The more popular travelling by bike became, the more comfortable the average touring bike became. This is because full camping equipment, off-road passages and 25-millimetre tyres are not compatible. And backs that are not used to being bent over for hours on end are not compatible with racing handlebars.
The realm of enthusiasts begins at the edge of the mainstream. And these long-distance enthusiasts still love randonneur bikes. On the crooked handlebars to be able to stand alone against the wind. To the narrow, plump tyres that roll effortlessly over the asphalt. And sometimes even on steel frames, because they look so classically filigree. When good roads, long, windy stretches and limited luggage come together, the concept simply works. This is where the randonneurs have found their ecological niche.
The bikes in the test:
Cannondale Touring Classic
Koga Miyata Globe Traveller
Norwid Esbjerg
Rotor Aron
Stevens Strada 800
Velotraum Cross 7500
The full-length article from issue 3/2006 is available as a free PDF download.
