You’re not going anywhere without some wheels. While you may feel compelled to buy the most expensive touring bike you can, it’s also really really important to check and check again that it’s comfortable (you’re going to be on that saddle for a long time), and that you can make simple mechanical repairs to it, because you will need to from time to time. The steel-framed Kona Sutra is rated again and again as a reliable workhorse, equipped with plenty of storage options and decent wheels.

Price: £1,199, available from Kona.