Cruisers on a Comeback

Bicycling is more popular than ever, and new models are being brought out every year for any type of interest from road bikes to mountain bikes and everything in between. Two of the newest styles gaining interest among a larger group of fans are the beach cruisers and the lowriders.

Cruiser bicycles are balloon-tired bikes with heavy duty frames and were America’s standard bike from the early 1930s right through the 1950s. Their wide tires and simple mechanics (usually single speed with coaster brakes) are ideally suited to riding on flat sandy beaches, which means that they remained popular through the 1960s and 1970s as “Beach Cruisers.” In the late 70s/early 80s, durable old cruiser frames formed the basis of the newly-developing mountain bike. Though the mountain Bike and Hybrid trend pushed the Cruiser's out of the #1 spot for awhile, the Beach Cruisers’ comfort, style, and affordability (compared to mountain and racing bikes) have led to renewed popularity in recent years.

In the mid-1990s, a series of reproductions of classic cruiser bikes hit the market. These Classic Cruisers by Schwinn and other notable bike companies, helped stir up interest in cruisers, which brought them to the attention of aging Baby Boomers, who remembered the originals from their youth and now were reaching an age where a comfortable bike was more exciting than a fast bike, and who also had the money to buy whatever they wanted. The classic “retro” looks, reliable mechanical performance, comfortable ride, and relatively low price of cruisers (compared to mountain bikes or road racers) also appealed to young Gen-Xers. Soon, new manufacturers appeared, specializing strictly in cruisers.

Nearly every major bike manufacturer now offers at least one cruiser model, if not an entire line. Cruiser sales have continued to rise over the past decade and today many towns have clubs sponsoring regular cruiser rides as a way to promote the low-tech, high fun aspect of cycling. So if you are looking for a great, comfortable ride on a reasonable budget, check out a beach cruiser-you won't be disappointed!