In 1950\’s Cruiser Bikes were popular for their unique designs and vintage look. With advent of technology, demand for mountain bikes and racing bikes increased. However no other bikes can compete with the traditional style and sturdiness of cruiser bike. During Great Depression in US, the sales of bikers were declined to great extend, at that time Frank Schwinn, created this sturdier cruiser bike. He is a founder and largest manufacturer of cruiser bikes. Since this time, this bike has been modified multiple times, however the modern cruise bikes retain the design element of original bikes. Today cruise bikes are more popular than ever because they offer combination of style, comfort and durability at a affordable price. The price range is in between $150 to $1000.

Some features of cruiser bike

Cruise bike is also known as beach cruiser because they are heavy framed bikes, built for beaches and flat terrain. This bike is mainly for people who rides for recreational purpose and not for competition. These bikes are popular among casual bikers as they are very stable and durable, however they are heavy weighted. They offer combine features of balloon large tires, upright seating posture, broad seat and steel construction; also have handlebar baskets and headlights or taillights. Some of the bikes also have foot brakes.

Cruiser bikes are well designed for both men and women, however it is necessary to select proper frame size. There is slight variation in the frame size of men and women. The major differences found is that contain forward or offset pedaling. Due to difference in heights, men and women require different size of forward pedaling which helps in proper leg extension.

Types of Cruiser Bike

1) Single-speed cruiser – It is a classic beach cruiser, contains no gear and features are similar to traditional coaster brake or foot brake. They offer clean vintage look as they are devoid of hand brakes and gear. These bikes are good for short distance ride and limited to small hilly areas.

2) Multi-speed cruise – They offer variety of speed cruiser bikes. These are fully equipped bikes with front and rear brakes, six to seven varieties of gears ratios. First gear offer least resistance while seventh gear offers highest resistance. Every subsequent gear offer high resistance that previous gear. Lower gears are mainly used when you ride uphills or when you simply want to make your ride easy. In contrast, higher gear is used when you want to ride fast hence they are perfect on flat surfaces.

3) Based on body frame, cruiser bikes are classified into steel frame and aluminium frame. Steel frame cruisers are less expensive than aluminium frame because steel frame cruisers are heavier, have lower quality components and can get rusted if exposed to water. Aluminium frames are generally more expensive, lighter in weight and they do not rust.

Today cruiser sales are continued to rise which had declined in past decade. Many manufacturers offer comfort bike and chopper style bikes in their cruiser section. Comfort bike has upright posture with conventionally styled. Features of this bikes are copied from cruiser bikes however they are redesigned to make them look like regular bikes. Even with latest technology, cruiser bikes are not suitable to ride on hilly mountains. If you have cruiser bikes stick to flat surfaces or beaches. Also not all cruisers are alike, so consider this information and take a test ride before purchasing the cruiser or beach bike.

Wadner Tranchant is an Author and internet entrepreneur base out of Florida. To shop online