Thursday, January 31, 2013
Accessory of the Day | Cyclepro Tyke Taxi DLX II
Accessory of the Day:
Perfect for bringing your child along for the cruise!
Featured Beach Biker | Hope - Los Angeles, CA
Today's Featured Beach Biker is:
Hope from Los Angeles, CA
She's riding the Firmstrong Urban Lady 3-Speed
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Featured Beach Biker | Saskia
Today's Featured Beach Biker is Saskia from Zurich, Switzerland! She's looking pretty in pink with her Firmstrong Urban Boutique!
Sizing of Cruiser Bicycles | Beachbikes
Finding the right size cruiser bike can be difficult because the variation in frame style and frame geometry are vast. Cruising riding is for the enjoyment and the comfort. There is no real "ideal" riding position because cruiser riders are not striving for maximum efficiency but rather maximum comfort. Comfort is determined by the bike rider, and what's comfortable to one person may not be to someone else.
Cruisers are not sized the same way as Road and Mountain Bikes. These bikes are sized mainly on frame size. Road and Mountain Bikes have many different frame sizes for each model, whereas cruisers will only have one frame size per model. Cruisers don't have one model in many different sizes, instead companies create a new model in a different size. This is why finding the perfect size and perfect color can sometimes be a difficult but it is also good because the selection of colors and styles of beach cruisers is vast.
Cruisers are sized by their wheel size, there are several wheel sizes for cruisers, which are: 16", 20", 24" and 26" beach cruisers. A 16" will fit children ages 2 - 5 while a 26" is for a grown adult. The big differentiating factor between cruiser models is the differing frame designs with different geometry of their frame. See the below images for some examples.
All of the above bikes are different models but they all have 26" wheels. However, if you notice the frame sizes and other measurements are much different. The frame size frame measurement, from the top of the down tube to the bottom bracket, is different on all of the above bikes. In simpler terms the tube below the seat is the down tube and the bottom bracket is at the bottom of that. On the above bike we see that measurement is 17.5" however that doesn't give us a clear indication of this bike because on the above model the pedals are shifted forward and the down tube is angled back.
Cruisers come in all sorts of different configurations and designs which is why wheel size is only one element to choosing a cruiser. See the chart below for a general sizing chart.
Once you know what wheel size you are looking for the next question is what type of riding position do you want. (Of course color and design are also important factors.) Again, since riders of cruiser bicycles are not trying to win races, riding position isn't all about efficiency but more about comfort and comfort is in the eye of the beholder. There are cruisers with longer frames, shorter frames, higher frames, more laid back frames. For those riders that value the look of the bike as most important then wheel size is enough of a size/comfort deciding attribute. But if your truly want something relaxed, or upright, or laid back, then the choice is yours. See below for a few different beach bikes and the different riding positions each would provide, all with a 26" wheel.
Stretched frame, relaxed riding with legs kick forward
Upright classic riding position, straight up and down back
Upright classic riding position, straight up and down back
Stretched frame, straight up and down back
Standard frame, upright right, great riding posture
Long frame, forward pedaling, relaxed ride with great posture
For additional information on sizing of cruiser bikes, please watch the below videos. If you have any questions about what bike is right for you please contact me and I can answer any questions you may have.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
BeachBikes.com
I Ride a sixthreezero
Cruisers are not sized the same way as Road and Mountain Bikes. These bikes are sized mainly on frame size. Road and Mountain Bikes have many different frame sizes for each model, whereas cruisers will only have one frame size per model. Cruisers don't have one model in many different sizes, instead companies create a new model in a different size. This is why finding the perfect size and perfect color can sometimes be a difficult but it is also good because the selection of colors and styles of beach cruisers is vast.
Cruisers are sized by their wheel size, there are several wheel sizes for cruisers, which are: 16", 20", 24" and 26" beach cruisers. A 16" will fit children ages 2 - 5 while a 26" is for a grown adult. The big differentiating factor between cruiser models is the differing frame designs with different geometry of their frame. See the below images for some examples.
All of the above bikes are different models but they all have 26" wheels. However, if you notice the frame sizes and other measurements are much different. The frame size frame measurement, from the top of the down tube to the bottom bracket, is different on all of the above bikes. In simpler terms the tube below the seat is the down tube and the bottom bracket is at the bottom of that. On the above bike we see that measurement is 17.5" however that doesn't give us a clear indication of this bike because on the above model the pedals are shifted forward and the down tube is angled back.
Cruisers come in all sorts of different configurations and designs which is why wheel size is only one element to choosing a cruiser. See the chart below for a general sizing chart.
Once you know what wheel size you are looking for the next question is what type of riding position do you want. (Of course color and design are also important factors.) Again, since riders of cruiser bicycles are not trying to win races, riding position isn't all about efficiency but more about comfort and comfort is in the eye of the beholder. There are cruisers with longer frames, shorter frames, higher frames, more laid back frames. For those riders that value the look of the bike as most important then wheel size is enough of a size/comfort deciding attribute. But if your truly want something relaxed, or upright, or laid back, then the choice is yours. See below for a few different beach bikes and the different riding positions each would provide, all with a 26" wheel.
Stretched frame, relaxed riding with legs kick forward
Upright classic riding position, straight up and down back
Upright classic riding position, straight up and down back
Stretched frame, straight up and down back
Standard frame, upright right, great riding posture
Long frame, forward pedaling, relaxed ride with great posture
For additional information on sizing of cruiser bikes, please watch the below videos. If you have any questions about what bike is right for you please contact me and I can answer any questions you may have.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
BeachBikes.com
I Ride a sixthreezero
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Featured Beach Biker | Jerry and Julie
Today’s Featured Beach Bikers are Jerry and Julie from Highlands Ranch, CO!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
How Bike Gears Work and Pedaling Resistance | Beach Bikes
What really dictates the difficulty of pedaling is the configuration of the rear sprocket to the front chainwheel. The rear sprocket and the front chainwheel have teeth on them, these teeth are what hold the chain in place when a rider is pedaling.
If the rear sprocket or front chainwheel are larger they will have more teeth, if smaller they will have fewer teeth. The size ratio of rear sprocket to front sprocket will dictate the amount of resistance created, in turn determining how easy or hard it is to pedal the bike.
-(Configuration A) If the rear sprocket is big (high amount of teeth) and the front chainwheel is small (low amount of teeth) there will be less resistance and the bike will be easy to pedal. (Great for going up hills)
-(Configuration B) If the rear sprocket is small (low amount of teeth) and the front chainwheel is big (high amount of teeth) there will be more resistance and the bike will be hard to pedal. (Great for more speed)
-(Configuration C) If the rear sprocket and front chainwheel are similar in size, it will create a mid-range/neutral gear.
The way the rear sprocket and front chainwheel are configured is very important to a bike. This is what creates speeds on 7, 10, 15, 21 and 27 speed bicycles. When a bike has gears, in first gear the chain rests on the large rear sprocket. As a rider shifts to a higher gear the chain moves down to a smaller sprocket, creating more resistance and making it harder to pedal. First gear is always the best for going up hill and the higher gears are always best for achieving more speed. Cruisers also come with multiple gears, and if you'd like to have the ability to pedal with different resistance during your rides, then having gears is the answer. This will allow the rider to switch from minimal resistance, easy pedaling, to high resistance, hard to pedal, during riding.
For a single speed cruiser bike the hard part is to find the perfect configuration because the rider will only have one gear. The one gear can't have too much resistance or else the rider won't be able to go up hills, and it also needs some resistance so riders can generate at least a fair amount of speed while riding. That is when it is up to the bike company to determine what they believe to be the perfect setup. Cruiser riders want something easy to pedal so they can ride effortlessly but they also want to be able to go up hills and pick up the speed if need be. All single speed beach cruisers have different configurations. Figuring out how much resistance and how hard you want to pedal while riding is totally your choice. Sixthreezero cruiser bikes has coined the term "Smooth Cruise Configuration" for the size ratio of the rear sprocket to front chainwheel they've created. They claim it is the best setup for a beach cruiser, with the perfect balance of resistance, making hills easy, cruising enjoyable, and speed attainable when needed. Click here to view their models.
In addition to the rear sprocket and front chainwheel, the crank also has an impact on how easy or hard a bike is to pedal.
Most beach cruiser bikes feature a one piece crank, which is pictured above. One piece means the crank is entirely one piece. This is a standard style of crank for cruisers and does provide a nice ride. It is generally good for single speed bikes because riders don't need a high performance crank. However, some higher end cruiser models do have 3-piece cranks and it does make for a smoother ride. The benefit of a 3-piece crank is it will turn a little smoother thus making the bike easier to pedal. With that said, we believe one piece cranks are great for cruisers and if the rear sprocket and front chainwheel configuration is good, the bike should pedal well.
To answer the question are some beach cruisers easier to pedal than others, the answer is yes. When choosing a bike first figure out what kind of riding you are going to do and then ask yourself why you want to ride. After you know these answers, and you decide a beach cruiser bike is the style for you, then determine if you'll want to go up hills, ride fast, or just beach cruise. Even bikes with a single gear can have varying levels of pedal resistance, making some easier to pedal and some more difficult. Ultimately the choice is yours, so make sure to pick the cruiser bicycle that best suits you.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
BeachBikes.com
I Ride a sixthreezero
Meet Danielle from San Ramon, CA! She’s our Beach Biker of the Day✌
Danielle is riding the Firmstrong Urban Lady Baby Blue
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Beach Biker of the Day - Jason from Newport Beach
Check out our Beach Biker of the Day - Jason from Newport Beach! He's riding the sixthreezero Mammoth Cruiser Bike.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Single Speed Bike Ok? | Beach Bikes
A question I get a lot is "Will a single speed bike be enough for me?" I always answer this question with these questions, what kind of riding do you want to do and what are your expectations of owning a bicycle. I hate to estimate or generalize but I would say a single speed bike would probably be good for 70% of bike riders. If someone walks in and says I want to ride my bicycle 40 miles a day and I want to climb lots of hills, I would say no, a single speed is not enough for you. Then I would recommend something with at least 15 speeds or more. But if that's not your intention, then you probably could qualify to ride a single gear cruiser. To really find out if it would be plenty for you, let's take a look at some typical responses to my questions.
"I just want to ride around the neighborhood with my husband and kids." Boom!!! A cruiser is perfect for you. Why? Because with such a simple objective it would make sense to own a simple bike...no gears, no cables, very little to go wrong. And surely one gear will take you around the neighborhood at an enjoyable pace. One gear, nice pace equals good times with the family. One speed can keep your riding at a comfortable eight miles an hour easily, which is a nice, comfortable cruising pace.
"I mainly just want to ride by the beach on the strand." Obviously this is an easy answer, you qualify for a one speed. The main reason being, people who ride by the beach ride single speed bikes, I mean if you're riding by the beach you want to enjoy it right? So is there any point to riding 25mph where the landscape is whipping by at such a pace that it could as well be a desert, corn field, or forest? If you're riding purpose is to ride by the beach, then why not ride at a pace where it can be enjoyed. Not too mention single speeds are just destined to be ridden at the beach.
"I want something that will be low maintenance." This is when I feel most confident telling people a single speed will be perfect. One speed, one brake, equals simplicity at it's best. The more you add to your bike, your life or anything the more chance for problems there are. If you want something you can ride once, leave in the garage then take out again a few weeks later without having to worry about lubing it up, or tuning it up, then a single speed is your answer. I am for sure an advocate of geared bikes, but definitely when you add gears, derailleur, and hand brakes more upkeep will be required. A regular tune-up will be needed on geared bikes rather than recommended. Not something us average riders necessarily want to deal with.
"I mainly want to just ride to work or school but there are a few hills I have to go up."
Ahhh...the question of hills. Hills are always a fun thing on a bicycle, no matter what, they are strenuous, trying and tiring. Will having gears help you ride up hills? The answer is yes, do you need gears, no. A single speed is just that gear, and generally when you go up a hill you'll want the bike in first gear. So in essence a single speed will be a gear comparable to the first gear of a bike with speeds. However, single speed bikes are all geared differently and will ride and feel a little bit different. Either way I know hills will be a challenge no matter what and having gears isn't going to get you up the hill, the motor is, and that motor is you.
"I want to run errands on my bike, maybe go to the grocery store or the market." Perfect, a single speed bicycle is perfect! Why, because single speed bikes are great for accessorizing, adding a basket, back rack, bags, cup holders, and everything else you need to carry everything back with you from the store. A few questions I always get are, can I put a basket on this bike, can I put a back rack on this bike, can I put a baby seat on this bike? The answer is yes to all, single speed bikes are usually the most customizable because they are the most simple and there is a big parts after market for cruisers. So everything you would need you can put on these bikes.
In short, single speed bicycles are a great bike for the recreational rider. I'm confident in saying that if any of your riding goals or bike owning goals align with the above information then you are a great candidate for a bike with one gear.
Click here, to see a variety of single speed bikes.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
I Ride a sixthreezero
"I just want to ride around the neighborhood with my husband and kids." Boom!!! A cruiser is perfect for you. Why? Because with such a simple objective it would make sense to own a simple bike...no gears, no cables, very little to go wrong. And surely one gear will take you around the neighborhood at an enjoyable pace. One gear, nice pace equals good times with the family. One speed can keep your riding at a comfortable eight miles an hour easily, which is a nice, comfortable cruising pace.
"I mainly just want to ride by the beach on the strand." Obviously this is an easy answer, you qualify for a one speed. The main reason being, people who ride by the beach ride single speed bikes, I mean if you're riding by the beach you want to enjoy it right? So is there any point to riding 25mph where the landscape is whipping by at such a pace that it could as well be a desert, corn field, or forest? If you're riding purpose is to ride by the beach, then why not ride at a pace where it can be enjoyed. Not too mention single speeds are just destined to be ridden at the beach.
"I want something that will be low maintenance." This is when I feel most confident telling people a single speed will be perfect. One speed, one brake, equals simplicity at it's best. The more you add to your bike, your life or anything the more chance for problems there are. If you want something you can ride once, leave in the garage then take out again a few weeks later without having to worry about lubing it up, or tuning it up, then a single speed is your answer. I am for sure an advocate of geared bikes, but definitely when you add gears, derailleur, and hand brakes more upkeep will be required. A regular tune-up will be needed on geared bikes rather than recommended. Not something us average riders necessarily want to deal with.
"I mainly want to just ride to work or school but there are a few hills I have to go up."
Ahhh...the question of hills. Hills are always a fun thing on a bicycle, no matter what, they are strenuous, trying and tiring. Will having gears help you ride up hills? The answer is yes, do you need gears, no. A single speed is just that gear, and generally when you go up a hill you'll want the bike in first gear. So in essence a single speed will be a gear comparable to the first gear of a bike with speeds. However, single speed bikes are all geared differently and will ride and feel a little bit different. Either way I know hills will be a challenge no matter what and having gears isn't going to get you up the hill, the motor is, and that motor is you.
"I want to run errands on my bike, maybe go to the grocery store or the market." Perfect, a single speed bicycle is perfect! Why, because single speed bikes are great for accessorizing, adding a basket, back rack, bags, cup holders, and everything else you need to carry everything back with you from the store. A few questions I always get are, can I put a basket on this bike, can I put a back rack on this bike, can I put a baby seat on this bike? The answer is yes to all, single speed bikes are usually the most customizable because they are the most simple and there is a big parts after market for cruisers. So everything you would need you can put on these bikes.
In short, single speed bicycles are a great bike for the recreational rider. I'm confident in saying that if any of your riding goals or bike owning goals align with the above information then you are a great candidate for a bike with one gear.
Click here, to see a variety of single speed bikes.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
I Ride a sixthreezero
Beach Biking | Join the Beach Bikers
If you enjoy riding on the bike paths by the ocean, then join the Beach Bikers. We are group of recreational cyclists who enjoy touring the beaches on our bikes. We love beach biking. We keep our pace at an enjoyable 5 - 10mph. We are the riders who enjoy taking in the scenery, being social while we ride, listening to music while we ride, and maybe drinking an ice cold beverage while we ride. Our bike rides are for the purpose of relaxation, enjoyment, to get together with friends and to make new friends.
We generally ride in the Southbay area, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and El Segundo but we plan to expand ride at beaches all over Southern California. If you've never been to any of these beaches come join us and we'll take you on a bike tour to learn the area. We love showing people the beach paths we enjoy so much on a weekly basis. We don't care what kind of bike type you use, I prefer cruiser bikes, but any bicycle type is perfect, all we want is your company.
We can also provide free bicycles for anyone that doesn't have one. Just come join us and we'll take care of the rest. That's right, we just want you to come out and do some beach cruising with us.
For more information or to join our group click here.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
I Ride a sixthreezero
We generally ride in the Southbay area, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and El Segundo but we plan to expand ride at beaches all over Southern California. If you've never been to any of these beaches come join us and we'll take you on a bike tour to learn the area. We love showing people the beach paths we enjoy so much on a weekly basis. We don't care what kind of bike type you use, I prefer cruiser bikes, but any bicycle type is perfect, all we want is your company.
We can also provide free bicycles for anyone that doesn't have one. Just come join us and we'll take care of the rest. That's right, we just want you to come out and do some beach cruising with us.
For more information or to join our group click here.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
I Ride a sixthreezero
Friday, January 18, 2013
Lifestyle: Beach Cruising | Beach Bikes
A little video we made trying to capture the day in the life of a beach bike rider. Nothing like getting on your bicycle, going to the beach and just enjoying the day. Ahhh...the freedom of beach cruising.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
I Ride a sixthreezero
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Cruiser Bike Brand: Firmstrong Bicycles | Beach Bikes
Firmstrong beach cruisers have become some of the hottest cruiser bikes on the market in the last 10 years. Gaining a reputation of having some of the best quality single speed bikes at affordable prices. Not only are the prices and quality good, but they have a great selection of bike colors and styles. Available in beach cruiser stores throughout Southern California and select retailers nationwide. Firmstrong is also available online, click here to browse their models.
Firmstrong is based in S. El Monte, California a suburb of Los Angeles and has been in business for ten years. Thomas, the owner of Firmstrong Bikes, has always believed in simplicity of design while keeping prices affordable. Thomas believes the cruiser bicycle market is a recreational market and bikes need to be affordable for everyone.
Over the last 10 years the brand has expanded it's selection offering a bicycle in nearly every color under the rainbow. The Firmstrong Urban Lady and Firmstrong Urban Man are each offered in over ten colors plus matching beach cruiser fenders can be added. The Urban Lady Beach Cruiser and Urban Man Bicycle are simple bikes, available in single speed with a coaster brake. The design is sleek and simple, similar to Schwinn bike designs of the past. Sticking with tradition, Firmstrong hasn't changed the design much, believing in the timeless cruiser design. That approached has worked, in Hermosa Beach, California the Firmstrong Urban Bike is one of the most popular cruisers you'll see on the strand. Beach Bikes Hermosa Beach is one of the most popular bike stores in the area and the Firmstrong Urban is their number one selling cruiser.
It doesn't stop there though, the Urban Bicycle also comes with gears. Firmstrong Urban 3 Speed and the Urban 7 Speed Beach Cruisers. These models still feature the simple frame design but with handbrakes and gears. The gears on these bikes make riding longer distances and uphills a bit easier. The Shimano 3 speed gear system is an internal shifting system which has become quite popular for beach cruisers in the last few years. The reason is there is less maintenance and 3 speed bikes are generally have enough gears for the recreational rider. For the riders that prefer to have handbrakes, all 7 speed cruiser bikes feature this type of braking system. A benefit of the Firmstrong multi-speed bikes is that color matched bike fenders can be added to all of the models, click here to see those.
Aside from the basic models Firmstrong does offer more fashionable cruisers, some with flowers, colored rims, and even with flames for the guys guy. Some of the more detailed Firmstrong Bicycles are the Firmstrong Bella, Bella Fashionista, Firmstrong Bruiser, and Firmstrong Diva. These models have a little more detail featured on the frame design. But if functionality is your main concern, most of the Firmstrong Cruisers are made with the same components so the quality of all the bikes are similar. Differences in prices are usually attributed to upgrades in beach cruiser accessories on the bike and added design elements. Colored Wheels, Frame Decals, Upgraded Cruiser Saddle, and Fenders are a few things that may increase the price. Of course the 3 speed beach cruiser and 7 speed cruiser bicycles in the Firmstrong line will also run more expensive than the single speed models.
Overall Firmstrong is a great option for a beach bike. They offer high quality beach cruiser at very affordable prices. They also stand behind their products and are customer focused. To browse the entire line of Firmstrong bikes, click here.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
I Ride a sixthreezero
Firmstrong is based in S. El Monte, California a suburb of Los Angeles and has been in business for ten years. Thomas, the owner of Firmstrong Bikes, has always believed in simplicity of design while keeping prices affordable. Thomas believes the cruiser bicycle market is a recreational market and bikes need to be affordable for everyone.
Over the last 10 years the brand has expanded it's selection offering a bicycle in nearly every color under the rainbow. The Firmstrong Urban Lady and Firmstrong Urban Man are each offered in over ten colors plus matching beach cruiser fenders can be added. The Urban Lady Beach Cruiser and Urban Man Bicycle are simple bikes, available in single speed with a coaster brake. The design is sleek and simple, similar to Schwinn bike designs of the past. Sticking with tradition, Firmstrong hasn't changed the design much, believing in the timeless cruiser design. That approached has worked, in Hermosa Beach, California the Firmstrong Urban Bike is one of the most popular cruisers you'll see on the strand. Beach Bikes Hermosa Beach is one of the most popular bike stores in the area and the Firmstrong Urban is their number one selling cruiser.
It doesn't stop there though, the Urban Bicycle also comes with gears. Firmstrong Urban 3 Speed and the Urban 7 Speed Beach Cruisers. These models still feature the simple frame design but with handbrakes and gears. The gears on these bikes make riding longer distances and uphills a bit easier. The Shimano 3 speed gear system is an internal shifting system which has become quite popular for beach cruisers in the last few years. The reason is there is less maintenance and 3 speed bikes are generally have enough gears for the recreational rider. For the riders that prefer to have handbrakes, all 7 speed cruiser bikes feature this type of braking system. A benefit of the Firmstrong multi-speed bikes is that color matched bike fenders can be added to all of the models, click here to see those.
Aside from the basic models Firmstrong does offer more fashionable cruisers, some with flowers, colored rims, and even with flames for the guys guy. Some of the more detailed Firmstrong Bicycles are the Firmstrong Bella, Bella Fashionista, Firmstrong Bruiser, and Firmstrong Diva. These models have a little more detail featured on the frame design. But if functionality is your main concern, most of the Firmstrong Cruisers are made with the same components so the quality of all the bikes are similar. Differences in prices are usually attributed to upgrades in beach cruiser accessories on the bike and added design elements. Colored Wheels, Frame Decals, Upgraded Cruiser Saddle, and Fenders are a few things that may increase the price. Of course the 3 speed beach cruiser and 7 speed cruiser bicycles in the Firmstrong line will also run more expensive than the single speed models.
Overall Firmstrong is a great option for a beach bike. They offer high quality beach cruiser at very affordable prices. They also stand behind their products and are customer focused. To browse the entire line of Firmstrong bikes, click here.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
I Ride a sixthreezero
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The Beach Cruiser: I Choose You | Beach Bikes
I think there is a stigma attached to the Beach Cruiser. A stigma that labels it as a bike that is limited and isn't ideal for most riders. I say not true, and believe more people would actually be better suited on a beach bike.
When Mountain Bikes and Road Bikes were introduced and they had fancy gears and complicated systems everyone who wanted a bicycle believed they needed those features. What happened to a life of simplicity? The same rings true for cell phones, it's true they are getting more advanced and in turn more complex and we can do more with them, but does that mean they are better? Different than before yes, but better, I don't believe so. More doesn't always mean better, even though that is how our society has started to value things. I think in terms of a bicycle, simple is better.
I will admit if you want to ride 50 miles each ride, compete in a cycling competition or scale a bunch 5,000 foot mountains, then yes a mountain bike or road bike is the best choice no doubt about it. But how many of us actually do that or want to do that? I know I don't, I want to ride around my neighborhood, ride by the beach, possibly ride to my friend's house, navigate around a college campus, or take a spin to the local market. A cruiser is the ideal bicycle for all of these activities, and why? Because simple is better. Simplicity equals happiness, it is a hard concept to live by in a world cluttered with complexity, stress and the concept of trying to keep up with the Joneses. But we don't have to keep up with the Joneses, we don't have to feel stress and we don't have to invite complexity into our lives, those are all choices. That is why Cruiser Bike...I choose you.
A cruiser is a simple bike, generally one speed (but this is a stigma because now cruisers come with 3 Speeds, 7 Speeds, or even 21 Speeds) and the braking system is generally a pedal backwards braking system called a coaster brake (another stigma because now cruisers have handbrakes, disc brakes or even roller brakes). One speed is still enough to take 80% of bike riders where they want to go. Where do people want to go when they ride their bike? For me, I'm not really going anywhere, I just want to get on my bicycle and go. I don't ride with a definitive purpose, I don't ride because I'm trying to get somewhere, I don't ride because I have to get exercise, I don't ride because I should, those are all the wrong reasons to do anything, especially riding a bike. As soon as a hobby, activity, or any action turns into a should, or I have to, the true purpose has been defeated. I ride because I want to, because I want to feel free to move under my own power, to relax, to enjoy the environment, to watch the world pass by me as I'm cruising, to feel happy, to feel stress free. No gears, no complicated brakes, no back pain, no leaning over....Beach Cruiser I Choose You.
When Mountain Bikes and Road Bikes were introduced and they had fancy gears and complicated systems everyone who wanted a bicycle believed they needed those features. What happened to a life of simplicity? The same rings true for cell phones, it's true they are getting more advanced and in turn more complex and we can do more with them, but does that mean they are better? Different than before yes, but better, I don't believe so. More doesn't always mean better, even though that is how our society has started to value things. I think in terms of a bicycle, simple is better.
I will admit if you want to ride 50 miles each ride, compete in a cycling competition or scale a bunch 5,000 foot mountains, then yes a mountain bike or road bike is the best choice no doubt about it. But how many of us actually do that or want to do that? I know I don't, I want to ride around my neighborhood, ride by the beach, possibly ride to my friend's house, navigate around a college campus, or take a spin to the local market. A cruiser is the ideal bicycle for all of these activities, and why? Because simple is better. Simplicity equals happiness, it is a hard concept to live by in a world cluttered with complexity, stress and the concept of trying to keep up with the Joneses. But we don't have to keep up with the Joneses, we don't have to feel stress and we don't have to invite complexity into our lives, those are all choices. That is why Cruiser Bike...I choose you.
A cruiser is a simple bike, generally one speed (but this is a stigma because now cruisers come with 3 Speeds, 7 Speeds, or even 21 Speeds) and the braking system is generally a pedal backwards braking system called a coaster brake (another stigma because now cruisers have handbrakes, disc brakes or even roller brakes). One speed is still enough to take 80% of bike riders where they want to go. Where do people want to go when they ride their bike? For me, I'm not really going anywhere, I just want to get on my bicycle and go. I don't ride with a definitive purpose, I don't ride because I'm trying to get somewhere, I don't ride because I have to get exercise, I don't ride because I should, those are all the wrong reasons to do anything, especially riding a bike. As soon as a hobby, activity, or any action turns into a should, or I have to, the true purpose has been defeated. I ride because I want to, because I want to feel free to move under my own power, to relax, to enjoy the environment, to watch the world pass by me as I'm cruising, to feel happy, to feel stress free. No gears, no complicated brakes, no back pain, no leaning over....Beach Cruiser I Choose You.
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