This is what you need to know before buying your first trekking bike!

Cycling is becoming more and more popular every year, so the interest in trekking bikes is also growing. Are you facing the choice of one of them? Then be sure to read our article and find out what to pay attention to before buying!

Are you sure you need a trekking bike?

This is actually the most important question you should answer before buying. So before you decide that trekking bikes are the right group of two-wheelers, among which you are looking for the first model, analyze which routes you intend to ride most often.

Trekking bikes are best suited for long distances, especially on gravel roads or those not very demanding, forest roads. However, nothing prevents you from using the same bike to travel to work or university or along city bike paths.

However, it should be remembered that the purpose of a trekking bike is just off-road riding. If you assume such trips and multi-kilometer routes, then definitely a trekking model is what you need.

The best trekking bikes, which are what?

When it comes to geometry, the construction of trekking bikes is similar to the urban variants. However, they are additionally adapted to more demanding terrain, and at the same time contain a lot of amenities that are especially useful during multi-day cycling trips.

On gravel and forest roads, especially those with plenty of climbs, you'll need a wide range of gears. Why is the number of gears so important? It is their proper positioning that will help you to overcome even the most demanding hills with additional weight in the form of luggage. Therefore, make sure that the model you choose has at least 21 of them.

The brakes are equally important, because they keep you safe in unexpected situations on the road. Stopping in exactly the place you care about the most turns out to be useful especially in the forest or on dirt roads, where encounters with wild animals are quite frequent. Here, the synonym of reliability will be V-brake brakes, which will work perfectly both on wet and sandy surfaces.

Additional items

On forest and field roads, especially after or during rainfall, probably every cyclist will appreciate fenders - both at the front and rear. They will protect you from splashing mud and water, thanks to which you can easily drive through any larger or smaller puddle without worrying about getting dirty.

During long rides, you will also appreciate a solid trunk (choose the one with a minimum load capacity of 25 kg). This is where you can successfully attach additional luggage and distribute its weight so that it does not disturb the ergonomics of driving.

The lighting (front and rear lamp) as well as reflective elements are also indispensable in the trekking bike. This way you will be more visible on the road after dark. This is especially important on roads outside urban areas where there is practically no street lighting.

Cushioning in the front forks

The type of depreciation usually depends on the price range you choose the bike from. Cheaper versions have steel or oil-filled shock absorbers. In the better ones you will already come across oil-air shock absorbers. Of course, they provide the best protection against vibrations and uneven terrain, but at the same time require regular servicing.

A properly selected trekking bike will serve you reliably for several seasons, and as you gain experience, you will successfully replace some components in them to make your off-road riding even easier.