snow and sand.

A 1×10 Shimano Deore drivetrain gives you plenty of gears and a pretty decent value for around $2,000.

The package also includes hydraulic disc brakes , an internal derailleur, and dropper post routing, as well as plenty of rack and water bottle mounts.

For Commuting

A hybrid bike is used for different things by different people. Some use hybrids to commute, others to exercise, and some just to be on the move. The Trek FX series has the perfect hybrid for all of these purposes.

It’s a collection of a large number of different hybrids with step-over and step-through frames , men and women-specific models, and different price points.

The majority of bikes in this range are entry-level models , costing between $600 and $1,000, but there are some more serious models as well that reach $2,000.

All come with 700c wheels, flat bars, slightly wider tires, and aluminum or carbon frames and forks.

If you need a bike to get from home to work, run errands around the city or lose some weight and get fit, you’ll find it in the Trek FX lineup.

Our Top Pick: FX 1

The one we recommend entry-level cyclists to go for is the Trek FX 1 — the cheapest and most versatile option. This bike costs just $700 and has components and characteristics that suit the entire family.

It sports a lightweight aluminum frame and a comfortable and strong steel fork that accommodates 700c wheels and 35mm wide tires.

This makes it possible for FX 1 to commute on paved and unpaved roads equally well.

Shimano Tourney and Altus derailleurs put 21 gears at your disposal, which is more than enough for casual city riding on bike paths and streets.

Bottom point is that this is a simple and comfortable bike ideal for casual riders who just need to get from point A to point B and not spend an awful lot of money.

Proper Enduro

Trek Slash are proper enduro bikes built to dominate sketchy descents and demanding singletracks. They’re equipped with massive 29″ wheels, carbon or aluminum frames, and excellent mid-range and high-end Shimano and SRAM components.

The Slash line numbers around 10 bikes that cost $4,500 to $12,500 , so they are definitely not cheap. However, keep in mind that these enduro machines are intended for professionals and those who feel that way.

These bikes are characterized by a long wheelbase, very slack geometry , and impressively long travel.

You’ll be working with Fox and RockShox suspension that gives you 150 to 160 mm of travel , which is ideal for challenging enduro rides and downhills.

All Slash models also come with dropper posts and high-end braking systems that ensure precision and confidence. 

If you like it when things get rough, then get a Trek Slash bike!

Our Top Pick: Trek Slash 8

We believe that the best representative of the Slash family is Trek Slash 8. At $4,200, it’s pretty reasonably priced, even though still intended for experienced riders who will know how to put it to good use.

It sports a lightweight yet burly Alpha Aluminum frame with a 65-degree head tube angle , internal routing, and downtube guard.

Slash 8 is bejewelled with RockShox suspension with 160 mm of travel on the fork and 150 mm of give on the shock.

Other highlights include the SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain, SRAM Guide R 4-piston brakes, and grippy 2.40″/2.60″ Bontrager XR5 tires.

The value for money Trek Slash 8 offers is excellent and its performance on the trails is even better.

Electric bikes have been a full-fledged member of the mountain biking family for a long time now. Trek is giving their contribution to e-MTBs with their Powerfly series.

This a selection of around five hardtail and full-suspension bikes with powerful electric motors and durable batteries. To own one, you’ll have to spend around $5,000 on average.

Trek Powerfly bikes are ideal for riders who struggle with some injuries or just can’t be bothered to tackle grueling climbs in order to enjoy some nice descents.

Powerfly models are available with both aluminum and carbon frames and with 27.5″ and 29″ wheels. They’re equipped with a wide range of high-end Shimano and SRAM components, all of which feature capable 1x drivetrains.

If you want to keep smashing challenging trails but you need some extra juice now and then, Trek Powerfly will meet your demands.

Our Top Pick: Powerfly 5

The versatility and capability of Trek’s e-bikes can best be seen on the example of Trek Powerfly 5. It’s a practical bike with an excellent value that will enable you to get back in the saddle and set new records.

This model is priced at $4,200 and is built around an Alpha Platinum Aluminum frame. The 500 Wh battery is fully encased in the downtube and the Bosch 250W motor is located in the bottom bracket.

Therefore, the bike looks sleek and all of the electric components are protected well. The motor will assist you up to 20 mph, and after that, you’re on your own with a 1×12 SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain.

All in all, if you want a high-performing trail e-bike with 120 mm of travel and durable Bosch electric parts, you’ll be quite happy with the Powerfly 5.

Versatile Gravel

Gravel riding is slowly but surely becoming one of the most popular cycling disciplines in the world. Gravel bikes are talked about everywhere and the number of gravel events is on the rise.

Trek’s response to the expanding gravel culture is the Checkpoint line . This is a range of around 10 excellent gravel-specific bikes, suitable for everyone’s pocket.

They are built with aluminum or carbon frames and forks, with plenty of eyelets to equip them with racks and water bottles and ride for days.

All Checkpoint models have 700c wheels with wide and knobby tires ideal for soft gravel and hardpacked dirt. They’re equipped with high-end and mid-range components, disc brakes, drop bars, and 1x or 2x drivetrains.

If you want to get on the Gravel bandwagon, Trek Checkpoint is your ticket.

Our Top Pick: Checkpoint AL 3

Trek Checkpoint AL 3 is the cheapest of all models in this range, which makes it affordable and accessible. It costs just $1,200, so it’s the perfect first gravel bike for those who want to explore the world.

Even though this is an introductory model in the lineup, it’s still packed with neat features that will allow you to use and abuse this bike.

It comes with a 200 Series Alpha Aluminum frame, a carbon fork , versatile 32c tires, and Shimano Sora components. You’ll have access to 18 speeds on your adventures with a 2×9 drivetrain, which is a pretty good range.

Checkpoint AL 3 also has mechanical disc brakes and weighs just 10.5 kg (23 lbs), which is excellent for a bike in this price range.

Even though most riders prefer buying complete bikes, there are those who want their bikes to be unique and just their own. If you’re one of those and you want to build your own trail bike , you can consider the Trek Ticket series frames.

These are lightweight framesets made from aluminum, perfect for building trick bikes, dirt bikes, and jump bikes. They’re available in both hardtail and full-suspension iterations, so you can make your pick depending on your preferences.

The hardtail Ticket frame is characterized by a compact rear end, long top tube, and horizontal sliding dropouts. Therefore, you can built it into a geared or a single-speed setup.

The FS frame is ideal for building a slopestyle MTB . It comes with a 100 mm Fox rear shock and is commonly used by Trek C3 Project riders.

If you wish to build your own bike from scratch , Trek Ticket frames are a good place to start.

See the Ticket Frames on Trek Bikes

Trek does not excel only when it comes to adult bikes. They make plenty of models for their youngest fans as well. Trek’s collection of bikes for kids is pretty impressive and includes lots of MTBs and cruiser bikes.

The wheel sizes range from 16″ to 24″, and there are models both for boys and for girls.

Trek’s lineup for kids also includes plenty of models with training wheels , ideal for the tiniest of riders who are still learning how to ride and balance a bike.

Our top pick: Trek Roscoe 24

Trek Roscoe 24 is a rigid mountain bike intended for kids. It is as capable as any adult trail bike. This is a mid-fat model with 2.8″ wide tires and costs just $570.

Roscoe 24 is the perfect first serious mountain bike for any child who loves riding on trails. It will help them develop control and the wide tires will give them more than enough confidence in all situations. 

Trek Roscoe also features a lightweight 1×8 Shimano drivetrain and powerful Tektro mechanical disc brakes. The entire bike weighs around 11 kg (25 lbs), so kids will be able to lift it.

The selection of colors includes silver, orange, and pink, so both boys and girls will easily fall in love with this bike.

See the Kids Bikes on Trek Bikes

Our Top Pick For Girls: Precaliber 24

For girls who want to practice their off-roading skills , Trek Precaliber 24 is a perfect choice.

This is a girls’ bike with 24″ wheels and wide and knobby tires. It’s ideal for daily rides to school and back home, as well as adventures away from paved roads.

Precaliber 24 sports a 1×8 drivetrain that offers more than enough gears for most situations. The lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame is coupled with a performance suspended fork that boosts capabilities and comfort.

This bike also has a kickstand, so it can be parked without chipping the paint. Talking about paint, Precaliber is available in white and magenta colors, both of which are really nice and girly. 

Final Verdict On Best Trek Bikes

Trek makes some of the best bikes in the world , without any doubt. This brand’s strongest points are tradition, reliability, durability, and incredible value.

The reason why they are so popular around the world is that they have a HUGE selection of bikes . No matter who you are, you will be able to find the perfect bike for your needs. And one that also fits your budget!

The 14 Trek lineups we covered above are a good place to start looking for your perfect Trek bike! So choose yours and enjoy the ride 🙂

See ALL Trek Bikes

Related Topics:

Google’s HCU Destroyed Our Site: Bicycle Guider Is Now Fighting for Survival

Top Dutch Bikes of 2024: A Comprehensive Buying Guide to Help You Choose

360+ Coolest Bike Names: Creative Ideas for All Bike Types

4 thoughts on “ best trek bikes you can get: complete lineup overview for 2024 ”.

What about the x-caliber series

Hi Blueboy,

Thanks for that suggestion. We will keep that in mind for future articles.

I order an Electra Townie Cruiser 8g eq step thru creme color in May from my local trek shop. Laurel Ave ft collins CO 80524. They said sometime between July and September. That’s a long time to wait for my new bike. Only Calvin has been helpful the others not so much. Can you tell me when it will arrive?

Hi Mary, I suggest you give them a call during store hours at 970-482-6006.

Store hours are : Monday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Tuesday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Wednesday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Thursday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Friday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Loved the world over, the Marlin has long held the hearts of new riders and seasoned rippers alike, and to keep everyone rolling with ear-to-ear grins we’ve revamped it with more trail confidence than ever. Whether zipping through town, dipping your toes into the trail for the first time or slicing through switchbacks as a well-seasoned rider, you’ll appreciate the sleek new frame that ups the capability and brings looks to match. There’s a reason why it’s always been your favourite.

Total trail confidence A bike's geometry is the defining framework it's built on, and the Marlin is a true mountain bike at it's core. Its measurements are perfectly dialled to give you a confidence-inspiring, planted feel when you’re rolling down steep and bumpy trails, while keeping it easy to pedal back to the top when you’re ready for another lap.

Marlin’s head tube (a) sits at a slacker (more acute) angle. The slacker head tube angle (b) moves your front wheel further in front of you. Take it to the trail, and this slacker head tube angle (b) boosts stability and control for confidence when descents get steep and rowdy.

To balance a slacker head tube angle (b) , the Marlin features a steeper (more upright) seat tube angle (d) . A steeper seat tube (c) lets you get the most out of every pedal stroke, so you don’t waste power on the climb to the top.

The Marlin is equipped with a short stem and wider handlebar for more direct control and responsiveness when you’re manoeuvring through rocks and roots. Meanwhile, a longer reach (e) gives you extra stability so you can ride faster and more confidently.

Secure your ride

A new Thru-Skew axle provides better rear wheel security, holding your wheel in place snugly and ensuring it doesn't slip out of the frame, even when you're rolling through rough-and-tumble terrain.

Fully guarded

Full-length, full-coverage guards on the chainstay protect your frame and keep your ride quiet.

Float on the trail

Big 2.4˝ tyres elevate traction, so you stay planted on dusty switchbacks. But not only do bigger tyres give you more grip — they also soak up bumps for a smoother ride.

Upgrade ready

With a frame this nice, you won’t want to part ways with your Marlin as your skills grow. The Marlin Gen 3 is upgrade-ready, so you can upgrade your bike when you upgrade your skills. New internal cable routing lets you install a dropper post – and sizes XS and up can be upgraded to a bigger 120 mm fork when you’re ready to take on bigger trails.

A bike for everyone We believe that every rider deserves a well-fitted bike, that’s why the Marlin is available in every size from XXS to XXL – and even an 'extra-medium' size for riders who fall in between a medium and large. Each size is tuned to its riders, with Smart Wheel Sizing that scales the wheel size with the bike size, so every rider has comfortable standover height. Smaller, XXS and XS frames also feature a curved top tube to boost confidence and make getting on and off a breeze.

• Shop XS bikes

Make Marlin yours Whether you’re regularly ripping up the trail or a rugged city commuter, your Marlin can be fully customised with a treasure-trove of accessories. From kickstands and grips to bottle cages and bags, you can turn your Marlin into the perfect bike for your everyday ride.

• Deck out your Marlin

Trek warranty and backing We believe that when you put your heart and soul into something, you should have the stomach to back it up. That’s why we stand behind all Trek bikes with a limited-lifetime warranty. From your first ride to your 500th, we’ll be here for you in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your Marlin. All you have to do is pop into your local Trek retailer and you’ll find all the support you need to get back spinning in no time.

The Marlin family Both generations of Marlins are true mountain bikes aimed at the rider who wants a versatile hardtail capable of off-road singletrack or in-city missions. Both generations have a 100 mm travel suspension fork and 29” wheels on most sizes except for smaller sizes with proportionate suspension travel and wheels, thus making it a great bike for shorter riders as well.

Marlin Gen 2

Get all-around versatility on Marlin Gen 2. It fits up to 2.2˝ tyres, and features balanced, neutral geometry that keeps you comfortable and in control as you venture off-road.

Marlin Gen 3

Get serious trail capability with Marlin Gen 3’s bigger, 2.4˝ tyre clearance, internal dropper post routing and a stiffer, more secure ThruSkew rear axle. Plus, its updated longer, slacker geometry gives you a boost in stability on steeper trails and at higher speeds.

Looking for something more to fill your singletrack appetite?

If you’re itching for a lighter weight, even faster hardtail, the X-Caliber is your ride. It’s light, sleek and efficient – perfect for new riders, cross-country racers and anyone who wants to cover a lot more trail miles in a lot less time.

The Roscoe delivers the capability of a full suspension trail bike in a simple hardtail package. The laid-back geometry that gives you tons of stability on rowdier trails, and it rolls on big 2.6˝ tyres that give tons of traction for getting through rough and tricky sections of trail.