There are a lot of things to consider before you set off on a bicycle tour. The biggest issue to resolve: which bike will best suit you. Many people will recommend you get a traditional steel framed touring bike. However, I've discovered that this isn't always the best option. In this article I'll tell you why the best touring bike for your situation might not be the standard option.

The two most common types of bikes designed for touring are the traditional and sport. Traditional touring bikes have dropped handle bars and a longer wheel base. They're made specifically for carrying a heavy load.

Sport touring bikes are a lot like road bikes - built less for comfort and more for speed. Recently, I've even been experimenting with using a regular road bike (not a touring bike at all) because I try to go as light as possible. Road bikes make this option very viable.

During tours, I consistently notice people dragging along way too much stuff. They have 4 panniers loaded and strap other stuff to the rear rack using bungee cords. This type of travel, in my opinion, is very restrictive. I am a big fan of ultralight bicycle touring because of the freedoms it provides.

Before you begin searching for the perfect bike, I suggest you first round up all the things you're going to take with you. If you notice your load is getting pretty heavy, you should realize that there are other lightweight options.

A lot of bicycle enthusiasts are taking a cue from the lightweight backpacking community and making the switch to more of a minimalist approach. One that is certain to take the focus of stuff, and put it on enjoying your tour and the scenery.