It’s All About the Brakes

Many people do not realize that the brakes on trekking bikes are often different than the brakes that are expected. While there are similar brakes on other bikes, trekking bikes feature powerful brakes; some are just reinforced types of normal brakes. For some trekking bikes, however, actual disk brakes are used. Braking is incredibly important on a trekking bike for multiple reasons; those on large hills or rough terrain need to be able to stop in a quick and powerful manner. Because of the extra weight that is often carried on a trekking bike (through packing and extras), the brakes must be powerful enough to stop not only the bike, but the extra momentum that comes from the extra weight.

Strength is Power

One of the major benefits of the trekking bike is the ability to carry extra weight; some bikes can carry over 50 pounds of extra weight. The bike needs to be stronger to handle all of this weight, however. There are two major ways that strength is added to trekking bikes in ways that many people do not realize. The spokes on the wheels of the trekking bikes are often larger, or in more multiples, to reinforce. Reinforcing the wheels allows for better strength of the trekking bike itself. If you have ever looked at the frame of a trekking bike, you may notice some differences; sometimes, it is in the materials used. Other times, it is in the actual design. Either way, the frame occasionally finds itself styled differently in order to increase the strength of the bike.

Gears for your Needs

If you are on a trekking bike trip, the chances are that you will be going through interesting terrain. Sometimes, the terrain is simply rough. Other times, the terrain is incredibly hilly. Either way, the gears on a terrain bike are numerous and are incredibly helpful for trying to get over hills and through rough terrain. Many people do not realize that the gears really do come in handy while trying to get through the trekking bike trip.

Trekking bikes have a lot of great features that many people do not realize. People who do not understand the gears, strength, and brakes of a trekking bike may not understand the importance of making sure you have the right bike in the first place.

The Basics

Many people get confused, as 26” wheels are the highest wheel size that bikes go. People believe that once you have hit that size, there are no other size changes, and that the size of that bike is the biggest (or smallest) size that exists for who they are. That is not the case, however. Once the person has reached the highest of the wheel sizes, there are still multiple sizes; the only thing that changes, however, is the size and shape of the frame. The frame is measured from the top down to help people figure out what the size of the bike is. This changes based on height, which can help the many heights that happen to those who need the 26” bike.

The Height of Where You Are

The way that you can decide if a bike is the right fit is by checking the distance between the top of the frame and you as you are standing on the ground. This height difference changes between bikes, but making sure that you have 2 to 4 inches of clearance between your crotch and the top of the frame. This makes sure that you will have the correct room to move around and bike comfortably in.

The Distance Between You and Your Bike

Another way that the frame can change to better fit someone is by the length of the frame itself. Those with shorter arms will be uncomfortable on the longer frames, whereas those with longer arms will feel crammed on a shorter bike. By reaching forward on the bike when sitting on it (whether or not the height is correct) you can figure out the length that you need for your trekking bike.

There are many different things that can affect your choice of a trekking bike. Making sure that the trekking bike is the right size, however, is very important. By checking the frame length and height as compared to you, you can make sure that you find a trekking bike that fits you as it should.

The purpose of trekking bikes is best understood as the best bike for any long rides. If you are looking a long, expedition like trip, a trekking bike is what you need; the trekking bike is specifically made for these longer trips. The bikes have been tweaked and designed so that they can handle the multiple changes in road conditions that bikers face. The bikes can handle more of the casual biking as well as the harder, terrain biking; both of which my be present in any trekking bike experience.

Trekking bicycles have also been designed with the long haul in mind; not just in the wear and tear of the bike due to the driving conditions, but by the packing and carrying that may need to be done. The bike has been specifically designed to handle the carrying of extra weight in the form of packing and accessories on the side of the bike.

Trekking bikes, when well equipped, can handle more than 50 pounds of extra weight. This extra weight is (and should be) distributed around the bike. The bike has been designed to handle this extra weight through extra spokes on the bike itself; these extra spokes help secure the bike so that the extra weight may be added when needed.

Trekking bikes also feature stronger brakes than usually seen on bikes; because of the extra weight, and the various conditions that can and will be seen by a trekking bike, strong brakes are necessary. Disk brakes are becoming more common on trekking bikes, as these brakes are powerful and will get the job done. Having a strong biking system helps the peace of mind of the rider, as the stronger brakes will hold up better to the multiple types of conditions that will come up on the road.

While trekking bikes are just one type of bike available, they are basically an all purpose bike for those who plan on taking longer trips on their bicycle. As a cross between multiple types of bikes, trekking bikes can handle whatever the road, or trail, may throw at it.