Saturday 30 May 2015

What is a Beach Cruiser Bike?, Explained

Beach Cruiser Bike

Beach cruiser bikes, also referred to as comfort or cruiser bikes stand out from the crowd with their classic style and great choice of colors.  It’s easy to spot a beach cruiser bike with its cruiser styled frame and swept-back handlebars.

Beach cruiser bikes are built for comfort which is why they are sometimes referred to as COMFORT bikes.  What makes these types of bikes so comfortable?  Typically, a beach cruiser bike will have the following comfort features:

·         A wide padded spring seat
·         Swept-back handlebars
·         Pedals that are set slightly more forward than a traditional bike


  

Let’s take a look at the above features of a beach cruiser bike to help you understand what makes them so comfortable, along with other features like tires and gears typically found on these types of bikes:


SADDLE

A beach cruiser bike will typically have a wide padded spring saddle.  The larger seat with padding makes this type of bike very comfortable to sit on, while the spring helps to give a smoother ride over bumpy terrain.


A beach cruiser bike will typically have swept-back style handlebars.  These types of handlebars allow you to sit in an upright position which is easier on your back than traditional bikes where you would normally have to lean forward putting strain on your back.

PEDALS

The pedals on a beach cruiser bike are typically set slightly more forward than on a traditional bike, which again helps with a more upright riding position for better posture while cycling.

TIRES/WHEELS

The tires/wheels on a beach cruiser bike are typically wider and thicker than traditional bikes which help to give you a more stable ride and are also less likely to puncture!.  These types of tires are often referred to as balloon tires.

Many, but not all, beach cruiser bikes will come with fenders to help keep wet/mud splashes off you as you cycle.

GEARS/BRAKES

Cruiser bike with 7 gears and handlebar mounted pull brakes
Cruiser Bike with 7-gears & pull-brakes
A true beach cruiser bike would typically have just 1-speed with a simple-to-use rear coaster brake, as this would be all you need for cycling at the beach.   Using the coaster brake is a simple case of pedalling backwards to stop the bike.

However, many manufacturers are now designing cruiser bikes with 3 or even 7 gears with handlebar mounted pull-brakes, making them an ideal bike not just for the beach but for leisure cycling around your neighbourhood, town and bike paths.  The gears are a welcome bonus to help you cycle up hills more easily!

FRAME

The frame on a beach cruiser bike is typically heavier than a traditional bike making them more stable and easier to handle on the beach.  Most beach cruiser bikes’ frames are made from steel, although some may be made with aluminum or a mix of aluminum and steel.

Beach cruiser bikes are not designed for speed like road bikes are, but they will make easy work of cycling on sand or gravel and can also be used on bike paths and trails.  Beach cruiser bikes are the ideal leisure comfort bike!










N.B.  It’s always advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before undertaking any new exercise regime.
*Prices/discounts/shipping indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change at anytime.  E&OE.



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