Beach Bikes or Cruisers are Stylish and Big Business With Brand Names Like Schwinn and Nirve

Beach bikes and cruiser models are becoming increasingly popular as we all try to reduce our carbon footprint, and it's little wonder why. Fun to ride, beautiful to look at, and fairly affordable, more people are turning to these popular lookers as they begin to consider an afternoon of cycling over the traditional Sunday drive in the car. With brand names like Schwinn and Nirve, though, competing for your business, how do you choose the right beach cycles for your family? A style once cornered by Schwinn, hundreds of companies have begun producing models these days, and that only adds to the confusion for many. The key, though, is knowing what to look for.

Comfort

For most looking for a popular beach bike, comfort is the determining factor. After all, you probably plan to spend a decent amount of your free time on the bike, so you'll want something that is enjoyable to ride. While many accessories can be added to increase your comfort level, getting a bike that feels like a good fit from the outset is essential. Make certain that the bike is the right height for you, and that you're sitting up straight as you ride. This will help ensure your back isn't sore after a day of riding. The handlebars should be a good fit for your arms as well. Since they come in both long and rounded options, find one that you feel fits your style best. Moreover, you'll want to get a seat that feels nice the first time you sit down. Some come with oversized seats, which often help to give a bit more support during a longer ride.

Safety

Safety isn't a huge concern with these, as much of the safety here involves you as a rider. Brakes are the most important factor. Coaster brakes are most common on these models. Like the brakes you had on your bicycle as a child, it takes only pedaling backward to stop. They are considered to be fairly safe, but if you're used to hand brakes, it will take a bit of practice before you begin to remember. While a few brands do make hand brake models, either will serve you well.

Durability

The chances are pretty good that you'll spend a decent amount of money on your choice, so find one that is fairly durable. If you intend to spend time riding it near the beach, go for the aluminum over the steel frame. While it may be a bit tougher to find, it's rust resistant, and if you'll be spending a lot of time near the water, you want that feature to ensure you get some good riding time out of your bike. You'll also want to look for smooth weld marks as you pick your bike out. Low quality products have almost a puddle like quality at the joints.

Those three major factors will help you find the right bike initially, but investing in a good cruise bicycle tire set for maintenance purposes as well as the right accessories like helmets, apparel, bike locks, and baskets will help make your package complete. If long distance touring is a better fit for you, you may want to do some reading about the right touring tires to meet your needs here.

Read the next Bicycle Tires article on Long Distance Bike Touring Tires Emphasize Ride And Comfort