As bikepacking and gravel cycling is gaining popularity among adventurers, touring bikes have been left out without much consideration. However, there is no denying that these bikes belong to the evergreen club of bicycles. It especially stands true in terms of women’s touring bikes that essentially have small-sized frames. Most touring bikes for women are considered ideal for women with 155 cms height. The requirements are a bit different with respect to Australia which is the reason why bike manufacturers are putting in efforts to refine their bike lineups. In case, you are planning to invest in a good option in near future, here are a few models you need to check out:
● 2021 Salsa Fargo Apex 1: One of the most talked-about touring bikes in Australia, this bike is an icon with respect to adventure cycling in the bike touring arena. Its solid frame and rugged features make it an ideal choice for bikepacking and off-road touring. It doesn’t matter if you are camping deep in the woods or trekking through the Himalayas, this bike would sustain every possible bump and hurdle. The bike has a 1.69 stack/reach ratio which means your posture remains upright and super comfy all along. The ground clearance is cool with the 3-inch tires and the XS frame makes it cool for riders between 150-160 cms. It weighs approx. 11 kilograms and is capable of carrying weight with a multitude of pockets on the front fork and rear rack mounts.
● 2021 Salsa Marrakesh Alivio: It is considered one of the best bikes across the world. The makers have equipped it with a 50cm frame size that goes well with riders ranging from 147 – 158 cms. It is known for offering a decent value for the money spent. Its front and the rear rack can take all over the world without a scratch or wear off sign. It weighs 14 kgs as it has a full steel build and its gearing range goes from 20.01 inches to 121.19 inches. This makes it your perfect companion for long hill rides and safe downhill roads.
● 2021 Bombtrack Beyond: With respect to affordability, Bombtrack is one of the best options that you can own. Its Beyond model can be availed in small and XS frames. Its 27.5 inches wheels promise proper fit without compromising the geometry. It is a bike that has everything extra, whether you are counting the mounting option or the rack or the fender mounts. The mounts are directed by top tube bags and if you are looking to optimize the position of your bottle, you can count on its triple cage mounts located under the downtube. The maker has also loaded the bike with Microshift and SRAM GX drivetrain that has earned ⅘ stars from riders all over the world. It is light on the pocket as compared to Fargo which means you can expect better value in the second-hand market.
