Cruiser bikes are two-wheelers similar to a child's first bike but built for casual adult riders and occasional recreational athletes. They are perfect for seniors and others who enjoy brief rides along relatively flat and wide trails, roads or boardwalks. They don't provide huge cardiovascular benefits but do help ease the way for those who are just beginning to get involved in exercise. Cruisers feature an upright riding position and their fat tires that are similar to those found on mountain bikes. Typically they have soft seats for comfort and cushioning. Some cruiser bikes have only one gear, so no shifting is required. Others have three to seven gears so a rider can shift to an easier or harder setting for slight inclines as well as for speeding up on declines. Most cruisers have coaster foot brakes, fenders and covered chains.
What to Look for
Buy a cruiser either in a specialized bike shop, a sports chain store and or at a big retailer such as Wal-Mart. The cost ranges from $150 to $900. If you are unsure of your balance, look for a cruiser with a step through frame that does not require your swinging a leg over a high top bar. Because it is crucial that you buy a bike that fits you properly, test ride it before you pay for it. Before test-riding, ask to have the seat adjusted so that on the downstroke your leg reaches the six o'clock position with a slight but not deep bend in your knee. If the cruiser has high motorcycle-like handlebars, make sure you can maneuver it around corners comfortably. If you plan it as an errand bike, find one with a basket in front or in back, and a kickstand to keep the bike standing when you have parked it.
Common Pitfalls
Don't expect this bike to train you for the Tour de France. Cruisers are not meant for serious bicycle exercise. They can weigh twice as much as a racing bike and tire you out after a short ride. Test ride your cruiser long enough so you know the seat is as wide as you like it and has enough spring in it to be kind to your bottom. Also make sure the foot-operated coaster brakes stop your forward movement easily. While big retailers may have what seem like bargain prices, better models from reliable manufacturers typically are found in bike shops.
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