Koga-Miyata 26 Inch WorldTraveller Touring Bike
May 8, 2009 by Darren Alff
As world travel becomes more popular for “bicycle tourists”, I think there is going to an increasing desire for touring bikes that can handle any sort of road conditions one might encounter. While traditional touring bikes are great for most long distance bike tours, an extended trip on dirt roads and narrow single-track trails is going to require a more sturdy and reliable steed.
Here you see the Koga-Miyata WolrdTraveller Touring Bike, decked out with fenders, kickstand, front and rear rack, lights, water bottles, pump, and most important of all… 26 inch wheels.
Why are 26 inch wheels so important? Because when you travel around the world, 26 inch wheels are the easiest to find. Many remote parts of the world do not sell 700c tires or tubes, so having a bike with parts that can be purchased and/or repaired along the way is of utmost importance.
Mark Beaumont used one of these type of bikes on his world record breaking world trip.(Since broken). He swore by the gear hub type of gears over the standard type.But it is very hard to find a bike with these gears and a 3 chain ring up front..they have to be special ordered or adapted by the purchaser. The guy that took his record had a bike with a Belt drive. The technology of bike design is on the move…belt drives, more hydraulic disk breaks and soon the one side fork will make its debut. I have just re-started my love affair with the bicycle after 30 years on motorcycles…I soon found the regular seat caused me such pain and discomfort that I would have to quit before I really got started…until I bought a Moon saddle..now all is good again.
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