Schwinn's cruiser bicycles became a classic style of two-wheeled transportation during the twentieth century, and have made a resurgence in the first decade of the twenty-first century as adults relive the bicycles of their childhood. Throughout Schwinn's history, cruiser bicycles have maintained a unique set of features that set them apart from other bicycle types.
Seat
All Schwinn classic cruisers have a seat made for comfort -- they are typically wide and have spring suspensions to help absorb bumps in the road. Seat materials range from leather to synthetic, and are available in various colors, including white, black, brown and even pink. The wider seat of a cruiser bike is traditional because it is suited to the slower cadence, or pedaling speed, of a cruiser rider.
Handlebars
All Schwinn classic cruisers feature a unique handlebar style that enhances comfort and promotes a leisurely riding position. The handlebars are swept back so that the ends point towards the rider. This type of handlebar is commonly referred to as mustache style. Comfortable to hold, they also encourage a more upright riding position common in cruiser style bicycles. Because the handlebar ends reach toward the seat, you don't have to lean forward to grasp the bars.
Tires
Tire style has always been a fundamental part of classic Schwinn cruisers. The bikes utilize a wider, balloon-style tire that is more comfortable and more stable to ride on. These larger tires help absorb small bumps and inconsistencies in road surfaces. However, cruiser tires are not only about functionality, and often feature painted sidewalls that add style and an aesthetic appeal to the bike. As of 2011, most Schwinn cruisers are available with traditional white sidewalls. Limited models, like the Hornet, come with red sidewalls.
Gears
Classic cruisers utilized a simple gear system that was easy to maintain and cheap to make. The most traditional classic Schwinn cruisers still use simple one-speed gear systems and coaster brake systems. Some modern Schwinn cruisers have adopted variable gear systems that use from three to 10 speeds. Many modern Schwinn classic cruisers also use front and rear standard brake pads.
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