Last Updated on
Cruiser bikes are a type of bicycle that is known for being comfortable and easy to ride. They have wide tires which make it easy to maneuver, and they usually have a low step-over frame.
The cruiser bike was initially designed as an alternative to the penny-farthing, which became popular in the 1880s. Penny-farthing bicycles were difficult to ride, and the new cruiser bikes made it possible for more people to enjoy cycling as a pastime.
Cruiser bike popularity began in California, with brands like Schwinn and Raleigh making them available across America. Since then, they have become popular all over the world due to their versatility.
This article will explore what cruiser bicycles are suitable for, how they came about, and why you should consider buying one!
What is a Cruiser Bike?
A cruiser bike is a comfortable and easy-to-use form of transport for casual riders. They’re characterized by their low handlebars, wide saddle seats that provide plenty of space between your legs, as well as an extra-large seat to accommodate cargo or passengers if desired.
There is also a long-wheelbase that provides stability when riding on busy roads with heavy traffic while maintaining simple controls so you can focus more energy on pedaling than fighting against shifting gears!
A cruiser bike’s relaxed position stems from its geometry: bodies don’t need to tire themselves out due to excessive input like other types of bikes require since they are explicitly designed towards leisurely mode.
Cruiser bikes are a simple, stable way to get around. The balloon-style tires provide an enjoyable riding experience with their wide and durable construction makes them popular for commuting or leisurely touring.
Most cruisers utilize single-speed drivetrains paired up by coaster brakes, making these bikes easy on the budget while still offering durability in case you need it!
What Is The History Of Cruiser Bikes?
Cruiser bikes made their first appearance in the 1930s, during what would become known as “The Great Depression.” In those days, people were looking to ride more economically than existing models on offer.
Frank W Schwinn was one pioneer who helped shape these cruisers we all know today after being inspired by his own experiences with other types of bicycles while working for Sears Roebuck & Co.
Frank’s reasoning behind creating cruiser bikes is durability, which allowed him to compete against industry competitors; affordability (and wanting it so badly) seemed like an easy sell!
What Are Cruiser Bikes Good For?
Cruiser bikes are the perfect mode of transportation for those who want to get some exercise on a scenic route. They’re primarily categorized as comfort bikes.
They’re sturdy and balanced, making them capable enough that you can take your time while riding through beautiful landscapes without worrying about falling off – provided there aren’t too many hills!
A cruiser bike is perfect for a laid-back, easygoing person who likes to pedal at their own pace. The terrains of beach boardwalks and sidewalks make it ideal for short-distance daily commutes, while paved roads are great if you want something with more stability but less endurance than mountain bikes would offer!
What is a Beach Cruiser Bicycle?
Beach cruiser bikes are technically just another name for standard cruiser bikes.
The name “beach cruiser” originated in the 1940s when manufacturers began distinguishing their products like different kinds of bikes with unique purposes – this includes cruisers, mountain bikes, and road bikes!
Since then, the term “beach cruiser” has stuck, representing a style of bikes explicitly designed to be ridden on flat surfaces without too much effort.
Most cruiser bikes have a single-speed drivetrain, wide tires with plenty of treads to handle rough terrain, and comfortable seats.
The main differences between standard and beach cruisers are the gears, brakes, rims, and pedals. Beach cruiser bikes tend to be essential in components, making them perfect for someone who wants to enjoy their ride without worrying about broken parts or complicated maintenance.
What Are The Key Features of Cruiser Bikes?
Riding Style
The upright riding position of cruisers ensures a more comfortable position than that on motorcycles, where you often find yourself with your head jutting forward and shoulders hunched.
With this type of bike, there’s less pressure on one’s back because of your upright seating posture, allowing for longer cycle trips without discomfort!
Brakes
Brakeless cruisers are slowly becoming more popular. These bikes have coaster brakes, which can be activated by pedaling backward to stop the bike in its tracks and prevent runaway accidents with children who might not know how much power their kicks generate!
You won’t need any additional gear for slow speeds, though; most beach-cruiser kits include everything you’ll want or even use from a mountain bike (chainring size depending).
When you see the additional brakes on a cruiser, they are primarily in front of two rear calipers and sometimes come with three speeds.
These cruisers might not get too fast but still need that extra bit of stopping power, so it’s essential to have all your bases covered!
Handlebars and Gears
The handlebars on a cruiser bike are generally quite tall and bend towards the rider to create a more comfortable steering position without causing you to lean forward.
They maintain an upright riding style that makes this new bike popular for commuting or casual riders who want something not too fast-paced but still fun!
A lot of beach cruisers come with single-speed gearing, meaning there is no gear shifting. This can be a big drawback if you plan to go fast and take your bike off-road.
It also means that these bikes are easy to ride because they have such limited options compared to mountain biking or cyclocross, making them excellent choices for beginners who don’t know what they want just yet.
Tires
The tires on a cruiser bike can make all the difference in how comfortable you are while riding. Balloon-tired bikes offer more traction and rolling resistance than other types like mountain bike tires.
Balloons make riding over sand more accessible, but they’re also a little more unstable than regular tires. Balloon-tired bikes are perfect for navigating along the seashore or around town on those days when it’s really blowing up!
Cruiser bikes are built for comfortable riding positions and stability. They don’t give you the freedom to go all out, but they will still help improve your balance so that side-to-side movement is less noticeable when riding at an angle or trying something else unexpected!
Saddle
Cruiser bike seats are always comfortable. The saddles are usually cushioned well and oversized enough so that you can sit on them with plenty of room, making for a more enjoyable experience when riding your bike!
Dual-spring systems give this type of seat even better shock absorption while also adjusting in response movements from the rider’s body during use – which makes those long journeys seem less daunting than ever before (or at least as excellent)!
The seats are usually oversized, making it easier for your body to sit in a stable position without having to worry about falling off. Cruiser bike saddles are also made to provide extra comfort instead of road bikes with hard plastics, which might not be very comfortable when sitting on them all day!
Frame
There are a variety of different styles and sizes when it comes to cruisers. The frame and rear rack are typically more significant than a standard bike. The material used for construction can vary greatly depending on what people want out of their ride – aluminum versus steel, etcetera.
Some frames even have a slanted top tube, which makes it easier to get on and off the bike without having to do that awkward leaning-over thing while also making long rides more comfortable since you won’t feel like your upper body is being pushed hard.
Overall weight will also determine how heavy your steed ends up being: from 40-50 pounds without modifications, down towards 30 or so if you go with an earlier model. Still, there are always lighter options coming too, thanks primarily due to aluminum frames!
What Are The Different Types of Cruiser Bikes?
Cruiser bikes are typically very similar, but there is a wide variety of options available. The main difference between these types lies in their frame geometry, and this will change the feeling you get while riding depending on what type it is as well!
A classic beach cruiser is one of the many types of cruiser bikes, but here are some more:
Low Rider Cruiser Bikes
The low rider cruiser is an exciting bike with a deep, looming frame that hovers just above the ground.
The seat of this type of vehicle – which often takes inspiration from banana-shaped saddles in its design–is placed between both front and rear wheels while pedals are positioned forward like those on recumbent bikes for comfort’s sake!
In turn, these features give off cues similar to classic cruisers but applied more casually due to their unique orientation over regular bicycles.
However, don’t let them fool you into thinking they’re any less dangerous or powerful because anything can happen when riding one at high speeds!
The low rider cruiser is a favorite of those who enjoy fast rides and want to experience what it feels like without riding recklessly. Low riders are also great for kids, making them perfect beginner’s bikes!
Stretch Cruiser Bikes
The stretched-out frame is an excellent choice for those who get bored with their standard bikes.
For instance, low rider cruisers have many similar features, such as oversized handlebars and wide tires that allow you to quickly go through tight spaces or turn corners without struggling too much on your bike.
This can be due in part because they’re longer than other types of vehicles like cars!
However, there are some significant differences between stretch riders and regular ones: first of all, it’s more stable since its long wheelbase enables stability at high speeds, which means less risk when riding around busy city streets; secondly, these extended dimensions mean roomy storage areas behind seats making them perfect if you travel by car or bus as well!
Chopper Cruiser Bikes
Therefore, a chopper cruiser bike imitates chopper motorcycles’ design and is a popular choice amongst children who want to be like their favorite stunt riders.
These bikes can have ape hanger handlebars which elevate riders’ arms much higher up than with stretch or low ride cruisers, so kids love them because they’re able to do tricks in traffic.
The handlebars of a chopper cruiser bicycle are often found in front or just above the rear wheel.
This means that rather than having your legs stretch outwards, you will be reaching towards them like an old-fashioned police officer on their motorcycle with this type of bike!
Conclusion
If you are looking for an easy bike to ride and comfortable, consider purchasing a cruiser bike. Cruiser bikes have many features in common with the average cruiser, but they also offer unique benefits such as being easier to turn or move through tight spaces.
Stretch cruisers provide more stability at high speeds than most bikes, while chopper versions imitate motorcycle design and allow kids to do tricks without worrying about crashing!
Whatever type of rider you may be, we hope this article has helped inform your decision when it comes to purchasing a new cruiser bike in your favorite bike shop. Share your experience with us below!
