G
Grape101
Guest
Well I think the title says it really. Any good/bad points to look out for when buying will be appreciated too 
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B
bikeworks
Guest
Although there are many similarities between racing and touring bikes there are differences which make them more suited to the task at hand. Here are just a few of the differences:
1) Touring bikes have fittings to allow mounting of racks, bags, fenders, and even lighting systems;
2) Racing bikes tend to have more "upright" geometry that make them less comfortable, but handle and accelerate faster. Going to extremes, racing bikes can take constant attention to keep on the road due to extremely sensitive steering. They also tend to have a much shorter wheelbase and higher bottom bracket;
3) Touring bikes are built more rugged and often have "tested and true" component groups and parts that may no longer be used in the racing world. This is to increase the chance that if you have a failure in the middle of nowhere most places would be able to fix it;
4) Racing bikes tend to "push the envelope" when it comes to strength versus weight. Manufacturers assume that when you purchase a racing bike you know it won't last forever and accept the compromise in favor of high performance.
When considering a racing vs. touring bike try to imagine what you'll be using the bike for. Although it might be appealing to have a high performace bike outfitted for touring you'll soon discover that long trips are a drag and that everything wears out quicker. If you purchase a touring bike and plan to race on it it'll feel "clunky" and "soft" rather than putting your power to the ground.
This difference points to the constant controversy of weight versus comfort versus reliability. It is rare that you'll see all these attributes in one bike... for example, a carbon fiber frame is light and comfortable but one good crash and it is gone. An aluminum frame can be light, but it is can be very harsh riding and doesn't tolerate repair if needed. A steel frame can approach the light weight of carbon fiber, titanium, or aluminum and it has a classic ride combination of stiffness and comfort but a good one can be hard to find.
The biggest thing you can do is to ride every bike you can get your hands on and decide what is best for you.
1) Touring bikes have fittings to allow mounting of racks, bags, fenders, and even lighting systems;
2) Racing bikes tend to have more "upright" geometry that make them less comfortable, but handle and accelerate faster. Going to extremes, racing bikes can take constant attention to keep on the road due to extremely sensitive steering. They also tend to have a much shorter wheelbase and higher bottom bracket;
3) Touring bikes are built more rugged and often have "tested and true" component groups and parts that may no longer be used in the racing world. This is to increase the chance that if you have a failure in the middle of nowhere most places would be able to fix it;
4) Racing bikes tend to "push the envelope" when it comes to strength versus weight. Manufacturers assume that when you purchase a racing bike you know it won't last forever and accept the compromise in favor of high performance.
When considering a racing vs. touring bike try to imagine what you'll be using the bike for. Although it might be appealing to have a high performace bike outfitted for touring you'll soon discover that long trips are a drag and that everything wears out quicker. If you purchase a touring bike and plan to race on it it'll feel "clunky" and "soft" rather than putting your power to the ground.
This difference points to the constant controversy of weight versus comfort versus reliability. It is rare that you'll see all these attributes in one bike... for example, a carbon fiber frame is light and comfortable but one good crash and it is gone. An aluminum frame can be light, but it is can be very harsh riding and doesn't tolerate repair if needed. A steel frame can approach the light weight of carbon fiber, titanium, or aluminum and it has a classic ride combination of stiffness and comfort but a good one can be hard to find.
The biggest thing you can do is to ride every bike you can get your hands on and decide what is best for you.
A
Andymcj78 (atheist)
Guest
A racing bike isn't built for comfort it's built for efficiency. It will tend to have ultra thin tyres a very lightweight frame and a very thin saddle. You get different types of touring bikes but they tend to be sturdier than your average racing bike and have the capacity to carry racks and luggage and have features like mudguards etc. that you tend not to get on a racing bike.
J
joebanks2020
Guest
BW's answer is right on and I have little to add. I would only point to the obvious: decide what kind of riding you're going to do first.
I would also say that 90% of cyclists (i.e., all casual cyclists) should be riding touring bikes, MTB's or hybrids. A good racing bike is brittle, twitchy and demanding and is only rewarding if you're pushing yourself to go faster (racing!). A good touring bike is the best ride for commuting or riding often and most serious riders have both a racer and a tourer [(or a more laid back racer (see BW) for training]. IMHO, MTB's are for off road and hybrids are only good for three-times-a-summer riders.
I would also say that 90% of cyclists (i.e., all casual cyclists) should be riding touring bikes, MTB's or hybrids. A good racing bike is brittle, twitchy and demanding and is only rewarding if you're pushing yourself to go faster (racing!). A good touring bike is the best ride for commuting or riding often and most serious riders have both a racer and a tourer [(or a more laid back racer (see BW) for training]. IMHO, MTB's are for off road and hybrids are only good for three-times-a-summer riders.