What is the Most Popular Touring Bike in the World?

[simonhill]

Could it be the Surly Long Haul Trucker?

I realise that it is probably not number one in the UK (although I have 2), but I was thinking worldwide. I know that there are many people on here that read lots of blogs, Crazyguy, etc where people will often name their bikes. Anyone any idea?

I certainly see plenty of LHTs when cycling abroad and my bike is often recognised by people even though all the decals have fallen off.

[Spinners]

Possibly something from the Indian sub-continent or China?

[Bonefishblues]

The most populous by number of the specialist tourers, I suppose, yes. Built for a purpose, with a face even its own mum would find hard to love

Gratuitous dig alert - but it's not elegant

[horizon]

If you mean an English style touring bike with drop handlebars and leather saddle, then we can focus on English bikes. If you mean totally, including in the past, and not current sales then probably the Dawes Galaxy I would have thought.

[simonhill]

If you mean an English style touring bike with drop handlebars and leather saddle, then we can focus on English bikes.

No I didn't mean that.

If you mean totally, including in the past, and not current sales then probably the Dawes Galaxy I would have thought.

No, I didn't mean that either.

Sorry, I thought "What is" was clear. I meant now and in use.

[tatanab]

Could it be the Surly Long Haul Trucker?

Probably not. You specify "bike" not frame. Since the LHT is commonly available as a frame only for you to assemble as needed, then only the standard production LHT could qualify. Perhaps a bit pedantic of me to differentiate between a stock machine and a custom build on a standard frame. The most common standard production machine is probably some German trekking style.

[horizon]

I think the OP has to define touring as well as touring bike. This is getting difficult! I actually wonder if Trek might be number one.

[Dean]

Yeah, probably LHT. Or the disc version. If someone asked me for an off-the-shelf tourer, I reckon that's what I'd recommend.

But in the pernickety tone of all other replies, I feel I should say "whatever bike you already have when you wanna go touring".

[MarcusT]

I have an LHT and on mainland Europe I have seen very, very few. I would guess the Trek 520. Between Trek and Giant they are the most diffused brands in the world. Though Cube is starting to become popular enough, I have not seen them used for extended touring.

[mattsccm]

No way LHT. I have never knowingly seen one whilst a different Galaxy is seen almost once a week.
They are so very new. A Galaxy has decades on them.
However until some parameters are defined its a moot point.
I guess that the OP means a bike that people load up and go on holiday on for more than a day.

[Oldjohnw]

If 'most popular' means 'most aspired to' possibly the LHT.

If it means 'most currently on the road' it will be something else, which I don't know.

[pedalsheep]

Whenever I've seen people riding with 4 panniers in the last couple of years they have all been on Santos Travelmasters.

[whoof]

No way LHT. I have never knowingly seen one whilst a different Galaxy is seen almost once a week.
They are so very new. A Galaxy has decades on them.
However until some parameters are defined its a moot point.
I guess that the OP means a bike that people load up and go on holiday on for more than a day.

If it was 'What is the most Popular Touring Bike in the UK' then Dawes Galaxy, but outside of the UK about they are about as common as a Flying Gate.

[Bonefishblues]

OP does say Worldwide.

[mattsccm]

Fair enough but its a question that cannot be answered. I bet we couldn't even answer it if applied in a single county .