There’s a joy in cycling along the shore, with the salty sea breeze flowing through your hair and the calming sound of waves meeting the coast. Enhance this experience with the perfect beach cruiser bike designed to deliver comfort and safety while gliding on sandy terrains.
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Beach cruiser bikes can give you a comfortable and safe riding experience on the sand that no other types of bicycles can. But what exactly does a “well-made” beach cruiser bike entail? We’ll walk you through everything you need to look for in your bike.
A Durable Fender That Withstands the Elements
The fender plays a significant role in the overall cycling experience, shielding the rider from sand, mud, or water projected into the air by rotating wheels. A beach cruiser bike should ideally sport long fenders that cover at least one-third of the wheel’s circumference. This extended coverage effectively blocks sand from flying into your face during rides, contributing to a more enjoyable, safer beach biking experience.
A Sturdy Bike Frame That Won’t Break Your Back
The bike frame is the central part of your bike, so this is one part you’ll have to consider more. When choosing a bike frame, the most crucial consideration is the material. Bike frames come in various materials, the most common being Steel for cruiser bikes. What to consider for your cruiser frame:
- Material: The material used to make the frame is one of the most important factors. The most common materials are aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, and titanium. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Weight: The weight of the frame is important for performance and comfort. Lighter frames are easier to accelerate and climb, but they can be more expensive.
- Stiffness: The stiffness of the frame is important for handling and performance. A stiff frame will be more responsive and will transmit power more efficiently, but it can also be more uncomfortable.
- Comfort: The comfort of the frame is important for long rides. A comfortable frame will absorb road vibrations and will not put too much stress on your body. Take a test ride to get a feel for the frame.
- Durability: The durability of the frame and paint is essential for longevity. A durable frame will be able to withstand the rigors of everyday riding, so check out reviews of the brands you are test riding.
Adjustable Handlebars for a Comfortable Reach
Some beach cruiser bikes do not have adjustable handlebars. Depending on your height and reach, this can be a problem. If you’re too short, the bars may be too high when you ride. If you’re too tall, you’ll be riding your beach cruiser bike like you’re in the Tour de France.
- Material: The material used to make the handlebar is one of the most important factors. The most common materials are steel for cruiser bikes but aluminum is also an option which is lighter but can have a harsher ride.
- Weight: The weight of the handlebar is important for performance and comfort. Lighter handlebars are easier to accelerate and climb, but they can be more expensive.
- Stiffness: The stiffness of the handlebar is important for handling and performance. A stiff handlebar will be more responsive and will transmit power more efficiently, but it can also be more uncomfortable.
- Comfort: The comfort of the handlebar is important for long rides. A comfortable handlebar will absorb road vibrations and will not put too much stress on your body.
- Shape: The shape of the handlebar is important for comfort and control. The right shape will allow you to find a comfortable position and will give you good control of the bike.
- Grips: The grips are essential for longer rides. The proper grips will be comfortable to hold and give you reasonable bike control. Do your hand’s sweat? Pass on leather grips and go for soft rubber.
To adjust your handlebars for maximum comfort, just raise or lower the bars to a level where your arms rest on the handles without you having to lean or slouch forward and you feel no tension on your shoulders or upper back.
A Seat that Makes for an Enjoyable ride
When you’re riding on the beach, you’ll experience vibrations since the sand creates an uneven surface. While many will argue that this is part of the whole beach-riding experience, why not make the experience more comfortable with the right bike seat?
When you’re choosing a seat, you’ll want one that provides a level of cushion that’s in the Goldilocks zone. The manufactures original bike seat may not fit you well so what should you look for in a bike seat:
- Try out different seats: The best way to find a comfortable seat is to try out additional seats. Go to a bike shop and sit on various seats to see which is the most comfortable.
- Consider your riding style: If you ride for long distances, you will need a comfortable seat that provides support. If you ride for short distances, you may be able to get away with the original seat.
- Consider your budget: Bike seats can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. It is essential to find a seat that fits your budget.
There are many comfortable seats or bike saddles on the market; we even have a list of them here. However, as a rule of thumb, gel leisure-type saddles are the way to go. You can ask the staff at the bike shop what they’d recommend when you’re picking up your beach cruiser bike.
Safety Features that we love đź’–
You also need to consider safety — both for yourself and for those around you on the beach. Our top three are:
- Brakes: Brakes are the most important safety feature on a bike. They allow you to stop quickly and safely in an emergency. Make sure your brakes are in good working order and that the brake pads are not worn down.
- Lights: Lights are required in many states for riding at night or in low-light conditions. Make sure your bike has a headlight and a taillight that are bright enough to be seen by other vehicles.
- Bell: A bell can be used to alert other people of your presence, especially when riding on trails or in crowded areas.
Customizing Your Cruise with Accessories
We used our bikes to head to the beach. Sometimes to fish but mostly to enjoy the beach. Here is our list of accessories that we find the most helpful:
- Bike lock
- Rear bike rack
- Water bottle and cage
- Front basket
- Phone holder
- Fishing rod holder
- Bike bell
- A multi-tool
Take Your Beach Cruiser Bike for a Spin Before You Buy It
To ensure that a beach cruiser bike ticks all the boxes, please take it for a test ride. While riding, pay attention to the comfort of the seat and ride position, and keep an eye out for bike weight, as it can add up on those hills.
When searching for a beach cruiser bike, keeping the above factors in mind will help you find the perfect one for your picturesque ride along the shore.
