The Best Touring Bikes for Your Next Adventure (And a Nod to My Favorite Ever)

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Specialized AWOL and a Bob Trailer
My Specialized AWOL and Bob Trailer at a rest stop on the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico for Lubbock, Texas

Touring bikes aren’t just machines—they're companions for thousands of miles, rolling journals of adventure, resilience, and freedom. Over the years, I’ve ridden many bikes, but none have left a mark on me quite like the Specialized AWOL. Though it's no longer in production, I still consider it the best touring bike I’ve ever owned. It handled fully loaded tours with a BOB trailer like a dream and gave me unmatched comfort on the road.

But while the AWOL has been retired from the market, there are still plenty of exceptional touring bikes out there that carry the torch. If you're planning a big tour—or just daydreaming—these are some of the best you can find today.

🚴‍♂️ 1. Surly Long Haul Trucker / Disc Trucker

No list of touring bikes is complete without Surly. The Long Haul Trucker (and its disc-brake sibling, the Disc Trucker) is a legend among tourers.

  • Frame: Chromoly steel for comfort and durability

  • Mounts: Front and rear rack mounts, fenders, and even spoke holders

  • Ride Feel: Stable under load and comfortable for long days in the saddle

The Surly is the kind of bike you see on long-distance routes around the world. It’s repairable, reliable, and ready for anything.

🌍 2. Kona Sutra SE

The Kona Sutra SE is another top-tier touring bike with a steel frame and drop bars, ideal for traditional road touring with a fully loaded setup.

  • Components: Wide-range gearing and bar-end shifters

  • Features: Brooks saddle, disc brakes, and included front/rear racks

  • Why People Love It: It’s ready to go straight out of the box and performs reliably on epic trips

🛤 3. Fuji Touring Disc LTD

This one offers classic touring style and practical upgrades:

  • Frame: Reynolds 520 steel

  • Wheels: Strong 700c wheels with wide tires

  • Extras: Comes with a dynamo front hub for charging devices or powering lights

  • Best For: Riders looking for a dependable, do-it-all tourer

🧭 4. Bombtrack Arise Tour

If you're aiming for a modern steel tourer with performance flair, the Bombtrack Arise Tour is hard to beat:

  • Highlights: Disc brakes, ample mounting points, internal cable routing

  • Style: Sleek, with a rugged attitude

  • Use Case: Great for riders who want to mix pavement, gravel, and a bit of bikepacking

🧡 Honorable Mention: The Specialized AWOL (My Personal Favorite)

Let me take a moment to remember my old Specialized AWOL.

It’s not in production anymore, but it deserves mention here. I pulled a fully loaded BOB trailer across long distances with that bike, and it never once flinched. The comfort on long days, the way it absorbed road vibration, and the stable geometry made it perfect for loaded touring. If you ever see one on the used market in good condition, don’t hesitate.

🔧 What Makes a Great Touring Bike?

FeatureWhy It Matters
Steel FrameDurable, forgiving ride, easy to repair
Wide Gear RangeHelps you climb hills with a full load
Disc BrakesReliable stopping power, especially when wet
Mounting PointsFor racks, fenders, bottles, and more
Comfort GeometryKeeps you riding longer without fatigue

🛒 How to Choose the Right Touring Bike

  1. Define Your Tour: Will it be on pavement? Gravel? Remote areas?

  2. Set a Budget: Quality touring bikes run from $1,200 to $3,000+

  3. Try Before You Buy: Fit is everything. A well-fitting steel bike can feel like magic.

  4. Don’t Forget Used Options: Many riders buy high-end bikes and barely use them—keep an eye out!

📸 Photo Gallery of Touring Classics

Surly Long Haul Trucker
Surly Long Haul Trucker fully loaded

Kona Sutra SE
Kona Sutra: Touring-ready from day one

Fuji Touring Disc
Classic design meets modern features

🚲 Final Thoughts

I’ve logged tens of thousands of miles on my bikes, and I can tell you this—when you’re riding across wind-swept plains or climbing mountain roads, your bike becomes your partner. The best touring bikes are the ones that disappear beneath you, allowing you to focus on the ride, the road, and the journey.

If you’re lucky enough to find a bike that fits you like the AWOL fit me, cherish it. And if you're still searching, any of the bikes above are great places to start.

Disclaimer:
This post reflects my personal experiences and opinions. Product availability, pricing, and features may change. I do not receive compensation from any bike brands mentioned.


Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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