The paint job is the least important aspect when shopping for and buying touring bicycles.  Usually if a bike frame is high quality then the paint will equal this quality and not have premature problems.  Frame paint colors on high end touring bicycles are very limited and tour cycles often come with only one color option.  I suggest you find the bike you like and hope that you like the color.

I (Tim) prefer my touring bicycles to be as unnoticeable as possible.  If a bike looks bland it appears inexpensive.  A bright flashy paint job with a well known logo is the first pick among thieves.  Dull colors do not scream money and become obnoxious in poor countries.  Dark colors blend into other bikes used by locals.

Cindie and I often find ourselves hiding in the woods and camping without permission or security.  In these cases it is best be discrete.  Most touring cyclists will do this out of necessity.  Because we are hiding we also like our touring bikes, panniers, and tent to be as camouflaged as possible.  I like black, grey or any other darkish color.  I suppose that olive drab would be an ideal color but I have never seen this.

Rust is a big problem with steel touring bicycles and racks because the bike is usually locked up outside your tent at night in all kinds of weather.  On a bike tour it is often necessary to ride in rain, snow, and through deep river crossings.  There are a few tips and tricks in the video below that will make a steel touring bike and racks last longer.

26in wheel touring bicycle Novara Safari Touring Bike - all sizes. Surly Long Haul Trucker Touring Bike (700c or 26in) Surly Bikes at REI.com

700cm wheel touring bike Novara Randonee Touring Bike- all sizes. Salsa Touring Bicycle Salsa Fargo 700c Touring Bicycle

see more touring bikes here

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