Bicycle travel is an adventure-packed way to explore the world, from rugged singletrack to smooth road touring—learn about the different styles and get inspired for your next journey!
Bicycle travel is an adventure, a lifestyle, and a test of endurance all rolled into one. Whether you’re chasing long-distance records, exploring singletrack trails, or embarking on a micro-adventure, there’s a style of bicycle travel for you. Here’s a look at the different kinds of cycle touring and what makes each one unique.
1. Expedition Bikepacking: The Ultimate Adventure
Imagine pedaling through the wilds of Patagonia or following the Silk Road on two wheels. Expedition bikepacking is all about long-distance, self-sufficient travel, often spanning weeks or even months. Riders load up with everything they need—camping gear, food, tools, and sometimes even a water filtration system—making them fully independent explorers. This type of bikepacking thrives in remote, unpredictable environments where self-reliance is key.
Terrain: Mixed surfaces, often including dirt roads, gravel, and remote trails.
Gear: Heavy-duty bikes with racks, large frame bags, and extensive gear storage.
Example Route: The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR), stretching from Canada to Mexico.
2. Ultra-Endurance Racing Bikepacking: Fast and Furious
For those who crave speed, competition, and pushing their physical limits, ultra-endurance racing bikepacking is the ultimate challenge. Unlike leisurely touring, these riders prioritize efficiency, packing only the essentials and riding long hours to cover maximum ground.
Terrain: Varied—gravel, pavement, or rugged mountain trails, depending on the race.
Gear: Ultralight setups with minimal camping equipment, often relying on resupply stops.
Example Race: The Tour Divide, a grueling 2,745-mile race from Canada to Mexico.
3. Gravel & Dirt Road Bikepacking: The Sweet Spot
Gravel bikepacking is perhaps the most accessible and versatile form of bikepacking, blending adventure with a touch of comfort. These routes often follow scenic backroads and forest service paths, avoiding busy highways and technical mountain biking trails.
Terrain: Gravel roads, doubletrack, and occasional pavement.
Gear: Midweight setups with frame bags, allowing for a balance of speed and comfort.
Example Route: The Oregon Outback, a stunning 364-mile gravel ride through the Pacific Northwest.
4. Singletrack Bikepacking: The MTB Lover’s Dream
For those who prefer shredding technical trails over covering vast distances, singletrack bikepacking offers an adrenaline-fueled alternative. This style of bikepacking requires a solid mountain biking background and a willingness to carry minimal gear to navigate tight trails.
Terrain: Rocky, rooty, steep, and technical singletrack.
Gear: Lightweight, dropper-post-friendly bags and a minimalist setup.
Example Route: The Colorado Trail, a high-altitude adventure through the Rockies.
5. Overnighter & Microadventure Bikepacking: The Weekend Warrior’s Escape
Not all bikepacking trips need to be epic expeditions. The overnighter, or Sub-24-hour Overnighter (S24O), is perfect for those with limited time. A simple overnight trip to a nearby park or campground can be just as rewarding as a multi-week adventure.
Terrain: Any—gravel, pavement, or light singletrack.
Gear: Minimal gear, often just a handlebar bag and saddlebag.
Example Trip: A ride to a secluded forest or a lakeside campsite just outside the city.
6. Road Bikepacking (Credit Card Touring): Light & Fast
For those who prefer the ease of pavement and the comfort of a soft bed at night, road bikepacking (also called credit card touring) offers a perfect mix of adventure and convenience. Instead of camping, riders stay in hotels, hostels, or B&Bs, carrying only the bare essentials.
Terrain: Paved roads.
Gear: Ultralight bags, prioritizing minimalism and efficiency.
Example Route: EuroVelo routes, such as the Danube Cycle Path across Europe.
7. Winter & Fat Bikepacking: The Arctic Challenge
For those who don’t let winter stop their adventures, fat bikepacking is the answer. Using fat-tired bikes designed to float on snow, riders explore frozen landscapes and endure extreme conditions.
Terrain: Snow-covered trails, frozen lakes, and tundra.
Gear: Insulated sleeping systems, winterized clothing, and cold-weather cooking gear.
Example Route: The Iditarod Trail in Alaska, a legendary winter endurance challenge.
8. Traditional Bike Touring: The Classic Journey
While bikepacking is usually about lightweight, off-road adventures, traditional bike touring is the long-established method of traveling by bicycle over paved roads, often carrying more gear. This type of riding allows for a more relaxed experience with greater carrying capacity and the option for smoother, more predictable travel.
Terrain: Primarily paved roads with some gravel sections.
Gear: Touring bikes with racks and panniers, often heavier than bikepacking setups.
Example Route: The Pacific Coast Highway, a scenic road tour along the U.S. West Coast.
Which Style is Right for You?
Bicycle travel is as diverse as the riders who embrace it, with no real rules—except in competitive racing. Whether you're chasing solitude in the backcountry, competing in grueling races, or simply looking for a weekend escape, there's certainly a style that fits your needs.
Mix and match or even reinvent it as you go. Either way, just get out there, ride beyond the map, and discover what’s waiting on the open road!
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