It can be said that most bikes we see on a daily basis are capable of completing ordinary bicycle trips. In Tibet, I saw travelers riding all kinds of bikes—like the “28-inch” bikes and women’s bikes—all of which accompanied their owners on joyful journeys. However, for those with average financial means, we recommend purchasing a bike priced over 1,300 RMB, as this price range better ensures a smooth trip and reduces potential troubles caused by bike breakdowns along the way.
But we shouldn’t blindly pursue high-end configurations. The more premium the product, the more specialized its purpose. Most high-end products on the market are designed for competitive use, focusing on features that maximize speed such as high rigidity, greater sensitivity, and lightweight construction. Others are specifically built for extremely intense cycling. In contrast, travel bikes require sturdiness, durability, performance stability, comfort, common and interchangeable parts, and ease of maintenance and repair.
2. What Type of Bike Should You Choose?
The type of bike you choose depends on your personal situation and the routes you plan to ride. You can opt for an off-road mountain bike, all-terrain mountain bike, flat-bar road bike, or a dedicated touring bike.
Impact of travel type: Bicycle travel can generally be divided into two types: credit-card touring and loaded touring. Credit-card touring refers to traveling in areas with relatively dense towns where you don’t need to carry much camping gear or luggage. Loaded touring, on the other hand, is for areas with low population density, where you need to carry plenty of daily necessities and a large amount of luggage. For credit-card touring, you can simply go with the type of bike you’re used to. Even road bike enthusiasts can stick with their road bikes.
Influence of different road conditions: For rough roads, choose a mountain bike or a touring bike; for good roads, a flat-bar road bike is a great option. In China, many scenic spots are in mountainous regions, so your bike must have an excellent gear-shifting system. I usually recommend beginners to buy an all-terrain mountain bike, as it can handle most road conditions and is good for climbing.
Impact of route length: For long-distance routes, pay attention to bodily comfort while cycling. On a bike trip, the neck, waist, shoulders, and wrists tend to get fatigued easily. A more upright riding position will ease the strain on these areas and help prevent fatigue. Traditional city bikes have the most relaxed seating posture, making the body feel comfortable, but they’re not ideal for leveraging full-body power. All-terrain mountain bikes and touring bikes are better choices. Bikes with butterfly bars or auxiliary handlebars allow for various riding positions, letting different muscle groups rest in turn. For long-distance travel, it’s recommended to install auxiliary handlebars. For short trips, you can stick with a bike type you’re familiar with.
3. Should You Buy a Complete Bike or DIY?
Buying a bicycle is very similar to buying a computer. Purchasing a brand-name complete bike (such as Fuji, UCC, or Giant) is more expensive but worry-free, and they also have nationally unified suggested retail prices. DIY is a bit cheaper and allows you to configure the bike better according to your main usage needs, but the quality of shops varies, which can be a bit of a hassle. In recent years, the prices of complete bikes have also started to drop. Generally speaking, for bikes under 2,000 RMB, DIY no longer offers much advantage. DIY allows you to customize components based on your specific needs, leading to more targeted part selection.
4. What Should You Pay Attention to When Buying a Bike?
The first thing you need to do is choose a bike shop with a good reputation. The bike’s adjustment and maintenance techniques are also very important. A good mechanic can offer advice that helps you spend your money wisely, and skilled assembly ensures even a moderately priced bike rides smoothly. Then, consider the frame style and size, and choose the fork and tires based on your main riding conditions. The gear-shifting system isn’t particularly crucial for us, so you can save some money there, but for the drivetrain—such as the bottom bracket and hub—you should invest in higher-quality components due to the high intensity of travel use. Compared to bikes for other purposes, a travel bike should also have a wider and more comfortable saddle. Additionally, spokes and racks are also important accessories for a travel bike.