There are many different types of bicycle touring, and an equal number of touring bicycles suited to match. Light touring (often called "credit-card touring" because cyclists stay at hotels, motels and inns instead of camping out) can be accomplished on a road bike with minimal alterations, while heavy touring (often called "self-contained touring") requires stronger machines which can carry more luggage. In addition, some touring bicycles are simply mountain bikes modified to carry luggage and camping equipment deep into the back-country.
Because of the increased weight requirements and reliability demands, touring bikes typically use road handlebars and saddles for long-distance comfort, combined with rugged mountain hubs, wide-ratio mountain cassettes and heavy-duty rims to provide the durability, reliability and wide gearing essential for loaded touring. In addition, touring bikes require stronger brakes than typical road bikes, so they are often equipped with cantilever or linear-pull brakes, instead of the caliper brakes used on road bikes.
Touring bikes are usually equipped with luggage racks front and rear, designed to hold panniers or other forms of luggage, as well as front and rear lights for increased safety and extended days in the saddle.