Beginners Guide to Cruiser Bikes

December 04, 2020

Cruiser bikes have been around for decades. As the name implies, these are best equipped for cruising and leisure. Also known as a beach cruiser, it has balloon tires, upright seats, and customizable steel construction. Casual cyclists and vacationers are likely to use this bicycle to tour around and enjoy the sunset.

These bikes make for excellent customization, with plenty of options for cruiser bike accessories. They are heavy and run better on pavements with moderate to slow speed. Most people use them to cover short distances as an alternative and healthier form of transport.

History

Cruiser bikes date back to the Great Depression. Some say that these bikes are also the main inspiration for BMX and mountain bikes.

After the Great Depression, bikes became a luxury item for the people because of the terrible economic conditions. Schwinn, a bicycle manufacturer, invented a cheaper version, the cruiser bike, so it was affordable and accessible for the younger population. And so, the Schwinn B10E came fourth, which was a design intended to look like a motorcycle.

The following years saw the introduction of the Aero bike, which incorporated a slim frame, along with balloon tires, and battery-powered headlights. Sales skyrocketed after that, and you can see many other designs of the cruiser bike now.

In the 1970s, cruiser bikes became a more popular and economical form of transport around beach towns and resorts. Surfers, hippies, and beachgoers started using them more frequently. Therefore, the cruiser found its association with the beach.

Further down the years, people started using cruiser bikes in mountain towns to ride down ski trails. Once the bikes became a cornerstone for ski trail travel, people began modifying it for a better ride in the mountains. This ultimately gave way to mountain bikes.

The emergence of the subgenres of bikes all stems from the hallmark design of the cruiser bike. These bikes are still very popular because of their comfort, simplicity, affordability, and vintage aesthetics.

Features and Accessories

There are different types of cruiser bikes today. However, every one of them follows the same framework that distinguishes them from the rest. Their mainframe has a sweeping curve down the edges, along with an extra tube between the top and bottom tubes for extra support. The material for this frame is usually heavy steel, and the added weight helps this bike give you a stable and balanced riding experience.

The thick and wide balloon tires give this bike an enormous amount of shock absorption, along with the multiple spokes on the rims that protect the tire from bending. Furthermore, the inwardly curved handlebars set these bikes apart from all other bikes. They also give the rider a more relaxed posture while on the bike. 

Today, there are plenty of cruiser bike accessories. From baskets to LED lights and child seats, there are many options for customization.

Grip Covers for Your Cruiser Bike

Since sweaty palms make for a slippery grip, a pair of Pedaler Grip Covers will come in handy when you go biking. They help you have a more comfortable grip while absorbing the sweat. Our grip covers are washable, easy to put on, and transferable. Shop for your pair today!

Are you still hesitant to invest in cruise bike accessories? Check out our blog on 3 reasons why you should invest in bike accessories.

 

 

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