Beach cruisers or cruiser bicycles began to appear during the years of the Great Depression.
During this time, the sale of bicycles was sharply declining because many people considered them a luxury they just could not afford. Beach cruisers were built to suit the shrinking pockets of people who were struggling against the weight of recession.
The design of the original beach bike was based on the design of motorcycles with a cantilevered frame, wide tires and balloon tires. These were meant to be sturdier and more affordable than the average bicycle. The aim was a bicycle that could be used on all sorts of terrain and could last for many years.
Beach cruisers attained iconic status after the World War. At that time, it was purchased due to its design elements like single speed mechanicals, solid weight and broad tires. Riders across the country endorsed that these were bikes that could give riders a wonderfully comfortable ride.
However, the heavy beach cruiser lost center stage in the 1950s when people switched their preference to lightweight bicycles once more. Even so, beach cruisers still continued to dominate the niche of utility vehicles with beach lovers buying the bike for a ride on the beach. In fact, that was how the bike got its name. By the late 70s and early 80s, beach cruisers had regained much of their lost glory. Hollywood pitched in with the movie ‘Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure’ tracing the character’s search for a lost cruiser. In the 1990s, beach cruisers were reintroduced with a more streamlined look. Aging Baby Boomers lapped up the offering, reminded as they were of times in their past when they cruised the road on the beach bike. These days, the bike is so popular that you even have Beach Bike clubs in various parts of America.
The revamped beach cruisers were more comfortable, stable, sturdy and beautiful. Riders who preferred a steady ride over speed were happy to settle for a bike which provided excellent mechanical reliability, comfortable rides and great looks. The fact that beach cruisers retained their retro look made them a favorite with the Gen-X.
Beach cruisers are most popular in areas like Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Because it is quite affordable (price ranges from $130 to $500), people of all income levels can afford it. Though there is a tendency to identify them as beach bikes, they are often seen on the roads. Interestingly, beach bikes seem to be more popular among women than men.
These days, beach cruisers are relatively lightweight. They have broad handlebars. The seat is comfortable, broad and well cushioned. The handlebar and the seat are angled in such a way as to provide maximum comfort to the rider’s back and neck. If you intend to use the bike for the beach, you may be happy to settle for the single speed variety. But, if you want a little excitement and adventure, you can opt for the multi-speed variety. Tires are broad ensuring a safe ride. These machines look great with many bikes sporting high quality powder coat finish. Different models are available for men and women.
Beach cruisers thus have a long and glorious history. They have come a long way but have managed to cling on to much of their unique and typical characteristics. In the modern times, there are many bike enthusiasts who go to great lengths to find old models and restore them. Such is the popularity of beach cruisers!For more information visit http://www.beachbikes.net
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