Schwinn first introduced the beach cruiser in 1933 with its World B10E Motorbike. Despite the fact that the "motor" on the B10E was actually the rider, it did resemble the motorcycles of its day. While technology has changed a lot in the eight decades since its invention, today's beach cruiser still sports the retro look and feel of that very first bike and are perfect for the beach.
Felt Cafe Deluxe 8
"Here's my theory," says Christine Bucher writing in "Bicycling" magazine, "people who like to wear flip-flops everywhere are the same people who truly enjoy cruisers." Her belief is that the casual feeling of a heavy, lumbering, sometimes dangerous bike, appeals to people who prefer to lounge around in comfortable shoes all day. The Felt Cafe Deluxe 8 is technically a beach bike but, unlike the cruisers of yore, it features precision steering and Tektro brakes for stopping power. It even comes with a cup holder, lest you forget it's a beach cruiser. The Felt Cafe Deluxe 8 retails for $569 as of early 2011.
Giant Simple Seven
The Giant Simple Seven has the feel of beach-style cruiser with some modern extras. In addition to its fat balloon tires, comfy saddle and swept-back handlebars, the Simple Seven offers a lightweight aluminum frame, high-quality Shimano components and seven speeds. It's also a bargain. The Giant Simple Seven retails for $380 as of early 2011.
Nirve Fifty Three
The Nirve Fifty Three features a Galaxie frame, candy bar chrome handlebars and you can even get it with a coaster brake. To add to the vintage feel, Nirve throws in full-size steel fenders, polished chrome rims and vintage tires. However, beneath all the old-school appeal, the Fifty Three also comes with a springer fork to dampen vibration, a three-speed drivetrain for getting around easily and a plush saddle for extra comfort. The Nirve Fifty Three retails for $600 as of early 2011.
Civia Loring
The Civia Loring is a beach cruiser that could end up being your all-around errand-running, commuting and car-replacement bike. It features bamboo fenders and racks that can haul 20 pounds in the front and over 50 pounds in the back. The steel-frame Loring comes with an SRAM nine speed i-Motion drivetrain, Avid BB5 disc brakes and a Brooks B-67 saddle for a hassle-free, comfortable ride. The Civia Loring retails for $1,256 as of early 2011.
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