The most important factor when considering a beach cruiser is comfort. Make no mistake about it; if you are not comfortable, you're not cruising. Imagine riding a road bike with its curled handlebars down the beach? All scrunched up like a hunchback? No; that's not your style. Here we explain the ins and outs of beach bikes so that you're cruising down the boardwalk in no time...and in style.
Sitting Upright in a Cruiser
Unlike road bikes and mountain bikes, beach cruisers allow you to sit more upright. Think of sitting in a comfortable office chair, back up, spine straight; that's what a beach cruiser offers. Cruiser pedals are located a bit ahead of the seat so that they leverage your normal sitting position.
Cruiser Handlebars
The mark of a good cruiser are its handlebars. A cruiser's handlebars should face toward the lady rider. Typically, the grips on a women's beach cruiser will have indentations for each of your fingers. This gives you good control. The torso-high handlebars help keep your posture as you cruise.
Cruiser Tires
Beach cruisers come equipped with what's known as "balloon tires," which offer a bit more height, as well as some extra tire strength. They only require low pressure, which is easy to pump and less likely to get a flat. You will lose a bit of speed with balloon tires. They are thicker than standard tires. They allow you to ride off and on curbs and cobblestones without worrying about a flat!
Cruiser Style
Now that the basics are explained, let's move on to style! The style of a beach cruiser for women has very round and flowing lines. The center bar of your bike will be either nonexistent or very low so that you can mount and dismount the bike without worrying about your skirt. On a beach cruiser the chain is covered, again, to keep clothing materials from getting caught and to keep your legs clean.
Cruiser Color
After recognizing the round, flowing lines of a beach cruiser, as well as the low central bar that connects the seat to the handlebars, customize. Women's bikes are often painted softer colors such as pink, powder blue and white. (Of course you can go with other colors, as well). Beach cruisers are typically painted in what's known as "candy paint," giving them a lot of shine. Since you won't be cruising on mountains or long rides, the candy paint will give your bike a great shine on those summer days!
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